Mate Božić


Mate Božić is a Croatian historian, writer and author.

Biography

Mate Božić was born in Split where he attended Classical Gymnasium before graduating from the University of Split's Faculty of Humanities with a degree in history and philosophy. During his undergraduate studies he was one of the founders of the student historical society "Toma Arhiđakon" and is engaged as its current liquidator, student history journal "Pleter" and theological-philosophical journal "Odraz". He is member of the Croatian Heraldic and Vexillological Association, Croatian Philosophical Society, as well as the coordinator of "Regnum Croatorum" project, "" and "Mala škola filozofije".
Being a reputable expert on Croatian heraldry Božić's principal scientific focus is the study of Croatian heraldic theory and practice, as well as historical-philosophical subjects of the Croatian early Middle Ages. Serving as a herald of the Historical unit ''Kliški uskoci'' he additionally contributed to the foundation of the historical early medieval reenactment group "Praetoriani Croatorum". He shares and popularizes his findings through "GottschTalk" blog postings and as a columnist through a series of essays published by Split, Kaštela and Solin web portals, where he lives and works.

Symbolism of the Croatian Coat of Arms

One of historian Božić's most significant scientific contributions lies in his research on the Croatian coat of arms. He contends that the emblem symbolizes a fortress rather than simply a checkboard pattern, framing it as a representation of Croatia as a "bulwark of Christianity" in the context of historical conflicts with the Ottoman Empire. His presentation and writings emphasize that this coat of arms has deep-rooted significance that aligns with the country's historical struggles and identity.
Božić's theories gained acknowledgment through the recent declaration by the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, which recognized the legitimacy of various forms of the Croatian coat of arms, irrespective of color variations. His participation in discussions surrounding this declaration underscores his role in shaping contemporary understandings of Croatian heraldry and identity.

Selected publications

  • – Božić, Mate. "Udruga studenata povijesti 'Toma Arhiđakon'" // Spalatumque dedit ortum: zbornik povodom desete godišnjice Odsjeka za povijest Filozofskog fakulteta u Splitu = Collected papers on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Department of History, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Split / I. Basić, M. Rimac Split: Odsjek za povijest Filozofskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Splitu 2014; str.77–85 https://www.croris.hr/crosbi/publikacija/prilog-knjiga/68896
  • – Božić, Mate. "Bitka kod Siska 1593. godine" // Pleter, 1 1; str. 177–192 https://www.croris.hr/crosbi/publikacija/prilog-casopis/291543
  • – Božić, Mate; Ćosić, Stjepan. "Nastanak hrvatskih grbova: Podrijetlo, povijest i simbolika od 13. do 16. stoljeća" // Gordogan, 35–36 ; 22 – 68 https://www.croris.hr/crosbi/publikacija/prilog-casopis/291537
  • – Božić, Mate. "'HRVAT' I 'HRVATI' – OD TOPONIMA DO ETNONIMA" // Pleter, 3 3; str. 135–176 https://www.croris.hr/crosbi/publikacija/prilog-casopis/291541
  • – Božić, Mate; Ćosić, Stjepan. HRVATSKI GRBOVI geneza – simbolika – povijest. Zagreb, Hrvatska sveučilišna naklada, Filozofski fakultet sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Institut društvenih znanosti; 2021.
  • – Božić, Mate; Ćosić, Stjepan. "Sveti Jeronim u heraldičkoj simbolici" // Kroatologija, 13 3; str. 11–27 https://www.croris.hr/crosbi/publikacija/prilog-casopis/325037
  • – Božić, Mate; "Kratki pregled povijesti domobranstva u hrvatskim krajevima" // Trideset godina Hrvatskoga domobrana Omiš i sto pedeset pet godina hrvatskoga domobranstva / D. Zeljko Selak Omiš - Dugi Rat: Ogranak Matice hrvatske u Imotskome, Hrvatski domobran - Udruga ratnih veterana Omiš, 2025; str. 51-53.