Relation to the Past in the Dynastic Ideology of Prince Miloš Obrenović (1815-1839/1858-1860)

Abstract

Throughout history, the relation towards the past was significant in the dynastic ideologies. One of the Serbian rulers of the modern period, Prince Miloš Obrenović (1815-1839/1858-1860), used the past as part of his state-building activities to emphasize his ruling legitimacy. He restored and donated medieval churches and monasteries, connecting himself with Medieval Serbian dynasties; financed research and collection of Serbian antiquities, emphasizing himself as a national and enlightened ruler; and he used “Serbian medieval costume” during official events and dynastic ephemeral spectacles to represent himself as national ruler