Višeslav of Croatia

Višeslav
Duke of Croatia
Reign c. 785–c. 802
Predecessor Budimir
Successor Borna of Croatia
Died c. 802
Map is showing growth of Frankish power from 481–814, with Croatia on the right.
Baptismal font of Višeslav

Višeslav was one of the first princes or dukes (Croatian: Knez) of Littoral Croatia.[1]

He ruled with the support of the Pope and Byzantium. The Croats warred against the Franks during his rule and avoided defeat until 803 – a year after his death. During the Siege of Trsat in the autumn of 799 between the defending forces of the Dalmatian Croatia under the leadership of Croatian duke Višeslav and the invading Frankish army of the Carolingian Empire, the Frankish commander Eric of Friuli was killed.[2][3] Ultimately, his duchy did accept Frankish overlordship through Pax Nicephori.

Višeslav left behind a baptismal font (in Croatian: Višeslavova krstionica), surviving to this day, which remains an important symbol of early Croatian history and the people's conversion to Christianity. The inscription is in Latin, and mentions the name of a priest named John (Ivan) who baptized people during "the time of Duke Višeslav" in the honor of John the Baptist.[4]

Regnal titles
Preceded by
Budimir		 Duke of Dalmatian Croatia
785–802 		Succeeded by
Borna

References

  1. ↑ Hrvatski leksikon (1996-1997) (Croatian)
  2. ↑ Gaži, Stephen (1973). A history of Croatia. Philosophical Library.
  3. ↑ Žic, Igor (2001). Kratka povijest grada Rijeke (in Croatian). Adamić. ISBN 9789536531318.
  4. ↑ Baricevic, Karl. "Royal Croatia". Retrieved 2009-08-15.
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