Bugarštica (pronounced [bûɡaːrʃtitsa] or [buɡǎrʃtitsa]) is a form of epic and ballad poetry, which was popular among Serbs and Croats until the 18th century, sung in long verses of mostly fifteen and sixteen syllables with a caesura after the seventh and eighth syllable, respectively. They include the oldest known recorded epic poems, written down in the 15th century.