ZARA, za'ri (hat dad rd) Austria, a im port town, capital of Dahnatia, on a pumomonr which was convened into an island by comma through the narrow isthmus which formerly connected it with the mainland. 70 miles north west of Spalatro. It was a fortress tin 1871. and still has four gates and medieval ramparts. the latter now converted into a pubic ram etude. It has steep and narrow streets; see eral squares; a fine Roman triumphal arch; an interesting cathedral, in the Lombard style, dating from the 13th century; several other churches; a town-house; a lyceum, gymnasium, archiepiscopal seminary, normal and other schools; a civil and a military hospital; and a capacious but somewhat shallow harbor, ad mitting warships of medium size. It has manufactures of rosoglio, maraschino, and glass, and a considerable coasting trade. Zara has stood many sieges, particularly one in 1202, when it was taken by the Venetian doge Dandolo, with the assistance of the French crusaders; and another in 1346, when it was taken by Marino Faliero in the face of a large Hungarian army. It was under Venetian con
trol from 1409 and passed into Austrian pos session in 1797. It was under French rule in 1805-13. Pop. 36,600.
ZARATE, Antonio Gil y, Span ish dramatic poet: b. San Lorenzo de l'Escu rial, Spain, 1795; d. 1860. He was educated in Paris; and on his return to Spain became professor of physics in Granda. He after ward wrote dramas notable for striking situ ations, lively dialogue and elegant versification; among them are (Blanca de Bourbon' (1835); (Guzman it Bravo' ; 'El Czar Demetrius.' He also published a history of Spanish literature and other prose and poetic work including good literary criticism.