ФИЗИЧКА ГЕОГРАФИЈА У ЖИТИЈУ ДЕСПОТА СТЕФАНА КОНСТАНТИНА ФИЛОЗОФА
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY IN THE LIFE OF DESPOT STEFAN BY CONSTANTINE THE PHILOSOPHER

Summary/Abstract: Constantine the Philosopher wrote the Life of Despot Stefan in the middle of the first half of the 15th century and introduced a large number of data not so characteristic of the genre of hagiography. This paper analyzes the data that speaks about physical geography, i.e. different geographical objects, atmospheric conditions, and climate. The mountains are found as geographical objects with military-strategic and military-tactical significance. Together with the cities, they protect the country, serve as a landmark for the movement of armies (Čemernik, Skopska Crna Gora), they are part of the terrain where battles are fought and space for hiding bandits. Rivers protect cities (Danube, Sava), and water near the cities is a prerequisite for their safety. The rivers prevent the meeting of the allied armies (Maritsa), and the army crosses them during the campaign, thus gaining an advantage over the opponent who doesn’t expect the attack (Drina). In addition, rivers are depicted as a place to enjoy natural landscapes (Danube, Sava). Atmospheric conditions also affect military conditions. Rain raises the level of the river, which prevents the movement of armies, and snow and cold weather could lead to the failure of the military campaign. There was still a tendency to wage war during the summer, but the Turks also practiced warfare during the winter months.

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