Višeslav of Croatia

Višeslav was one of the first dukes (Croatian: knez) in Dalmatian Croatia.[1]

Višeslav
Duke
Baptismal font of Višeslav
Reignc. 785–c. 802
Predecessorunknown
SuccessorBorna
Diedc. 802
ReligionChristianity

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 the Pax Nicephori.

Map shows growth of Frankish power from 481–814, with Dalmatian Croatia on the right.

Višeslav left behind a baptismal font (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
unknown		 Duke
785–802		 Succeeded by
Borna

References
  1. Hrvatski leksikon (1996-1997) (in 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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