Prince-Bishopric of Montenegro
Encyclopedia
Prince-Bishopic of Montenegro (Montenegrin
and , Vladikat Crna Gora) was а theocratic
state spanning Montenegrin state
that existed from 1516 – 1851. It emerged from the Cetinje Serbian Orthodox bishops of Cetinje
, later metropolitans
, who renounced Ottoman overlordship and transformed the parish of Cetinje to a Russian de-facto protectorate
, ruling as Prince-Bishops (Vladika). The history starts with Danilo Šćepčević, a bishop of Cetinje who united several clans of Montenegro
into fighting the Ottoman Empire
that had occupied most of southeastern Europe. Vladika Danilo was the first of the House of Petrović-Njegoš
, which would occupy the office of the Metropolitanate of Cetinje until 1851, when Montenegro became a secular state (principality)
under Danilo Petrović-Njegoš. Also, it became a brief monarchy when it was temporary abolished 1767 - 1773, when impostor Little Stephen
, posed as Russian Emperor and crowned himself Lord of Montenegro.
. The first Sanjak-bey was Ivan Crnojević's son Staniša-Skanderbeg Crnojević
, who was converted to Islam, and held office 1514-1528. Despite Skenderbeg's emphasized cruelty, Ottomans had no real power in Montenegro. The real power was in the hands of chieftains
. From 1534 onwards, there is no more mentioning of Crnojevićs
in Montenegro
In this period, Vladikas came from different families and were elected by popular assemblies. According to St. Petar Cetinjski "The Vladika is an exemplary Montenegrin, as were the first Vladikas, and he cannot be but a born Montenegrin from one of the best Montenegrin families." A renown writer of a history of Montenegro noted: "The Vladikas were true spiritual and popular leaders of the Montenegrin people. The Vladika was a guardian of the people's spiritual strength and self-awareness, based on faith and the tradition of heroism and glorious ancestors...the Vladikas governed not by brute force but by purely moral influence, persuasion and prayers. And they all recognized the supreme authority of the Faith and the Church in which the Vladikas and the people were one. It was a special kind of spiritual brotherhood".
The institution of the theocratic sovereign and the individuals who occupied it through the centuries were key to Montenegro's independence, the Montenegrin national identity and unity, against the backdrop of tribal divisions. Surrounded by the Ottoman empire, nestled in the highlands around the Mount Lovćen, Montenegro kept its sovereignty through the leadership of the Vladikas.
Therefore, diocese of Cetinje, having overcome the phase of a passive onlooker, took active, and even leading political role in the fight for liberation against Turks. At the beginning of XVII century, Montenegrins fought and won two important battles against Turks on Ljeskopolje (1603 and 1613), under the leadership and command of Cetinje's metropolitan, Rufim II Njeguš. This was the first time that the Turks were defeated under the leadership of a Cetinje's vladika, and that became tradition thereafter. At the same time this signify the beginning of the factual autocephalic activity of Montenegrin Orthodox Church, institutionalized in the diocese of Cetinje.
During XVII century, Montenegrins gained on confidence fighting the mightiest army of the time. Turkish forces suffered many defeats in the hands of Montenegrins who not only kept their independence but progressively reasserted their sovereignty over neighboring territories.
Nevertheless, this period was a difficult one for the small, landlocked
Montenegrin state, which was almost constantly at war with the Ottoman Empire. Cetinje
itself was captured in 1623, in 1687, and again in 1712. Three factors explain the failure of the Turks to subdue it completely:
From 1519 until 1696 the position of vladika was an elective one, but in the latter year Metropolitan Danilo I Petrović-Njegoš
was elected to the position with the significant novelty of being able to nominate his own successor. Although Orthodox clergy in general are permitted to marry, bishops are required to be celibate; consequently, Danilo passed his office to his nephew-founding a tradition that lasted until 1852.
a powerful new patron to replace the declining Venice. The replacement of Venice by Russian patronage was especially significant, since it brought financial aid (after Danilo visited Peter the Great in 1715), modest territorial gain, and, in 1789, formal recognition by the Ottoman Porte of Montenegro's independence as a state under Petar I Petrović Njegoš.
Vladika Danilo was succeeded by Vladika Sava
and Vladika Vasilije
. Vladika Sava was predominantly occupied with clerical duties and did not enjoy as much charisma among tribal heads as his predecessor did. However, he managed to keep good relations with Russia, and to get considerable help from Peter the Great's successor empress Elizabeth. During his trip to Russia his deputy Vasilije Petrović gained considerable respect among clan heads by giving support to some Montenegrin tribes who were attacked by Turks. He was as much hated by the Venetians as he was by Turks. Vasilije was also active in trying to solicit Russian support for Montenegro. For that purpose he went three times to Russia where he died in 1766. He also wrote one of the earliest historical books ("History of Montenegro") on Montenegro.
). Vladika Sava conveyed to people Russian massage that Šćepan is an ordinary crook, but the people believed the tzar rather than Sava. Following this event Šćepan the Little put Sava under house arrest in Stanjevići monastery.
Šćepan the Little was very cruel but respected and feared man during his reign. After realizing how much respect he commands, and that only him can keep Montenegrins together, Russian diplomat Dolgoruki abandoned his efforts to discredit Scepan giving him even financial support (Jagos Jovanovic, Stvaranje Crnogorske drzave i razvoj Crnogorske nacionalnosti, 1947, Obod-Cetinje). In 1771 Šćepan founded the permanent court composed of most respected clan leaders, and stubbornly insisted on respect of the courts decision.
The importance of Šćepan personality in uniting Montenegrins was realized soon after his assassination conducted by order of vizier of Skadar, Mahmut-Pasha Bushatlija
. Montenegrin tribes once again engaged into blood feuding among themselves. Mahmut-Pasha Bushatlija tried to seize the opportunity and attacked Kuči
with 30 000 troops. For the first time since Vladika Danilo, Kuči
were helped by Piperi
and Bjelopavlići
, and defeated Turks twice in two years.
(title created by Vladika Danilo to appease Venetians) Jovan Radonjić
, with a Venetian and Austrian help, tried to impose himself as a new ruler. However, in the assembly of Cetinje, after the death of Vladika Sava (1781), for their Vladika Montenegrins have chosen archimandrite Petar Petrović, who was a nephew of Vladika Vasilije.
Vladika Petar I Petrović assumed the leadership of Montenegro at a very young age and during most difficult times. Petar I was a wise Bishop and a great military commander who led Montengrins to many crucial victories. He ruled almost half a century, from 1782 to 1830. When he died, he was by popular sentiment proclaimed the Saint of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church, St.Peter of Cetinje (Sveti Petar Cetinjski). Vladika Petar I Petrović won several important battles against the Ottomans, including the battles at Martinici and Krusi in 1796. According to the standards of time, these were major battles. At the crucial Martinići battle in the valley of Zeta, the Turkish army of 18,000 led by Mahmut-Pasha Bushatlija
was defeated with heavy casualties by a force of 3000 Montenegrins. The rugged terrain and the Montenegrin perfected guerrilla style of warfare helped the Montenegrin army hold losses to a minimum. Another battle at Krusi
ended in a similar defeat of the Turkish army. With these victories in hand, Petar I Petrović liberated and consolidated control over "Brda
", the northern highlands that had been the focus of constant warfare with the Ottomans. And these victories strengthened both the bond with the population of the Kotor Bay, and the Montenegrin quest for control of the southern Adriatic coast. But these were only the beginnings of the major military victories that Petar I Petrović secured.
In 1806, as the French Emperor Napoleon advanced toward the Bay of Kotor
, Montenegro, aided by several Russian battalions and a fleet of the General Senyavin, went to war against the invading French forces. Undefeated in Europe, Napoleon's army was forced to withdraw under advance from the Montenegrin army led by Vladika Petar I. The Montenegrin army defeated the French at Cavtat
and at Herceg-Novi. But in 1807, the peace treaty between Russia and France granted the control of the Kotor Bay to France. The peace lasted less than seven years. In 1813, the Montenegrin army, with ammunition support from Russia and Britain, liberated the Kotor Bay from the French. An assembly held in Dobrota
resolved to unite the Bay of Kotor with the Montenegrin mainland. But at the Congress of Vienna
, with Russian consent, the control of the Bay was granted to Austria. In 1820, in the north of Montenegro, the highlanders from Morača
led by Serdar Mrkoje Mijušković won a major battle against the Turkish force from Bosnia.
During his long rule, Petar strengthened the state by uniting the often quarreling tribes, consolidating his control over Montenegrin lands, and introducing the first laws in Montenegro (Zakonik Petra I). He had unquestioned moral authority strengthened by his military successes. His rule prepared Montenegro for the subsequent introduction of modern institutions of the state: taxes, schools and larger commercial enterprises.
Following the death of Petar I Petrović, his nephew, the 17-year old Rade Petrović became Vladika Petar II Petrović Njegoš. The people called him by his first name, Vladika Rade. He was the second son of Tomo Markov Petrović and Ivana Proroković. By historians' and literary consensus, Petar II Petrovic Njegoš was the most impressive Montenegrin Bishop-Prince, who laid the foundation of the modern Montenegrin state and the subsequent Kingdom of Montenegro
. And he was the most acclaimed Montenegrin poet.
A long rivalry had existed between the Montenegrin Vladikas from the Petrović family and the Radonjić family, a leading clan which had long vied for power against the authority of the Vladikas. This rivalry culminated in Njegoš's era. Njegoš came out victorious from this challenge and strengthened his grip on power by expelling from Montenegro many members of the Radonjić family.
In domestic affairs, Njegoš was a reformer. He introduced the first taxes in 1833 against stiff opposition from many Montenegrins whose strong sense of individual and tribal freedom was fundamentally in conflict with the notion of mandatory payments to the central authority. He created a formal central government
consisting of three bodies, the Senate, the Guardia and the Perjaniks. The Senate consisted of 12 representatives from the most influential Montenegrin families and performed executive and judicial as well as legislative functions of government. The 32-member Guardia traveled through the country as agents of the Senate, adjudicating disputes and otherwise administering law and order. The Perjaniks were a police force, reporting both to the Senate and directly to the Vladika.
Before his death in 1851, Petar II Petrović Njegoš named his nephew Danilo as his successor. He assigned him a tutor a send him to Vienna with a massage for a Russian representative who would forward him to Russia to further his education. According to some historians Njegoš himself was most likely preparing ground for the new ruler of Montenegro to be a secular leader. However, when Njegos died, the Senate, under influence of Djordjije Petrović (the wealthiest Montenegrin at the time), proclaimed Njegoš's elder brother Pero Tomov Petrović as Prince and not Vladika. Nevertheless, in a brief struggle for power, Pero Tomov, who commanded the support of the Senate, lost to the much younger (22) Danilo who had more support among the people. In 1852, Danilo proclaimed secular Principality of Montenegro
with himself as Prince and formally abolished theocracy.
Montenegrin language
Montenegrin is a name used for the Serbo-Croatian language as spoken by Montenegrins; it also refers to an incipient standardized form of the Shtokavian dialect of Serbo-Croatian used as the official language of Montenegro...
and , Vladikat Crna Gora) was а theocratic
Theocracy
Theocracy is a form of organization in which the official policy is to be governed by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided, or simply pursuant to the doctrine of a particular religious sect or religion....
state spanning Montenegrin state
Montenegro
Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the...
that existed from 1516 – 1851. It emerged from the Cetinje Serbian Orthodox bishops of Cetinje
Eparchy of Cetinje
The Eparchy of Cetinje was an ecclesiastical territory or eparchy of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the western Montenegro and Stara Zeta. It is mostly situated between Bjelopavlići and Podgorica to the Bojana River while the eparchy also include a small part of Herzegovina The seat of the...
, later metropolitans
Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral
The Metropolitanate of Montenegro is the largest diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro. Founded in 1219 by Saint Sava, it is now one of the most prominent dioceses in the Serbian Orthodox Church. The current Metropolitan is Amfilohije...
, who renounced Ottoman overlordship and transformed the parish of Cetinje to a Russian de-facto protectorate
Protectorate
In history, the term protectorate has two different meanings. In its earliest inception, which has been adopted by modern international law, it is an autonomous territory that is protected diplomatically or militarily against third parties by a stronger state or entity...
, ruling as Prince-Bishops (Vladika). The history starts with Danilo Šćepčević, a bishop of Cetinje who united several clans of Montenegro
Serb clans
Serb clans is a general term referring to what are known as plemena and bratstva , traditional geo-political units of the Western Balkans that now richly attest social anthropology and family history . The descendants of the clans are divided by regional and lately, national affiliation...
into fighting the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
that had occupied most of southeastern Europe. Vladika Danilo was the first of the House of Petrović-Njegoš
House of Petrovic-Njegoš
The House of Petrović-Njegoš was the Royal House of Montenegro from 1696 to 1918. Montenegro had enjoyed de facto independence from the Ottoman Empire from 1711 but only received formal international recognition as an independent principality in 1878.Montenegro was ruled from inception by...
, which would occupy the office of the Metropolitanate of Cetinje until 1851, when Montenegro became a secular state (principality)
Principality of Montenegro
The Principality of Montenegro was a former realm in Southeastern Europe. It existed from 13 March 1852 to 28 August 1910. It was then proclaimed a kingdom by Knjaz Nikola, who then became king....
under Danilo Petrović-Njegoš. Also, it became a brief monarchy when it was temporary abolished 1767 - 1773, when impostor Little Stephen
Šcepan Mali
"Tsar" Šćepan Mali was a ruler of Montenegro from 1767 until his death in 1773. He seized the throne by falsely representing himself as the Russian Tsar Peter III.-Biography:Šćepan Mali was a farmer from Dalmatia...
, posed as Russian Emperor and crowned himself Lord of Montenegro.
Background
After fall of Zeta in 1498, Montenegrin state was incorporated to Ottoman Empire. In 1514, Montenegro was proclaimed as the separate Sanjak of Montenegro, by order of Sultan Bayezid IIBayezid II
Bayezid II or Sultân Bayezid-î Velî was the oldest son and successor of Mehmed II, ruling as Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1481 to 1512...
. The first Sanjak-bey was Ivan Crnojević's son Staniša-Skanderbeg Crnojević
Skanderbeg Crnojević
Staniša "Stanko" Crnojević, known as Skenderbeg Crnojević, was a 16th-century Ottoman sanjakbey of the Sanjak of Montenegro in 1514—1528.-Biography:...
, who was converted to Islam, and held office 1514-1528. Despite Skenderbeg's emphasized cruelty, Ottomans had no real power in Montenegro. The real power was in the hands of chieftains
Serb clans
Serb clans is a general term referring to what are known as plemena and bratstva , traditional geo-political units of the Western Balkans that now richly attest social anthropology and family history . The descendants of the clans are divided by regional and lately, national affiliation...
. From 1534 onwards, there is no more mentioning of Crnojevićs
House of Crnojevic
The Crnojević was a medieval Serb noble house that held Zeta, or parts of it; a region corresponding to north of Lake Skadar , from 1326 to 1362, then 1403 until 1515. The progenitor, Đuraš Ilijić, was head of Upper Zeta in the Serbian Kingdom and Empire The Crnojević was a medieval Serb noble...
in Montenegro
Establishment
The year 1516 saw a shift in the constitution of Montenegro that many historians regard as having ensured its survival as an independent state. The last of the Crnojevic dynasty retired to Venice (he had married a Venetian) and conferred the succession upon the Bishops of Cetinje. In Montenegro the position of vladika, as the prince-bishop was known, brought stability to that country's leadership. The link between church and state elevated it in the eyes of the peasantry, gave it an institutionalized form of succession that prevented its becoming a matter of contest between minor chieftains, and excluded the possibility of compromising alliances with the Turks.In this period, Vladikas came from different families and were elected by popular assemblies. According to St. Petar Cetinjski "The Vladika is an exemplary Montenegrin, as were the first Vladikas, and he cannot be but a born Montenegrin from one of the best Montenegrin families." A renown writer of a history of Montenegro noted: "The Vladikas were true spiritual and popular leaders of the Montenegrin people. The Vladika was a guardian of the people's spiritual strength and self-awareness, based on faith and the tradition of heroism and glorious ancestors...the Vladikas governed not by brute force but by purely moral influence, persuasion and prayers. And they all recognized the supreme authority of the Faith and the Church in which the Vladikas and the people were one. It was a special kind of spiritual brotherhood".
The institution of the theocratic sovereign and the individuals who occupied it through the centuries were key to Montenegro's independence, the Montenegrin national identity and unity, against the backdrop of tribal divisions. Surrounded by the Ottoman empire, nestled in the highlands around the Mount Lovćen, Montenegro kept its sovereignty through the leadership of the Vladikas.
Therefore, diocese of Cetinje, having overcome the phase of a passive onlooker, took active, and even leading political role in the fight for liberation against Turks. At the beginning of XVII century, Montenegrins fought and won two important battles against Turks on Ljeskopolje (1603 and 1613), under the leadership and command of Cetinje's metropolitan, Rufim II Njeguš. This was the first time that the Turks were defeated under the leadership of a Cetinje's vladika, and that became tradition thereafter. At the same time this signify the beginning of the factual autocephalic activity of Montenegrin Orthodox Church, institutionalized in the diocese of Cetinje.
During XVII century, Montenegrins gained on confidence fighting the mightiest army of the time. Turkish forces suffered many defeats in the hands of Montenegrins who not only kept their independence but progressively reasserted their sovereignty over neighboring territories.
Landlocked
A landlocked country is a country entirely enclosed by land, or whose only coastlines lie on closed seas. There are 48 landlocked countries in the world, including partially recognized states...
Montenegrin state, which was almost constantly at war with the Ottoman Empire. Cetinje
Cetinje
Cetinje , Цетиње / Cetinje , Italian: Cettigne, Greek: Κετίγνη, Ketígni) is a town and Old Royal Capital of Montenegro. It is also a historical and the secondary capital of Montenegro , with the official residence of the President of Montenegro...
itself was captured in 1623, in 1687, and again in 1712. Three factors explain the failure of the Turks to subdue it completely:
- the obdurate resistance of the population,
- the inhospitable character of the terrain (in which a cynic may say that "a small army is beaten, a large one dies of starvation"), and
- the adept use of diplomatic ties with Venice.
From 1519 until 1696 the position of vladika was an elective one, but in the latter year Metropolitan Danilo I Petrović-Njegoš
Metropolitan Danilo I Petrovic-Njegoš
Danilo I Šćepčević Petrović-Njegoš known simply as Vladika Danilo was a Serbian Orthodox Metropolitan of Cetinje 1697-1735. He styled himself "vojevodič srpskoj zemlji" .-Biography:Danilo Šćepčević was born in circa 1670, in Njeguši...
was elected to the position with the significant novelty of being able to nominate his own successor. Although Orthodox clergy in general are permitted to marry, bishops are required to be celibate; consequently, Danilo passed his office to his nephew-founding a tradition that lasted until 1852.
Vladikas of Petrović Dynasty
During the reign of Danilo two important changes occurred in the wider European context of Montenegro: the expansion of the Ottoman state was gradually reversed, and Montenegro found in RussiaRussian Empire
The Russian Empire was a state that existed from 1721 until the Russian Revolution of 1917. It was the successor to the Tsardom of Russia and the predecessor of the Soviet Union...
a powerful new patron to replace the declining Venice. The replacement of Venice by Russian patronage was especially significant, since it brought financial aid (after Danilo visited Peter the Great in 1715), modest territorial gain, and, in 1789, formal recognition by the Ottoman Porte of Montenegro's independence as a state under Petar I Petrović Njegoš.
Vladika Danilo was succeeded by Vladika Sava
Sava II Petrovic-Njegoš
Sava II Petrović Njegoš was the Vladika of Montenegro, of the Petrović-Njegoš Dynasty. He succeeded Danilo I as Vladika in 1735....
and Vladika Vasilije
Vasilije III Petrovic-Njegoš
Vasilije Petrović-Njegoš was a Prince bishop of Montenegro. Also, he wrote the history of Montenegro, and Serbian patriotic poems.He ruled together with Sava, his brother.-Overview:...
. Vladika Sava was predominantly occupied with clerical duties and did not enjoy as much charisma among tribal heads as his predecessor did. However, he managed to keep good relations with Russia, and to get considerable help from Peter the Great's successor empress Elizabeth. During his trip to Russia his deputy Vasilije Petrović gained considerable respect among clan heads by giving support to some Montenegrin tribes who were attacked by Turks. He was as much hated by the Venetians as he was by Turks. Vasilije was also active in trying to solicit Russian support for Montenegro. For that purpose he went three times to Russia where he died in 1766. He also wrote one of the earliest historical books ("History of Montenegro") on Montenegro.
Stephen the Little
During Christmas fasting in 1766, after the rumors spread by captain M. Tanović, in Montenegro appeared, supposedly, the Russian tzar Petar III, who was believed to had been murdered by the lovers of Katherine II in 1762. Having affection for Russia, Montenegrins accepted the newcomer as their new tzar (1668) under the name of Stephen the Little (Šćepan MaliŠcepan Mali
"Tsar" Šćepan Mali was a ruler of Montenegro from 1767 until his death in 1773. He seized the throne by falsely representing himself as the Russian Tsar Peter III.-Biography:Šćepan Mali was a farmer from Dalmatia...
). Vladika Sava conveyed to people Russian massage that Šćepan is an ordinary crook, but the people believed the tzar rather than Sava. Following this event Šćepan the Little put Sava under house arrest in Stanjevići monastery.
Šćepan the Little was very cruel but respected and feared man during his reign. After realizing how much respect he commands, and that only him can keep Montenegrins together, Russian diplomat Dolgoruki abandoned his efforts to discredit Scepan giving him even financial support (Jagos Jovanovic, Stvaranje Crnogorske drzave i razvoj Crnogorske nacionalnosti, 1947, Obod-Cetinje). In 1771 Šćepan founded the permanent court composed of most respected clan leaders, and stubbornly insisted on respect of the courts decision.
The importance of Šćepan personality in uniting Montenegrins was realized soon after his assassination conducted by order of vizier of Skadar, Mahmut-Pasha Bushatlija
Kara Mahmud Bushati
Kara Mahmud Bushati was a noble of the Bushati family in Ottoman controlled Albania near the city of Shkodër. In the 1780s his rebellious character brought him into conflict with the Ottomans. This conflict is regarded in Albanian historiography as a bid to create an independent principality...
. Montenegrin tribes once again engaged into blood feuding among themselves. Mahmut-Pasha Bushatlija tried to seize the opportunity and attacked Kuči
KUCI
KUCI is a college radio station broadcasting a Variety format. Licensed to Irvine, California, USA, the station serves the Orange County area...
with 30 000 troops. For the first time since Vladika Danilo, Kuči
KUCI
KUCI is a college radio station broadcasting a Variety format. Licensed to Irvine, California, USA, the station serves the Orange County area...
were helped by Piperi
Piperi clan
The Piperi tribe is a Highland clan of Montenegro. Their land is located in the northeast; between the Morača and Zeta rivers, reaching the northern suburbs of Montenegrin capital Podgorica.-History:...
and Bjelopavlići
Bjelopavlici (clan)
Bjelopavlići is a Serb clan and region in central Montenegro . The clan is situated around Danilovgrad.-History:The Bjelopavlići are first mentioned Serbian documents dated to 1411, when they, together with Malonšići, Ozrinići and Maznići loot a ship from Dubrovnik. The eponymous founder, Bijeli...
, and defeated Turks twice in two years.
Petar I Petrović Njegoš
After Šćepan's death, GubernadurGubernadur
The Montenegrin title, gubernadur, refers to the supreme temporal power in Montenegro. The title was created in 1756, by the Montenegrin assembly in honor of victory over the Turks in Bijelo. The Duke and serdar Stanislav Vukolajev Radonjic became the first gubernadur...
(title created by Vladika Danilo to appease Venetians) Jovan Radonjić
Jovan Radonjic
Jovan Stanov Radonjic Njegusi .With seventeen years of legacy function guvernadur in Montenegro 1764 . , after the death of older brother Vukolaj I Radonjic, also guvernadur. Some are denied the right heritage titles guvernadur, arguing that the right to election . Jovan in 1770. accepted the...
, with a Venetian and Austrian help, tried to impose himself as a new ruler. However, in the assembly of Cetinje, after the death of Vladika Sava (1781), for their Vladika Montenegrins have chosen archimandrite Petar Petrović, who was a nephew of Vladika Vasilije.
Vladika Petar I Petrović assumed the leadership of Montenegro at a very young age and during most difficult times. Petar I was a wise Bishop and a great military commander who led Montengrins to many crucial victories. He ruled almost half a century, from 1782 to 1830. When he died, he was by popular sentiment proclaimed the Saint of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church, St.Peter of Cetinje (Sveti Petar Cetinjski). Vladika Petar I Petrović won several important battles against the Ottomans, including the battles at Martinici and Krusi in 1796. According to the standards of time, these were major battles. At the crucial Martinići battle in the valley of Zeta, the Turkish army of 18,000 led by Mahmut-Pasha Bushatlija
Kara Mahmud Bushati
Kara Mahmud Bushati was a noble of the Bushati family in Ottoman controlled Albania near the city of Shkodër. In the 1780s his rebellious character brought him into conflict with the Ottomans. This conflict is regarded in Albanian historiography as a bid to create an independent principality...
was defeated with heavy casualties by a force of 3000 Montenegrins. The rugged terrain and the Montenegrin perfected guerrilla style of warfare helped the Montenegrin army hold losses to a minimum. Another battle at Krusi
Battle of Krusi
The Battle of Krusi took place in 1796 between Old Montenegro and the Ottoman Empire near Krusi. Following his defeat in Martinići , Mahmut-pasha Bushatli began compiling new plans to attack Montenegro...
ended in a similar defeat of the Turkish army. With these victories in hand, Petar I Petrović liberated and consolidated control over "Brda
Brda
Brda, meaning Hill, may refer to:* Brda region, Montenegro* Brda, Slovenj Gradec Slovenia* Brda, Slovenia, a municipality* Brda, a municipality in Croatia* Brda , a river in Poland*Brda, Pomeranian Voivodeship...
", the northern highlands that had been the focus of constant warfare with the Ottomans. And these victories strengthened both the bond with the population of the Kotor Bay, and the Montenegrin quest for control of the southern Adriatic coast. But these were only the beginnings of the major military victories that Petar I Petrović secured.
In 1806, as the French Emperor Napoleon advanced toward the Bay of Kotor
Bay of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor in south-western Montenegro is a winding bay on the Adriatic Sea. The bay, sometimes called Europe's southernmost fjord, is in fact a submerged river canyon of the disintegrated Bokelj River which used to run from the high mountain plateaus of Mount Orjen...
, Montenegro, aided by several Russian battalions and a fleet of the General Senyavin, went to war against the invading French forces. Undefeated in Europe, Napoleon's army was forced to withdraw under advance from the Montenegrin army led by Vladika Petar I. The Montenegrin army defeated the French at Cavtat
Cavtat
Cavtat ) is a town in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County of Croatia. It is on the Adriatic seacoast 15 km south of Dubrovnik and is the centre of the Konavle municipality.-History:...
and at Herceg-Novi. But in 1807, the peace treaty between Russia and France granted the control of the Kotor Bay to France. The peace lasted less than seven years. In 1813, the Montenegrin army, with ammunition support from Russia and Britain, liberated the Kotor Bay from the French. An assembly held in Dobrota
Dobrota
Dobrota is a town in the Kotor Municipality in coastal Montenegro. Although administratively a separate town, it is de facto part of Kotor, and encompasses most of Kotor's residential area, while town of Kotor administratively encompasses town's historical core...
resolved to unite the Bay of Kotor with the Montenegrin mainland. But at the Congress of Vienna
Congress of Vienna
The Congress of Vienna was a conference of ambassadors of European states chaired by Klemens Wenzel von Metternich, and held in Vienna from September, 1814 to June, 1815. The objective of the Congress was to settle the many issues arising from the French Revolutionary Wars, the Napoleonic Wars,...
, with Russian consent, the control of the Bay was granted to Austria. In 1820, in the north of Montenegro, the highlanders from Morača
Morača
Morača is a river in Montenegro. It originates in northern Montenegro, under Rzača mountain. It generally flows southwards for some , before emptying into Lake Skadar....
led by Serdar Mrkoje Mijušković won a major battle against the Turkish force from Bosnia.
During his long rule, Petar strengthened the state by uniting the often quarreling tribes, consolidating his control over Montenegrin lands, and introducing the first laws in Montenegro (Zakonik Petra I). He had unquestioned moral authority strengthened by his military successes. His rule prepared Montenegro for the subsequent introduction of modern institutions of the state: taxes, schools and larger commercial enterprises.
Petar II Petrović Njegoš
Kingdom of Montenegro
The Kingdom of Montenegro was a monarchy in southeastern Europe during the tumultuous years on the Balkan Peninsula leading up to and during World War I. Legally it was a constitutional monarchy, but absolutist in practice...
. And he was the most acclaimed Montenegrin poet.
A long rivalry had existed between the Montenegrin Vladikas from the Petrović family and the Radonjić family, a leading clan which had long vied for power against the authority of the Vladikas. This rivalry culminated in Njegoš's era. Njegoš came out victorious from this challenge and strengthened his grip on power by expelling from Montenegro many members of the Radonjić family.
In domestic affairs, Njegoš was a reformer. He introduced the first taxes in 1833 against stiff opposition from many Montenegrins whose strong sense of individual and tribal freedom was fundamentally in conflict with the notion of mandatory payments to the central authority. He created a formal central government
Government of Montenegro
The Government of Montenegro is the executive branch of state authority in Montenegro. It is headed by the prime minister. It comprises the prime minister, the deputy prime ministers as well as ministers....
consisting of three bodies, the Senate, the Guardia and the Perjaniks. The Senate consisted of 12 representatives from the most influential Montenegrin families and performed executive and judicial as well as legislative functions of government. The 32-member Guardia traveled through the country as agents of the Senate, adjudicating disputes and otherwise administering law and order. The Perjaniks were a police force, reporting both to the Senate and directly to the Vladika.
Before his death in 1851, Petar II Petrović Njegoš named his nephew Danilo as his successor. He assigned him a tutor a send him to Vienna with a massage for a Russian representative who would forward him to Russia to further his education. According to some historians Njegoš himself was most likely preparing ground for the new ruler of Montenegro to be a secular leader. However, when Njegos died, the Senate, under influence of Djordjije Petrović (the wealthiest Montenegrin at the time), proclaimed Njegoš's elder brother Pero Tomov Petrović as Prince and not Vladika. Nevertheless, in a brief struggle for power, Pero Tomov, who commanded the support of the Senate, lost to the much younger (22) Danilo who had more support among the people. In 1852, Danilo proclaimed secular Principality of Montenegro
Principality of Montenegro
The Principality of Montenegro was a former realm in Southeastern Europe. It existed from 13 March 1852 to 28 August 1910. It was then proclaimed a kingdom by Knjaz Nikola, who then became king....
with himself as Prince and formally abolished theocracy.
List of rulers of Prince-Bishopic of Montenegro
- VavilaArchbishop VavilaVavila was a vladika of Montenegro. Vavila was the vladika of Montenegro from 1493 - 1520. In 1516, the secular prince of Zeta/Montenegro, Đurađ V Crnojević of the House of Crnojević, who ruled Zeta/Montenegro from 1435 - 1516, abdicated in favor of Vavila...
(Metropolitan from 1493) (1516–1520) - German II (1520–1530)
- Pavle (1530–1532)
- Vasilije I (1532–1540)
- Nikodim (1540)
- Romil (1540–1559)
- Makarije (1560–1561)
- Ruvim I (1561–1569)
- Pahomije II Komanin (1569–1579)
- Gerasim (1575–1582)
- Venijamin (1582–1591)
- Nikanor (1591–1593)
- Stefan (1591–1593) (Jointly with Nikanor)
- Ruvim II Boljević-Njegoš (1593–1636)
- Mardarije I Kornečanin (1639–1649)
- Visarion I (1649–1659)
- Mardarije II Kornečanin (1659–1673)
- Ruvim III BoljevićRuvim III Boljevic-References:...
(1673–1685) - Vasilije II Velikrasić (1685)
- Visarion II Bajica (1685–1692)
- Sava I Kaluđerović (1694–1696)
- Danilo IMetropolitan Danilo I Petrovic-NjegošDanilo I Šćepčević Petrović-Njegoš known simply as Vladika Danilo was a Serbian Orthodox Metropolitan of Cetinje 1697-1735. He styled himself "vojevodič srpskoj zemlji" .-Biography:Danilo Šćepčević was born in circa 1670, in Njeguši...
(1696–1735) - Sava IISava II Petrovic-NjegošSava II Petrović Njegoš was the Vladika of Montenegro, of the Petrović-Njegoš Dynasty. He succeeded Danilo I as Vladika in 1735....
(1735–1782) - Vasilije IIIVasilije III Petrovic-NjegošVasilije Petrović-Njegoš was a Prince bishop of Montenegro. Also, he wrote the history of Montenegro, and Serbian patriotic poems.He ruled together with Sava, his brother.-Overview:...
(1750–1766) - Šćepan MaliŠcepan Mali"Tsar" Šćepan Mali was a ruler of Montenegro from 1767 until his death in 1773. He seized the throne by falsely representing himself as the Russian Tsar Peter III.-Biography:Šćepan Mali was a farmer from Dalmatia...
(1767–1773) - Arsenije Plamenac (1781-1784)
- Petar IPetar I Petrovic-NjegošPetar I Petrović Njegoš was the ruler of Montenegro, the Cetinje Episcop of the Serbian Orthodox Church and Exarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church throne. He was the most popular spiritual and military leader from the Petrović dynasty...
(1782–1830) - Petar IIPetar II Petrovic-NjegošPetar II Petrović-Njegoš , was a Serbian Orthodox Prince-Bishop of Montenegro , who transformed Montenegro from a theocracy into a secular state. However, he is most famous as a poet...
(1830–1851) - Danilo I (1851–1852)
List of Battles
- Battle of Martinići
- Battle of KrusiBattle of KrusiThe Battle of Krusi took place in 1796 between Old Montenegro and the Ottoman Empire near Krusi. Following his defeat in Martinići , Mahmut-pasha Bushatli began compiling new plans to attack Montenegro...
- Napoleonic WarsNapoleonic WarsThe Napoleonic Wars were a series of wars declared against Napoleon's French Empire by opposing coalitions that ran from 1803 to 1815. As a continuation of the wars sparked by the French Revolution of 1789, they revolutionised European armies and played out on an unprecedented scale, mainly due to...
