Neretva pirates

The Neretva Pirates, who operated off the modern-day island of Korcula, hold a special place in the national folklore of Croatia, as they fought off marauding bands of Venetians, Genoese, Turkish and Arabian pirates. It has been suggested that the label of "pirates" was only applied by victorious Venetians following the Battle at Cape Mika.

History

Formed shortly after 980CE, and in to the 15th-century forefathers of Komin were a ruthless band of pirates who regularly stole out to sea from the sheltering reeds of the Delta to prey on Venetian merchant ships trading with the then Dubrovnik Republic.

In the 9th century, the pirates destroyed the fortified settlement of Sipar, six miles north of Umag.

The Pirates chose their hiding place and escape route well. The Neretva Delta, a dense maze of reed beds, provided ample shelter and cover for their escape. Their secret village was established far enough upriver to avoid capture, as their small boats, such as the lađa', could navigate the narrow and shallow waters without fear of pursuit. No bridges connected Komin to the mainland, and the village was (and remains) hidden from the open sea by the mountainous Pelješac Peninsula, which today gives access to the island of Korcula.

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