Исторически преглед

Издание на Института за исторически изследвания при БАН

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И.Ист.И.

On the Fate of a Trading Company Reflected in the Testaments of Ragusan Merchants from the 1490s

За съдбата на една търговска компания, отразена в завещанията на дубровничани от 90-те години на ХV век

Исторически преглед, 81 (2025) No. 1, pp. 107-121 (ISSN 0323-9748)
DOI:

Elena Kostova / Елена Костова

Institute for Historical Studies, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Abstract: The commercial activities conducted by merchants from Ragusa within the Balkan Peninsula during the Middle Ages are a key topic of interest for researchers. The testaments of Ragusan merchants who passed away within the Bulgarian lands in the 15th century have become invaluable historical sources, as they contain rich information about the economic history of the region. Simultaneously, these documents reflect the inner world of the medieval individual, concerned with the salvation of their soul and the desire to secure the well-being and material prosperity of their family and close ones.

Additionally, the clauses in these testaments shed light on the fate of trading companies established by representatives of the Adriatic Republic in the Bulgarian lands. This article examines the history of one such trading company, founded by Dubrovnik merchants and operating in Bulgarian territories during the 1490s. It explores the redistribution of capital following the death of partners within the company. The study concludes that, through their final wills, the representatives of the Adriatic Republic meticulously regulated credit and debt relations, aiming to resolve financial matters fairly among members of their company, who were often close relatives.

Keywords: Dubrovnik State Archive, Dubrovnik (Ragusa), Bulgarian lands, 15th century, testaments, trading company, credit-debt relations, inheritance.