Historical Meaning of Textile Manufacture in the Old Dubrovnik

Abstract

The outstanding meaning of textile production in Dubrovnik could be recognized only when compared to seamanship of the same historical period. There were two distinctive men, deserving particular merit for the economic prosperity of the Republic of Dubrovnik. The best known of them was shipowner Miho Pracat (1607), while the other was Petar Pantela (1438) whose name was nearly forgotten. Petar established textile manufacture in the large extent. In the honor of Miho Pracat his monument was erected in the atrium of the Rector ‘s Palace. As a contrast to this, there is no monument for Petar Pantela, although it was many proposals for such of recognition. Nevertheless, in spite of the entire marble monument for Petar Pantela was never erected. Here are shortly presented merits of both distinctive men, one for development of draper ‘s trade and other in the field of seamanship.