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The Doclea's (Dukljanski) period, which dated from the IX to the end of the XII century, was probably the most prosperous one in the history of Montenegrins. With the rise of feudalism between VIII and IX centuries, which signified an end to blood related, tribal associations, the (Sklavinija) Doclea (Duklja) gradually became a Principality (Knezevina -Arhontija) in the second part of the IX century. The first known prince (knez-arhont) was Petar. In 1884 a lead stamp was found, on which was engraved in Greek "Petar prince of Doclea". In addition, it also was engraved with the Madonna with Christ, and the word "amin" after Petar's title and two crosses. This is a very important finding, since it confirms not only that Doclea (Duklja) was a principality (Byzantine vassal), but also that Petar was a christianized Slav prince. This implies that Docleans (Dukljani) were christened before the beginning of the Slavic mission of Cirilo and Metodije in the second part of the IX century (V.Nikcevic, Crnogorski jezik, 1993). Similarly, according to D. Zivkovic's findings (Istorija Crnogorskog Naroda, Cetinje, 1989), Doclea was christianized by the middle of the IX century and this period is characterized with the spreading of Latin literacy and culture.
In 1016, Doclea is ruled by the first known nominally independent prince Vladimir (son of Petrislav). From 1018-1043 the Principality of Doclea (Duklja) was ruled by Vladimir's nephew Stefan Vojislav who was a Byzantine vassal until 1041.
After defeating Macedonian rebels and regaining Drac, Byzantium, helped by prince of Zahumlje, head of tribal state Bosnia, and ban of Serbia, attacked Doclea (Duklju) in 1042/43 from all sides (J.Skilica).The attackers suffered heavy defeats (35 000) in Tudjemili, near Bar, and the Byzantium Czar was forced to recognize the Doclea's (Duklja) independence, and forge friendship and alliance with Mihailo, the son of Vojislav, giving him the title of ?(protospator)(J.Jovanovic, Stvaranje Crnogorske Drzave i Razvoj Crnogorske Nacionalnosti, Obod, Cetinje 1947, p. 11). Thus, victory of Prince Vojislav over Byzantium in Tudjemili near Bar in 1042/43 signified liberation from Byzant control, and he became sovereign of Doclea (Duklja) which is in Byzant sources called Zeta after this battle. Zeta, thus, was the first of the South Slav states to be recognized as a sovereignty by Byzantium and this began the thousand year history of the Montenegrin state. The sovereignty of Zeta encompassed Raska, Bosnia, Travunia (Travunija), and Zahumlje (Dragoje Zivkovic, Istorija crnogorskog naroda, Cetinje, 1989).
In 1016, Doclea is ruled by the first known nominally independent prince Vladimir (son of Petrislav). From 1018-1043 the Principality of Doclea (Duklja) was ruled by Vladimir's nephew Stefan Vojislav who was a Byzantine vassal until 1041.
After defeating Macedonian rebels and regaining Drac, Byzantium, helped by prince of Zahumlje, head of tribal state Bosnia, and ban of Serbia, attacked Doclea (Duklju) in 1042/43 from all sides (J.Skilica).The attackers suffered heavy defeats (35 000) in Tudjemili, near Bar, and the Byzantium Czar was forced to recognize the Doclea's (Duklja) independence, and forge friendship and alliance with Mihailo, the son of Vojislav, giving him the title of ?(protospator)(J.Jovanovic, Stvaranje Crnogorske Drzave i Razvoj Crnogorske Nacionalnosti, Obod, Cetinje 1947, p. 11). Thus, victory of Prince Vojislav over Byzantium in Tudjemili near Bar in 1042/43 signified liberation from Byzant control, and he became sovereign of Doclea (Duklja) which is in Byzant sources called Zeta after this battle. Zeta, thus, was the first of the South Slav states to be recognized as a sovereignty by Byzantium and this began the thousand year history of the Montenegrin state. The sovereignty of Zeta encompassed Raska, Bosnia, Travunia (Travunija), and Zahumlje (Dragoje Zivkovic, Istorija crnogorskog naroda, Cetinje, 1989).
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