The lower judicial and administrative authorities of the Dubrovnik Republic were organized in 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. In the 18th century there were eleven administrative units: eight districts and three captaincies. Trstenica (on the Pelješac Peninsula) was joined to the Dubrovnik commune in 1333. The area was ruled by a captain who served, among other responsibilities also as a judge, similar to other rectors and captains who ruled locally, and was not empowered to pass sentences for the most serious crimes.