The Mining Law of Despot Stefan

In the Middle Ages, the economic strength of a state was measured, among other things, by the amount of coined money it issued. It was of exceptional importance to rulers to ensure the undisturbed operation of the mines, since it was precisely the mines that were key to the production of money. Mints were most often located beside the mines, and so the lords of the lands took care that the miners had good working conditions. Miners' revolts were regarded as highly undesirable occurrences that could threaten economic stability.

From ancient times, and especially in the Middle Ages, mining played a central role in the economic life of every land. Coined money was closely bound up with the quantity of ore extracted from the earth and with the intensity of its exploitation and processing. Unlike the present day, when printed money is used, in the Middle Ages economic power depended directly on mineral wealth and on the capacity to extract and process minerals.

Medieval rulers, aware of the importance of mining, strove to provide stable and peaceful working conditions for miners, which was the basic precondition for the economic development of the state. The progress of a single mining center could significantly change the face of an entire region. Wherever mining was developed, there followed a vigorous growth of the road network, of trade and of crafts, and customs duties brought rulers a steady income. Such towns became dynamic commercial and economic centers, marked by rapid progress in various spheres of life.

In the first half of the 15th century the Serbian Despotate experienced significant economic progress, driven above all by the development of mining. By minting his own coinage, Despot Stefan Lazarević maintained firm internal authority and also regulated his relations with foreign powers. While old mines such as Rudnik, Trepča, Janjevo and Novo Brdo continued to operate, new workings were also opened, such as Crnča, Plana, Koporići and Srebrnica near Rudnik. This further spurred economic growth and strengthened mining activity.

Although throughout his life in turbulent times he was preoccupied with questions of survival and with warfare, Despot Stefan Lazarević directed his attention to the internal