Bobali


The Bobali or Babalio was a noble family of the Republic of Ragusa.

History

The family is considered to be one of those which founded the ancient community of Dubrovnik. The surname is attested in various forms in different places: Baebiblius nearby Salona, Babuleius, Babullia, Bobuli or Boboli in Italy. One of the etymologies proposed considers that all these surnames are derived from the early-medieval name Babilius or Babilonius. According to another ancient tradition the Bobali originated in Bosnia in the 10th century.
The Bobali gave the Republic a large number of politicians, scholars and writers. In the 14th century they had 124 senior civil servants in senate. Similarly, between 1440 and 1640 there were 64 Bobali in the Grand Council. In two hundred years, they had 59 senatorial positions, 66 members of the Minor Council, 23 Guardians of Justice and for 59 times a member of Bobali that became Rettore of the Republic.
The Bobali family became extinct in 1771 with the death of Frano Damjanov Bobali.

Notable people