Radič Crnojević

Who was Radič Crnojević?

Radič Crnojević "Lord of the Zeta and Budva and the other parts of Serbia", was a Serbian lord of the Đurašević-Crnojević clan who maintained a domain in Upper Zeta. Radič later expanded his domain to parts of Lower Zeta, including Grbalj, Paštrovići and Budva. Radič was a son of Crnoje Đurašević.

Radič had rebelled the rule of the Balšićs in Zeta. Radič frequently jeopardized the City of Kotor, maintaining bad relations with them. Radič also had maintained close relations with the Republic of Ragusa and was granted Venetian citizenry on 30 November 1392

The Zetan lord, Đurađ II, had problems that arose due to Zetan battles involving the Turks which Radič used to become independent of the Zetan lord. In late 1392, Đurađ II kidnapped the sanjak-bey of Skopje. Radič, with the help of his brothers Stefan and Dobrivoje, used this event to take control of Budva, as well as Saint Michael's Metohija, in 1392 from the Balšićs, thus becoming the Master of Budva. Radič ruled Budva till his death in 1396.

Radič also led an expedition in Lezhë, seizing it from the Dukagjini's, expelling them in the process. However, Radič's reign was very temporary as the Dukagjinis retook Lezhë in early 1393.