Omiš Pirates
Pirate Attacks and Events Timeline (1145–1331)
For over 300 years, the Kačić princes turned this small Croatian town into the Mediterranean’s most feared pirate republic. So powerful that Venice paid them tribute, Dubrovnik begged for safe passage, and two Popes launched Crusades against them.
Their secret weapon? “Sagittae” ships – revolutionary vessels that could vanish up the Cetina River faster than any enemy could follow. When surrounded by the entire Venetian Empire in 1420, they held out alone for 24 years.
Every summer, spectacular pirate battles fill Omiš harbor with replica ships and authentic medieval combat, honoring the legendary warriors who made this town the terror of the Adriatic.
The spirit of the Kačić pirates lives on.
Povalja, Island Brač
Omiš pirates destroy the Benedictine monastery built between the late 9th and early 10th centuries.
1145.
Kotor
Prince Nikola Kačić signs a peace treaty with the merchants of Kotor. The treaty is soon broken.
1167.
Dubrava, near Omiš
Arnir, the Archbishop of Split, is stoned in the village of Dubrava near Omiš.
1180.
Dubrovnik
The Kačić family signs a new agreement with Dubrovnik. This treaty is also soon broken.
1190.
Komiža, Island Vis
Komiža, Island of Vis - the Benedictines move the St. Nicholas monastery from Komiža to Biševo due to fear of Omiš pirate attacks.
1200.
Venice
Venice signs a treaty with the Omiš pirates, agreeing to pay tribute in exchange for securing free passage and trade.
1208.
Palestine
The Omiš pirates attack papal Crusaders on their way to Palestine.
1220.
First Crusade
Pope Honorius III initiates a Crusade against the Omiš pirates. The Omiš pirates win the war.
1221.
Split
Prince Toljen Kačić plunders the surroundings of Split.
1226.
Second Crusade
Pope Honorius III launches another Crusade against the Omiš pirates. The Omiš pirates lose the war, but piracy continues.
1228.
Split, Island Brač
Split, Island of Brač - the Omiš pirates destroy the Church of St. Mary.
1228.
Union
Venice and Dubrovnik join forces against the Omiš pirates.
1236.
Island Šolta
Island of Šolta - the island's churches and settlements are severely damaged in an attack by Prince Osor Kačić and his pirates.
1241.
Cephalonia
The Omiš pirates plunder the Bishop of Cephalonia.
1273.
Nerežišća, Island Brač
Nerežišća, Island of Brač - the Omiš pirates attack the town and burn the archival records of the entire island of Brač.
1277.
Invasion
The Omiš pirates seize the entire island of Brač.
1278.
Sućuraj, Island Hvar
Sućuraj, Island of Hvar - the Omiš pirates burn the monastery of the Augustinian hermits.
1280.
Povalja, Island Brač
Povlja, Island of Brač - the Omiš pirates raid the monastery in Povlja again.
1294.
Island Hvar
Island of Hvar - after several centuries of being ruled by Venice, Byzantium, and the Croatian-Hungarian kings, the people of Hvar submit to Venice for protection against the infamous Omiš pirates.
1331.