Writing History in Medieval Poland

Book excerpt: Poland's first native chronicler and a proud contributor to the twelfth century renaissance placed his people's history on a continuum with the classical world. This work brings to light the importance of Poland in the making of Europe. This volume presents an in-depth analysis of the 'Chronica Polonorum', one of the greatest works of the twelfth-century renaissance which profoundly influenced history writing in Central Europe. The 'Chronica Polonorum' was written by Poland's first native historian Vincentius of Cracow. Educated in Paris and Bologna, he was the first canonically elected bishop of Cracow and a participant of the Fourth Lateran Council. The eyewitness accounts given in the 'Chronica Polonorum' offer insights into the development of twelfth-century Poland, the ambitions of its dynasty, the country's integration into Christendom, and the interaction between the Polish and Western elites. Vincentius's work is considered a masterpiece in literary erudition grounded in classical training. The historical evidence it presents illuminates the socio-cultural interaction between Poland and the West during the period. Vincentius's chronicle demonstrates the strong, enduring influence of the history, law, and traditions of ancient Rome in twelfth-century Europe.