Chronica seu originale regum et principum Poloniae
Encyclopedia
Chronica seu originale regum et principum Poloniae is a Latin
history of Poland
written by Wincenty Kadłubek between 1190 and 1208 CE. The work was probably commissioned by Casimir II
of Poland. Consisting of four books, it describes Polish history.
Kadłubek included in his work many legendary and fabulous events, mainly concerning Polish antique deeds like battles with Julius Caesar
as well as early medieval Poland (for example the story of Princess Wanda
). He attempted to connect origins of Poland with the classical antiquity
in order to prove its glorious roots. Such practices were not unusual in the Middle Ages
, when many nations were searching for their ancient and mythological
antecessors.
The first, second, and third books are composed as a classical dialogue, where the author positions himself as a witness of the conversation. The Chronica's use of this style is unique in medieval literature but was frequently used in antiquity.
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
history of Poland
History of Poland
The History of Poland is rooted in the arrival of the Slavs, who gave rise to permanent settlement and historic development on Polish lands. During the Piast dynasty Christianity was adopted in 966 and medieval monarchy established...
written by Wincenty Kadłubek between 1190 and 1208 CE. The work was probably commissioned by Casimir II
Casimir II
Casimir II may refer to:*Casimir II the Just, Duke of Cracow and senior prince of Poland*Casimir II, Duke of Pomerania, duke of Pomerania-Demmin*Casimir II, Duke of Cieszyn...
of Poland. Consisting of four books, it describes Polish history.
Kadłubek included in his work many legendary and fabulous events, mainly concerning Polish antique deeds like battles with Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar
Gaius Julius Caesar was a Roman general and statesman and a distinguished writer of Latin prose. He played a critical role in the gradual transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire....
as well as early medieval Poland (for example the story of Princess Wanda
Princess Wanda
Princess Wanda was the legendary daughter of Krakus, legendary founder of Kraków. Upon her father's death, she became queen of the Poles, but committed suicide to avoid an unwanted marriage....
). He attempted to connect origins of Poland with the classical antiquity
Classical antiquity
Classical antiquity is a broad term for a long period of cultural history centered on the Mediterranean Sea, comprising the interlocking civilizations of ancient Greece and ancient Rome, collectively known as the Greco-Roman world...
in order to prove its glorious roots. Such practices were not unusual in the Middle Ages
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
, when many nations were searching for their ancient and mythological
Classical mythology
Classical mythology or Greco-Roman mythology is the cultural reception of myths from the ancient Greeks and Romans. Along with philosophy and political thought, mythology represents one of the major survivals of classical antiquity throughout later Western culture.Classical mythology has provided...
antecessors.
The first, second, and third books are composed as a classical dialogue, where the author positions himself as a witness of the conversation. The Chronica's use of this style is unique in medieval literature but was frequently used in antiquity.