Travunija

Travunija was a medieval principality and later a Serbian principality located in the southeastern part of Herzegovina, roughly corresponding to the area of modern-day Trebinje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and extending into parts of Montenegro and Croatia. It emerged in the early Middle Ages as a Slavic tribal settlement that gradually developed into a more organized political entity.

Initially, Travunija was often a vassal or a closely allied territory to larger neighboring powers, including the Byzantine Empire, Bulgaria, and later the Serbian state. Its strategic location, bordering the Adriatic Sea and important trade routes, made it a significant region. The area was known for its fertile land and its role in regional commerce.

During the 10th and 11th centuries, Travunija was frequently contested by various powers. It eventually became an integral part of the medieval Serbian state under rulers like Časlav Klonimirović and later the Nemanjić dynasty. Under Serbian rule, it experienced periods of relative prosperity and stability, contributing to the economic and political landscape of the medieval Serbian kingdom and empire.

The principality's history is closely linked with the development of the Orthodox Church in the region, with several important monasteries and churches established during this period. As larger empires and states rose and fell, the borders and the specific political status of Travunija evolved, but its cultural and historical significance remained. The name "Travunija" itself is believed to derive from the ancient Illyrian settlement of Tribunia.