Lower judicial and administrative power in the Dubrovnik Republic was organized through two types of administrative units: captaincies and districts. The size of the territory and the number of captaincies and districts changed throughout history according to the needs and discretion of the authorities of the Dubrovnik Republic. There were eleven administrative units in the 18th century: eight districts and three captaincies. The captaincy of Janjina was established in 1465 and comprised the central part of the Pelješac Penisula. The captain of this area resided in the villages of Janjina or Trpanj. Among other responsibilities the captain also served as a judge, similar to other rectors and captains who ruled locally, and was not empowered to pass sentences for the most serious crimes.