Gubec

Gubec is a name most often associated with Matija Gubec, a 16th-century Croatian peasant leader who became a symbol of resistance in the Croatian-Slavonian Peasant Revolt of 1573. The revolt arose from widespread grievances against feudal oppression, heavy taxes, and compulsory labor obligations within the Habsburg lands on the border with the Ottoman Empire. Gubec emerged as a prominent organizer and figurehead for thousands of peasants from estates around Zagreb, Križevci, and surrounding counties.

The uprising was short-lived as noble and military forces loyal to the Habsburg authorities and local nobility defeated the peasants at the Battle of Stubica in 1573. Matija Gubec was captured and executed, along with several other leaders, marking the suppression of the revolt. The event had a lasting impact on Croatian memory and folklore.

Legacy and cultural significance: The story of Matija Gubec, often referred to in the traditional epic as Gubec Beg, became a central motif in Croatian literature, folklore, and art. It is depicted as an example of popular resistance to oppression and has been commemorated in songs, plays, and educational references. The name Gubec continues to be recognized in historical discussions of early modern peasant uprisings in the region.

See also: Matija Gubec, Gubec Beg, Croatian-Slavonian Peasant Revolt (1573), Battle of Stubica.