Naslov

Workshop leader: Ante Skelin (ISHA Zadar)

Contact info: ante.skelin1648@gmail.com

From Antiquity to modern time, Adriatic region has always been a place of intersection
between various nations and civilizations. Trade was the instrument which brought them
together and helped them communicate and understand each other's cultures in a better way.
On the other hand, trade (especially smuggling) in the circumstances of war between different
nations and civilizations on Adriatic, was often the case.

Various roads and paths connected Adriatic part of Mediterranean with other European
territories and civilizations. One of the earliest examples is Via Egnatia. It dates to 2nd
century BC and connects Adriatic Sea with the city of Byzantium and eastern parts of Europe.
The role of Venice, strong maritime Republic which emerged on northern Adriatic in early
Middle Ages, should also be emphasized. As one of leading powers in trading, Venice was
active on the whole of Mediterranean. Its strong economical expansion helped to increase
importance of Adriatic trade routes and to attract merchants around Europe. Furthermore,
many cities on eastern Adriatic were also important trade centers, particularly Dubrovnik. The
city was a mediator between Balkans and Western Europe. Ships from Dubrovnik transported
various goods from Adriatic hinterland to many ports on Mediterranean, especially those in
Spain.

Arrival of the Ottomans marked the beginning of a new area. Completely different and
foreign civilization conquered Christian territories and came on the shores of Adriatic making
it a border area between Muslim and Christian civilizations. Venice and Ottomans soon
entered in a series of clashes which will last for 300 years. In times between wars, trade was
flourishing and Venice exported many goods from Ottoman Empire to entire Europe. Together
with economical products, many elements of Ottoman culture also spread. In 19th century
after the Adriatic Sea was connected by rail with Vienna and Budapest, northern Adriatic
cities of Trieste and Fiume became important trading points. Austrian, Hungarian, Czech and
other merchants were coming to Adriatic, bringing manufactured products. With the help of
Austrian Lloyd, they transported goods to various parts of world.

Participants will hold 15 minute long presentations, followed by a round table discussion to
summarize the topic. If they are interested in workshop but don't know the exact topic to
present, they can contact the workshop leader. Topic, alongside literature on English, will be
given to them.

Workshop is open to interdisciplinarity and all questions relating to the topic from every
historical period are more than welcome.