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{{Short description|Prince of Serbia (ca. 830s–891)}}
{{Redirect|Mutimir|Croatian monarch|Muncimir of Croatia{{!}}Muncimir}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
|name = Mutimir
|name = Mutimir
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|father = [[Vlastimir]]
|father = [[Vlastimir]]
|birth_date = <small>ca.</small> 830s
|birth_date = <small>ca.</small> 830s
|birth_place =[[Stari Ras]]
|birth_place =
|death_date = 891
|death_date = 891
|religion = [[Chalcedonian Christian]] ({{circa|870}})<br> prev. [[Slavic pagan]]
|religion = [[Chalcedonian Christian]] ({{circa|870}})<br> prev. [[Slavic pagan]]
}}
}}


'''Mutimir''' ({{lang-sr|Мутимир}}, {{lang-el|Μουντιμῆρος}}{{Cref2|A|Name}}) was [[prince of Serbia]] from ca. 850 until 891. He defeated the Bulgar army, allied himself with the Byzantine emperor and ruled the [[Principality of Serbia (medieval)|first Serbian Principality]] when the Christianization of the Serbs took place and the [[Eparchy of Ras]] was established.{{sfn|Moravcsik|1967|p=}}
'''Mutimir''' ({{langx|sr|Мутимир}}, {{langx|el|Μουντιμῆρος}}{{Cref2|A|Name}}) was [[prince of Serbia|prince]] of the [[Principality of Serbia (early medieval)|first Serbian Principality]] from ca. 850 until 891. He defeated the Bulgar army, and allied himself with the Byzantine emperor, and the Church in Serbia with the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople]].


He was the eldest son of [[Knez Vlastimir]], great-great-grandson of the [[Unknown Archont]], who managed to unite the Serb tribes into a state.<ref name=TWOFBP>[https://books.google.com/books?id=UjxpAAAAMAAJ The wars of the Balkan Peninsula: their medieval origins] {{ISBN|0-8108-5846-0}}</ref> He initially ruled together with his two younger brothers, but they revolted against him and he exiled them to Bulgaria, as guarantors of peace.
He was the eldest son of [[Knez Vlastimir]], great-great-grandson of the [[Unknown Archont]], who managed to unite the Serb tribes into a state.<ref name=TWOFBP>{{cite book |last=Madgearu |first=Alexandru |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UjxpAAAAMAAJ |title=The wars of the Balkan Peninsula: their medieval origins |publisher=Scarecrow Press |date=2008 |isbn=0-8108-5846-0}}</ref> He initially ruled together with his two younger brothers, but they revolted against him and he exiled them to Bulgaria, as guarantors of peace.


==Background==
==Background==
It is thought that the rapid extension of Bulgars over Slavs to the south prompted the Serbs to unite into a state.<ref name=JBB372/> It is known that the Serbs and Bulgars lived in peace until the invasion in 839 (the last years of Theophilos).<ref name=JBB372/> Vlastimir united several Serbian tribes,<ref>L. Kovacevic & L. Jovanovic, ''Историја српскога народа'', Belgrade, 1894, Book 2, p. 38—39</ref> Emperor [[Theophilos (emperor)|Theophilos]] (r. 829–842) probably granted the Serbs independence,<ref>S. Stanojevic, ''Историја српскога народа'', Belgrade, 1910, p. 46—47</ref> and they acknowledged nominal overlordship of the Emperor.<ref name=JBB372/> The annexation of western Macedonia by the Bulgars changed the political situation, [[Malamir of Bulgaria|Malamir]] or [[Presian]] may have seen a threat in the Serb consolidation, and opted to subjugate them in midst the conquest of Slav lands.<ref name=JBB372>J. B. Bury, [https://books.google.com/books?id=svPkt-TIHK0C&pg=PA372 p. 372]</ref>
It is thought that the rapid extension of Bulgars over Slavs to the south prompted the Serbs to unite into a state.<ref name="Bury">{{cite book |last1=Bury |first1=J. B. |title=History of the Eastern Empire from the Fall of Irene to the Accession of Basil |date=2008 |publisher=Cosimo Inc. |isbn=9781605204215 |page=372 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=svPkt-TIHK0C&pg=PA372}}</ref> It is known that the Serbs and Bulgars lived in peace until the invasion in 839 (the last years of Theophilos).<ref name=Bury/> Vlastimir united several Serbian tribes,<ref>L. Kovacevic & L. Jovanovic, ''Историја српскога народа'', Belgrade, 1894, Book 2, p. 38—39</ref> Emperor [[Theophilos (emperor)|Theophilos]] (r. 829–842) probably granted the Serbs independence,<ref>S. Stanojevic, ''Историја српскога народа'', Belgrade, 1910, p. 46—47</ref> and they acknowledged nominal overlordship of the Emperor.<ref name=Bury/> The annexation of western Macedonia by the Bulgars changed the political situation, [[Malamir of Bulgaria|Malamir]] or [[Presian of Bulgaria|Presian]] may have seen a threat in the Serb consolidation, and opted to include them in their conquest of Slav lands.<ref name=Bury/>


''[[Khan (title)|Khan]]'' [[Presian I of Bulgaria]]<ref>''The early medieval Balkans'', p. 108</ref> (r. 836–852) invades [[Serbia]]n territory [[Bulgar–Serb War (839–842)|between 839-842]]. The Bulgars may have felt a threat in the [[Serbs]], alternatively the Byzantines wanted to divert the attention so that they could cope with the Slavic uprising in the [[Peloponnese]].<ref name=IB>''Известия за българите'', p. 42—43</ref> The invasion led to a 3-year war, from which Vlastimir emerged victorious;<ref name=EB110>''The early medieval Balkans'', p. 110</ref> Khan Presian made no territorial gain, was heavily defeated and lost many of his men, he was driven out by the [[Medieval Serbian Army|army of Vlastimir]].<ref name=IB/>
''[[Khan (title)|Khan]]'' [[Presian I of Bulgaria]]{{sfn|Fine|1991|p=108}} (r. 836–852) invades [[Serbia]]n territory [[Bulgar–Serb War (839–842)|between 839 and 842]]. The Bulgars may have been threatened by the [[Serbs]], or, perhaps, the Byzantines wanted to divert Bulgarian attention so that they could cope with the Slavic uprising in the [[Peloponnese]].<ref name=IB>''Известия за българите'', p. 42—43</ref> The invasion led to a 3-year war, from which Vlastimir emerged victorious;{{sfn|Fine|1991|p=110}} the heavily defeated Khan Presian made no territorial gains, lost many of his men, and was driven out by [[Medieval Serbian Army|Vlastimir's army]].<ref name=IB/>


The war ended with the death of Theophilos in 842, which released Vlastimir from his obligations to the Byzantine Empire, on the other hand gave the opportunity to the Bulgarians to attack and annex the areas of [[Ohrid]], [[Bitola]] and [[Devol (Macedonia)|Devol]] in 842–843.<ref name=IB/>
The war ended with the death of Theophilos in 842, which released Vlastimir from his obligations to the Byzantine Empire, but also gave the Bulgarians the opportunity to annex the areas of [[Ohrid]], [[Bitola]] and [[Devol (Macedonia)|Devol]] in 842–843.<ref name=IB/>


Vlastimir went on to expand to the west, taking southeast [[Bosnia (region)|Bosnia]] and northeast [[Herzegovina]] (''[[Zahumlje|Hum]]'').<ref name=EB110/><ref name=EJ>M. Th. Houtsma, ''E.J. Brill's first encyclopaedia of Islam 1913-1936'' [https://books.google.com/books?id=GpQ3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA199 p. 199]. {{ISBN|90-04-08265-4}}, {{ISBN|978-90-04-08265-6}}</ref> In the meantime; [[Braničevo (region)|Braničevo]], [[Great Morava|Morava]], [[Timok (river)|Timok]], [[Vardar]] and [[Drin (river)|Podrimlje]] were occupied by the Bulgars.<ref>''Encyclopædia Britannica: a new survey of universal knowledge, Volume [https://books.google.com/books?id=Jh9GAQAAIAAJ 20]'', p. 341: "the eastern provinces (Branichevo, Morava, Timok, Vardar, Podrimlye) were occupied by the Bulgars."</ref>
Vlastimir continued expanding to the west, taking southeast [[Bosnia (region)|Bosnia]] and northeast [[Herzegovina]] (''[[Zahumlje|Hum]]'').{{sfn|Fine|1991|p=110}}<ref name=EJ>M. Th. Houtsma, ''E.J. Brill's first encyclopaedia of Islam 1913-1936'' [https://books.google.com/books?id=GpQ3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA199 p. 199]. {{ISBN|90-04-08265-4}}, {{ISBN|978-90-04-08265-6}}</ref> In the meantime, [[Braničevo (region)|Braničevo]], [[Great Morava|Morava]], [[Timok (river)|Timok]], [[Vardar]] and [[Drin (river)|Podrimlje]] were occupied by the Bulgars.<ref>''Encyclopædia Britannica: a new survey of universal knowledge, Volume [https://books.google.com/books?id=Jh9GAQAAIAAJ 20]'', p. 341: "the eastern provinces (Branichevo, Morava, Timok, Vardar, Podrimlye) were occupied by the Bulgars."</ref>


==Life==
==Life==
{{Vlastimirovids}}
{{Vlastimirovids}}
Vlastimir died sometime between 845-850<ref>Steven Runciman, A history of the first Bulgarian empire, p. 93: "Vlastimer’s death (about 845-50)", Primary source: De Administrando Imperio, pp. 154—5</ref> and his rule was divided between his three sons: Mutimir, [[Strojimir of Serbia|Strojimir]] and [[Gojnik of Serbia|Gojnik]].<ref name=EB141/> Although they ruled in an [[oligarchy]], Mutimir had the supreme rule, and the two brothers acted as vassals to him.<ref name=WMPG>Đekić, Đ. 2009, "Why did prince Mutimir keep Petar Gojnikovic?", Teme, vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 683-688. [http://teme.junis.ni.ac.rs/teme2-2009/teme%202-2009-20.pdf PDF]</ref>
Vlastimir died sometime between 845 and 850<ref>Steven Runciman, A history of the first Bulgarian empire, p. 93: "Vlastimer’s death (about 845-50)", Primary source: De Administrando Imperio, pp. 154—5</ref> and his rule was divided among his three sons: Mutimir, [[Strojimir of Serbia|Strojimir]] and [[Gojnik of Serbia|Gojnik]].{{sfn|Fine|1991|p=141}} Although they ruled in an [[oligarchy]], Mutimir had the supreme rule, and the two brothers acted as vassals to him.<ref name=WMPG>Đekić, Đ. 2009, "Why did prince Mutimir keep Petar Gojnikovic?", Teme, vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 683-688. [http://teme.junis.ni.ac.rs/teme2-2009/teme%202-2009-20.pdf PDF]</ref>


In 853 or 854, the Bulgar Army led by [[Vladimir of Bulgaria|Vladimir]], the son of [[Boris I of Bulgaria]], invaded Serbia in an attempt to extract vengeance for the previous defeat. The Serbian Army was led by Mutimir and his brothers, which defeated the [[Bulgars]], capturing Vladimir and 12 [[boyars]].<ref name=EB141>''The early medieval Balkans'', [https://books.google.com/books?id=YbS9QmwDC58C&pg=PA141 p. 141]</ref> Boris I and Mutimir agreed on peace (and perhaps an alliance<ref name=EB141/>), and Mutimir sent his sons [[Bran Mutimirović|Bran]] and [[Stefan Mutimirović|Stefan]] to the border to escort the prisoners, where they exchanged items as a sign of peace. Boris gave them "rich gifts", while he was given "two [[Slavery|slaves]], two [[falcon]]s, two [[dog]]s, and 80 [[fur]]s".{{sfn|Moravcsik|1967|p=152}}
In 853 or 854, the Bulgar Army, led by [[Vladimir of Bulgaria|Vladimir]], the son of [[Boris I of Bulgaria]], invaded Serbia in an attempt to exact vengeance for the previous defeat. The Serbian Army was led by Mutimir and his brothers, which defeated the [[Bulgars]], capturing Vladimir and 12 [[boyars]].{{sfn|Fine|1991|p=141}} Boris I and Mutimir agreed to cease hostilities (and perhaps an alliance,{{sfn|Fine|1991|p=141}} and Mutimir sent his sons [[Bran Mutimirović|Bran]] and [[Stefan Mutimirović|Stefan]] to the border to escort the prisoners, where they exchanged items as a sign of peace. Boris gave them "rich gifts", while he was given "two [[Slavery|slaves]], two [[falcon]]s, two [[dog]]s, and 80 [[fur]]s".{{sfn|Moravcsik|1967|p=152}}


An internal conflict among the brothers resulted in Mutimir banishing the two younger brothers to the Bulgarian court.<ref name=EB141/><ref name=S15>''The Serbs'', p. 15</ref> He, however, kept the son of [[Gojnik]], [[Petar of Serbia|Petar]], in his court for political reasons.<ref name=WMPG/> Petar soon fled to Croatia.<ref name=S15/> The reason for the feud is not known, although it is hypothesized that it was the result of treachery.<ref name=WMPG/>
An internal conflict among the brothers resulted in Mutimir banishing the two younger brothers to the Bulgarian court.{{sfn|Fine|1991|p=141}}{{sfn|Ćirković|2004|p=15}} He, however, kept the son of [[Gojnik]], [[Petar of Serbia|Petar]], in his court for political reasons.<ref name=WMPG/> Petar soon fled to Croatia.{{sfn|Ćirković|2004|p=15}} The reason for the feud is not known, although it is hypothesized that it was the result of treachery.<ref name=WMPG/>


The [[Saracens]] [[Siege of Ragusa (866–868)|attacked]] [[Ragusa (Croatia)|Ragusa]] in 866.<ref name=Pokrstavanje>[http://www.rastko.rs/rastko-bl/istorija/corovic/istorija/2_4_l.html ''Pokrštavanje Južnih Slovena'']</ref> The Ragusians asked [[Basil I]] for help, which he answered, sending a large fleet with his [[admiral]] [[Niketas Ooryphas]].<ref name=Pokrstavanje/> The pagan [[Narentines]] sacked a ship with emissaries returning from [[Constantinople]], which enraged [[Basil I]], resulting in him sending a fleet and subsequently subduing them.<ref name=Pokrstavanje/> By 878, all of Dalmatia was under Byzantine rule ([[Theme of Dalmatia]]),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://scindeks-clanci.nb.rs/data/pdf/0584-9888/2002/0584-98880239165S.pdf |title=Byzantium, Byzantine Italy and cities on the eastern coast of the Adriatic: The case of Kotor and Dubrovnik |access-date=2011-09-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317182516/http://scindeks-clanci.nb.rs/data/pdf/0584-9888/2002/0584-98880239165S.pdf |archive-date=2012-03-17 }}</ref> and most of the land was under the religious jurisdiction of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople]].<ref name=Pokrstavanje/>
Mutimir sent envoys to [[Byzantine Emperor]] [[Basil I]], asking him to baptize the lands.<ref name=DAI2>De Administrando Imperio, ch. 29 [''Of Dalmatia and of the adjacent nations in it'']: "...the majority of these Slavs [Serbs, Croats] were not even baptized, and remained unbaptized for long enough. But in the time of Basil, the Christ-loving emperor, they sent diplomatic agents, begging and praying him that those of them who were unbaptized might receive baptism and that they might be, as they had originally been, subject to the empire of the Romans; and that glorious emperor, of blessed memory, gave ear to them and sent out an imperial agent and priests with him and baptized all of them that were unbaptized of the aforesaid nations..."</ref> He put Serbia under the suzerainty of the Byzantine Empire.<ref name=DAI2/>


Mutimir died in 891 and was succeeded by his eldest son, Pribislav.{{sfn|Fine|1991|p=141}} Mutimir and his son Pribislav (as "Preuuisclavo") were apparently entered in the [[Gospel of Cividale|Cividale Gospels]], which could indicate Serbian contacts with [[Aquileia]].<ref>{{harv|Eggers|1996|p=51}}<!-- :"Im Evangeliar von Cividale wurden offenbar Mutimir und sein Sohn Pribislav ( als " Preuuisclavo " ) eingetragen , was auf serbische Kontakte zu Aquileia deuten könnte ." --></ref> Serbia's transition to Christianity would, therefore, coincide with similar initiatives by Rome in Moravia and Bosnia-Slavonia (as, incidentally, also in Bulgaria) and suggest a coordinated action in south-eastern Europe originating in Rome.
The [[Saracens]] [[Siege of Ragusa (866–868)|attacked]] [[Ragusa (Croatia)|Ragusa]] in 866.<ref name=Pokrstavanje>[http://www.rastko.rs/rastko-bl/istorija/corovic/istorija/2_4_l.html ''Pokrštavanje Južnih Slovena'']</ref> The Ragusians asked Basil I for help, which he answered, sending a large fleet with his [[admiral]] [[Niketas Ooryphas]].<ref name=Pokrstavanje/> The pagan [[Narentines]] sacked a ship with emissaries returning from [[Constantinople]], which enraged Basil I, resulting in him sending a fleet and subsequently subduing them.<ref name=Pokrstavanje/> By 878, all of Dalmatia was under Byzantine rule ([[Theme of Dalmatia]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://scindeks-clanci.nb.rs/data/pdf/0584-9888/2002/0584-98880239165S.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2011-09-27 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317182516/http://scindeks-clanci.nb.rs/data/pdf/0584-9888/2002/0584-98880239165S.pdf |archivedate=2012-03-17 }}</ref>), and most of the land was under the religious jurisdiction of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople]].<ref name=Pokrstavanje/>
<ref>{{harv|Eggers|1996|p=51}}<!-- :" Der Übergang Serbiens zum Christentum würde also zeitlich mit ähnlichen Initiativen Roms in Moravia und BosnienSlawonien ( wie übrigens auch in Bulgarien ) zusammenfallen und eine koordinierte , von Rom ausgehende Aktion in Südosteuropa vermuten lassen " --></ref>

Mutimir died in 891 and was succeeded by his eldest son, Pribislav.<ref name=EB141/> He was most likely buried in the [[Church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul (Novi Pazar)|Church of Peter and Paul at Ras]], as was [[Petar of Serbia|Petar]] (r. 892–917).


===Christianization===
===Christianization===
{{further|Serbian Orthodox Church}}
{{further|Serbian Orthodox Church}}
[[File:Delegation of Croats and Serbs to Emperor Basil I, Skylitzes.jpg|thumb|140px|left|Croats and Serbs delegation with Basil I]]


[[File:Delegation of Croats and Serbs to Emperor Basil I, Skylitzes.jpg|thumb|left|The Serbs and Croats delegation to Byzantine Emperor [[Basil I]]]]
[[File:Petrova 1.jpg|thumb|[[Church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul (Novi Pazar)|Church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul]]]]
Early medieval Serbs are accounted as Christian by 870s,{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=208}}{{sfn|Živković|2013a|pp=35}} with the Christianization of Southwestern Slavs beginning in the 7th century under influence of the [[Holy See|Roman Church]].{{sfn|Živković|2013a|pp=47}}{{sfn|Komatina|2015|pp=713}}{{sfn|Komatina|2016|pp=44–46, 73–74}}


According to 29th chapter of ''[[De Administrando Imperio]]'' and 54th chapter of ''[[Vita Basilii]]'' by [[Constantine VII]], the Serbs and other Slavs became (re-)baptized by Constantinopolitan missionaries sent by Basil I.<ref name=DAI2>De Administrando Imperio, ch. 29 [''Of Dalmatia and of the adjacent nations in it'']: "...the majority of these Slavs [Serbs, Croats] were not even baptized, and remained unbaptized for long enough. But in the time of Basil, the Christ-loving emperor, they sent diplomatic agents, begging and praying him that those of them who were unbaptized might receive baptism and that they might be, as they had originally been, subject to the empire of the Romans; and that glorious emperor, of blessed memory, gave ear to them and sent out an imperial agent and priests with him and baptized all of them that were unbaptized of the aforesaid nations..."</ref>{{sfn|Živković|2013a|pp=35}}{{sfn|Komatina|2016|pp=45–46}} The account is probably an invented narrative by Constantine VII to give credit to Basil I for Christianization which started in the 7th century amid ecclesiastical turmoil between Constantinople and Rome in the region,{{sfn|Živković|2013a|pp=37–48}} or a misinterpretation based on the account in his father's ''[[Tactica of Emperor Leo VI the Wise|Tactica]]'' about Basil I baptizing and graecizing the Slavs in Greece.{{sfn|Komatina|2015|pp=712}} In the ''DAI'' chapters specifically about the Serbs and others, Basil I is not mentioned in any political or religious context of the Serbs and others.{{sfn|Živković|2013a|pp=36}} The Christianization was only partly due to Byzantine and subsequent Bulgarian influence,{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=208}} because Basil I's activity had in plan expansion on the already present Christian organization of the Roman Church in the region of former [[Praetorian prefecture of Illyricum]] (including Bulgaria) and getting control over the Serbs and others.{{sfn|Živković|2013a|pp=46–48}}{{sfn|Komatina|2015|pp=717}}{{sfn|Komatina|2016|pp=47–50, 74}}{{sfn|Špehar|2010|pp=203}} In the same century the region was also politically contested between [[Carolingian Empire]] and Byzantine Empire.{{sfn|Živković|2013a|pp=38}} Basil I probably sent at least one embassy to Mutimir.{{sfn|Živković|2013a|pp=46}}
The Serbs were baptized by Constantinopolitan missionaries sent by Basil I, after Mutimir had acknowledged Byzantine suzerainty.<ref name=DAI2/> Basil may have also sent a bishop.<ref>''A history of Christianity in the Balkans'', p. 73</ref> The Christianization was due partly to Byzantine and subsequent Bulgarian influence.<ref name=SC208>''The entry of the Slavs into Christendom'', p. 208</ref> It is important to note that at least during the rule of [[Kotsel|Kotsel of Pannonia]] (861–874), communications between Serbia and Great Moravia must have been possible.<ref name=SC208/> This fact, the pope was presumably aware of, when planning Methodios' diocese as well as the Dalmatian coast, which was in Byzantine hands as far north as [[Split, Croatia|Split]].<ref name=SC208/> There is a possibility that some [[Cyrillomethodian]] pupils reached Serbia in the 870s, perhaps even sent by [[Saint Methodius of Thessaloniki|Methodius]] himself.<ref name=SC208/> Serbia is accounted Christian as of about 870.<ref name=SC208/> The lasting Christian identity is evident in the tradition of theophoric names in the next generation of Serb royalty; [[Petar Gojniković]], [[Stefan Mutimirović]] and [[Pavle Branović]], ''Petros'' and ''Stephanos'' are both noticed as characterly Byzantine.<ref name=SC208/>


{{quote box|width=40%|align=right|quote="The priests there loose and wandering, coming from all sides, occupy some church services against canons, certainly commit many wicked acts against God's rules, for being [[acephali]]. That is why I warn you that you, following the customs of your ancestors, as much as you can try to get back to the Pannonian Diocese. And since there has just been ordained a bishop, thanks to God, by the See of the Blessed Apostle Peter, place yourself back under his pastoral care" |source=—[[Pope John VIII]] letter to Mutimir, May 873.}}
The [[Eparchy of Ras|first Serbian bishopric]] was founded at the political center at [[Stari Ras|Ras]], near modern [[Novi Pazar]] on the [[Ibar river]].<ref name=SC208/> The initial affiliation is uncertain, it may have been under the subordination of either Split or Durazzo, both then Byzantine.<ref name=SC208/> The early [[Church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul (Novi Pazar)|church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul]] at Ras, can be dated to the 9th–10th century, with the rotunda plan characteristic of first court chapels.<ref name=SC209>''The entry of the Slavs into Christendom'', p. 209</ref> The bishopric was established shortly after 871, during the rule of Mutimir, and was part of the general plan of establishing bishoprics in the Slav lands of the Empire, confirmed by the [[Fourth Council of Constantinople (Eastern Orthodox)|Council of Constantinople]] in 879–880.<ref name=SC209/> The [[Eparchy of Braničevo]] was founded in 878 (as continuation of [[Viminacium]] and [[Horreum Margi]]).
Mutimir seemingly decided to maintain the communion of Church in Serbia with the [[Eastern Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople]] when [[Pope John VIII]] of [[Holy See|Roman Church]] invited him to get back to the jurisdiction of the bishopric of [[Sirmium]] (see also [[Archbishopric of Moravia]]) in a letter dated to May 873.{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|pp= 67–70, 340, 377}}{{sfn|Živković|2013a|pp=44–46}}{{sfn|Komatina|2015|pp=713, 717}}{{sfn|Komatina|2016|pp=73}} Komatina considered that the pope wanted to strengthen the influence of Roman Church on the eastern part of Illyricum considering the borders from a distant past and not recent including Mutimir's actual ancestors.{{sfn|Komatina|2015|pp=715}} The Serbs and Bulgarians subsequently adopted the [[Old Church Slavonic|Old Slavonic]] liturgy instead of the Greek.<ref name="TWOFBP"/> During the rule of [[Kotsel|Kotsel of Pannonia]] (861–874), communications between Serbia and Great Moravia must have been possible.{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=208}} There is a possibility that some [[Cyrillomethodian]] pupils reached Serbia in the 870s or 880s.{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=208}}{{sfn|Komatina|2015|pp=718}} The lasting Christian identity is evident in the tradition of theophoric names in the next generation of Serb royalty: [[Petar Gojniković]], [[Stefan Mutimirović]] and [[Pavle Branović]]. ''Petros'' and ''Stephanos'' are both characteristically Byzantine.{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=208}}


[[File:Iglesia de San Pedro, Novi Pazar, Serbia, 2014-04-15, DD 07.JPG|thumb|[[Church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul (Novi Pazar)|Church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul]] in [[Stari Ras|Ras]] dated to the 9-10th century.]]
Mutimir maintained the communion with the [[Eastern Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople]] when [[Pope John VIII]] invited him to recognize the jurisdiction of the bishopric of [[Sirmium]] in a letter dated to May 873.<ref>Gabriella Schubert, ''Serbien in Europa: Leitbilder der Moderne in der Diskussion'', [https://books.google.com/books?id=a7pMuQF_5VcC&pg=PA23 p. 23]</ref> The Serbs and Bulgarians subsequently adopt the [[Old Church Slavonic|Old Slavonic]] liturgy instead of the Greek.<ref name="TWOFBP"/>
[[Alexis P. Vlasto]] argued that the [[Eparchy of Ras]] was founded during Mutimir's rule, as a bishopric of Serbia, at [[Stari Ras|Ras]] with the [[Church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul (Novi Pazar)|church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul]],{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=209}} as part of the general plan of establishing bishoprics in the Slav lands of the Empire, confirmed by the [[Fourth Council of Constantinople (Eastern Orthodox)|Council of Constantinople]] in 879–880,{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=209}} most significantly related to the creation of the autonomous Archbishopric for Bulgaria of which Roman Church lost jurisdiction.{{sfn|Živković|2013a|pp=45}}{{sfn|Komatina|2015|pp=715}} However, according to Predrag Komatina, there is no mention of any bishopric in Serbia. In early medieval Europe, the existence of a Christian church without a bishop in a specific land was not uncommon, and being placed under the Pannonian Bishop implies that there was no local Serbian bishop at the time.{{sfn|Komatina|2015|pp=716}} [[Tibor Živković]] concluded, based on primary sources of the Church of Constantinople, that there was no information regarding the establishment of any new ecclesiastical center and organization in Serbia, that the Serbian ecclesiastical center and capital was at [[Destinikon]], while Ras in the mid-9th century was only a border fort which became the ecclesiastical center of the bishopric by 1019-1020.{{sfn|Živković|2013a|pp=48}} The imperial charter of [[Basil II]] from 1020 to the [[Archbishopric of Ohrid]], in which the rights and jurisdictions were established, has the earliest mention of the Bishopric/Episcopy of Ras, stating it belonged to the [[Bulgarian Orthodox Church#Autocephaly and Patriarchate|Bulgarian autocephal church]] during the time of [[Peter I of Bulgaria|Peter I]] (927–969) and [[Samuel of Bulgaria]] (977–1014).{{sfn|Komatina|2015|pp=717}}{{sfn|Komatina|2016|pp=76, 89–90}} [[Sima Ćirković]] considered that it was founded by the Bulgarian emperor,{{sfn|Ćirković|2004|pp=20, 30}} but it most likely represented the latest date in which it could have been integrated into the Bulgarian Church.{{sfn|Komatina|2016|pp=76–77, 398}} The episcopy probably was part of the Bulgarian [[Metropolis (religious jurisdiction)|metropolis]] of Morava, but certainly not of [[Dyrrhachium (theme)|Durrës]].{{sfn|Komatina|2016|pp=75, 88–91}} If it was on the Serbian territory, it seems that the Church in Serbia or part of the territory of Serbia became linked and influenced by the Bulgarian Church between 870 and 924.{{sfn|Komatina|2015|pp=717–718}}{{sfn|Komatina|2016|pp=77, 91}}{{sfn|Špehar|2010|pp=203, 216}}


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
Line 59: Line 62:
==Notes==
==Notes==
{{Cnote2 Begin|liststyle=upper-alpha}}
{{Cnote2 Begin|liststyle=upper-alpha}}
{{Cnote2|A|'''Name:''' The first attestation of his name is the Greek '''''Muntimiros''''' (Μουντιμῆρος<ref name=DAI>De Administrando Imperio, ch. 32</ref>), in Latin '''''Muntimerus'''''<ref>Johann Grosse II (Héritiers), ''Nova acta eruditorum'', 1764, [https://books.google.com/books?id=10w5AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA169 p. 169]</ref> (''Muntimer''), in Serbian ''Mutimir''. He was a descendant of ''Višeslavić'', his father was ''Vlastimir'', hence, according to the contemporary naming culture, his name was '''Mutimir Vlastimirović Višeslavić'''.}}
{{Cnote2|A|'''Name:''' The first attestation of his name is the Greek '''''Muntimiros''''' (Μουντιμῆρος<ref name=DAI>De Administrando Imperio, ch. 32</ref>), in Latin '''''Montemero'''''{{sfn|Živković|2013a|pp=44}} in Serbian ''Mutimir''. He was a descendant of ''Višeslavić'', his father was ''Vlastimir'', hence, according to the contemporary naming culture, his name was '''Mutimir Vlastimirović Višeslavić'''.}}
{{Cnote2 End}}
{{Cnote2 End}}


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{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}
{{refend}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{refbegin}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
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* {{Cite book|editor-last=Moravcsik|editor-first=Gyula|editor-link=Gyula Moravcsik|title=Constantine Porphyrogenitus: De Administrando Imperio|year=1967|orig-year=1949|edition=2nd revised|location=Washington D.C.|publisher=Dumbarton Oaks Center for Byzantine Studies|isbn=9780884020219|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3al15wpFWiMC}}
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* {{Cite book|last=Fine|first=John Van Antwerp Jr.|author-link=John Van Antwerp Fine Jr.|title=The Early Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Sixth to the Late Twelfth Century|year=1991|orig-date=1983|location=Ann Arbor, Michigan|publisher=University of Michigan Press|isbn=0-472-08149-7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y0NBxG9Id58C}}
* [[Vladimir Ćorović|Ćorović, Vladimir]], ''Istorija srpskog naroda'', Book I, (In Serbian) [http://www.rastko.rs/rastko-bl/istorija/corovic/istorija/index_l.html Electric Book, Rastko] [http://www.antikvarne-knjige.com/elektronskeknjige/detail-item_id-36 Electronic Book, Antikvarneknjige (Cyrillic)]{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [[Vladimir Ćorović|Ćorović, Vladimir]], ''Istorija srpskog naroda'', Book I, (In Serbian) [http://www.rastko.rs/rastko-bl/istorija/corovic/istorija/index_l.html Electric Book, Rastko] [https://web.archive.org/web/20090327120050/http://www.antikvarne-knjige.com/elektronskeknjige/detail-item_id-36 Electronic Book, Antikvarneknjige (Cyrillic)]
** Drugi Period, [http://www.rastko.rs/rastko-bl/istorija/corovic/istorija/2_4_l.html IV]: ''Pokrštavanje Južnih Slovena''
** Drugi Period, [http://www.rastko.rs/rastko-bl/istorija/corovic/istorija/2_4_l.html IV]: ''Pokrštavanje Južnih Slovena''
* {{Cite book|ref=harv|last=Curta|first=Florin|authorlink=Florin Curta|title=Southeastern Europe in the Middle Ages, 500–1250|year=2006|location=Cambridge|publisher=Cambridge University Press|url=https://archive.org/details/southeasterneuro0000curt|url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book|last=Curta|first=Florin|author-link=Florin Curta|title=Southeastern Europe in the Middle Ages, 500–1250|year=2006|location=Cambridge|publisher=Cambridge University Press|url=https://archive.org/details/southeasterneuro0000curt|url-access=registration}}
* Ferjančić, B. 1997, "Basile I et la restauration du pouvoir byzantin au IXème siècle", Zbornik radova Vizantološkog instituta, no. 36, pp.&nbsp;9–30.
* Ferjančić, B. 1997, "Basile I et la restauration du pouvoir byzantin au IXème siècle", Zbornik radova Vizantološkog instituta, no. 36, pp.&nbsp;9–30.
* Vizantološki institut SANU (Božidar Ferjančić), „Vizantijski izvori za istoriju naroda Jugoslavije (II tom)“ (fototipsko izdanje originala iz 1957), Beograd 2007 {{ISBN|978-86-83883-08-0}}
* Vizantološki institut SANU (Božidar Ferjančić), „Vizantijski izvori za istoriju naroda Jugoslavije (II tom)“ (fototipsko izdanje originala iz 1957), Beograd 2007 {{ISBN|978-86-83883-08-0}}
* {{Cite book|ref=harv|last=Ostrogorsky|first=George|authorlink=George Ostrogorsky|year=1956|title=History of the Byzantine State|location=Oxford|publisher=Basil Blackwell|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bt0_AAAAYAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|last=Komatina|first=Ivana|title=Црква и држава у српским земљама од XI до XIII века|trans-title=Church and State in the Serbian Lands from the XIth to the XIIIth Century|year=2016|location=Београд|publisher=Institute of History|isbn=9788677431136 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MaOADgAAQBAJ}}
* {{Cite book|ref=harv|last=Runciman|first=Steven|authorlink=Steven Runciman|title=A History of the First Bulgarian Empire|year=1930|location=London|publisher=G. Bell & Sons|url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=sr&id=Y-NBAAAAYAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|last=Komatina|first=Predrag|chapter=The Church in Serbia at the Time of Cyrilo-Methodian Mission in Moravia|title=Cyril and Methodius: Byzantium and the World of the Slavs|year=2015|location=Thessaloniki|publisher=Dimos|pages=711–718|chapter-url=https://www.academia.edu/13442372}}
* {{Cite book|ref=harv|last=Vlasto|first=Alexis P.|authorlink=Alexis P. Vlasto|title=The Entry of the Slavs into Christendom: An Introduction to the Medieval History of the Slavs|year=1970|location=Cambridge|publisher=Cambridge University Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fpVOAAAAIAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|last=Ostrogorsky|first=George|author-link=George Ostrogorsky|year=1956|title=History of the Byzantine State|location=Oxford|publisher=Basil Blackwell|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bt0_AAAAYAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|ref=harv|last=Живковић|first=Тибор|authorlink=Tibor Živković|year=2000|title=Словени и Ромеји: Славизација на простору Србије од VII до XI века (The Slavs and the Romans)|location=Београд|publisher=Историјски институт САНУ, Службени гласник|url=https://books.google.rs/books?id=lxYUAQAAMAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|last=Runciman|first=Steven|author-link=Steven Runciman|title=A History of the First Bulgarian Empire|year=1930|location=London|publisher=G. Bell & Sons|isbn=9780598749222|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y-NBAAAAYAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|last=Špehar|first=Perica N.|chapter=By Their Fruit you will recognize them - Christianization of Serbia in Middle Ages|title=Tak więc po owocach poznacie ich|year=2010|location=Poznań|publisher=Stowarzyszenie naukowe archeologów Polskich|pages=203–220|chapter-url=https://www.academia.edu/1333518}}
* {{Cite book|ref=harv|last=Живковић|first=Тибор|authorlink=Tibor Živković|year=2002|title=Јужни Словени под византијском влашћу 600-1025 (South Slavs under the Byzantine Rule 600-1025)|location=Београд|publisher=Историјски институт САНУ, Службени гласник|url=https://books.google.rs/books?id=oE-gAAAAMAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|ref=harv|last=Живковић|first=Тибор|authorlink=Tibor Živković|year=2004|title=Црквена организација у српским земљама: Рани средњи век (Organization of the Church in Serbian Lands: Early Middle Ages)|location=Београд|publisher=Историјски институт САНУ, Службени гласник|url=https://books.google.rs/books?id=Z9mfAAAAMAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|last=Vlasto|first=Alexis P.|author-link=Alexis P. Vlasto|title=The Entry of the Slavs into Christendom: An Introduction to the Medieval History of the Slavs|year=1970|location=Cambridge|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=9780521074599|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fpVOAAAAIAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|ref=harv|last=Живковић|first=Тибор|authorlink=Tibor Živković|year=2006|title=Портрети српских владара: IX-XII век (Portraits of Serbian Rulers: IX-XII Century)|location=Београд|publisher=Завод за уџбенике и наставна средства|url=https://books.google.rs/books?id=d-KTAAAACAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|last=Живковић|first=Тибор|author-link=Tibor Živković|year=2000|title=Словени и Ромеји: Славизација на простору Србије од VII до XI века (The Slavs and the Romans)|location=Београд|publisher=Историјски институт САНУ, Службени гласник|isbn=9788677430221|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lxYUAQAAMAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|ref=harv|last=Živković|first=Tibor|authorlink=Tibor Živković|year=2008|title=Forging unity: The South Slavs between East and West 550-1150|location=Belgrade|publisher=The Institute of History, Čigoja štampa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JlIsAQAAIAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|last=Живковић|first=Тибор|author-link=Tibor Živković|year=2002|title=Јужни Словени под византијском влашћу 600-1025 (South Slavs under the Byzantine Rule 600-1025)|location=Београд|publisher=Историјски институт САНУ, Службени гласник|isbn=9788677430276|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oE-gAAAAMAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|last=Живковић|first=Тибор|author-link=Tibor Živković|year=2004|title=Црквена организација у српским земљама: Рани средњи век (Organization of the Church in Serbian Lands: Early Middle Ages)|location=Београд|publisher=Историјски институт САНУ, Службени гласник|isbn=9788677430443|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9mfAAAAMAAJ}}
* {{Cite journal|ref=harv|last=Živković|first=Tibor|authorlink=Tibor Živković|title=On the Baptism of the Serbs and Croats in the Time of Basil I (867–886)|journal=Studia Slavica et Balcanica Petropolitana|year=2013a|issue=1|pages=33–53|url=http://slavica-petropolitana.spbu.ru/files/2013_1/Zivkovic.pdf}}
* {{Cite book|ref=harv|last=Živković|first=Tibor|authorlink=Tibor Živković|chapter=The Urban Landcape of Early Medieval Slavic Principalities in the Territories of the Former Praefectura Illyricum and in the Province of Dalmatia (ca. 610-950)|title=The World of the Slavs: Studies of the East, West and South Slavs: Civitas, Oppidas, Villas and Archeological Evidence (7th to 11th Centuries AD)|year=2013b|location=Belgrade|publisher=The Institute for History|pages=15–36|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pLJCCwAAQBAJ}}
* {{Cite book|last=Живковић|first=Тибор|author-link=Tibor Živković|year=2006|title=Портрети српских владара: IX-XII век (Portraits of Serbian Rulers: IX-XII Century)|location=Београд|publisher=Завод за уџбенике и наставна средства|isbn=9788617137548|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d-KTAAAACAAJ}}
* {{Cite book|last=Živković|first=Tibor|author-link=Tibor Živković|year=2008|title=Forging unity: The South Slavs between East and West 550-1150|location=Belgrade|publisher=The Institute of History, Čigoja štampa|isbn=9788675585732|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JlIsAQAAIAAJ}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Živković|first=Tibor|author-link=Tibor Živković|title=On the Baptism of the Serbs and Croats in the Time of Basil I (867–886)|journal=Studia Slavica et Balcanica Petropolitana|year=2013a|issue=1|pages=33–53|url=http://slavica-petropolitana.spbu.ru/files/2013_1/Zivkovic.pdf}}
* {{Cite book|last=Živković|first=Tibor|author-link=Tibor Živković|chapter=The Urban {{sic|Landca|pe|nolink=y}} of Early Medieval Slavic Principalities in the Territories of the Former Praefectura Illyricum and in the Province of Dalmatia (ca. 610-950)|title=The World of the Slavs: Studies of the East, West and South Slavs: Civitas, Oppidas, Villas and Archeological Evidence (7th to 11th Centuries AD)|year=2013b|location=Belgrade|publisher=The Institute for History|pages=15–36|isbn=9788677431044|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pLJCCwAAQBAJ}}
* {{cite book
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|year=1996
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{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}
{{refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://macedonia.kroraina.com/en/sr/index.html Steven Runciman, A History of the First Bulgarian Empire, London 1930.]
* [http://macedonia.kroraina.com/en/sr/index.html Steven Runciman, A History of the First Bulgarian Empire, London, 1930.]


{{s-start}}
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{{Serbian monarchs}}
{{Serbian monarchs}}

{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:830s births]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mutimir Of Serbia}}
[[Category:891 deaths]]
[[Category:891 deaths]]
[[Category:Year of birth uncertain]]
[[Category:9th-century Serbian monarchs]]
[[Category:9th-century Serbian monarchs]]
[[Category:9th-century rulers in Europe]]
[[Category:Vlastimirović dynasty]]
[[Category:Vlastimirović dynasty]]
[[Category:Eastern Orthodox monarchs]]
[[Category:Year of birth unknown]]
[[Category:Byzantine people of Slavic descent]]
[[Category:People of the Bulgarian–Serbian Wars]]
[[Category:People of the Bulgarian–Serbian Wars]]
[[Category:Slavic warriors]]
[[Category:Slavic warriors]]
[[Category:Christian monarchs]]

Latest revision as of 06:06, 23 October 2024

Mutimir
Prince of Serbia
Reignc. 850 – 891
PredecessorVlastimir
SuccessorPribislav
Bornca. 830s
Died891
IssuePribislav
Stefan
Bran
HouseVlastimirović
FatherVlastimir
ReligionChalcedonian Christian (c. 870)
prev. Slavic pagan

Mutimir (Serbian: Мутимир, Greek: Μουντιμῆρος[A]) was prince of the first Serbian Principality from ca. 850 until 891. He defeated the Bulgar army, and allied himself with the Byzantine emperor, and the Church in Serbia with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

He was the eldest son of Knez Vlastimir, great-great-grandson of the Unknown Archont, who managed to unite the Serb tribes into a state.[1] He initially ruled together with his two younger brothers, but they revolted against him and he exiled them to Bulgaria, as guarantors of peace.

Background

[edit]

It is thought that the rapid extension of Bulgars over Slavs to the south prompted the Serbs to unite into a state.[2] It is known that the Serbs and Bulgars lived in peace until the invasion in 839 (the last years of Theophilos).[2] Vlastimir united several Serbian tribes,[3] Emperor Theophilos (r. 829–842) probably granted the Serbs independence,[4] and they acknowledged nominal overlordship of the Emperor.[2] The annexation of western Macedonia by the Bulgars changed the political situation, Malamir or Presian may have seen a threat in the Serb consolidation, and opted to include them in their conquest of Slav lands.[2]

Khan Presian I of Bulgaria[5] (r. 836–852) invades Serbian territory between 839 and 842. The Bulgars may have been threatened by the Serbs, or, perhaps, the Byzantines wanted to divert Bulgarian attention so that they could cope with the Slavic uprising in the Peloponnese.[6] The invasion led to a 3-year war, from which Vlastimir emerged victorious;[7] the heavily defeated Khan Presian made no territorial gains, lost many of his men, and was driven out by Vlastimir's army.[6]

The war ended with the death of Theophilos in 842, which released Vlastimir from his obligations to the Byzantine Empire, but also gave the Bulgarians the opportunity to annex the areas of Ohrid, Bitola and Devol in 842–843.[6]

Vlastimir continued expanding to the west, taking southeast Bosnia and northeast Herzegovina (Hum).[7][8] In the meantime, Braničevo, Morava, Timok, Vardar and Podrimlje were occupied by the Bulgars.[9]

Life

[edit]

Vlastimir died sometime between 845 and 850[10] and his rule was divided among his three sons: Mutimir, Strojimir and Gojnik.[11] Although they ruled in an oligarchy, Mutimir had the supreme rule, and the two brothers acted as vassals to him.[12]

In 853 or 854, the Bulgar Army, led by Vladimir, the son of Boris I of Bulgaria, invaded Serbia in an attempt to exact vengeance for the previous defeat. The Serbian Army was led by Mutimir and his brothers, which defeated the Bulgars, capturing Vladimir and 12 boyars.[11] Boris I and Mutimir agreed to cease hostilities (and perhaps an alliance,[11] and Mutimir sent his sons Bran and Stefan to the border to escort the prisoners, where they exchanged items as a sign of peace. Boris gave them "rich gifts", while he was given "two slaves, two falcons, two dogs, and 80 furs".[13]

An internal conflict among the brothers resulted in Mutimir banishing the two younger brothers to the Bulgarian court.[11][14] He, however, kept the son of Gojnik, Petar, in his court for political reasons.[12] Petar soon fled to Croatia.[14] The reason for the feud is not known, although it is hypothesized that it was the result of treachery.[12]

The Saracens attacked Ragusa in 866.[15] The Ragusians asked Basil I for help, which he answered, sending a large fleet with his admiral Niketas Ooryphas.[15] The pagan Narentines sacked a ship with emissaries returning from Constantinople, which enraged Basil I, resulting in him sending a fleet and subsequently subduing them.[15] By 878, all of Dalmatia was under Byzantine rule (Theme of Dalmatia),[16] and most of the land was under the religious jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.[15]

Mutimir died in 891 and was succeeded by his eldest son, Pribislav.[11] Mutimir and his son Pribislav (as "Preuuisclavo") were apparently entered in the Cividale Gospels, which could indicate Serbian contacts with Aquileia.[17] Serbia's transition to Christianity would, therefore, coincide with similar initiatives by Rome in Moravia and Bosnia-Slavonia (as, incidentally, also in Bulgaria) and suggest a coordinated action in south-eastern Europe originating in Rome. [18]

Christianization

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The Serbs and Croats delegation to Byzantine Emperor Basil I

Early medieval Serbs are accounted as Christian by 870s,[19][20] with the Christianization of Southwestern Slavs beginning in the 7th century under influence of the Roman Church.[21][22][23]

According to 29th chapter of De Administrando Imperio and 54th chapter of Vita Basilii by Constantine VII, the Serbs and other Slavs became (re-)baptized by Constantinopolitan missionaries sent by Basil I.[24][20][25] The account is probably an invented narrative by Constantine VII to give credit to Basil I for Christianization which started in the 7th century amid ecclesiastical turmoil between Constantinople and Rome in the region,[26] or a misinterpretation based on the account in his father's Tactica about Basil I baptizing and graecizing the Slavs in Greece.[27] In the DAI chapters specifically about the Serbs and others, Basil I is not mentioned in any political or religious context of the Serbs and others.[28] The Christianization was only partly due to Byzantine and subsequent Bulgarian influence,[19] because Basil I's activity had in plan expansion on the already present Christian organization of the Roman Church in the region of former Praetorian prefecture of Illyricum (including Bulgaria) and getting control over the Serbs and others.[29][30][31][32] In the same century the region was also politically contested between Carolingian Empire and Byzantine Empire.[33] Basil I probably sent at least one embassy to Mutimir.[34]

"The priests there loose and wandering, coming from all sides, occupy some church services against canons, certainly commit many wicked acts against God's rules, for being acephali. That is why I warn you that you, following the customs of your ancestors, as much as you can try to get back to the Pannonian Diocese. And since there has just been ordained a bishop, thanks to God, by the See of the Blessed Apostle Peter, place yourself back under his pastoral care"

Pope John VIII letter to Mutimir, May 873.

Mutimir seemingly decided to maintain the communion of Church in Serbia with the Eastern Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople when Pope John VIII of Roman Church invited him to get back to the jurisdiction of the bishopric of Sirmium (see also Archbishopric of Moravia) in a letter dated to May 873.[35][36][37][38] Komatina considered that the pope wanted to strengthen the influence of Roman Church on the eastern part of Illyricum considering the borders from a distant past and not recent including Mutimir's actual ancestors.[39] The Serbs and Bulgarians subsequently adopted the Old Slavonic liturgy instead of the Greek.[1] During the rule of Kotsel of Pannonia (861–874), communications between Serbia and Great Moravia must have been possible.[19] There is a possibility that some Cyrillomethodian pupils reached Serbia in the 870s or 880s.[19][40] The lasting Christian identity is evident in the tradition of theophoric names in the next generation of Serb royalty: Petar Gojniković, Stefan Mutimirović and Pavle Branović. Petros and Stephanos are both characteristically Byzantine.[19]

Church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul in Ras dated to the 9-10th century.

Alexis P. Vlasto argued that the Eparchy of Ras was founded during Mutimir's rule, as a bishopric of Serbia, at Ras with the church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul,[41] as part of the general plan of establishing bishoprics in the Slav lands of the Empire, confirmed by the Council of Constantinople in 879–880,[41] most significantly related to the creation of the autonomous Archbishopric for Bulgaria of which Roman Church lost jurisdiction.[42][39] However, according to Predrag Komatina, there is no mention of any bishopric in Serbia. In early medieval Europe, the existence of a Christian church without a bishop in a specific land was not uncommon, and being placed under the Pannonian Bishop implies that there was no local Serbian bishop at the time.[43] Tibor Živković concluded, based on primary sources of the Church of Constantinople, that there was no information regarding the establishment of any new ecclesiastical center and organization in Serbia, that the Serbian ecclesiastical center and capital was at Destinikon, while Ras in the mid-9th century was only a border fort which became the ecclesiastical center of the bishopric by 1019-1020.[44] The imperial charter of Basil II from 1020 to the Archbishopric of Ohrid, in which the rights and jurisdictions were established, has the earliest mention of the Bishopric/Episcopy of Ras, stating it belonged to the Bulgarian autocephal church during the time of Peter I (927–969) and Samuel of Bulgaria (977–1014).[30][45] Sima Ćirković considered that it was founded by the Bulgarian emperor,[46] but it most likely represented the latest date in which it could have been integrated into the Bulgarian Church.[47] The episcopy probably was part of the Bulgarian metropolis of Morava, but certainly not of Durrës.[48] If it was on the Serbian territory, it seems that the Church in Serbia or part of the territory of Serbia became linked and influenced by the Bulgarian Church between 870 and 924.[49][50][51]

Legacy

[edit]

In the 1985 film "Boris I" (Борис Първи), about the life of Boris I of Bulgaria, the peace treaty between Mutimir and Boris I is featured.

Notes

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  1. ^
    Name: The first attestation of his name is the Greek Muntimiros (Μουντιμῆρος[52]), in Latin Montemero[53] in Serbian Mutimir. He was a descendant of Višeslavić, his father was Vlastimir, hence, according to the contemporary naming culture, his name was Mutimir Vlastimirović Višeslavić.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Madgearu, Alexandru (2008). The wars of the Balkan Peninsula: their medieval origins. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 0-8108-5846-0.
  2. ^ a b c d Bury, J. B. (2008). History of the Eastern Empire from the Fall of Irene to the Accession of Basil. Cosimo Inc. p. 372. ISBN 9781605204215.
  3. ^ L. Kovacevic & L. Jovanovic, Историја српскога народа, Belgrade, 1894, Book 2, p. 38—39
  4. ^ S. Stanojevic, Историја српскога народа, Belgrade, 1910, p. 46—47
  5. ^ Fine 1991, p. 108.
  6. ^ a b c Известия за българите, p. 42—43
  7. ^ a b Fine 1991, p. 110.
  8. ^ M. Th. Houtsma, E.J. Brill's first encyclopaedia of Islam 1913-1936 p. 199. ISBN 90-04-08265-4, ISBN 978-90-04-08265-6
  9. ^ Encyclopædia Britannica: a new survey of universal knowledge, Volume 20, p. 341: "the eastern provinces (Branichevo, Morava, Timok, Vardar, Podrimlye) were occupied by the Bulgars."
  10. ^ Steven Runciman, A history of the first Bulgarian empire, p. 93: "Vlastimer’s death (about 845-50)", Primary source: De Administrando Imperio, pp. 154—5
  11. ^ a b c d e Fine 1991, p. 141.
  12. ^ a b c Đekić, Đ. 2009, "Why did prince Mutimir keep Petar Gojnikovic?", Teme, vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 683-688. PDF
  13. ^ Moravcsik 1967, p. 152.
  14. ^ a b Ćirković 2004, p. 15.
  15. ^ a b c d Pokrštavanje Južnih Slovena
  16. ^ "Byzantium, Byzantine Italy and cities on the eastern coast of the Adriatic: The case of Kotor and Dubrovnik" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-17. Retrieved 2011-09-27.
  17. ^ (Eggers 1996, p. 51)
  18. ^ (Eggers 1996, p. 51)
  19. ^ a b c d e Vlasto 1970, p. 208.
  20. ^ a b Živković 2013a, pp. 35.
  21. ^ Živković 2013a, pp. 47.
  22. ^ Komatina 2015, pp. 713.
  23. ^ Komatina 2016, pp. 44–46, 73–74.
  24. ^ De Administrando Imperio, ch. 29 [Of Dalmatia and of the adjacent nations in it]: "...the majority of these Slavs [Serbs, Croats] were not even baptized, and remained unbaptized for long enough. But in the time of Basil, the Christ-loving emperor, they sent diplomatic agents, begging and praying him that those of them who were unbaptized might receive baptism and that they might be, as they had originally been, subject to the empire of the Romans; and that glorious emperor, of blessed memory, gave ear to them and sent out an imperial agent and priests with him and baptized all of them that were unbaptized of the aforesaid nations..."
  25. ^ Komatina 2016, pp. 45–46.
  26. ^ Živković 2013a, pp. 37–48.
  27. ^ Komatina 2015, pp. 712.
  28. ^ Živković 2013a, pp. 36.
  29. ^ Živković 2013a, pp. 46–48.
  30. ^ a b Komatina 2015, pp. 717.
  31. ^ Komatina 2016, pp. 47–50, 74.
  32. ^ Špehar 2010, pp. 203.
  33. ^ Živković 2013a, pp. 38.
  34. ^ Živković 2013a, pp. 46.
  35. ^ Vlasto 1970, pp. 67–70, 340, 377.
  36. ^ Živković 2013a, pp. 44–46.
  37. ^ Komatina 2015, pp. 713, 717.
  38. ^ Komatina 2016, pp. 73.
  39. ^ a b Komatina 2015, pp. 715.
  40. ^ Komatina 2015, pp. 718.
  41. ^ a b Vlasto 1970, p. 209.
  42. ^ Živković 2013a, pp. 45.
  43. ^ Komatina 2015, pp. 716.
  44. ^ Živković 2013a, pp. 48.
  45. ^ Komatina 2016, pp. 76, 89–90.
  46. ^ Ćirković 2004, pp. 20, 30.
  47. ^ Komatina 2016, pp. 76–77, 398.
  48. ^ Komatina 2016, pp. 75, 88–91.
  49. ^ Komatina 2015, pp. 717–718.
  50. ^ Komatina 2016, pp. 77, 91.
  51. ^ Špehar 2010, pp. 203, 216.
  52. ^ De Administrando Imperio, ch. 32
  53. ^ Živković 2013a, pp. 44.

Sources

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[edit]
Mutimir
Regnal titles
Preceded by Prince of Serbia
c. 850 – 891
Succeeded by