Methods of Written Communication in Medieval Serbia Based on the Life of Saint Sava Written by Domentian

Abstract

Communication is essential in all aspects of social life and one of the most important factors in the formation of states. Written communication skills reached the medieval Serbian state from the Eastern Roman Empire. However, only a few traces of written communication from the Middle Ages in Serbia have survived. The Life of Saint Sava written by Domentian is significant for researching medieval Serbian correspondence. This hagiography mentions correspondence approximately twenty times, and it consists of epistles, short messages or orders, and messages delivered orally by messengers. Furthermore, information about the people included in the correspondence, as well as the method by which letters were sent, is essential. The paper examines the methods of communication mentioned in this hagiography to show how correspondence was carried out in Serbia in the 13th century.