Demetrius Zvonimir | |
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![]() 11th century depiction of a king, suggested to be Peter Krešimir IV or Demetrius Zvonimir[1] | |
King of Croatia and Dalmatia | |
Reign | 1075/1076–1089 |
Coronation | 8/9 October 1075/1076 |
Predecessor | Peter Krešimir IV |
Successor | Stephen II |
Died | 1089[2] Knin, Croatia |
Burial | Church of St. Bartholomew, Knin, Croatia |
Spouse | Helen of Hungary |
Issue | Radovan Claudia Vinica |
House | Trpimirović |
Religion | Catholicism |
Demetrius Zvonimir (Croatian: Dmitar Zvonimir, pronounced [dmîtar zʋônimiːr]; died 1089) was a King of Croatia and Dalmatia from 1075 or 1076 until his death in 1089. Zvonimir also served as Ban of Croatia (1064–1074), and was named Duke of Croatia in around 1075. His native name was Zvonimir, but adopted the forename Demetrius at his coronation.
He first served as ban in the service of King Peter Krešimir IV. Afterwards, Peter Krešimir IV appointed him duke and declared him as his heir. In 1075 or 1076, Demetrius Zvonimir succeeded to the Croatian throne through papal diplomacy. His reign is characterized as relatively peaceful, with no extensive war campaigns, focused instead on Croatia's economic and cultural development. He inherited the Croatian state at its height and ruled from the city of Knin. Medieval legends allege his assassination, but his death and succession are subjects of controversy in historiography. His reign was followed by a period of anarchy, which ended with the ascension of the Hungarian Árpád dynasty and the creation of a union with Hungary.