22 THE REPUBLIC OF RAGUSA increasing. At that time, with a world of barbarism all round, with everlasting wars between the various Slavonic tribes of the interior, there was indeed an opening for such a haven of refuge as this city offered. We can picture it to ourselves as a small settlement where all that was civilised in Southern Dalmatia con­ gregated— the scattered Latins from ruined townships and the more progressive Slaves. It was a beacon in the darkness, a spot where the peaceful and the indus­ trious might pursue their avocations in safety. O f the internal constitution of the community in these early days, of its laws and customs, we have the meagrest information. The only account of them which we possess is that given in the Anonymous Chronicle, a not very reliable document of a much later date than the events recorded. The chief passage on the subject is as follow s:— “ In Ragusa a division of all the people was made. Those who were the richest were (appointed) chiefs and governors. Each family had its own saint, some San Sergio, some this saint, some that. And when men had come from Lower Vulasi (Wallachia),1 a division of the citizens was made, each class for itself. Many Wallachians were rich in possessions— gold, silver, cattle, and other things: among them were many Chatunari, each of whom considered himself a count, and had supremacy. There was a Byzantine and a Frankish faction. See T. Hodgkin’s -‘ Italy and her Invaders,” viii. p. 231 ; also H. Brown’s “ Venice.” 1 The passage reads “ de ogni Vulasi,” from every Vulasi, but the emendation “ de donji Vulasi,” from Lower Vulasi or Wallachia (donji is Slavonic for lower), is suggested..