Katun (commune)

Medieval katun is neither a temporary or permanent summer "stan" or "bačija", in a modern sense of these words. The main occupation in the katun was always cattle breeding, almost exclusively sheep and to some extent goats, so the community used to be quite mobile. Earlier, nomadic pastoralism was characterized with the construction of temporary camps under tents. Erection of tents in the 14th and 15th centuries could be interpreted as the gradual expansion of katun (company or group) to new territories, or the first step towards building more permanent settlements (villages) in new territories. The shape and scope of the katuns varied, and their warrior companies were important. These companies used to serve under local Slavic noblemen, who bear titles of vojvodas, or dukes. They sometimes served under other militaries, such as the Venetians and the Ottomans. In the end, some groups (katuns) manage to capture larger territories, where there is a lack of influence of the old government and social relations. In the second half of the 14th and 15th centuries, these companies built permanent villages, outside or in the župas themselves. They inhabit the church estates and city districts and townships, which are already subordinated to city municipality or local lords. By settling themselves, these communes bring a certain element of self-governance, gather more scattered villages in their community, and other, usually smaller katuns join them, which were then called "municipalities". Such groups (municipalities, katuns) could encompass a large number of villages and hamlets, and numerous population.

The elder was chosen from a family that stood out for his wealth and war reputation, and oftentimes, but not always, he would be able to pass the seniority to his descendants. He would govern the community during a movement or war, and would maintain close relation with other elders and representatives of other families. As the katun grew and organizationally developed, warrior petty nobility multiplied. Family ties among the prominent individuals were important. The commander of the "warrior company" of the katun (municipality) was usually the katun chieftain , his son or one of his close relatives (fraternity).

• Illyrians

• Grupa autora (1970). Historija Crne Gore — II knjiga (II tom). Sima Cirkovic, Ivan Bozic, Dimitrije Bogdanovic, Vojislav Korać, Jovanka Maksimović, Pavle Mijović, and Vojislav Đurić. Podgorica: Editorial Board for the History of Montenegro.