ABSTRACT
In spite of Dalmatia’s geographical proximity to Rome, its importance in ecclesiastical matters was determined by its special position as a buffer zone between the Latin and orthodox churches. Given Celestine III’s interest both as cardinal and pope in concerning himself with the frontier regions of Christendom it is by no means surprising that his pontificate was marked by efforts to confirm papal jurisdiction over this region. This chapter aims to provide an insight into the papal presence in Dalmatia during Celestine’s pontificate, to discern the issues with which he dealt, and what strategies he used: in other words, to undertake research into ‘everyday life in partibus’ at the end of the twelfth century.
