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House of Balšić 

House of Balšić
of Zeta
Image:Grb_balsici.jpg
Country Zeta
Titles Lord (Montenegrin: Господар)
Founder Balša I
Founding year 1356
Ethnicity Montenegrin

Realm of Zeta of the House of Balšić in the 14th century
Realm of Zeta of the House of Balšić in the 14th century

The House of Balšić was a medieval montenegrin dynasty that ruled Zeta (today Montenegro). It lasted from 1356 until 1435, when it was succeeded by the House of Crnojević.

Contents

Origins

Although the Balšić family was Montenegrin, it is certain that it was of non-Slavic origin. The basis of their surname - "Balsha" - is Romanic and it is thus suggested that they descend from Montenegrnized Vlachs of old that served as warriors - proniars - and could thus easily climb the ladder of nobility in the Montenegrin society even to the top.

Some historians argue that the family is of Gothic origins. One theory is that the family is originally from Provence, France. Their last name might have been originally de Baux (aliter de Baulx, de Bauge). Arguably, they came from France to Zeta at the end of the 13th century (in 1272 - 1280) or possibly in the end of the 14 th century. Queen Jelena of Anjou, widow of King Uroš I of Serbia was of French noble lineage, so she decided to help the Balšić family and give them lands and titles in a part of Diocleia. [1] The name Balšić would have come from the Neapolitan form of the de Baux surname, which is del Balzo.

Heads of the House and Rulers of Zeta

There were 5 rulers of the dynasty:

Family Tree

Sources and References

  1. ^ Montenegrina - Grbovi Crne Gore

Istorijski Leksion Crne Gore Book One: A-Crn, Balšići ISBN 86-7706-165-7
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