Montenegrin Monarchs
A history of Montenegrin monarchs.
Serbian and Ottoman Occupation
An eparchy (diocese) was founded in the župa of Zeta in 1219. The Serbian Empire established a patriarchate in Pec in 1346, through which this eparchy was raised to a metropolitanate.
In 1421, this region came under control of the Serbian Despotate. Amid rising Venetian influence of the Dalmatian coast, the eparchy was relocated to Cetinje.
In 1496, this region came uder control of the Ottomans. The region was reorganized into the sanjak of Montenegro.
The local population, incited by the bishopric, resisted the Ottomans. Metropolitan Danilo formed a de facto state and governed the region as a theocratic prince-bishop (Vladika or Wladika, владика). He established diplomatic ties with Venice and Russia for protection.
Principality and Kingdom of Montenegro
Petar II reformed the prince-bishopric and separated spiritual and secular powers. Danilo I was the first secular leader of the new principality of Montenegro.
The Treaty of Berlin recognized the independence of this principality. It was also then raised to a kingdom in 1910.
Following World War 1, but before the declaration of the Kingdom of Serba, Croats, and Slovenes, the Podgorica Assembly voted to join the Kingdom of Serbia.