Royal Court of Poland

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Royal Court of Poland

Antemurale Christanitatis
'The Bulwark of Christendom'

Realm: Kingdom of Poland
Head of State: Interregnum
Religion: Catholic - Rome
Culture: Polish, very significant German, Ruthenian and Jewish minorities
Stats: 5/0/9/10/5 --> [5/0/9/10/5]
Provinces: 10
Ports: 0
Owned: Crakow(4), Kujawy(3), Gniezno (3), Poznan (4), Kalisz(4), Radom (3), Lublin (2), Sandomierz (3), Przemysl (2), Podolia (2).
Duchy of Mazovia is a vassal

Lands and Lords under Polish suzerenity

Wielkopolska (Greater Poland) - Historical lands from which the House of Piast and tribe of Polanie originated. These rich and well populated lands are truly the heart of Poland. The main cities are Poznan, Gniezno and Kalisz. There are many manufactories here, however the most important commodity is grain.

Ziemia Wieluńska - under Duke Wladyslaw of Opole

Małopolska (Little Poland) - These lands were second to be acquired by the ancient tribe of Polanie. During the passing centuries, these lands became also rich. Numerous salt mines are most important source of income for the Kingdom. Krakow is the capital of Poland.

Kujawy (Kuiavia) - Kujawy are rich lands but sadly a battlefield, contested by Teutonic Order, Brandenburgians and Poles. Fortunately, after decades of warfare, Kujawy are recovering steadely.

Ziemia Bydgoska i Gniewkowska - under Duke Wladyslaw of Opole

Ziemia Dobrzyńska (Dobrzyn Land) - under Duke Wladyslaw of Opole

Ziemia Sandomierska i Łęczyska (Sandomierz and Łęczyn Land) -

Podole (Podolia) - under Princely House of Koriatowicz, vassal of Poland. These faraway lands are ruled by a proud Ruthenian House which accepted Polish suzerainty not so long time ago. These lands witness periodical invasions by Liths and Tartars, and are contested by them as well.

Duchy of Mazovia - under Duke Ziemowit IV, vassal of Poland. Ancient branch of old House of Piast lives and rules these lands. Main cities are Plock and Warszawa.

Claims of the Polish Crown

Śląsk (Silesia) - Silesia was a part of Polish kingdom since the Dark Ages. Sadly, during the feudal defragmentation of Poland duchy of Silesia was parceled between numerous branches and sub-branches of the House of Piast, many of these dukelings were either forced or chosen out of her free will, the overlordship of Bohemian crown. Poland holds a strong claim on these lands which is currently not being pressed.

Pomorze Gdaniskie (Danzig Pomerania) - Danzig Pomerania was a part of Polish kingdom since the Dark Ages. Sadly, Teutonic Knights successfully contested this right in 1305, acquiring the city first through force (as they were initially asked for help to regain it from Brandenburg) and than through treachery. There has been many wars and legal suits against the Knights in order to regain these lands, all failed so far. Poland holds a very strong claim on these lands which is currently not being pressed.

Pomorze Zachodnie (Western Pomerania) - Most of the Western Pomerania was under Polish overlordship in the early ages. However, there have been many wars in the region and eventually Poland lost it and the Princes sought protection from the German Emperor. Perhaps this will change one day again. Poland holds a strong claim on these lands which is currently not being pressed.

Ruś Czerwona (Red Ruthenia) - These lands were always contested between Poles, Liths, Tartars and Hungarians, especially in XIV century. Few decades ago Kaziemierz Wielki sucessfully conquered it and incorporated to his kingdom. Hungarians yeld their claim in exchange for the promise of Polish crown later. During the reign of Ludwik Angevin, Hungarian governors were installed there paying homage to Buda rather than Krakow. Still, the deals signed before clealry say that Ruthenia should return to Poland, the question is, will it actually happen. Poland holds a very strong claim on these lands which is currently being pressed.

Wołyń (Volhynia) - These lands were always contested between Poles and Liths. At some point most of Vholynia was incorporated by Poland. This did not last long though and Liths reconquered it. Poland holds a strong claim on these lands which is currently not being pressed.

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Factions and Dramatis Personae of the Polish Court

Her Majesty the Queen

There currently is no Queen in Poland and almost entire realm is deep in chaos and disaray. However, there is a srong claiment, supported by previously signed agreements and huge factions of nobles, mainly from Małopolska. Jadwiga Anvegin is believed to be the next "king" of Poland. What shall futre bring, time will show.

and

His Majesty the King

There currently is no King in Poland and almost entire realm is deep in chaos and disaray. However, while the compromise aiming at crowning Princess Jadwiga Angevin, daughter of the late king, Ludwig Angevin of Hungary, is almoist forged, the question arise who would become her spouse and de facto the next true ruler. There is a strong faction in Wielkopolska supporting Ziemowit IV, duke of Mazovia as the future king. Lords of Wielkopolska think of connection with Lithuania. Very few support Wilhelm of Austria. Some whispers about other options, like Danish or Luxemburgian or even Pomeranian Prince.

The Great Interrgnum and the Question of Inheritance: the Factions

The Angevins

Stronnictwo andegaweńskie stało na gruncie sukcesji andegaweńskiej na tronie polskim. Stawiano na dalszą ekspansywną politykę wschodnią przyszłego władcy, mającą zapewnić znaczne korzyści materialne panom małopolskim. Małopolanom chodziło również o ponowne włączenie Rusi halickiej do Korony, co Ludwik Węgierski konsekwentnie sabotował, wiążąc Ruś halicką z resztą Węgier. Stronnictwo andegaweńskie było jednak, w swoich postawach, niejednolite. Najliczniejszy odłam stanowili jego umiarkowani przedstawiciele, do których zaliczyć można: Jana z Melsztyna, Ottona z Pilczy – wojewodę sandomierskiego, Jana Tęczyńskiego – kasztelana wojnickiego, Piotr ze Szczekocin h. Odrowąż – kasztelana lubelskiego, od 1376 podstolego krakowskiego, Włodek z Charbinowic h. Sulima - kasztelana krakowskiego, Spytek z Tarnowa, wojewodę sandomierskiego i starostę ruskiego Jaśka z Tęczyna, Jana Kmitę z Wiślicza – starostę sieradzkiego, od 1373 cześnika krakowskiego; wojewodę sandomierskiego Piotra Nieorżę. Na przeciwległym niejako biegunie stali Kurozwęccy w osobach Dobiesława z Kurozwęk wojewody krakowskiego, Zawiszy Kurozwęckiego – kanclerza królestwa i biskupa krakowskiego, Krzesława z Chodowa h. Różą – kasztelana sądeckiego, którzy charakteryzowali się bezwzględną dyspozycyjnością i uległością wobec władcy. Do tego odłamu przynależał także Jan Radlica h. Korab, późniejszy biskup krakowski. Jeszcze inną pozycję w możnowładczym zapleczu rządów Ludwika, tym razem nacechowaną pragmatyzmem, zajmowali przedstawiciele Pałuków z Sędziwójem z Szubina h. Pałuka – starostę krakowskim. Do stronnictwa andegaweńskiego należeli ponadto: Dymitr z Goraja, Krystyn z Ostrowa, Mikołaj Bogoria – kasztelan zawichojski, Wincenty Granowski – późniejszy kasztelan nakielski, Domarat z Iwna – starosta generalny Wielkopolski, Jan z Bierzglina h. Poraj – kasztelan kaliski, Piotr Wysz.

The Mazovians

Orientację promazowiecką reprezentowali przede wszystkim Bartosz Wezenborg i Bartosz z Odolanowa, aktywnie działający w czasie wojny domowej w Wielkopolsce po stronie obozu ziemiańskiego. Również Nałęcze mazowieccy z linii nowodworskich włączyli się do obozu Siemowita IV. Jednym z nich był powołany na wojewodę płockiego między 11 XII 1382 a 22 V 1383 roku Abraham Socha. W wojnie Grzymalitów z Nałęczami to najprawdopodobniej wojewoda płocki starał się pozyskać ród Nałęczów, dotychczas opozycyjnie nastawiony do Andegawenów. Z wielkopolskich Nałęczów w obozie Siemowita IV znajdujemy sędziego poznańskiego – Jan Czarnkowskiego. Jedynym Grzymalitą, który poparł obóz promazowiecki był Pietrasz Małocha. Siemowitowi IV poparcia udzieliły także rody mazowieckie Ogonów, Łabędziów i Pomianów oraz urzędnicy księcia Władysława Opolczyka: Andrzej z Radzików – kasztelan dobrzyński i Piotr Świnka – kasztelan rypiński. Należy dodać, że popierając księcia płockiego, zrywali oni z Władysławem Opolczykiem, zwolennikiem sukcesji andegaweńskiej w Polsce. Również w Wielkopolsce Siemowit IV mógł liczyć na zwolenników jak np. na Lasotę ze Stawiszyna, stolnika kaliskiego. Na Kujawach Siemowit mógł liczyć na poparcie części rodu Pomianów.

The Landholders

Stronniczość w obsadzaniu najważniejszych stanowisk w Wielkopolsce przez starostę generalnego Domarata z Iwna skierowała przeciw niemu większość najważniejszych rodów wielkopolskich, na czele z wojewodą poznańskim Wincentym z Kępy h. Doliwa, tworząc stronnictwo ziemiańskie. Również panująca w Wielkopolsce anarchią, brak egzekucji obowiązków starościńskich miała znaczenie na negatywne stanowisko szlachty wobec Domarata. Do obozu ziemian 11 stycznia, po parutygodniowych walkach o opanowania zamku kaliskiego dołączył Bartosz Wezenborg. Skład obozu ziemiańskiego jest znany z wielokrotnie przytaczanego w historiografii dokumentu pyzdrskiego z 18 I 1383 roku, na którym wymienieni zostali: Wincenty h. Doliwa, Sędziwój z Szubina h. Pałuka, Świętosław z Wąsocza h. Pałuka, Jan h. Poraj, Bartosz Wezenborg, Andrzej i Beniamin h. Zaremba, Wyszota z Kórnika h. Łodzic, Jaśko z Dębca h. Wyszkotów, Tomisław z Wyskonia h. Wyszkotów, Wyszkota z Kurnika h. Łodzia, Ubyszek (?), Kunst (?), Lasota (?), Sędziwój Świdwa h. Nałęcz, Jan z Czarnkowa h. Nałęcz oraz Mikołaj z Chomiąży i Wenecji h. Nałęcz, Andrzej z Żerkowa h. Zaremba. Po rozejmie zawartym w Starczanowie 8 III 1383 do obozu ziemian przystąpił również arcybiskup Bodzęta.

The Starost of Wielkopolska

Stronnictwo Domarata z Iwna i Pierzchna stało na stanowisku uznania praw Zygmunta Luksemburczyka do korony polskiej. Domarat z Iwna miał oparcie w rodzie Grzymalitów. Poparli go: Dzierżko z Iwna, Mroczko z Zajączkowa, Wierzbięta ze Smogulca, Grzymała z Oleśnicy, Mikołaj z Góry, Teodoryka z Morgonina, Przecław z Gułtów. Przedstawiciele innych rodów popierających Grzymalitę to: Pałuki, Leszczyce z Pakości i Kościelca, którzy opowiedzieli się za Domaratem: Wojciech – starosta kujawski i jego synowie tj. Wojciech i Hektor, Nałęczów – Przedpełk ze Stęszewa – kasztelan międzyrzecki, Awdańców reprezentowani przez Wojciecha Skórę z Gaju oraz Łodzice - m.in. Mikołaja Łodzica dzierżącego Bytyń. Ponadto Będzimir z Radzic, Jaśko Czadliński z Wałdowa, Mikołaj z Sępolna, Wojtko z Szaradowa – kasztelan kamieński, Andrzej i Mikołaj – dziedzice na Ptaszkowie, Andrzej, Mikołaj, Przybysław z Ptaszkowa, Maciek Borkowic, Albert – kasztelan radzimski, Jan z Łękoszyc – kasztelan łęczycki, Peregrynz z Karpicka i Komorowa. Najemnikami w służbie Domarata z Iwna byli Maciej Borkowitz, Henryk Wedl, Ehhard – landwójt w Resku, Mikołaj Rotenburg.
Początkowo Wielkopolanie chcieli przez Marię uznać Zygmunta, jednak jako warunek stawiali usunięcie Domarata z urzędu starościńskiego oraz złożenia przyrzeczenia przez Zygmunta, że wraz z Marią będzie rezydował w Krakowie. Luksemburczyk za radą Sędziwoja z Szubina i Domarata z Pierzchna odmówił, zwłaszcza, że Maria 17 września została obwołana królową Węgier.

Jan Radlica, Bishop of Kraków, Royal Governor, Interrex.

- he was nominated by the late king Ludwik Angevin. He is known for his erratic behaviour and weak political skills. His will is believed to be bend quite easily.

Royal Chancellor

Royal Vice-Chancellor

Royal Treasurer

Lords of Wielkopolska

Domarat of Pierzchno, Starost of Wielkopolska

- nominated by the late king Ludwik Angevin, he is a staunch supporter of Luxemburgers (to whom he swore fealty). He is however despised by almost all nobles of Wielkopolska. There are many reasons for this, mainly his frauds and love to the House von Luxemburg.

Bartosz of Odolanów

- The main troublemaker in the region. He considers himslef a patriot and oposes Luxemburger influances in Poland. Many of the lower class szlachta familiarize with his ideas. All of them want Starost of Wielkopolska removed. He leads the faction that wants Duke Ziemowit IV Piast of Mazovia to become the king. Bartosz of Odolanów is allied with Wincenty of Kępy against Domarat of Pierzchno, Starost of Wielkopolska.

Wincenty of Kępy

- Devout Catholic and knight to the bone who respects the code of chivalry. At the same time he is a wealthy landowner who posesses a considerable infuluances in Wielkopolska, especially moderate in views and higher nobles tend to follow his lead. His faction is loyal to the Angevin dynasty but they too despise the Starost of Wielkopolska and want him deposed. Wincenty of Kępy is allied with Bartosz of Odolanów against Domarat of Pierzchno, Starost of Wielkopolska.

Lords of Małopolska

Spytko of Melsztyn

-

Mikołaj of Bogoria

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Sędziwój of Szubin

-

Krzesław of Szczekociny

-

Princes of the Holy Mother Church

Bodzęta of Kosowice, Cardinal-Archbishop of Gniezno, Primate of Poland.

[Longinus]

Holy Mother Church

and other spiritual matters



Bogurodzica

Bogurodzica dziewica, Bogiem sławiena Maryja,
U twego syna Gospodzina matko zwolena, Maryja!
Żyszczy nam, spuści nam.
Kyrieleison.

Twego dziel Krzciciela, bożycze,
Usłysz glosy, napeln mysli człowiecze.
Słysz modlitwe, jaz nosimy,
A dać raczy, jegoż prosimy:
A na świecie zbożny pobyt,
Po żywocie rajski przebyt.
Kyrieleison.


Mother of God
Translated by David Welsh

O Mother of God, Virgin blessed by God, Maria!
With your son, our Lord, O mother chosen, Maria!
Intercede for us, send Him to us.
Kyrie Eleison.

For the sake of thy Baptist, O Son of God,
Hear our voices, grant the wishes of men
Hear the prayer which we offer
And deign to giv what we ask,
On earth a happy sojourn,
And after life to reside in paradise.
Kyrie Eleison.

Polish National Anthem in the Middle Ages

The Church has been an extremly important player in Polish politicks ever since the babtism of Poland in 996. There are couple of bihoprics in Poland, which are subordinate to the Archbishop of Gniezno, first and foremost.

The clergy hold a lot of lands and power in Poland. Even though priests are not as powerful and independant as in the western Europe they do influance the events in Poland a lot, especially if it comes to meddle in the minds of common folks and knights. The Princes of the Church are nominated by other priests but still, the king has a great say in this as well. The power of investiture is still held by the crown and local clergy to considerable extent and the Pope is expected only to approve the chosen candidate. Such practices became even more popular with the weakening of Papal authority recently, in the time of Great Schism. In exchange, the clergy is granted with many Royal posts, including those most prominent like Chancellor and alike.

Antemurale Christanitatis
The Bulwark of Christendom

At many point between AD1000 and 1500 quotations can be found to illustrate the conviction that Poland was, is and always be, the last outpost of the western civilisation. In the earliest centuries it was seen to be holding the line against the Prussian and Lithuanian pagans and Mongol Hordes. At all times Poland’s ‘Place in Europe’ like that of neighboring Hungary, was quite clear; it was the antemurale the ‘bulwark’ We can also find other names such like murus (wall), scutum (shiled), clipeus (buckler), praevalidum (barbican), forpoczta (bastion) and even ‘fence’ and ‘watchtower’

POLONIAE TOTIUS EUROPAE ADVERSUS BARBORUM NATIONUM . . . FIRMISSIMO PROPUGNACULO

(To Poland, Most Steadfast Fortress for the whole of Europe against barbarian peoples) - That was how many talked and wrote about Poland.

"Polonia Semper Fidelis”
(Poland Ever Faithful) - And that was famous credo of Polish nobility.

However, at the same time Poland was considered a “Heaven of Toleration” since Polish lands were the greatest mixture of faiths and nationalities. That always was Polish strenght and weakness at the same time.

"...we of different creeds shall strive to maintain peace and shall not shed blood nor confiscate property nor imprison nor exile anyone due to the matters of faith..."

Stance of the Polish Crown on the Matters of Faith

Catholic – this creed is dominant in the Kingdom and the Poles consider themselves very religious.

Orthodox - common folk see little differance between Catholic and Orthodox. The crown has little against the shismaticks

Pagan - the followers of little godlings are prosecuted in the kingdom and converted by fire and sword if necessary. However, the Poles do not hesitate to enter any negotiations with the Lithuanian pagans if necessary.

Muslim - followers of Mohammed are looked kindly upon. The memories of Tartar raids decades ago remain vivid, besides, the Mongol threat is alive in the east.

Mosaic – Jews posess privillages and rights like nowhere in Europe. Many seek refugee and heaven in Polish lands. They don't need to wear special clothes and live in getthos. Many Jews claim important positions in the realm.

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The Knights, Warefare

and other rubble used during wars

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Diplomacy

pacts, treaties and alike

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The Merchants and Trade

economy, usury and Jews included

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History of the Realm

occurances past, from first to the last

Polish history in brief up to 1305

Most Scholars agree that the original Slav homeland lay within the boundaries of modern Poland in the Odra (Oder) and Wisla (Vistula) basins. The Slavs subsequently expanded into territories to the east, south and west and became increasingly differentiated until, by AD 800, three main geographical and linguistic divisions had arisen; the East Slavs inhabiting a large part of European Russia, the South Slavs who settled in the Balkan Peninsula, and the West Slavs who settled in what is now Poland, Czechoslovakia and East Germany.

The West Slavs suffered different fates; the Lusatians and Veleti were absorbed by German expansion, the Czechs and Moravians merged to form the nucleus of the Czech Kingdom, whilst the Slovaks became part of the kingdom of Hungary. The remaining tribes, including the Polanie, Wislanie, Pomorzanie and the Mazovians, joined together (in time) to form the Polish State.

Prince Mieszko

The Polish Baptism of 966 came about as a result of the concerns of Mieszko, or Mieczyslaw I, chief of the Polanie, raised by the establishment of the German Empire of Otto I (962). He decided to marry Dobrava, the daughter of Boleslav I of Bohemia, and accepted Christianity for himself and his people, thus preserving their independence. In 1000, at the Congress of Gniezno an independent Polish Church organisation was set up with the agreement of Otto III, but formed according to the Czech, rather than German, system. Thus the Polish Church could turn directly to Rome, and the Pope, for protection and would not fall under the influence of the Germans.

The Coronation of Boleslaw Chrobry (the Brave) As the first king of Poland, in 1024, established Poland's right as an independent kingdom.

In 1138 the Testament of Boleslaw III shattered the precarious unity of Poland by dividing the realm among Boleslaw's sons. This was the start of 150 years of dynastic struggle, in which the Church played a vital role in maintaining some semblance of national unity.

In 1226, Duke Konrad of Mazovia invited the Teutonic Order to combat pagan Prussian tribes from the base a Chelmno, thereby introducing a much more formidable enemy on the crucial Baltic coast. In time the Order turned on the Poles and began to grab large chunks of Polish territory, finally invading Gdansk in 1308 and massacring its Polish inhabitants. At the same time, a steady influx of German colonists helped to consolidate the Order's wealth and power.

1241, 1259 and 1287 saw devastating Tartar invasions. During the consequent reconstruction many new urban centres developed whilst older ones expanded. As part of the process of repopulation large numbers of foreign settlers arrived and rural colonisation took place. Many of these new settlers were Germans and, whilst some were gradually "Polonised" others merely helped strengthen German political influence (especially in Silesia).

It is during this period that the first Jewish settlers came to Poland where they were treated with more tolerance than in the rest of Europe, so-much-so that the Polish Synod was berated by the Papal Legate, in 1266, for allowing Jews to dress like anyone else and being able to live without restrictions in Poland, and for a royal charter having been granted them by Boleslaw the Pious in 1264.

A brief period of Czech rule from 1300 - 1305, under Vaclav II, reunited a main part of Poland.

The last Piasts

- 1305
21 VI - Wacław II Przemyślid, King of Bohemia and Poland, dies.
Władysław Łokietek occupies the royal castle in Krakow.
- 1308
VIII – Margraves of Brandenburg, Otton and Waldemar invade Pomerania and takes Gdańska by force.
IX – Łokietek asks the Teutonic Knights for help, they repel Brandenburgians from Gdańsk..
14 XI – Teutonic Knights take Gdańska as their own property, they slaughter many of the inhabitants, particularly those loyal to Polish crown.
Slowly, Teutonic Knights occupy the entire Gdańsk Pomerania.
Meeting in Grabie in Kujawy, Łokietek refuses to pay ransom for Gdańsk Pomerania.
- 1309
Tutonic Order conquers most of the Gdańsk Pomerania.
IX – After two months long siege, last Polish castle in Świecie falls.
- 1310
Grandmaster of the Teutonic Order moves his headquarter from Venice to Marienburg. Łokietek appeals to the Pope, accusing the Order of killing no less than 10000 christians..
30 IV - Kazimierz, son of Władysław Łokietek is born in Kowal in Kujawy.
Jan von Luksemburg, king of Bohemia, claims the title of Polish king after Przemyslid dynasty.
- 1311
V – Albert, castellan of Karkow begins his uprising. He lets in the Luxemburgian plenipotentiary, Bolko of Opole. Łokietek takes Kraków with haste, Bolko and Albert escape.
- 1312
Begining of uprising in Wielkopolska, which is aimed at the rule of Dukes of Głogów.
- 1313
(end of the year) - Łokietek occupies Wielkopolska
- 1315
Brandenburg attacks the border castles in Wielkopolska. Łokietek reply with his invasion of Neumark and attemps to ally with Denmark.
- 1317
House of Niałków-Jeleni hands over the border castles of Zbąszyń, Babimost and Trzciel to Brandenburgians.
- 1318
Meeting in Sulejów petitions the pope for the royal crown for Łokietek.
- 1320
20 I – Coronation of Władysław Łokietek in Kraków.
IV – First law suit regarding the posession of Gdańsk Pomerania by Teutonic Order begins in Inowrocław.
- 1321
II – The law suit ends in Brześć. The court orders TO to hand Gdańsk Pomerania back and pay the compensation.
- 1325
16 IX - Kazimierz, future king of Poland, marries Aldona-Anna, daughter of the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Giedymin. It seals the alliance against the Knights.
- 1327
I – Bohemian troops (allied with TO) which are marching on Kraków are forced to retreat by Karola Roberta Angevin of Hungary.
- 1328
Jan von Luxemburg attacks Małopolska again. Łokietek invades Teutonic lands. Teutonic Knights conquers Dobrzyn Land and force vassalage the Duke of Płock.
- 1329
As a result of Polish-Lithuanian invasion, Brandenburg is forced to sign peace with Poland. Teutonic raid burns Włocławek and reaches Łęczyca.
- 1330
Łokietek together with Hungarian and Lithuanian troops attacks Teutonic Dobrzyń and eventually agrees to one year long cease-fire.
- 1331
V - Łokietek entrust his son Kaziemierz with governorship of Wielkopolska.
VII – TO pillages Kujawy and invades northern Wielkopolska, the knights take Słupca, Gniezno, Żnin and Pobiedziska.
21 XI – Teutonic Order is defeated in the battle of Kalisz.
27 IX – Battle of Płowce is undecided but ends with Polish strategical success – TO immiedately withdraws to Toruń (Thorn), the knights leave Kujawy.
- 1332
(spring) – TO attacks Kujawy again.
VIII - Łokietek agrees to cease-fire and arbitration of Jan von Luksemburg and Karola Roberta Angevin of Hungary.
- 1333
2 III - Władysław Łokietek dies.
25 IV – Coronation of Kaziemierz..
- 1335
28 V - Kazimierz negotiaties cease-fire with Bohemians.
20 VI – Kazimierz signs an alliance with Margrave of Brandenburg in Chojnie in Neumark.
19 XI - Kazimierz signs a peace with Bohemia. King of Bohemia yealds his claim to Polish crown in exchange for monetary compensation. He returns Wieluń Land.
XI – Kings of Bohemia and Hungary announce their sentence and order the Teutonic Order to return Kujawy and Dobrzyn Land in return for Pomerania. Kazimierz accept the sentence and appeals the Pope to confirm the sentence from 1321.
- 1338
4 II – Begining of the second trial regarding the occupation of Gdańsk Pomerania.
- 1339
9 VII – Meeting in Visehrad. Kazimierz the Great makes a deal with the King of Hungary. In case of Kazimierz’s heirless death, Polish crown will be given to Charles’ son, Ludwig. In exchange, he promised Polish king the help against Teutonic Order and conquering the Red Ruthenia.
Aldona-Anna, Queen of Poland dies.
15 IX – The trial in Warsaw ends. Teutonic Order are to be excommunicated, the Knights are to return all conquered lands (Gdańsk Pomerania, Lands of Chełmo, Kujawy, Dobrzyń and Michałów), pay enormous compensation and cover the trial costs. After Teutonic intervention, the Pope does not confirm the verdict.
- 1340
7 IV – Prince of Halicz and Vladimir, Bolesław-Jerzy Trojdenowicz, dies. According to earlier agreements, the lands are to be granted to Kazimierz.
16 IV - Kazimierz crosses the Ruthenian border and takes Lvov.
- 1340/1341
In response Tartars raid Poland. It is repelled near Vistula river.
- 1341
11 VII - Małgorzata, daughter of Jan von Luksemburg, promised to Kazimierz the Great, dies.
13 VII - Kazimierz signs an agreement with Bohemia. Bothe partners promise one another help against any enemies, Kazimierz promises to consult with the court in Prague his and his children marriages. In exchange he gets Namysłów Land with the castles of, Kluczbork, Byczyna and Wołów.
29 IX – Marriage with Adelajda, daughter of Landgrave of Hessen, Henryka II.
- 1343
29 II - Kazimierz Wielki signs an allaince with the Gryphon Dukes of Western Pomerania.
8 VII – Kalisz peace with Teutonic order is signed. Kazimierz Wielki reclaims Kujawy and Dobrzyn Land, in exchange he lets the Teutonic Order to keep Gdańsk Pomerania as a gift, although he does reserve for himself the title of "Master and Heir of Pomerania". Peace agreement is not entirely fulfilled, The Order does not pay the promised compensation. Peace is not confirmed by the Pope. Kazimierz still titles himslef as the Duke of Gdańsk Pomerania.
- 1344
Another Ruthenian raid made by Kazimierz, he adds Sanok and Przemyśl Lands to the Crown.
- 1345
III – prince of Bohemia, Karol, during his return journey from Teutonic Knights is imprisoned in Kalisz. Jan von Luksemburg attacks Wschowa and Duchy of Świdnik that is allied with Poland..
VI Kazimierz, with the help of Hungarian and Lithuanian troops attacks the Duchy of Racibór.
12 VII The siege of Kraków, performed by Jana von Luksemburg, is interrupted by the Polish armies.
In the battles of Przeginia and Olkusz, Bohemian troops are defeated.
- 1347
XI - Kazimierz attacks Silesia again, he reaches Wrocław. In response, King of Bohemia, Charles IV von Luxemburg proclaims Silesia to be the fief of Bohemian crown.
- 1348
22 XI – Polish-Bohemian treaty of Namysłów. Silesia remains as Bohemian fief, in exchange, Bohemian king promises to support Polish claims against Brandenburg and Teutonic Order.
- 1349
With the help of Hungarian troops, Kazimeirz occupies Lwów i Halicz.
- 1350
20 V Kazimierz, called by the Dukes of Mazovia, helps to crush Lithuanian invasion near Żukow.
- 1351
Dukes of Mazovia swear fealty of the Polish king and become the vassals of Kaziemierz.
Płock is added to Poland after the heirless death of it’s Duke.
- 1353
Łęczyca and Dobrzyń Lands are incorporated to the Crown.
- 1355
14 I - Kazimierz signs the succession act with Ludwik, king of Hungary.
24 I - Ludwik, in exchange for recognizing of his succession plans, issues a privilege in Buda for the Polish Lords, in which he confirms all previous rights and privileges granted to Polish nobility.
- 1356
1 V - Kazimierz signs an alliance with Emperor Charles IV in Prague. Kazimierz yields his claim to the Duchy of Świdnica while Charles IV yields his claim to Mazovia.
- 1363
Kazimierz is choosed to be a mediator in the conflict between the kings of Bohemia and Hungary.
21 V – Marriage of Karimierz’s granddaughter, Elżbieta of Pomerania with Emperor Charles IV.
- 1364
12 V - Kazimierz founds Kraków University.
(Autumn) – A huge meeting of landlords begins in Kraków. Emperor and King of Bohemia Charles IV , Ludwik King of Hungary, Piotr Lusignan King of Cyprus, Waldemar King of Denmark, Duke Bolko Świdnik, Duke Bogusław V of Pomernia-Wołogost and Słupsk, Duke Siemowit III of Mazovia, Duke Władysław of Opole, Margrave Jan of Moravia and Margraves Otto and Ludwik of Brandenburg. The meeting was dealing with the issue of crusade which was to help Cyprus.
- 1365
Kazimierz takes Santok and Drezdenko.
- 1366
Kazimierz incorporates Wołyń (Volhynia) to Red Ruthenia.
- 1368
I – In Kalisz, Kazimierz plots with Ludwik of Hungary against the Emperor.
Beacuse of these plots, Margrave of Brandenburg cedes Wałcz to Poland which divides Teutonic and Brandenburgain lands.
Kazimierz adopts Kaźko, Duke of Pomernia-Wołogost and Słupsk, he wants to ensure that Kaźko will become the next king after the heirless death of Ludwik of Hungary he gives him Szieradz and Łęczyca Lands.
(Autumn) – Charles IV annexes Duchy of Świdnik after the death of duke there. It is the beginning of another diplomatical crisis between both kingdoms.
- 1369
II – Karzmierz agrees with Ludwik of Hungary that they shall nor enter any marriages with the Emperor.
- 1370
9 IX – Kaziemierz falls from his horse during deer hunting and breaks his leg. A while late, a horrible pneumonia starts.
30 X - Kazimierz arrives in Krakow. He has a high fever
5 XI – Death of Kazimierza Wielki (The Great), King of Poland and the last of the ruling Past dynasty..

"The Greatest of the Piasts lay in his grave. But the Piasts were not yet extinct. It was a nice question though - by whom, and in what manner, they would be disinherited..."

The Angevin and Hungarian connection

- 1370
7 XI – The funeral of Kazimierz Wielki in Wawel cathedral.
17 XI – Coronation of Ludwik of Hungary.
19 XI – Second funeral of Kaziemierz is commenced.
(December) - Ludwik departs to Hungary again Węgry, he leaves the actual governing to his mother and wife to old king Władysław Łokietek, Elżbieta Łokietkówna.
- 1372
10 X - Ludwik nominates Władysław of Opole the governor of Halicz-Vladimir Ruthenia.
Władysław Biały, Duke of Gniewków, escapes the monastery in Dijon and comes to Poland, claiming the Polish throne. After the unsuccessful attempt he retreats to Brandenburg.
- 1373
IX - Władysław Biały takes Gniewków and Złotoryja. Forced to surrender by Wielkopolska nobles, he gives himself at Ludwik’s mercy, he escapes to Brandenburg again.
- 1374
17 IX – Kosice Privileges are given to Polish nobles in exchange for allowing Ludwik’s daughters to inherit Polish throne.
- 1375
(Summer) - Władysław Biały, using Brandenburgian help, takes Gniewków, he does not acquire support of Wielkopolska and Kujawy nobles. Starosto of Wielkopolska proclaims him the enemy of the state.
Władysław of Opole is allowed by the Pope to take Ruthenian Church away from Lublin bishopric and to create the archbishopric of Halicz with the bishops of Przemyśl, Vladimir and Chelm as subordinates.
- 1376
I - Ludwik visits Kraków for couple of days.
Polish knights attack Władysław Biały. Duke Kaźko of Słupsk dies during the fight. Władysław is besieged in Złotoryja, he recieves monetary compensation for the duchy of Gniewków and finally leaves Poland.
(autumn) – Lithuanians invade Małopolska, trying to take Red Ruthenia from Poland.
7 XII – Riots in Kraków, almost one hundred Hungarianswho came there with Queen Elżbieta Łokietkówna die there.
- 1377
I – Elzbieta leaves Poland. Władysław of Opole is chosen to be the next Royal Plenipotentiary.
10 VII – Ludwik personally leads an invasion against Lithuania, he takes the castles of Chełm, Grabowiec, Horodle, Sewołż and Bełz.
- 1378
28 III – During the convention in Gniezno, Wielkopolska nobles demanded from Ludwik to dismiss Władysława of Opole from the office. The King dismisses him but gives him in return, Dobrzyn Land and the duchy of Gniewków together with the town of Bydgoszcz.
(autumn) - Queen Elżbieta comes to Poland again.
- 1379
Ludwik assumes direct control over Red Ruthenia and installs there his own Hungarian governors.
- 1380
29 XII - Elżbiety Łokietkówna, mother of Ludwik, dies.
- 1381
III – At the convention of Polish nobles and princes of the church in Buda, Ludvik nominates of the Royal Governor to Zawisza of Kurozwęk, bishop of Kraków.
- 1382
12 I - Zawisza of Kurozwęk dies. The king nominates Jan Radlica in his place.
III – Bishop of Poznań, Mikołaj of Kórnik dies. Poznań chapter choses Mikołaja the Scholastic.
IV – Archbishop of Gniezno dies. The chapter choses Dobrogost of Nowy Dwór.
Ludwik manges to get a nullification of both nominations from the Pope – both hierarchs were the enemies of the Angevins – he appoints Bodzanta in Poznań in Gniezno and Jan Kropidło, nephew of Władysła of Opole in Poznań.
25 VII – All starosts in Poland have to swear fealty to Sigismund von Luxemburg, such is Ludwik’s order
VII - Ludwik sends his son-in-law, Sigismund von Luxemburg, to Poland. He orders him to pacify Wielkopolska, where one of the more prominent lords, Bartosza of Odolanów, wreak havoc.
8 IX – Sigismund besieges Bartosz in Odolanów.
11 IX - Ludwik Angevin, King of Hungary and Poland, dies.

"In all his policies, Louis was guided by his main concern for the Angevin sucession. Historians cannot be prevented from wondering if Louis's efforts were worthwile. He had certainly mortgaged his daughters' happieness against an uncertain future. Here was a strong dynast with weak dynastic hand. From Poland's view point, Louis's short reign was decisive. The privileges he granted were not rescinded by his death..."

The Great Interregnum

- 1382
11 IX After hearing the news of his father-in-law death, Sigismund lifts the siege and departs to Hungary. Bartosz of Odolanów swears fealty to duke Ziemowit IV of Mazovia, he calls him to take the crown of Poland.
25 X – Nobles from all over Poland meet in Radomsk. They all opose the union with Hungary, they agree to accept one of Ludwik’s daughters as the queen, but only if she would live in Poland.
6 XI – During the convention in Wislica, the lords of Poland confirm what was decided in Radomsk and promise the Dowanger Queen that they shall swear fealty to her younger daughter, Jadwiga. At the same time they decline the person of Sigismund von Luxemburg as their king.

[Longinus]

The Lecture

The Great Interregnum


Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Present day.

An old professor was lecturing a rather large group of students in the Main University Hall. His glasses were reflecting strings of light coming through the window to his left. There was a small plaque lying on his desk, one could read “Professor Tadeusz Gryfita”.

”…And so it happened that the old King, laid dead. He was called the Great in Hungary and many Magyars mourned his loss and they indeed had good reasons for doing it. On contrary, here in Poland very few were concerned with his departure. After all he was a rare guest in Kraków and he did very little for strengthening the crown. If it wasn’t the privileges he granted to the nobles, he could have even lost the Polish throne. From Poland’s point of view , Louis’s reign was decisive. The privileges he had granted were not rescinded by his death. They put political initiative into the hands of the nobility at a moment when the cement of social and constitutional structures was starting to set.

In all his policies, Louis was guided by his main concern of Angevin sucession. He had two surviving daughters but no son to claim the inheritance. In 1374, at Kosice, for a price of above mentioned privileges, he had obtained an assurance from the Polish barons that one of his daughters would succeed him in Poland; but in 1382, his unilateral nomination of his older daughter Maria as regent seemed to pre-empt the issue in no unsubtle manner. It dismayed the majority of Polish lords as much as it angered the Magyars. Even before the King’s unexpected death brought the conflict into the open, civil war was brewing in Poland. The news of his demise ignited the powder keg. In Wielkopolska, one party urged Maria’s future husband, the Luxemburger, to take the throne without further ado. A second party, led by Bartosz of Odolanów, at a gathering of nobles at Sieradz, elected the Piast, Duke Ziemowit IV of Mazovia. A third party, connected with the barons of Małopolska, sought compromise. After much wrangling first at the meeting at Radomsk and than at Wiślica, they settled on Maria’s younger sister, Hedwig, who was bothered to Wilhelm von Habsburg, Prince of Austria. The party supporting the union with Hungary, with Queen Maria, was growing weaker.

The majority of nobles were in favour of Hedwige Angevin. This seemed like the most reasonable course of action. First of all such choice would comply with the promise they gave to Louis in 1374 at Kosice. Secondly, the Poland would be tied to the powerful House of Angevin and the inmportance of such tie was not to be underestimated, especially if the sister monarch was to sit in Buda, thusly assuring at least the limited alliance with Hungary. House of Angeven, even if separate branches were fighting each other, was huge and had influence in the courts all over Europe. The could not be ignored by either the old menace of Teutonic knights or the powerful House of Luxemburg. Thirdly, Louis made a cunning (and very unpopular in Poland) move in 1379 and attached entire Red Ruthenia to Hungarian throne, claiming that these lands were only to be returned if his line will sat on Polish throne.

The very same nobles that supported Hedwige, opposed Maria and the union with Hungary. They wanted to have a monarch who would live in Poland and who would rule from Kraków rather than Buda. Still, by the end of 1383 it was not decided which party was to prevail in Poland. Was the Piast of Mazovia win and restore his House to glory? Was the Polish-Hungarian union remain intact? Or perhaps something new with 9 years old Hedwige was to emerge? It was yet to be decided.

However, one way or another. In those later centuries, the Polish-hungarian connection remained a close one. Strong sympathies and personal contacts between the lords of both realms persisted even when political co-operation was impossible. To this day, almost everyone in Kraków or Budapest can repeat the old jingle in its Polish or Hungarian form:

Węgier, Polak, dwa bratanki,
Tak do szabli jak do szklanki.

Magyar és lengyel jó barát
Karddal s pohár közt egyaránt

The Pole and the Magyar like brothers stand
Whether with sword or with tankard in hand."

[Icarus]

Wielkopolska

As János Garai approached the castle gate he did not know what to expect. He had come because of the polish succession, but in Poland chaos apparently reigned at the moment. It was off course a mission of great sensitivity and importance, the wrong man (or woman) on the polish throne could have serious consequences for Hungary. That is also why the brother of the Palatine himself had been chosen to go.

Once he had arrived he introduced himself to the guards, asking wether he had indeed come to the place where Domarat of Pierzchno currently held residence. If not or if he were elsewhere, Garai would ask where to travel to find him.

[Longinus]

Kalisz, province of Wielkopolska
December, Anno Domini 1383

The view on the city of Kalisz

During his journey through Wielkopolska, János Garai was learning more and more about the situation in the province and the rest of the Polish realm. The news were sometimes contradicting and the sources biased, still, he could easily find out that there was growing tensions in Greater Poland. He could find out that the faction of Mazovians supporting duke Ziemowit of Mazowsze as the next king was growing stronger as the faction of Landlords allied with them against the hated Domarat of Iwno and Pierzchno. Still, Kalisz was closest to Prague and Domarat was said to be Angevin supporter, besides, János Garai knew little about the Polish regional politicks and the struggles the realm was going through.

He was received with great anticipation and habitability. He wasn’t even granted too much time to refresh himself, he wasn’t even given anything to drink or eat when he found himself before the Satrost of Wielkopolska, in his casual clothes, with fingers dirty of fat, apparently Hungarians interrupted his dinner.

His round face was smiling broadly at János.

”Welcome in Kalisz sire! Your Grace can’t imagine how happy I am to see the emissary from Buda. Sire! I am surrounded with enemies here, I need help, fast. The bastards spit on my authority and can strike any day now!”

[Icarus]

Garai was taken slightly aback by the words of the Starost. He had simply been sent as an emissary to act as Her Majesty's eyes and ears before the upcoming election. He had heard of troubles in Poland, but never had he dreamed of anything like this.

"I... I am afraid I am not completely up to date with the happenings here Your Excellency. I am a mere emissary travelling with a few guards, not the general of an army. But please, enlighten me about the situation, and we will see wether there is anything I can do to help."

[Longinus]

Domarat looked slightly disappointed and all his energy suddenly flushed away, he became twice as nervous though.

”Ehhh, Your Grace is not the sign of coming army? Eh? Well, hmmm, well, at least the walls of Kalisz are thick,,,” he started to mumble something in Polish in low voice, finally he regained bits of composition.

”There is much to be said sire, rest assured however I remain most loyal to Queen Maria and her husband. Sadly, some rebellious nobles from Wielkopolska, supported by those damn Mazovians, are trying to overthrown me! ME! The one that was appointed by His Royal Majesty King Louis HIMSELF! May he rest in peace!

The rebels, supported by the Piast of Mazovia are hiring mercenaries and calling knights from all over Wielkopolska, Mazowsze and Kujawy to march against me, the only one loyal to Her Majesty! Uff.

They want to ignore their oaths and own words given to the king, that bastard, Bartosz of Odolanów, already sworn fealty to duke of Mazowsze. They say Wincenty of Kępy, together with his supporter, decided to ally with him as well. Your Grace, I NEED Royal assistance immediately.”

[Icarus]

Garai nodded.

"Am I to understand that these nobles want to elect this Duke as their new King? That would be an unfortunate turn of events yes. Tell me, does Your Excellency know anything about the size of their forces? That piece of information would be of great value in the near future."

He then added "But thankfully there are at least some loyal servants of the crown here. Which I am sure will be rewarded generously once this storm is over."

[Longinus]

Domorat nodded, feeling very important and envigorated now. It was evident that he liked to be praised.

"Their forces? Well, I have no precise numbers, but I fear they might even come to thousand or more, much more. And yes, they obviosuly want to declare duke Ziemovit the next king. Actually, as I have said earlier, some of them already swore fealty to him."

[Icarus]

János Garai looked thoughtful, considering what had just been said.

"What about other polish lords? How far is it to the nearest that is loyal to the crown, and what kind of forces do they possess?"

"These that wish to support the Duke of Mazowsze, do they mostly have knights or infantry I wonder. Be that as it may, I shall send a letter to Buda with all due haste informing them of the situation. Any further information Your Excellency have will be most welcome off course."

[Longinus]

Domarat didn’t reply immediately, this time he gave himself a moment to think. Finally he said.

”Well, there are still many lords behind me, Queen Maria and Jan of Luxemburg. As for others, those from Małopolska, well,,, There were two general meetings in past weeks, one in Radomsk and one in Wiślica. The barons of Małopolska do seem to recognize Angevin right, though they deiced to elect the other daughter, Jadwiga.” he paused for a moment. ”Bot this is AGAINST the late King’s will. May he rest in peace! Right?! And against the will of Queen Elisabeth, right? That is why I decided against signing under their letter to Buda.” he starts to breath heavily, perhaps he is hiding something? It’s hard to say really.

”There are many towns, castles and keeps under my control, the most prominent and nearest would be Sieradz to the east, Pyzdry to the north. The major city of western Wielkopolska, Poznan, is also under my control.”

[Icarus]

Garai rubbed his nose and looked at Domarat.

"So they wish to elect Hedvig do they? Well, that certainly puts things in a new perspective. I will have to confer with Buda about this, there is not much I can do without further instructions. Meanwhile the Duke of Mazowsze must under no circumstances take this castle. Its walls are thick though, so I am confident that it will hold out."

"One way or the other this should work out my friend. I am almost certain that forces will be sent to deal with the situation."

[Voshkod]

The horsemen rode parallel to the stream that divided Polish Podolia from the lands of the Horde. Occassionally, one would break away from the others and ride out to midstream to water his horse, and stare at the grasslands on the other side. Every few miles, as measured by the horse's pace, they planted a gold flag.

[Longinus]

Domarat looks now as if he was to cry.

"God bless you sire! God bless you!" he shakes Garai's hand enhusiastically.

"Kalisz has thick walls indeed, and so do Pyzdry, Poznań and the rest. Besides it's winter after all, isn't it?" starost's mood improved greatly. Finally he realised that he kept his guest unfed and without drinks.

"Your Grace, exuse me, I filed as a host here. Please join with me during the dinner. We shall talk more during it."

[Longinus]

Originally Posted by Voshkod

The horsemen rode parallel to the stream that divided Polish Podolia from the lands of the Horde. Occassionally, one would break away from the others and ride out to midstream to water his horse, and stare at the grasslands on the other side. Every few miles, as measured by the horse's pace, they planted a gold flag.

Ivan Ivanowitch, the sentry from Prince Konstnty Koriatowicz personal guards was looking at the Tartars from behind the bushes. He whispered to his comrade. “It does not look good eh Vlad? It doesn’t look good at all. We better report that to Prince immediately.”