Hello all,
I'm looking for more books on the subject of the Piast Dynasty c. 1200 AD. Please review the information provided and make corrections with proper citation.
I'm looking for more books on Polish history, specifically on the notable lords of Poland around 1200. I've read through "A Concise History of Poland" by Jerzy Lukowski and Hubert Zawadzki, "The Polish Way" by Adam Zamoyski, and "God's Playground, A History of Poland" by Norman Davies, the latter being the most informative.
As I understand it, Poland was fragmented after 1138 due to Boleslaw III Wrymouth dividing the land into five principalities for his sons, giving Krakow to the eldest son. Wladislaw, Boleslaw's son, tried to unite the country, but ultimately failed due to his brothers and other lords, leaving the Polish state in a period of fragmentation.
What I'm trying to figure out is who these other lords were (in and around 1200 that is), and to what extent they had power. The numerous local officials, designated in Latin as comes (count), and in Polish as pan (lord) and then as kasztelan (castellan), were appointed and removed at the ruler's word. They were responsible for the military and judicial administration of the various districts, each centered on its grod or 'fortress'. During this period of fragmentation, all of the offices under the castellans were multiplied, effectively making each of the five principalities autonomous, thereafter reducing the effectiveness of a centralized monarchy.
Society was organized on a military basis. At the top of the social scale, stood the Druzyna or 'Team' of the prince's bodyguards. They held land from the prince in return for military service. Among the military class, several strata can be distinguished. The moznowladztwo or 'baronial caste' consisted of powerful families, often related to the prince by blood or distinguished service. They dominated the Council and, although they swore fidelity to the prince, and formally submitted to his authority, they were the source of most of the rebellions.
The five principalities are thus: Seniorate Province (Duchy of Krakow) assigned to the eldest son, Silesian Province (Duchy of Silesia), Masovian Province (Duchy of Masovia), Greater Poland Province (Duchy of Greater Poland), and the Sandomierz Province (Duchy of Sandomierz).
Thus far I know of these people to be in a position of power at 1200 ad:
Mieszko III Stary (the Old) of Wielkopolska held both Greater Poland (having Poznan as the capital and Gniezno as a major city) and Malopolska (having Krakow as the capital) as his principalities. He was the lord of Poznan, Gniezno, Kalisz, and Krakow. Leszek I the White was Duke of Sandomierz and Masovia. Confusingly, Konrad I of Masovia is also named Duke of Masovia in 1200 (under the regent of Helen of Znojmo). *research more* Boleslaw I the Tall was Duke of Silesia, lord of Wroclaw and Glowgow. Boleslaw I's son, Jaroslaw was the duke and bishop of Opole.
Thank you for your input,
- Vel
P.S. - Sorry for this being in the wrong forum section, I don't know how to move it. If a moderator would do so I'd appreciate it.
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