Finally the summer is here, and you're wondering where you should spend your vacation? I have an idea for you, for start...keep reading

As my title says, my hometown is Dubrovnik, Croatia, also known as the pearl of Adriatic, a town-monument under the UNESCO. With its amazing history as The Republic of Ragusa, also known as Maritime Republic, it was an only eastern Adriatic city-state to rival Venice. Today, according to CNN, Dubrovnik is among the 10 best medieval walled cities in the world, also with its luxury hotels, resorts and amazing golf club its definitely one of the must-see cities in the world.

But the interesting part of this city is its rich history and knowledge, not only the beauty, similar as Miss Ducascopy should be

Dubrovnik, or Ragusium (latin), was founded cca in 7th century.It was established by Greek sailors, as one of the theories says. New findings, including a chapel and part of the city walls, were dated to the 5th century, clashing with earlier theories. The Greek theory was boosted with recent findings of numerous Greek artifacts during excavations in the Port of Dubrovnik. During these early years, before becoming of the republic, Ragusa had a lot of issues with their neighbours, especially with Venice. The citizens of the city attributed this to Saint Blaise, whom they adopted as the patron saint, and its celebrated till today. Through the centuries, Ragusa became known as a home of good sailors and excellent diplomats, and cuz of that it grew larger and larger becoming a great Republic.

The Republic existed from 1358 to 1808. It reached its peak in 15th and 16th century under the protection of Ottoman Empire. Its moto was in latin Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro- meaning: Liberty is not sold for all the gold in te world.

The Republican Constitution of Ragusa was strictly aristocratic. The population was divided into three classes: nobility citizens, and artisans or plebeians. All effective power was concentrated in the hands of aristocracy. The citizens were permitted to hold only minor offices, while plebeians had no voice in government. Marriage between members of different classes of the society was forbidden.

The organization of the government was based on the Venetian model: the administrative bodies were the Grand Council (supreme governing body) and the Small Council (executive power) (from 1238) and the Senate (from 1253). The head of the state was the Rector elected for a term of office for one month. In that way the citizens tried to stop crime and corruption.

The Republic was crushed with Napoleon's tricky entrace into the city walls. After that, Dubrovnik became a part of Habsburg Monarchy.

Except the beautiful walls, churches, houses, villas and ports, Ragusa has left us something more valuable. The history we could all be proud of, and many influential intellectuals whose works we can still read and be recognized in the world of literature.

Hope you enjoyed my flash of history, and that it wasn't too much

if you liked it, please free to comment or ask me questions!

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