UNIT 1 - Croatian cultural heritage Flashcards
History of Croatia
Where have the remains of Neanderthal prehistoric humans been found (Northern Croatia)?
In Hušnjakovo near Krapina.
What were the Neanderthals like?
They were more muscular than homo sapiens, better adapted to cold climate, good hunters, knew tools and fire and took care of the elderly and sick members of their group.
According to the admixture theory, what happened to the Neanderthals?
As Homo sapiens started to populate the Earth, they interbred with other species such as the Neanderthals. This is supported by DNA evidence stating that 1-4% of modern-day people in Europe and the Middle East carry Neanderthal genes.
Explain the replacement theory.
The replacement theory states that when Homo sapiens encountered Neanderthals their genetic differences were too big to produce viable offspring. Homo sapiens was a better hunter and the Neanderthals couldn’t compete, so their population declined either due to loss of food, or even because of genocide.
When did the Vučedol culture exist?
3000-2200 BC
Why was the Vučedol culture important?
It was one of the most advanced Bronze Age cultures in Europe.
What is the Vučedol culture famous for?
Sophisticated pottery (Vučedol Dove), ability to produce advanced metal tools and weapons. They may also have developed one of the earliest known European calendars, based on star observations (Vučedol vase).
What are some other cultures that existed at the same time as Vučedol?
Sumer (Mesopotamia), the Early Dynastic Period (Egypt) and the earliest settlements of Troy.
How many inhabitants did Bronze Age Vučedol have?
About 3000.
At its peak, how many modern European countries did the Vučedol culture cover (partially or completely)?
14 (Czechia, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, Greece)
In the Vučedol culture, who was in charge of the settlement?
The shaman-smith
What did the shaman-smith do?
He was in charge of coppersmithing; he had the knowledge of avoiding poisonous arsenic gas.
What were the physical consequences of coppersmithing for the shaman-smith?
Loss of body movement coordination (limping) and stronger sexual potency.
According to recent interpretations, which animal does the Vučedol Dove actually represent?
The partridge.
Why is the Vučedol Dove actually not a dove, but a partridge?
The male partridge was a symbol of fertility, with limping defensive behaviour when attacked by predators. This can be linked to the limping movements of the shaman-smith because of arsenic poisoning
What is the oldest continuously inhabited urban settlement in Europe?
Vinkovci
How long has Vinkovci been inhabited?
8300 years, since the Neolithic period.
Which star is the Vinkovci vase astral calendar based on?
The Orion cycle.
Which tribes arrived to these areas around 800 BC?
The Illyrians
Name 3 Illyrian tribes that lived in these areas.
Histri, Liburni, Delmatae.
What were the Illyrians famous for?
Their warrior culture, shipbuilding skills, resisting Romans.
What happened in 168 BC?
The Illyrians lost against the Romans in the Illyrian Wars, marking the beginning of Roman expansion in the area of modern-day Croatia.
How did the Romans divide this area?
Into two provinces, Pannonia and Dalmatia.
When did the Greeks establish colonies in Croatia?
In the 4th century BC.
What were the most important Greek colonies in Croatia?
Pharos (Stari Grad, Hvar), Tragurion (Trogir) and Issa (Vis).
What did the Greeks introduce to this area?
Urban planning and trade networks.
How long did the Romans rule this area?
From 9 AD – 476 AD, almost 500 years.
What was the capital of the province Dalmatia?
Salona (Solin)
What was the Via Flavia?
A road connecting Pula to Italy, important for trade and troop movements.
What did the Romans establish?
Major urban centres, road network, aqueducts, military camps.
When was the Pula Arena constructed?
In the 1st century AD
How many spectators could the Arena hold?
Up to 23 000 spectators.
When did the Croats arrive?
In the 7th century.
Who was the first Croatian king?
King Tomislav
How long was the Croatian Kingdom independent?
From 925 – 1102
What happened in 1102?
The Croatian Kingdom entered a personal union with Hungary under King Coloman.
Who ruled most of Croatia from the 14th – 17th century?
Hungary
When did the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) abolish slavery?
1416
What is the Antemurale Christianitatis (the Bulwark of Christianity)?
Croatia, because it was the last line of defence against the Ottomans.
When did the Habsburgs rule over Croatia?
18th-19th century
Who were the Grenzers?
Croatian soldiers
What year did Croatia sever ties with Austria-Hungary?
1918
What year did Croatia declare independence from Yugoslavia?
1991
When did Croatia join the EU?
In 2013.
How long was the Croatian War of Independence?
4 years, from 1991-1995.
When did Croatia join the Eurozone?
In 2023.
What is the current population size of Croatia?
3.8 million.
