Prince and despot Stefan Lazarevic and monastery of Great Lavra of Saint Athanasius on Mount Athos

A notable historical and economic insight emerges from the study of Great Lavra of Saint Athanasius on Mount Athos, revealing its significant role as a beneficiary of Serbian rulers' patronage. The research demonstrates that the monastery's properties were acquired through charters issued by the Lazarevic dynasty between 1394/1395 and 1427, reflecting the piety and tradition of the royal family while also responding to geopolitical pressures, particularly from Ottoman threats. These charters granted villages and revenue sources such as transit customs, illustrating a strategic blend of religious devotion and practical governance. The study highlights how these estates were conditionally privileged or revoked based on the security situation, underscoring the interplay between monastic wealth accumulation and political necessity during this period.

Glusac, Jеlena. (2015). Prince and despot Stefan Lazarevic and monastery of Great Lavra of Saint Athanasius on Mount Athos. Proceedings for Social Sciences Matica Srpska, (153), 739–746. https://doi.org/10.2298/zmsdn1553739g