Based mostly on original archive materials (in the Historical Archives and Science Library, both of Zadar) the author describes feudal estates (private, ecclesiastical, secular) which existed in the mainland region of Zadar during 15th century, but which have up to date received no attention by our scholars. Especial mention is made of the newly established military fees whose feudatories were mostly natives, but occasionally also foreigners. Their vassal duties and privileges were defined precisely, and they were lords of the fees granted to them. Infeudati on and investiture were performed — not only in the district of Zadar but also in the districts or castellanc'ies of Vrana and Novigrad — by the prince of Zadar, on behalf of Venetian sovereign rule. He also acted as arbiter in disputes arising between feudatories. The feudal estates in the region in their various forms further developed in 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries and, in the opinion of the author, our historical science should study this phenomenon of the Zadar region (both mainland and islands) in as great detail as possible.
