Heretics, Pirates, and Legates

The Bosnian Heresy, the Hungarian Kingdom, and the Popes in the Early 13th Century

Abstract

The study examines a special aspect of the relations between the Papacy and the Hungarian Kingdom in the first half of the 13th century: the fight against the heretics of Bosnia, or the Bosnian Church. The question of this heresy is not investigated from a dogmatic, or a legal point of view; the analysis focuses on the measures taken by the Papacy and the Hungarian Kingdom. Pontifical legates were entrusted with tasks concerning heresy and piracy in Bosnia and Dalmatia since the very beginning of the century, while the Hungarian rulers and several prelates also took part in the struggle. My presentation starts with the investigation against Ban Kulin of Bosnia led by the papal chaplain John of Casamari, whereas among other topics the problem of the Dalmatian pirates, the Bosnian campaign of Duke Coloman of Slavonia and the integration of the diocese of Bosnia into the Hungarian Church are analysed too.