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. Slano and its surrounding territory (the littoral zone of Dubrovačko primorje) was joined to the Dubrovnik commune in 1399. The area was ruled by a rector whose residence was in Slano. Among other things, the Rector served as a judge and, similar to other local rectors and captains, was not empowered to pass sentences for the most serious crimes.