Historian on Croatia's beginnings: 'Croats didn't arrive in large numbers,' and we know less about Tomislav than we think

Early medieval Croatian history is complex, with nuances often overlooked in popular understanding. Professor Neven Budak, a retired historian from the University of Zagreb, shared insights into the arrival and identity of Croats, challenging the notion of a massive, singular migration.

Budak explained that the period following the decline of the Roman Empire saw significant population shifts. While the Romanized population was substantial, it did not completely vanish. Changes in the demographic landscape became apparent towards the end of the 7th and into the 8th centuries. Crucially, the name 'Croat' first appears in written records only in the first half of the 9th century.

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As for the name 'Hrvat' itself, Budak points out that Croats called themselves that.

Contrary to the idea of a large-scale invasion, Budak described the Slavic settlement, including those who identified as Croats, as a gradual process. This migration originated from the Pannonian region, moving through Bosnia towards the Adriatic coast. During this slow expansion, Slavic settlers intermingled with the existing local populations. This process was largely non-violent, and the adoption of Christianity played a key role in assimilation, building upon the pre-existing Christianization of the ancient populace.

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The settlement of Slavs was not a one-time arrival of a large mass of people, but a long and gradual process of penetration from the Pannonian space across Bosnia towards the sea.

Regarding the name 'Hrvat,' Budak emphasized that it was a self-identifier. Evidence includes Trpimir's charter, which names him 'dux Croatorum' (Duke of Croats), and Branimir's stone inscription. Foreign sources, such as Venetian, Frankish, and Byzantine chronicles, initially referred to them broadly as Slavs. However, by the 9th century, as Croats emerged as a significant military force in the Adriatic and Balkans, their distinct name began appearing in international records.

Reconstructing this early history presents challenges. Budak noted that much of the 9th century must be inferred from just two surviving royal documents, like Trpimir's charter. Furthermore, while titles like 'knez' (prince) were used, the exact terms Croats used for their rulers in their native language remain unconfirmed in the available sources.

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Because foreign sources from Venice, Francia, and Byzantium long referred to them exclusively as Slavs, it can be concluded that Croats used their own name for themselves, while foreigners considered them merely Slavs.