Some towns are not fortunate enough to last millennia like Zadar. One of them is Vrana, once a lively medieval town on the northern shore of Vrana Lake. In the past, Vrana was an important cultural, agricultural and trading centre. To give you a glimpse into the daily life of medieval Vrana, we will take a look at a historical gem – the Vrana Code (Vranski zakonik) of 1454. This code, consisting of 38 articles, is a collection of customary law intended for the broader Vrana area. We will explore the daily life of our ancestors, starting with agriculture, which has been a staple of this region to this day.
In the Middle Ages, Vrana was a significant agrarian community governed by Venetian authorities, who decided to compile and affirm local customs in the form of a legal code. This was motivated by the need to regulate relations between the nobility and peasants (serfs), aiming to maintain stability and ensure rights were respected in this town and its environs. Available data on the Vrana Code and life in Vrana during the 15th century reveal many intriguing details about daily life, especially in terms of agriculture and trade. Olive farming was among the most important agricultural activities in the region. Every serf was obligated to plant olives (one hundred trees within four years), or was otherwise imposed taxes. This ensured the continuity of oil production, as oil was a key commodity and important source of income. Vrana also had an olive oil mill. Other fruits besides olives were also grown. The Code mentions “fruit-bearing trees”, whose fruits serfs were allowed to sell or leave as inheritance. Viticulture also played a vital role, and strict penalties were imposed for theft or damage to vineyards and gardens. Wine was sold in barrels and in retail in taverns, with retail sales being specifically regulated by the Code. Wheat, barley and other grains were cultivated for the production of bread, a staple of the diet. Proximity to Vrana Lake provided easy access to fish, and fishing and bird hunting on the lake were strictly regulated by the Code. Special permits from tax officials were required for hunting and fishing. Vrana had slaughterhouses where livestock from surrounding areas was brought for slaughter. Leather obtained from livestock was sold, most likely in Zadar and surrounding areas. There was also organised transport of goods, with a fee charged – one soldo for each cart transported.
Every year, Vrana hosted a fair (fiera) where local products were sold. The fair lasted for 16 days, beginning 8 days before the feast of St Gregory and continuing for 8 days after. All residents of the Vrana area were exempt from taxes, while residents of other cities had to pay a tax of five percent of the value for each purchased or sold item at the fair.
Serfs are permitted to sell, donate, or retain for their own use any vineyards, olive trees, and other fruit trees they have cultivated, based on their individual circumstances. However, it is required that each serf plants one hundred olive saplings within a four-year period; failure to do so will result in the loss of the privileges outlined in this provision. Additionally, serfs must notify the tax collector in writing upon the settlement of their debts.
From the above, we may conclude that the provisions of the Vrana Code testify to the importance of preserving local resources and economic structures of the time. The Code ensured a balance between production, property protection, and the preservation of the common good. If you visit Vrana, you can explore Vrana Lake, fertile fields and waterways that tell the tale of centuries-long harmony between nature and people.
