Baška tablet
Overview
The Baška tablet is a significant early medieval monument inscribed in the Glagolitic script. Discovered in 1851 in the Church of St. Lucy, Jurandvor near Baška on the island of Krk, Croatia, the tablet is a valuable artifact of the Croatian and Old Church Slavonic literature and culture.
Description
The Baška tablet is a large stone slab, measuring approximately 2 meters in length and 1 meter in width. It is made from a type of limestone common to the region. The tablet is inscribed with 13 lines of text in Glagolitic script, an ancient Slavic script that predates the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets. The script is arranged in two columns, with a cross and several decorative motifs interspersed throughout the text.
Historical Context
The Baška tablet was created during the 12th century, a period marked by the Christianization of the Slavic peoples and the spread of literacy in the Glagolitic script. The tablet is believed to have been commissioned by the Croatian nobleman, Zvonimir, who was the King of Croatia at the time. The inscription on the tablet commemorates the donation of land to the Church of St. Lucy by King Zvonimir.
Inscription
The inscription on the Baška tablet is written in a variant of Old Church Slavonic, known as Croatian Old Slavonic. The language is characterized by a mixture of Church Slavonic and vernacular elements, reflecting the linguistic situation in Croatia during the 12th century. The text of the inscription is a legal document, detailing the donation of land and privileges to the Church of St. Lucy by King Zvonimir. The inscription also mentions the names of several Croatian nobles and church officials, providing valuable insights into the political and social structure of medieval Croatia.
Significance
The Baška tablet is of great importance to the study of the Glagolitic script, the Croatian language, and the history of the Slavic peoples. It is one of the oldest and most complete inscriptions in the Glagolitic script, providing valuable insights into the development of the script and the language it represents. The tablet is also a significant historical document, shedding light on the political and social structure of medieval Croatia.
Preservation and Display
The Baška tablet is currently housed in the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Zagreb, Croatia. It is displayed in a specially designed case to protect it from environmental damage and to ensure its preservation for future generations. The tablet is a popular attraction for scholars and tourists alike, who are drawn to its historical significance and the beauty of its inscriptions.