INTERDYNASTIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE RULERS OF MASOVIA AND VOLHYNIA IN THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY ACCORDING TO THE CHRONICLE OF THE ROMANIDS (THE GALICIAN–VOLHYNIAN CHRONICLE)

Abstract

This article examines how the relations between the princes of the Masovian branch of the Piast dynasty and the Romanids of Halych-Volhynia are represented in the Chronicle of the Romanids (the Galician-Volhynian Chronicle). An analysis of relevant passages of the source allows us to trace the dynamics of political contacts between the two dynasties in the thirteenth century. The Chronicle of the Romanids contains both evidence of close coalition cooperation, including military support and joint campaigns, and descriptions of episodes of confrontation that illustrate the changing and multidimensional character of interdynastic relations. The study analyses all cases of interaction between the Masovian Piasts and the Romanids recorded in the Chronicle of the Romanids, which makes it possible to outline the main forms of political contacts between these dynasties. Particular attention is devoted to the specific character of the relations between the Volodymyr branch of the Romanids and the Masovian Piasts in the mid- and late thirteenth century. The article also examines whether these contacts had an institutionalized character or remained largely situational political alliances determined by the current configuration of power in the region. The aim of the article is to determine the degree of political and cultural integration between Masovia and Volhynia in the thirteenth century on the basis of the evidence provided by the Chronicle of the Romanids.