DOCSLIB.ORG

Themedievalchronicle11

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Themedievalchronicle11 The Medieval Chronicle 11 Edited by Erik Kooper Sjoerd Levelt leiden | boston For use by the Author only | © 2018 Koninklijke Brill NV Contents Preface ix List of Contributors xi Eyewitness and Medieval Historical Narrative 1 Marcus Bull La Chronique de Memmingen: histoire et luttes politiques dans une ville d’Empire au xve siècle 23 Dominique Adrian Le rôle du connecteur car (ou nam/enim) dans la prose historique: connecteur interphrastique? 43 Anders Bengtsson The Vindication of Sancho ii in the Crónica de Castilla: Political Identity and Historiographical Reinvention in Medieval Castilian Chronicles 64 Kim Bergqvist Faux Pas in the Chronicles: What is a Pas d’Armes? 87 Catherine Blunk The Perception and Evaluation of Foreign Soldiers in the Wars of King Peter i of Cyprus: The Evidence of the Cypriot Chronicles and Its Shortcomings 108 Nicholas Coureas Toujours loyal. A Middle Dutch Chronicle of Flanders by Jan van Dixmude in Sixteenth-Century Ghent 127 Lisa Demets Using an Example: Denis Sauvage, Philippe de Commynes and the ‘Vieil Exemplaire’ 154 Catherine Emerson Reassessing Spanish Chronicle Writing before 900: The Tradition of Compilation in Oviedo at the End of the Ninth Century 171 Rodrigo Furtado For use by the Author only | © 2018 Koninklijke Brill NV viii contents Decennovenal Reason and Unreason in the C-Text of Annales Cambriae 195 Henry Gough-Cooper The Battle of Gallipoli 1416: A Detail Rescued from a Chronicle 213 John Melville-Jones The Origins of the Polish Piast Dynasty as Chronicled by Bishop Vincent of Kraków (Wincenty Kadłubek) to Serve as a Political Model for His Own Contemporary Time 220 Grischa Vercamer Review: The Chronicle of Amadi, Translated from the Italian by Nicholas Coureas and Peter Edbury 248 Karl Borchardt Review: Éloïse Adde-Vomáčka, La Chronique de Dalimil 253 Ivan Hlaváček Anthony Munday’s ‘Briefe Chronologicall Suruay Concerning the Netherlands’ and the Medieval Chronicle Tradition of Holland in the Early Modern Period: Introduction and Edition 258 Sjoerd Levelt For use by the Author only | © 2018 Koninklijke Brill NV The Origins of the Polish Piast Dynasty as Chronicled by Bishop Vincent of Kraków (Wincenty Kadłubek) to Serve as a Political Model for His Own Contemporary Time Grischa Vercamer Abstract Bishop Vincent of Kraków, known as Wincenty Kadłubek, was the most influential scholar in Poland in the late twelfth to early thirteen century. In his Chronica Polonorum (c. 1205) he wrote the prehistory of Poland in a very untypical way. Instead of construct- ing a straight lineage of the dynasty of the Piasts from ancient times up to his own day (as most of the other authors of his time did), he invented deliberately different prehistoric dynasties for the Poles and inserted artificial time gaps among them. Thus, he stressed the idea of Poland as a res publica (people of Poland), who could survive quite well without rulers, if indeed the latter turned out to be bad and egotistical. This implied a clear warning to the contemporary Piasts: they should keep the matters of the res publica in mind or they could be replaced. Poland had already managed to get by— so he argued—without rulers for various periods in the past and could, if necessary, do it again. Introduction When inquiring into the origins of a dynasty, we soon come to the term origo gentis. This term was rarely used in direct translation as a certain model in the Middle Ages and perhaps this is the reason why it seems to be controversial among scholars nowadays.1 The origo gentis does not refer to a dynasty specifi- 1 For a survey of recent research, see Anton et al. (2003), Plassmann (2006: 13–27, esp. 15–16). The term is rarely used in a title, as it is for instance in the Origo gentis Langobardorum from the seventh century (Anton et al. 2003: 174–175). There exists as well an origo gentis romanae from the fourth century. In 533 Cassiodor wrote his Origo actusque Getarum. Other authors (for instance, Isidor and Gregory of Tours), however, do not have origo in the title. For a critical © koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2018 | doi: 10.1163/9789004351875_013 For use by the Author only | © 2018 Koninklijke Brill NV the origins of the polish piast dynasty 221 cally, but rather to the origins of the people (gens).2The two terms gens and reg- num are closely connected in this context.3 There are simply no origines regum or origines ducum as far as we know; so the histories of the dynasties are part of the origo gentis. The princes of the time period with which we are dealing here wanted to trace their ancestors back as far as possible.4 In the twelfth cen- tury a revival occurred in recalling the heroes and members of the royal family of Troy, invoking them to serve as ancestors of various noble dynasties. A first wave in this process shows up already in the sixth to eighth centuries.5 Direct descendants of Priam of Troy like Aeneas, Francio or Brutus were adapted to take on the roles of heros eponymos for a people or dynasty, for example by the Franks or the British.6 The Carolingians, by omitting the Merovingian dynasty, tried to monopolise theTrojans for themselves.7 Later, dynasties like the Staufer or Capetians or Plantagenets—who were quite aware that their ancestors had come from rather humble backgrounds in comparison to emperors and great kings—as a consequence claimed to be related to Charlemagne. Such a lineage sufficed and there was no need to trace their dynasties to Troy as well. The Cen- tral and East European8 dynasties like the Arpads, Přemyslids, Rurikids or Piasts differ from theWest European dynasties—here, a different legend of origin was chosen in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. What is striking is that they did approach to the concept, see Goffard (1988), whose views are well summarised by Gillett (2002: 8–9). 2 Plassmann (2006: 11, 189), Anton et al. (2003: 174–178),Wenskus (1961: 14–17). Plassmann shows how Fredegar put the gens and the duces of the Carolingian dynasty (at that time the ‘mayor of the palace’) in the traditional line from Troy by playing down the Merovingian dynasty.The conflict with the Romans was especially important, something in which the duces played a major role. 3 Werner (1997); Plassmann (2006: 17), Anton et al. (2003: 189, 192). Earlier authors from the Early Middle Ages relate the origo from Troy to the folk, while younger authors like Gregory of Tours took into account the representatives of the Merovingian Dynasty. 4 Anton et al. (2003: 175). 5 Wolf (2009: 14–39). 6 Anton et al. (2003: 194):The re-interpretation by the Carolingian authors of their predecessors (Fredegar, Gregory) by directly connecting the Carolingians to the Trojans (Anchises, Franco) and by omitting the Merovingians is typical. One should mention that the older Anglo-Saxon authors like Bede had no interest in the origo from Troy (cp. Anton et al. 2003: 202). 7 Anton et al. (2003: 194). 8 We could speak as well of ‘Alteuropa’ (Old Europe) and ‘Neueuropa’ (New Europe) (Halecki) or, later, of ‘Older Europe’ and ‘Younger Europe’ (Moraw, Samsonowicz, Kłoczowski; cp. Kersken 1999: 111–113). For use by the Author only | © 2018 Koninklijke Brill NV 222 vercamer not choose to refer to Troy, Macedonia (Alexander the Great), the Romans or other ancient places, but seemingly were content with much more modest origins.9 The historic realms of Bohemia, Hungary, Rus’ or Poland emerged in the ninth and tenth centuries. The first historiographical works from these areas about the origins and developments of their nations or peoples did not appear until some two hundred years later, in the first half of the twelfth century.10This delay between the process of the conquest of their territories and the establishment of their dynasties, and then only later the subsequent historical legitimation through chronicles, is not easily explainable. I would suggest that there was in all areas of written activities a certain backlog during this period and in the eleventh century the rulers of these regions did not see the necessity for, or even the possibility of, legitimising themselves.11 It is, in any case, no coincidence that the origins of these peoples as constructed were indeed more provincial or modest; yet at the same time they were markedly independent and self- referential in that they did not require any explanatory reference to an entity outside themselves. The Arpads, somewhat more ‘international’ or glamorous than the rest, were presented as descendants of a mythological hawk (turul), who impregnated the mother (Emese) of Álmos in a dream while she was still in Scythia, the ancient home of the Hungarians. The grandson was Árpád, the founder of the dynasty.12 In Bohemia, Přemysl is the mythical first prince of the Bohemians (a ploughman, who was accepted by Libuše, the daughter of Boemus, as her husband).13 In the first chronicle of the Rus’ one reads how the Slavic people, after God had shattered the union of humankind during the building of the tower of Babel, then wandered and settled in the areas of the Danube, and later on the Polianians, a smaller Slavic tribe to whom the author of the chronicle seemed to number himself, settled along the Djnepr. They got rid of the Varangian ruler, but in the end quarrelled so much that they decided to ask the Rus’ (once again, the Varangians) for a leader (ad862), who eventually became Rurik.14 9 Cp. Plassmann (2006: 367), with regard to Gallus and Cosmas of Prague in comparison to ‘western’ authors.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Piast Horseman)
    Coins issued in 2006 Coins issued in 2006 National Bank of Poland Below the eagle, on the right, an inscription: 10 Z¸, on the left, images of two spearheads on poles. Under the Eagle’s left leg, m the mint’s mark –– w . CoinsCoins Reverse: In the centre, a stylised image of an armoured mounted sergeant with a bared sword. In the background, the shadow of an armoured mounted sergeant holding a spear. On the top right, a diagonal inscription: JEèDZIEC PIASTOWSKI face value 200 z∏ (the Piast Horseman). The Piast Horseman metal 900/1000Au finish proof – History of the Polish Cavalry – diameter 27.00 mm weight 15.50 g mintage 10,000 pcs Obverse: On the left, an image of the Eagle established as the state Emblem of the Republic of Poland. On the right, an image of Szczerbiec (lit. notched sword), the sword that was traditionally used in the coronation ceremony of Polish kings. In the background, a motive from the sword’s hilt. On the right, face value 2 z∏ the notation of the year of issue: 2006. On the top right, a semicircular inscription: RZECZPOSPOLITA POLSKA (the metal CuAl5Zn5Sn1 alloy Republic of Poland). At the bottom, an inscription: 200 Z¸. finish standard m Under the Eagle’s left leg, the mint’s mark:––w . diameter 27.00 mm Reverse: In the centre, a stylised image of an armoured weight 8.15 g mounted sergeant with a bared sword. In the background, the mintage 1,000,000 pcs sergeant’s shadow. On the left, a semicircular inscription: JEèDZIEC PIASTOWSKI (the Piast Horseman).
    [Show full text]
  • CONCLUSION This Study Has Concentrated on the Image Of
    CONCLUSION This study has concentrated on the image of Poland and its rulers which was created by German sources in the earliest period of the existence of the Piast state (963–1034). One of the prime goals of this work was to identify the cultural and political context of such remarks and opinions. Another important target set by the author of this book was to attain information which illustrated actions taken by Mieszko I, Boleslav Chrobry, and Mieszko II, who aimed to create a certain image of themselves in Germany—their most significant political partner. The very first reference in sources pertaining to the Polish rulers and their country comes from around 963, so it is only three years older than the bap- tism of Poland. Its author, Widukind of Corvey, called Mieszko I’s subjects ‘barbarians’, and he applied the same term to other Slavic tribes who inhab- ited the region. Another text, whose origin dates back to the pagan period in the history of Poland—known as the Account by Ibrahim ibn Yacub addressed the Piast ruler as the king of the North. These two expressions bear a close resemblance and come from an old, ancient way of perceiving the geography of hardly explored areas of the Continent, which were termed the ‘northern’. In the Western Europe of the earlier Middle Ages this was the way intellec- tuals indicated in their texts an external, as though outside the Continent and civilization, location of not only Scandinavia, but also Slavic countries. This was practised irrespective of their real location in relation to the observer.
    [Show full text]
  • A Journey Through Polish Literature
    A JOURNEY THROUGH POLISH LITERATURE European Literature 09 OCTOBRE 2013 GORA BERNADETTE Henryk Sienkiewicz (1905), Władysław Reymont (1924), Czesław Miłosz (1980), Wisława Szymborska (1996). How many of you know these four authors and know what they have in common, besides their nationalities? The four of them were awarded a Nobel Prize but nevertheless remain little known outside of Poland. How many of you can give the name of, at least, one polish contemporary author? These examples, among many others, prove that Polish literature remains unknown despite it being a big part of European literature. To start my presentation, I’d like you to have a look on this quotation by Czesław Miłosz who wrote, among other, a book about the History of Polish Literature (The History of Polish Literature, Berckeley,1969). In his work, he wrote “Polish literature focused more on drama and the poetic expression of the self than on fiction (which dominated the English-speaking world). The reasons find their roots on the historical circumstances of the nation.” Over a first phase, it thus seems important to start out with a broad overview of the general history of Polish literature throughout the ages before we can understand what happened during the 20th century, and fully understand the main references to the previous time periods which we can find today. In Polish literature, historical problems have always been an essential characteristic. One can notice that Polish literature has always been torn between its social duties and literary obligations. With this in mind, it is possible for me to offer you the promised journey through my national literature.
    [Show full text]
  • Foundation Myths and Dynastic Tradition of the Piasts and the Přemyslides in the Chronicles of Gallus Anonymus and Cosmas of Prague
    Czech-Polish Historical and Pedagogical Journal 13 Who, where and why? Foundation Myths and Dynastic Tradition of the Piasts and the Přemyslides in the Chronicles of Gallus Anonymus and Cosmas of Prague Piotr Goltz / e-mail: [email protected] Faculty of History, University of Warsaw, Poland Goltz, P. (2016). Who, where and why? Foundation Myths and Dynastic Tradition of the Piasts and the Přemyslides in the Chronicles of Gallus Anonymus and Cosmas of Prague. Czech-Polish Historical and Pedagogical Journal, 8/2, 13–43. Much has been written about each of the medieval chronicles by academics from various fields of studies. If anything should be added, it seems that possibilities lie in a comparative study of the medieval texts. There are several reasons to justify such an approach to the chronicles by Anonymus called Gallus and Cosmas of Prague. Both narratives were written in a similar time period, in neighbouring countries, becoming evidence for the conscious forming of a dynastic vision of the past, as well as milestones in passing from the oral to the written form of collecting, selecting and passing on of tradition. Also similar is the scope of the authors’ interests, as well as the literary genre and courtly and chivalric character of their works. Firstly, the founding myths will be deconstructed in a search for three fundamental elements that determine the shape of the community: the main character, the place and the causing force. Secondly, a comparison of both bodies of lore will follow. Key words: Gallus Anonymus; Cosmas of Prague; myth; dynastic tradition The research presented herein belongs to the discipline of comparative historical studies.1 I am focusing on the foundation Motto: Fontenelle de, M.
    [Show full text]
  • The Realm of Mieszko I. Contribution to the Study
    Historia Slavorum Occidentis 2016, nr 2(11) ISSN 2084–1213 DOI: 10.15804/hso160201 MARCIN DANIELEWSKI (POZNAŃ) TTHEHE RREALMEALM OOFF MMIESZKOIESZKO II.. CCONTRIBUTIONONTRIBUTION TTOO TTHEHE SSTUDYTUDY OONN FFORTIFIEDORTIFIED SSETTLEMENTS*ETTLEMENTS* Słowa kluczowe: grody, władztwo Mieszka I, Gniezno, Grzybowo, Poznań Keywords: strongholds, the realm of Mieszko I, Gniezno, Grzybowo, Poznań Abstract: The paper discusses the organisation of the realm of Mieszko I based on a network of strongholds. It seeks to examine the functions of fortifi ed settlements and Mieszko’s engagement in the construction of strongholds. IIntroductionntroduction 2016 marks the 1050th anniversary of the baptism of Mieszko I. A fasci- nating research subject, there is no much we actually know of the fi rst his- torical Polish ruler from the Piast dynasty, even though several books have sought to explore the issue1. There has been an ongoing debate on the origins of Christianity, the establishment of the Church on Polish soil or the oldest A research project funded under the 2014–2019 programme of the Minister of Science and Higher Education (‘The National Programme for the Development of Humanities’), project no. 0040/NPRH3/H11/82/2014. 1 J. Strzelczyk, Mieszko Pierwszy, 2nd edition, Poznań 1999; G. Labuda, Mieszko I, Wro- cław 2002; P. Urbańczyk, Mieszko Pierwszy Tajemniczy, Toruń 2012. It must be empha- sised that the latter book is marked by several weaknesses, as D.A. Sikorski has convinc- ingly demonstrated, Mieszko Pierwszy Tajemniczy i jeszcze bardziej tajemnicza metoda hi- storiografi czna, Roczniki Historyczne 79 (2013), pp 183–203; idem, Mieszko I mniej już tajemniczy (odpowiedź Przemysławowi Urbańczykowi), Roczniki Historyczne 80 (2014), pp 279–288.
    [Show full text]
  • Rezension Über: Darius Von Güttner-Sporzyński (Hg.), Writing History in Medieval Poland
    Zitierhinweis Bagi, Dániel: Rezension über: Darius von Güttner-Sporzyński (Hg.), Writing History in Medieval Poland. Bishop Vincentius of Cracow and the Chronica Polonorum, Turnhout: Brepols, 2017, in: Hungarian Historical Review, 2018, 1, S. 145-147, DOI: 10.15463/rec.48464032, heruntergeladen über recensio.net First published: http://www.hunghist.org/82-book-reviews/491-2018-1-book-r... copyright Dieser Beitrag kann vom Nutzer zu eigenen nicht-kommerziellen Zwecken heruntergeladen und/oder ausgedruckt werden. Darüber hinaus gehende Nutzungen sind ohne weitere Genehmigung der Rechteinhaber nur im Rahmen der gesetzlichen Schrankenbestimmungen (§§ 44a-63a UrhG) zulässig. BOOK REVIEWS Writing History in Medieval Poland: Bishop Vincentius of Cracow and the Chronica Polonorum. Edited by Darius von Güttner-Sporzyński. (Cursor Mundi 28.) Turnhout: Brepols, 2017. 250 pp. The Chronica Polonorum, written around 1220 but before 1223, is the second historical composition by a single author to be written after the Gesta Principum Polonorum of Gallus Anonymus (written around 1113) about the history of Poland and the Piast dynasty. It is, furthermore, one of the most researched and discussed medieval texts concerning the history of Poland. The narrative’s author, Master Wincent or Vincentius, is the first identified history writer of the Piast dynasty whose career and deeds scholars have studied, and so, since the editio princeps of the text, both the question of the identity of the author and the text itself have been subjects of intensive research. Master Vincentius, called Kadłubek, studied either in Italy or in France, and he had a wide and deep philosophical, theological, and legal erudition. He was one of the most important and influential ducal officers of Kraków during the second half of the twelfth century, before he was elected Bishop of Kraków in 1207.
    [Show full text]
  • Polska Pierwszych Piastów Pradzieje Ziem Polskich
    POLSKA PIERWSZYCH PIASTÓW PRADZIEJE ZIEM POLSKICH Przez wieki na ziemiach polskich mieszkało wiele plemion, których nazw nie znamy. Dlatego na podstawie pozostałości po nich określamy ludy te jako kultury archeologiczne. PRADZIEJE ZIEM POLSKICH Przykłady kultur archeologicznych: -kultura ceramiki sznurowej -kultura grobów kloszowych -kultura naczyń lejkowatych -kultura przeworska. PRADZIEJE ZIEM POLSKICH PRADZIEJE ZIEM POLSKICH Na ziemiach polskich zachowały się m.in.: -kurhany (ziemne kopce przykrywające groby) -kamienne kręgi (prawdopodobnie pełniły funkcje religijne) PRADZIEJE ZIEM POLSKICH Najbardziej znaną osadą kultury łużyckiej na ziemiach polskich (VIII – VII w. p.n.e.) jest Biskupin. To osada położona na wyspie jeziora składająca się z 13 podłużnych domów. Jej mieszkańcy (ok. 800) byli rolnikami i myśliwymi. PRADZIEJE ZIEM POLSKICH PRADZIEJE ZIEM POLSKICH W starożytności mieszkańcy ziem polskich utrzymywali kontakty z Grekami i Rzymianami (np. szlak bursztynowy). W Górach Świętokrzyskich bogatych w złoża żelaza rozwinęło się hutnictwo (dymarki). PLEMIONA POLSKIE W VI w. na ziemiach polskich pojawili się Słowianie. Grupa rodzin pochodząca od wspólnego przodka tworzyła u nich ród. Rody łączyły się we wspólnoty sąsiedzkie - opola, a te tworzyły plemiona. Najsilniejsze plemiona podbijały sąsiednie – słabsze i tworzyły pierwsze państewka plemienne. Władzą w plemionach był wiec (wszyscy dorośli mężczyźni), a na czas wojny wybierano wodza (księcia), który niekiedy zdołał utrzymać swoją władzę na czasy pokoju. PLEMIONA POLSKIE W IX w. ziemie dzisiejszej Polski zamieszkiwało kilka plemion: -Polanie (w Wielkopolsce) -Wiślanie (w Małopolsce) -Mazowszanie (na Mazowszu) -Kujawianie (na Kujawach) -Pomorzanie (na Pomorzu) -Lędzianie (na Lubelszczyźnie) -plemiona śląskie np. Ślężanie, Opolanie, Dziadoszanie, Bobrzanie (na Śląsku) POWSTANIE POLSKI Polanie podbili sąsiednie plemiona (Kujawian, Mazowszan itd.) i stworzyli państwo o nazwie Polska.
    [Show full text]
  • Nasze Polskie Początki (Według Jerzego Gruszki)
    Nasze polskie początki (według Jerzego Gruszki) WYBRANE PROBLEMY Jelenia Góra 2019 Autor: JERZY GRUSZKA: R. 1, 2, 3, 4.1, Zakończenie Redakcja: ROMUALD WITCZAK: Wstęp, R 4.2 SPIS TREŚCI WSTĘP ................................................................................................... 4 ROZDZIAŁ 1. O ważniejszych elementach naszego życia społecznego ........... 6 1.1. Słowiańskie korzenie .............................................................................. 6 1.2. Istotne (wybrane) terminy ważne do rozumienia ówczesnych warunków życia ........................................................................................................ 9 ROZDZIAŁ 2. O naszych państwowych początkach....................................... 13 2.1. Początki państwowości i piastowskiej dynastii ..................................... 13 2.2. Organizacja władzy w początkach naszej państwowości ...................... 18 2.3. O roku 1000 i 1025 inaczej ................................................................... 22 ROZDZIAŁ 3. Wierzenia naszych przodków .................................................. 26 3.1. Wierzenia Słowian ................................................................................ 26 3.2. Chrystianizacja ziem polskich .............................................................. 32 3.3. Nasi święci patroni ............................................................................... 42 Św. Wojciech ......................................................................................... 42 Św. Stanisław ze
    [Show full text]
  • Philip Earl Steele Homo Religiosus
    Philip Earl Steele Homo religiosus : the phenomenon of Poland’s Mieszko I The full significance of Mieszko I’s decision to adopt Christianity in 966 has generally evaded Polish historiography. This is understandable regarding recent generations of Polish scholars, as the dogmas imposed during the country’s communist period had the effect of preserving the rationalist skepticism which Jacob Burckhardt, for instance, had applied in the mid-19 th c. toward understanding the conversion of Constantine the Great 1. That reductionist approach, often labeled “scientism” in Poland, dismisses the etiological power of religious beliefs and motives in history’s dynamics – and it was by and large rejected in Western scholarship roughly a century ago. 2 Yet as the medieval historian Richard Fletcher observed already a decade into the post-Cold War era, “This line of argument has held some appeal for historians of a Marxist inclination, of whom a few may still be encountered in remote places” 3. Polish historians might chuckle upon reading that – or cringe, as the case may be. For the shoe certainly fits. The structural realities of the Soviet bloc of course compounded this problem, inasmuch as they fostered the virtual autarky of national scholarly communities. Thus, until the demise of communism, Polish historians were importantly cut off from the community of Western scholars. Their ensuing lack of skill with Western languages only deepened the 1 J. Burckhardt, Die Zeit Constantins des Grossen, Basel 1853. 2 Cf. C. Odahl, Constantine and the Christian Empire, London, New York 2013, p. 285-286. 3 Richard Fletcher, The Barbarian Conversion: From Paganism to Christianity , University of California Press, 1999, p.
    [Show full text]
  • A Polish Ethno-Religion? Some Thoughts on the Baptism of Poland and Contemporary National Identity
    Zoon Politikon 8/2017 DOI: 10.4467/2543408XZOP.17.006.9264 A POLISH ETHNO-RELIGION? SOME THOUGHTS ON THE BAPTISM OF POLAND AND CONTEMPORARY NATIONAL IDENTITY * Rafał Pankowski Abstract The aim of the paper is to look at the baptism of Poland as a one of the ele- ments used to built Polish national identity. The foucus is on the Piast era in Polish history and the role which baptism played in incorporating Poles into latin civilistation. The articles also discusses the modern references to impor- tance of 10th and 11th century events in building 21st century of the national identity discourse. Keywords: Identity, nation, religion, baptism, civilization * Dr hab. Rafał Pankowski, prof. CC Collegium Civitas, Collegium Civitas, [email protected] 127 A Polish ethno-religion? Some thoughts on the baptism of Poland and contemporary national identity The baptism of Poland in 966 is commonly seen as the symbolic begin- ning of the Polish state and Polish history. Many facts around the bap- tism of Prince Mieszko’s state are unclear today, but its significance as the symbolic beginning of Polish statehood remains unquestioned. The facts, however, do not need to concern us too much here. It has become a cornerstone of what was to become known as Polish identity and has determined several important aspects of its formation well into the pre- sent day. Much energy has been invested – in terms of Polish historical schol- arship and political writings – in the idea of Poland’s belonging to “Latin civilization”. Historically speaking, the claim cannot be taken lit- erally if “Latin civilization” means the lands which had been conquered, or directly influenced, by the culture of the Roman Empire.
    [Show full text]
  • Acta 112.Indd
    Acta Poloniae Historica 112, 2015 PL ISSN 0001–6892 Paweł Żmudzki Institute of History, University of Warsaw NEW VERSIONS OF THE TALES OF GALLUS ANONYMUS IN THE CHRONICLE OF MASTER VINCENTIUS Abstract Using chosen examples, the author analyses the meaning of the changes made by Vincent (Wincenty) Kadłubek also known as Master Vincentius, to the tales found in the chronicle of Gallus Anonymus. Nothing much can be said of the literary or oral sources which may have served as a basis for Vincentius’s reworking of these stories. A detailed comparison of the corresponding fragments in both chronicles leads us to an understanding of how Vincent understood Gallus’s text. Vincent reinforced some meanings gleaned from Gallus, and eliminated others. However, even when building an alternate tale of the childhood of Kazimierz Odnowiciel (Casimir I the Restorer), Vincent always respects the structure of Gallus’s account. Keywords: Chronicle of Master Vincentius; Chronicle of Gallus Anonymus; Boleslaus I the Brave; Boleslaus II the Generous; Casimir I the Restorer Odnowiciel Historians have long treated the adaptations of Gallus’s tales found in Master Vincentius’s chronicle quite one-sidedly. Above all, they focused on one question: does the appearance of details unknown to Gallus demonstrate that Vincent knew more about the events and could relate them with greater freedom? The most famous discussion among Polish medievalists has centred, for over two centuries now, on disputed interpretations of the factum sancti Stanislai.1 A fi tting specifi c example, which could also serve as an introduction to the central topic of this article, would seem to be the rebellion of 1 The history of this debate, initiated by Tadeusz Czacki’s comparative analysis in 1803 of fragments of the works by Gallus (in the Sędziwój codex version) and Vincent, is discussed in Gerard Labuda, Święty Stanisław biskup krakowski, patron Polski.
    [Show full text]
  • Part I Poland, to 1795
    Cambridge University Press 978-1-108-42436-3 — A Concise History of Poland Jerzy Lukowski , Hubert Zawadzki Excerpt More Information PART I POLAND, TO 1795 © in this web service Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org Cambridge University Press 978-1-108-42436-3 — A Concise History of Poland Jerzy Lukowski , Hubert Zawadzki Excerpt More Information © in this web service Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org Cambridge University Press 978-1-108-42436-3 — A Concise History of Poland Jerzy Lukowski , Hubert Zawadzki Excerpt More Information 1 Piast Poland, ?–1385 The Romans never conquered Poland: a source of pride to its first native chronicler, bishop Vincent of Kraków, writ- ing around 1200, but a nuisance to the modern historian. Since Rome neither subjugated nor abandoned Poland, there is no widely recognisable Year One from which to launch a historical survey. The year ad 966 has to serve, for in that year the ruler of what has come to be known as ‘Poland’ accepted (and imposed) Latin Christianity. We know as little about this event as we do about anything else that happened during the next hundred years or so. The written record begins to assume substantial propor- tions only in the fourteenth century. Some eighty years before bishop Vincent, an unknown clergyman, possibly of French origin (he has come to be called Gall-Anonim, ‘the anonymous Gaul’) produced the earliest chronicle emanating directly from the Polish lands. Archaeological and toponymic evidence, the accounts of foreign observ- ers and travellers, inform the historian little better than the folk memory on which Gall relied to locate the founder of the ruling house in a successful peasant adventurer called ‘Piast’,1 who had overthrown a tyran- nical predecessor, Popiel (supposedly gnawed to death by 1 The label ‘Piast’ was attributed to the ruling dynasty only in the late seventeenth century by Silesian antiquarians.
    [Show full text]