Kresimir III (c.1000 - c.1030) Gojslav (c.1000 - c.1020)
Kresimir III and Gojslav ruled Croatia jointly after their brother Svetoslav, was dethroned. The Kingdom was in a dire state having endured nearly two years of brutal attacks from Bulgarians and the loss of part of its coastline to the Venetians.
Fortunately for Kresimir III and Gojslav, Croats living in the occupied towns rebuked Venice's authority and the Doge's influence soon eroded. By the 1020s, Venice's sway was ineffective. Shortly thereafter a long period of economic prosperity began in Croatia due partly to the ruling brothers' leadership and due partly to external developments in Europe. Foreign and domestic trade expanded rapidly, which is evidenced by the large amount of gold and silver from this period discovered by archaeologists. Major towns and cities experienced renewed growth at this time also.
Around 1020 construction began on the Abbey of Sv. Stjepan pod Borovima (St. Stephen under the Pines) near Split. In 1022 a bishopric was founded in Trebinje. In 1024 a bishopric was founded in Knin and St. Benedict's Monastery was founded on the island of Lokrum near Dubrovnik (under the Archiepiscopal Seat of Dubrovnik).
Kresimir's and Gojslav's nephew, Stjepan I (son of Svetoslav) succeeded the ruling brothers although it is not certain which year this occurred. Some historians believe it was c.1030. Others believe he ruled jointly with Kresimir III for a short period beforehand.
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