Thomas the Archdeacon
Medieval cleric and chronicler from Split.
Thomas the Archdeacon, also known as Thomas of Spalato, was a 13th-century Roman Catholic cleric and historian from Split. He is regarded as a major source for the historiography of Croatian lands through his chronicle.
Quick Facts
- Occupation
- Roman Catholic cleric
- historian
- chronicler
- Notable work
- Historia Salonitana
- Burial place
- Church of St. Francis, Split
Facts from the source article.
Life
Details of Thomas's life derive from his own work, Historia Salonitana, where he writes of himself in the third person. He was born in Split early in the 13th century; his social background is unknown, though he represented the elite Roman culture predating Slavic migration and held a negative view of Slavs, sometimes conflating them with Goths. In Bologna he saw Saint Francis of Assisi, an event he recorded. In 1243 canons elected him archbishop of Split, but commoners rebelled due to his views on church autonomy; fearing for his life, he declined the position and resigned.
Views
Thomas strongly supported the medieval commune movement in Split. He wrote with animosity about Croatian nobles and Hungarian kings in the hinterland who threatened the city's autonomy, but treated fairly those who respected it. He also advocated church autonomy within the city, opposing commoner interference in church matters such as archbishop elections.
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