A contribution to the issue of the Byzantine legacy in the area of Lower Syrmia (Sirmia Citerior)

Abstract

Historiography has long debated the issue of the rule of a former Byzantine Empress Maria, Margaret Árpád and her sons over the area of Upper Syrmia (Sirmia Ulterior) - lands South of the river Sava, after Margaret’s return to Hungary (around 1222). This area is usually connected with Margaret’s dowry. It is also well known that Margaret received from her brother, Andrew II of Hungary, a significant number of properties in the South of Hungary. Among these were also the properties located in Lower Syrmia (Sirmia Citerior), where, at the time, the institution of the Duchy of Syrmia had already been established. The author of this paper explores the character of Margaret’s family’s rule in the area of South Hungary, specifically Lower Syrmia and the County of Kovin. Their rule in Lower Syrmia can be indirectly confirmed by means of comparative archontological data kept in Hungarian royal charters. It is acceptable to assume that the entire Duchy of Syrmia was, as a particular honor, in the possession of the family. The author believes that it is quite possible that the title Dominus Sirmii/Syrmie, which Margaret’s son John Angelos bore, referred not only to Upper, but also to Lower Syrmia.

Keywords

• Lower Syrmia (Sirmia Citerior)
• Margaret-Mary Árpád
• John Angelos
• Hungary
• the Byzantine legacy
• dominus Sirmii/Syrmie
• the Duchy of Srem
• Andrew II