BUNE, VICE Admiral-Diplomat Viceroy

It was the era of Dubrovnik's greatest prosperity, when this tiny republic on the eastern Adriatic coast equalled Venice, its secular opponent, in the number of owned ships, In the XV11th century, however, there was a sharp decline. It is in this period of time, and to some extent also earlier, that we find many seaman of Dubrovnik serving on ships of different Mediterranean states. They distinguished themselves especially in Spain, commanding different Spanish vessels, some of them in rank of admirals or high state officials. Vice Bune was in Spanish service during the reigns of Pilip 11 and III. It seems even that he was performing the duty of Viceroy in Mexico, for a certain period. On his return to Spain, the ship commanded by him was attacked by two pirate vessels. In the ensuing battle both pirate vessels were defeated and Vice Bune was received in Spain with great honors. He never forgot his native country, the Republic of Dubrovnik, for which he fought fierce battles on the diplomatic field, accomplishing with success various diplomatic and consular missions at the courts of Madrid, Naples and Milan. For his distinguished service he was appointed Dubrovnik's consul in Naples, invested with a gold medal, authorizing him to the title of Commander (Commendatore). As a representative of the Republic of Dubrovnik he dealt with all the political-diplomatic, commercial and administrative matters. He took special care about the existent agreements of Dubrovnik with the government's of Sicily and Naples to see them respected. Vice Bune successfuly settled another very important diplomatic mission in the dispute of Dubrovnik with Venice after the Venetian ocupation of the Dubrovnik's island of Lastovo (Lagosta). Very important and precious was his assistance given in every ocasion to all seamen of Dubrovnik trading with the South Italian and Sicilian ports. Vice Bune died at Naples on November 12, 1612, aged 53. According to his last will his remains were taken to his native island Lopud and buried there.

(This article is based mainly on unpublished documents).

Luetic, Jozo