Ivan the Black sets fire to Zhabliak, 1484 (litho)

Ivan the Black sets fire to Zhabliak, 1484. Ivan the Black, one of the greatest heroes in the history of Montenegro, reigned between 1465 and 1490. He fought in many campaigns against the Turks, who were then conquering the Christian states of the Balkan Peninsula. Seeing that he could not defend Zhabliak, his capital, Ivan took the bold decision of burning it in 1484. He retired with his people to the mountain fastnesses of his country, and fixed his new capital at Cettinge, which became the stronghold of the Montenegrins during their long resistance against Turkish domination. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.