Prince Roman Mstislavovich in the Rus’–Polish relations of the second half of the XII century

Abstract

The paper analyses investigation of the question of the western vector of the foreign policy of Volyn prince Roman Mstislavovich before the time of foundation of the Galich-Volyn principality in historiography, on the basis of source materials the peculiarities of the processes of Rus’-Polish relations in the second half of the XII century are revealed. The questions of finding the date prince Roman’s birth, the influence of the European factor on the formation of his outlook and his formation as a political and military figure are considered. A fairly unknown aspects of interrelations between Roman Mstislavovich and Polish princes Kazimir II Just, Meshko III Old, Leshko Byaliy and Konrad are traced. The questions of the Polish influence on the events in Berestya in 70-ies of the beginning of 80-ies of the XII century, at the time of the first coming to power of Roman Mstsilavovich in Galich in 1188, returning the Volodimir prince throne by Roman, restoration of prince Volodimir Jaroslavovich on the Galich throne in 1189, joining Dorogichin region to Roman’s possessions at the beginning of the 90-ies of the XII century, the second and final coming to power of Roman Mstislavovich in Galich of 1199 are clarified in the paper. A special attention is paid to the participation of Volyn prince in the restoration of Kazimir II Just on the Krakow throne in 1191 and in the significant battle on the river Mozgava in 1195. All this is important for proper understanding the peculiarities of the development of interstate relations of Rus’ and Poland in the second half of the XII century. The conclusions of the role of Roman Mstislavovich in the international policy are drawn.