Saxons in medieval Serbia


Saxons, known as Sasi, migrated to medieval Serbia in the mid-13th century from Hungary. Serbia's mines were developed by the community.
The earliest mention of Saxons in Serbia is from 1253–54, which shows them as an established community. These Saxons, or Sasi, had settled the Kingdom of Serbia during the reign of Stefan Uroš I, from the Kingdom of Hungary. Under Stefan Uroš I, Serbia became a significant power in the Balkans, partly due to economic development through opening of mines. The mines were developed by the Sasi, who were experienced in the extracting of ore. Their settlements, located by the mines, had privileged status – they lived under their own laws and were allowed to adhere to Catholicism and build their churches.
Mines included Brskovo, Novo Brdo, and others.

Legacy

The villages of Šašare and Sase, Srebrenica, and the Saška reka was named after the community.