Hence the Republic enjoyed overwhelming support among the population .
In contrast with the other two local superpowers which could have claimed the area , ( Venice and the Ottoman Empire ) , the serfs were acquainted with their local lords and could communicate with them in Croatian .
The Republic enjoyed overwhelming support among the population .
In contrast with the other two local superpowers which could have claimed the area , ( Venice and the Ottoman Empire ) , the serfs were acquainted with their local lords and could communicate with them in Croatian .