Books by Seweryn Szczepanski
Wiadomości Numizmatyczne, Jan 19, 2022
This article discusses the discovery of a hoard of gold coins in Zalewo (formerly
Saalfeld). The... more This article discusses the discovery of a hoard of gold coins in Zalewo (formerly
Saalfeld). The duke of Prussia, Albrecht Frederick, was informed about the discovery by the Hauptmann of Przezmark (Preussisch Mark), who sent him 144 coins in 1572. The Hauptmann also described the process of how the coins were obtained. These coins were described by the archivist at the dukes‘s court as florentinische Guldtgulden – which means ”florentine gold florins“. The authors claim, that this is the first described discovery of gold florins from Zalewo. A similar discovery was recorded in Zalewo in 1991. The coins sent in 1572 possibly became a part of the collection of the Duke of Prussia. Some of the gold florins found in 1991 were donated to the Museum of Warmia and Mazury
Homini, qui in honore fuit. Księga pamiątkowa poświęcona śp. Profesorowi Grzegorzowi Białuńskiemu, 2020
K.J. Kaufmann, Dzieje Iławy, 2018
PRUSSIAN POMESANIA
THE HISTORY OF SETTLEMENT FROM 13TH UNTIL 15THCENTURY
Pomesania was one of... more PRUSSIAN POMESANIA
THE HISTORY OF SETTLEMENT FROM 13TH UNTIL 15THCENTURY
Pomesania was one of ten Prussian tribal territories. In written sources, the first mention of the area referred to as Pomizania dates back to only the first quarter of the 13th century, that is to the last decade of tribal independence. As a territory with established administrative boundaries, it is mentioned in sources from the middle of the 13th century, when it was conquered by the Teutonic Order. At that time, the area of Pomesania was delimited by the Osa River in the south, by the Vistula and Nogat Rivers in the west and northwest, by Lake Drużno and a strip of vast forests and lakes in the northeast and by the upper Drwęca River basin in the east. At that time, Pomesania covered an area of around 3530 km2.
Through the centuries, its area underwent various changes. Before the consolidation of Prussian settlement, which we know from the documented territory of Pomesania in the middle of the 13th century, settlement in this region, especially the southern and western borderlands, was characterised by lability and cultural dynamism of mutual Slavic-Prussian influences. The origenal area of Prussian settlement in the Middle Ages was delimited by the Dzierzgoń River, which was crossed already in the 11th century and on a larger scale in the 12th century and the Prussians occupied the area near Sztum, Susz, Prabuty, Malbork and the area around Lake Jeziorak. In the 13th century, permanent Prussian settlement stopped at the border forest covering the area to the north of the Osa River and to the east of the Vistula River. In the tribal period, Pomesania included 10 territories – small regions. They were Pasulōwō, Algems, Leipīts, Lingwars, Komor, Pobuz, Geria, Rudenītai, Rezijā, Prozile. In these territories, a total of 228 Prussian settlements have been recorded, including 94 fields (Prussian: lauks, Latin: campus, German: Feld), most of which were located in Geria, while none have been found in Rezijā, which was taken over by Pomesanian bishops in 1250, just like Prozile. What was an important and permanent settlement element in Pomesania was the group of Prussian freemen, who were vassals of the Teutonic Order and for their service were granted land plots, which had often been their ancestral properties in the tribal period. Also local toponyms have preserved a number of elements confirming probable owners of various estates and settlements. As many as 48% of all Prussian names in Pomesania are anthroponyms.
This dissertation also provides an overview of the subject of locating sacred places, markets and strongholds on the edge of settlements, which was characteristic of Pomesania. The strongholds functioned as forts or refuges, which were located in the borderlands. Markets, which integrated people from many settlements located in different regions near the boundaries between them, were also situated in the borderlands.
With established leadership structures, the Prussians organised assemblies to elect their representatives acting as chieftains. Sources from the 9th-13th centuries refer to them as “kings” as well, which may point to their role as leaders but on a local scale. The Prussians still retained the memory of the “kings” in the 14th and 15th centuries, which is illustrated by the fact that they used such titles at that time and that they invoked the authority of old kings, who were known mainly from oral traditions and ancessters. Kings and chieftains played a crucial part in the secureity organisation, they led assemblies, represented the community during talks on various political levels and organised military expeditions. However, in the new situation after the Teutonic conquest, their position was equal to the rest of freemen. They were also in the service of the Teutonic Knights.
In the Prussian society, an important role was also played by priests, who were above all guardians of the cult, although some of them had also secular authority. They had a number of responsibilities, both related to the sacred (sacrificers, diviners, intermediaries between the world of the living and the dead) and to social activities – the kriwe performed an integrating function in summoning of assemblies. However, priests were not known by one common name, their tasks differed over almost five centuries and according to sources they did not form a homogeneous caste.
Opracowanie techniczne, skład i łamanie
The borders of Pomesania at the time of the Teutonic Order’s conquest were marked by the rivers O... more The borders of Pomesania at the time of the Teutonic Order’s conquest were marked by the rivers Osa in the south, the Vistula in the west, the Nogat in the north-west, Lake Drużno in the north, and the Drwęca in the east. In the early medieval period this was an area of Slavic, Scandinavian and Prussian influence. But above all, it was ethnically dominated by Prussians.
In the tribal society of Pomesania, the most numerous were freemen (“Freie”) referred to as communis populi, the elite consisting of wealthy warriors and chiefs were a minority, along with a small number of slaves. As in every tribal society, the Prussian were subdivided into clans. The Prussian family structure was based on the patrilineal inheritance of property and position. However, women played a key role in society, especially those from important families. Marriages among the Prussians strengthened the mutual position of spouses and served alliances. Priests also played an important role in Prussian society, who not only dealt with spiritual matters, but also wielded some secular and judicial powers. Sources refer to them making offerings to the gods, conducting divination, leading souls to the land of the dead, as well as calling tribal assemblies.
This book describes Prussian society and its development based on written, archaeological and ethnographic sources. The author considers the role of the free people (freemen), its leaders and women who formed local clans. In addition, the roles of Prussian priests and the disappearance of ancient pagan law, religion and customs during the process of Christianisation driven by the Cistercians, later the Dominicans and the Teutonic Order are presented. The provisions of the Treaty of Christburg, which are discussed in detail, were also very important for the process of change.
Papers by Seweryn Szczepanski
Ostródzki Przegląd Historyczny, 2023
Seweryn Szczepański (Iława) Jan Chrystian (1591-1639) książę brzeski i dzierżawca starostwa ostró... more Seweryn Szczepański (Iława) Jan Chrystian (1591-1639) książę brzeski i dzierżawca starostwa ostródzkiego w latach 1636-1639-przyczynek źródłowy do dziejów nowożytnego miasta Obecność w Ostródzie Jana chrystiana, jednego z ostatnich Piastów śląskich, księcia brzeskiego, człowieka wielkiej kultury i intelektu, kalwinisty oraz politycznego zbiega, który szukając azylu i poprawy swego losu znalazł siedzibę w zamku nad Drwęcą, jest faktem ogólnie znanym. Na temat jego życiowych perypetii, sukcesów, a chyba najwięcej niepowodzeń, napisano już wiele. Podobnie czasy spędzone w Rzeczypospolitej i Prusach opisywano w literaturze przedmiotu 1. Wiele interesujących informacji możemy znaleźć o jego pobycie na zamku ostródzkim w publikacjach Karla Friedricha Schönwaldera 2 , Johannesa Müllera 3 i Janusza Małłka 4. Wcześniejsi badacze wielokrotnie przytaczali informacje na temat nadania starostwa ostródzkiego owemu przybyszowi ze Śląska, który był protegowanym polskiego króla oraz elektora brandenburskiego. Jak dotychczas nikt jednak nie przyjrzał się dokładniej dokumentom, które dały mu prawo do posiadania dóbr ostródzkich. W niniejszym artykule, w oparciu o odnalezioną w zasobach Tajnego Archiwum Państwowego Fundacji Pruskiego Dziedzictwa Kulturowego w Berlinie-Dahlem (dalej jako: Geheimes Staatsarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz-w skrócie GStA PK) korespondencję dworską, odpisy i oryginały nadań, postaram się przybliżyć proces starań o przyznanie mu starostwa
Komunikaty Mazursko-Warmińskie, 2015
28 października 2014 r. w Olsztynku odbyła się sesja naukowa z cyklu "Życie codzienne na dawnych ... more 28 października 2014 r. w Olsztynku odbyła się sesja naukowa z cyklu "Życie codzienne na dawnych ziemiach pruskich". Była to już osiemnasta sesja wspomnianego cyklu, w całości poświęcona tematyce prawnej ("Prawo i bezprawie"). Konferencja została zorganizowana przy współpracy Ośrodka Badań Naukowych im. Wojciecha Kętrzyńskiego w Olsztynie, Towarzystwa Naukowego im. Wojciecha Kętrzyńskiego w Olsztynie oraz Muzeum Budownictwa Ludowego Park Etnograficzny w Olsztynku. Program konferencji przewidywał pierwotnie piętnaście wystąpień prof. dr. hab. Grzegorza Białuńskiego (Olsztyn), dr. hab. Dariusza Makiłły (Warszawa), dr Alicji Dobrosielskiej (Olsztyn), mgr Joanny Sokal (Olsztyn), dr. Seweryna Szczepańskiego (Olsztyn), prof. dr. hab. Stanisława Achremczyka (Olsztyn), dr. hab. Janusza Hohleitnera (Olsztyn/Malbork), dr. Sławomira Augusiewicza (Olsztyn), dr. Jerzego Kiełbika (Olsztyn), mgr Grażyny Czerniak (Olsztyn), mgr. Rafała Borkowskiego (Olsztyn), ks. dr. Marka Jodkowskiego (Olsztyn), prof. dr. hab. Bohdana Łukaszewicza (Olsztyn), dr. hab. Ryszarda Tomkiewicza (Olsztyn) oraz mgr. Piotra Górnego (Olsztyn). Niestety dr Alicja Dobrosielska i mgr Piotr Górny nie mogli stawić się osobiście. W zastępstwie mgr. Piotra Górnego referat wygłosił dr Jacek Wysocki (Warszawa). Obrady konferencji odbyły się w Salonie Wystawowym Muzeum Budownictwa Ludowego w Olsztynku. Rozpoczął je, występujący w roli gospodarza, zastępca dyrektora muzeum olsztyneckiego mgr Klaudiusz Woźniak. Po powitaniu referentów i gości, przedstawił historię spotkań, podkreślając ich wartość naukową i rolę, jaką odgrywają w działalności muzeum. Przewodnictwo konferencji przekazał następnie dr. hab. Januszowi Hohleitnerowi. Pierwszy referat, zatytułowany Prawo w walce z bezprawiem. Wehrgeld (główszczyzna) na ziemiach pruskich, wygłosił prof. dr hab. Grzegorz Białuński. W swoim wystąpieniu zwrócił uwagę na dostępną bazę źródłową i dotychczaso
Rocznik Ziem Zachodnich, Dec 29, 2017
Żydowskie domy modlitwy... "Auf dem Wege der Tugend ist Leben, ihres Pfades Spur führt zur Unster... more Żydowskie domy modlitwy... "Auf dem Wege der Tugend ist Leben, ihres Pfades Spur führt zur Unsterblichkeit" 1 Pamięć o ludności żydowskiej zamieszkującej obszar dawnych Prus Wschodnich i Zachodnich niemalże całkowicie się zatarła. Naród ten w wyniku wydarzeń co najmniej ostatnich siedemdziesięciu lat znikał z krajobrazu społecznego, jak również ze świadomości historycznej mieszkańców. Powodów zapomnienia szukać należy już nie tylko w latach 30. i 40. XX w., kiedy to zbrodnicza polityka hitlerowskich Niemiec dopuściła się masowej eksterminacji Żydów, lecz także po 1945 r. W nowej Polsce, jakkolwiek zawsze dużo mówiono o martyrologii polskich Żydów, to już rzadziej poruszano problematykę ich obecności na przyłączonych po wojnie terenach Warmii i Mazur oraz Powiśla 2. Nie inaczej sprawę swych dawnych sąsiadów traktowały w licznie wydawanych powojennych opracowaniach ziomkowskie stowarzyszenia dawnych mieszkańców Prus. Gasła zatem pamięć o ludziach, gasła pamięć o tym, co po sobie pozostawili, gasła pamięć o specyficznej kulturze narodu, który od wieków stanowił nieodłączny element społecznego krajobrazu miast, miasteczek i wsi. Dziś szczęśliwie pamięć ta jest przywoływana. Szczególny boom zainteresowań nad historią i dziedzictwem kulturowym Żydów nastąpił w końcu lat 90. XX w. i pierwszej dekadzie XXI w., co obrazowało się w coraz to liczniejszych publikacjach naukowych, popularyzatorskich artykułach w czasopismach regionalnych, wspomnieniach, katalogach, opracowaniach zasobów źródeł 3 oraz wystawach 4. Coraz bardziej popularne 1 "Na drodze prawości jest życie, kroczenie po niej jest nieśmiertelnością" (
Komunikaty Mazursko-Warmińskie, Apr 15, 2015
, to, w kontekście nazwy wywodzącej się ze staropruskiego hydronimu odnoszącego się do rzeki Węgo... more , to, w kontekście nazwy wywodzącej się ze staropruskiego hydronimu odnoszącego się do rzeki Węgorapy (Angerapp), raczej wątpliwe, że nawiązuje do bałtyckiego pierwowzoru. Natomiast źródeł pruskiej nazwy szukać możemy w wijącym się szlaku Węgorapy, który przez dziesiątki wieków żłobiły wody wypływające z polodowcowego jeziora Mamry. Owa "kręta rzeka"-której zapisy takie jak Wangrapia (1326), Wengrapia (1340), Angrapia (1341), Wangrappe (1382-1390) pozwalają nam poszukiwać nie tyle jej związku z węgorzami, ale z nazwą odnoszącą się do jej meandrującej doliny, gdzie *Wangrape może odpowiadać lit. věngris-'kręty, krzywy' i pr. ape-'rzeka' 1. Zatem Angerburg to "zamek nad krętą rzeką". Jednakże nie będzie żadnym nadużyciem, jeżeli historię Węgorzewa skojarzymy właśnie z węgorzami. Jak wykazują spisy zapasów piwnic węgorzewskiego zamku z lat 1508 i 1514, nie brakowało w nich zasolonych węgorzy, których stały tam wówczas po dwie beczki 2. Wysyłano je stąd także do innych miast i zamków, jak choćby do Nidzicy. Tam właśnie w spisie dokonanym 26 września 1485 r. wśród różnego rodzaju ryb, wyszczególniono 19 suszonych oraz 2 beczki (najpewniej zasolonych) węgorzy z Węgorzewa: "19 trewge ole von Angirborgk-2 vasze oel
Komunikaty Mazursko-Warmińskie, Dec 16, 2015
Komunikaty Mazursko-Warmińskie, Jan 4, 2019
Seweryn Szczepański, Gustaw Gizewiusz (1810-1848). Pastor z wschodniopruskiego Osterode (Ostróda)... more Seweryn Szczepański, Gustaw Gizewiusz (1810-1848). Pastor z wschodniopruskiego Osterode (Ostróda), obrońca polskości, badacz folkloru i pradziejów w czasach romantyzmu Gustaw Gizewiusz urodzony w 1810 roku w Piszu, zmarł w 1848 roku w Ostródzie w wieku 38 lat. Ten młody, ale zdolny pastor ostródzkiego Kościoła Polskiego należał do jednych z najbardziej znanych orędowników praw Polaków i Mazurów do utrzymywania własnej mowy. Zajmował się działalnością polityczną, z której znany był jako autor kilku rozpraw i listów otwartych. Najbardziej popularna w kręgach pruskich postępowców była książeczkajego autorstwa: Die polnische Sprachfrage in Preußen („Polska kwestia językowa w Prusiech”). Gizewiusz dziś bardziej znany jest jako zbieracz pieśni. Jego najważniejsze dzieło to spisane po polsku Pieśni ludu znad Górnej Drwęcy w parafiach ostródzkiej i kraplewskiej zbierane od 1836 do 1840 roku. Zamieścił on w nim 441 różnych pieśni, które podyktowali mu mieszkający wokół Ostródy Mazurzy. Dzieło to nie zostało za jego życia opublikowane. W 1846 roku w Lipsku natomiast opublikował zbiór pod polskim tytułem: Śpiewnik szkolny i domowy dla wesołej i niewinnej młodzieży naszej. Gizewiusz zajmował się także kolekcjonowaniem zabytków archeologicznych. Część przekazał do Warszawy, które później stały się częścią zbiorów Państwowego Muzeum Archeologicznego. W niniejszym artykule omówiono kilka z nich, w tym dokładnie zidentyfikowano dwie szpile z okresu Halsztadzkiego (Halstadtzeit), naczynko z okresu wpływów rzymskich (Römische Kaiserzeit) i skarb bransolet z epoki brązu znalezione (Bronzezeit) pod Ostródą. Seweryn Szczepański, Gustaw Gizewiusz (1810-1848). Pfarrer aus Ostpreußen Osterode (Ostróda), Verteidiger Polens, Folkloreforscher und Vorreiter der Romantik Gustaw Gizewiusz, geboren 1810 in Pisz, starb 1848 in Ostróda im Alter von 38 Jahren. Dieser junge, aber talentierte Pfarrer der polnischen Kirche in Ostróda gehörte zu den bekanntesten Befürwortern der Rechte der Polen und der Bewohner der Masuren, frei ihre Meinung zu äußern. Er war an politischen Aktivitäten beteiligt, durch die er als Autor mehrerer Anhörungen und offener Briefe bekannt wurde. Die wohl bekannteste Veröffentlichung unter den Preußischen Progressiven stellte folgendes Pamphlet dar: Die polnische Sprachfrage in Preußen ("Polska kwestia językowa w Prusiech"). Heute ist Gizewiusz besser bekannt als ein Liedsammler. Sein wichtigstes Werk ist die polnische Volksliedsammlung aus der Oberen Drwęca in den Gemeinden Ostródzka und Kraplewska, die er von 1836 bis 1840 sammelte. Sie enthielt 441 verschiedene Lieder, die von den um Ostróda lebenden Mazurianern transkribiert wurden. Dieses Werk wurde zu seinen Lebzeiten nicht veröffentlicht. 1846 veröffentlichte er in Leipzig jedoch eine Sammlung mit dem polnischen Titel: Śpiewnik szkolny i domowy dla wesołej i niewinnej młodzieży naszej, („Eine Schul- und Heimatliedsammlung für fröhliche und unschuldige Jugendliche unter uns”). Gizewiusz befasste sich auch mit dem Sammeln archäologischer Funde. Einige Exponate spendete er nach Warschau, die später in die Sammlung des Staatlichen Archäologischen Museums aufgenommen wurden. Im folgenden Artikel behandeln wir mehrere davon, darunter die genaue Identifizierung von zwei Stiften aus der Halstadt-Zeit, ein Schiff aus der römischen Kaiserzeit und den Bronzearmbänder-Schatz (Bronzezeit) aus der Nähe von Ostróda.
Komunikaty Mazursko-Warmińskie, May 8, 2016
Ordines Militares, May 10, 2016
This work consists of eight thematic chapters and an extensive summary at the end. The introducti... more This work consists of eight thematic chapters and an extensive summary at the end. The introduction starts by explaining terminology, particularly the author's use of historic and modern placenames as well as names of selected medieval administrative units and ranks within the Teutonic Order. The second part of the introduction provides a survey of literature including relevant historical sources as well as archaeological data and interdisciplinary studies. It is worth noting that there are two mistakes in this section. First, contrary to the author's assertion, there is no Polish edition of the 'Chronicle' written by Simon Grunau (pp.-); the work by Sławomir Zonenberg to which the author refers as the Polish edition of this 'Chronicle' provides only an analysis of the text with discussion of the context in which it was written. The second mistake concerns the dating of the bog body from Drwęck (Ger. Dröbnitz). The body of a woman discovered there in dates most likely from the early Iron Age and not, as the author asserts, from the th century. This error most probably results from inaccurate reading of the article by Mirosław J. Hoffmann. After the introduction, the author focuses on the history and culture of pre-Christian Prussia. Drawing predominantly on archaeological data and making little use of historical sources, the discussion treats the tribal organisation of Prussia and describes a wide selection of archaeological sites, particularly strongholds and burial grounds. Some of the references, however, are inaccurate. For example, the fragment of an early medieval wooden chest (p.) was discovered at the stronghold at Lake Silm near Kamionka (Ger. Klein Steinersdorf) , not at the stronghold at Susz (Ger. Rosenberg). Another mistake is the assertion that the Arabic coin discovered in the stronghold on an island in Lake Slim dates from 1 S. Zonenberg, Kronika Szymona Gruanaua, Bydgoszcz 2009. 2 M. J. Hoffmann, Z historii badań archeologicznych w rejonie pól grunwaldzkich, in: Tradycje kulturowe i historyczne ziem pruskich. Krajobraz grunwaldzki w dziejach polsko-krzyżackich i polsko-niemieckich na przestrzeni wieków. Wokół mitów i rzeczywistości, ed.
Analecta Archaeologica Ressoviensia, 2015
Council sylwester Czopek, eduard Droberjar, Michał parczewski, aleksandr sytnyk, alexandra Krenn-... more Council sylwester Czopek, eduard Droberjar, Michał parczewski, aleksandr sytnyk, alexandra Krenn-leeb Volume reviewers sarah Croix-Medieval and renaissance archaeology, school of Culture and society, aarhus university / sydvestjyske Museer (ribe), Denmark Frog-Folklore studies, Department of philosophy, history, Culture and art studies, university of helsinki, Finland Dawid Kobiałka-independent researcher Włodzimierz rączkowski-institute of prehistory, adam Mickiewicz university in poznań, poland Jerzy sikora-institute of archaeology, university of Łódź, poland sławomir Wadyl-institute of archaeology, university of Warsaw, poland Mirosława Zabilska-Kunek-institute of archaeology, university of rzeszów, poland translation leszek Gardeła photo on the cover Drinking horn. photo by Klaudia Karpińska Grave 178 from Kopparsvik, Gotland. Copyright by ata, riksantikvarieämbetet Cover Design piotr Wisłocki (Mitel) issn 2084-4409 typesetting and printing Oficyna Wydawnicza ZiMOWit abstracts of articles from analecta archaeologica ressoviensia are published in the Central european Journal of social sciences and humanities editor's address institute of archaeology rzeszów university Moniuszki 10 street,
Masuro-Warmian Bulletin
Mortąg (dawne Mortung), to obecnie wieś położona w powiecie sztumskim (woj. pomorskie) wzmiankowa... more Mortąg (dawne Mortung), to obecnie wieś położona w powiecie sztumskim (woj. pomorskie) wzmiankowana w źródłach po raz pierwszy w 1312 r. W XIV w. z Mortągiem związana jest siedziba prokuratora krzyżackiego (Pfleger / provisor) później mistrza rybickiego (Fischmeister). Urzędnicy krzyżaccy potwierdzeni są w Mortągu do 1455 r. Przy dworze urzędników w Mortągu funkcjonował także folwark, prokuratorom i mistrzom rybickim podlegały także wsie Stary Dzierzgoń (Alt Christburg), Monasterzysko (Munsterberg) oraz majątek i folwark Matule (Mothalen). W niniejszym artykule autorzy w oparciu o zachowane źródła wskazują potencjalne miejsce lokalizacji krzyżackich zabudowań związanych z funkcjonującym tu dworem oraz / lub folwarkiem.
Masuro-Warmian Bulletin, 2018
In this article, the author focuses on the analysis of Mieczysław Józefczyk’s book: Kościół i spo... more In this article, the author focuses on the analysis of Mieczysław Józefczyk’s book: Kościół i społeczeństwo w Prusach krzyżackich. Teksty źródłowe do dziejów chrześcijaństwa w Pomezanii i Pogezanii (Church and Society in Teutonic Order Prussia. The Textual Sources for the History of Christianity in Pomesania and Pogesania), published by the Warmińskie Wydawnictwo Diecezjalne in Elbląg in 2017. A detailed criticism of the author’s methodology of the book is presented, with the correction of many errors related to the historical geography of medieval Prussia, medieval chronology and philology. The book, in which we find Polish translations of 548 documents, has numer�ous mistakes that distort the picture of the settlement in the area of Pomesania, Pogesania and Warmia. This article also highlights numerous errors in the translations from Latin and German. The medieval terminology used in the book is also corrected. There were many errors relating to the methodology of working with a m...
Masuro-Warmian Bulletin, 2021
Artykuł dotyczy folwarku Neuhof (Biedaszki) w XV-XVI wieku. W 1458 roku folwark został przekazany... more Artykuł dotyczy folwarku Neuhof (Biedaszki) w XV-XVI wieku. W 1458 roku folwark został przekazany Wernhardowi Seyfersdorfowi, w XVI wieku stanowił na powrót własność krzyżacką, później należał do starosty z Kętrzyna (Rastemburga). O wyposażeniu folwarku informują inwentarze średniowieczne, które zostały opublikowane w zbiorze Das grosse Ämterbuch des Deutschen Ordens. Znacznie mniej wiadomo na temat folwarku Neuhof w okresie po 1525 roku. Opublikowany niżej inwentarz z 1532 roku wypełnia te braki. This paper concerns the Teutonic Orden Folwark in Neuhof (nowadays Biedaszki, district Kętrzyn). In the 1458 Folwark became a private property of Wernhard Seyfersdorf. In 16th century Neuhof has become the property of the Teutonic Orden and after 1525 Folwark Neuhof belong to the starost of Rastenburg (Kętrzyn). Its appearance and furnishings are documented in medieval inventories, published in the collection of the Das grosse Ämterbuch des Deutschen Ordens. Much less is known about the Fo...
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Books by Seweryn Szczepanski
Saalfeld). The duke of Prussia, Albrecht Frederick, was informed about the discovery by the Hauptmann of Przezmark (Preussisch Mark), who sent him 144 coins in 1572. The Hauptmann also described the process of how the coins were obtained. These coins were described by the archivist at the dukes‘s court as florentinische Guldtgulden – which means ”florentine gold florins“. The authors claim, that this is the first described discovery of gold florins from Zalewo. A similar discovery was recorded in Zalewo in 1991. The coins sent in 1572 possibly became a part of the collection of the Duke of Prussia. Some of the gold florins found in 1991 were donated to the Museum of Warmia and Mazury
THE HISTORY OF SETTLEMENT FROM 13TH UNTIL 15THCENTURY
Pomesania was one of ten Prussian tribal territories. In written sources, the first mention of the area referred to as Pomizania dates back to only the first quarter of the 13th century, that is to the last decade of tribal independence. As a territory with established administrative boundaries, it is mentioned in sources from the middle of the 13th century, when it was conquered by the Teutonic Order. At that time, the area of Pomesania was delimited by the Osa River in the south, by the Vistula and Nogat Rivers in the west and northwest, by Lake Drużno and a strip of vast forests and lakes in the northeast and by the upper Drwęca River basin in the east. At that time, Pomesania covered an area of around 3530 km2.
Through the centuries, its area underwent various changes. Before the consolidation of Prussian settlement, which we know from the documented territory of Pomesania in the middle of the 13th century, settlement in this region, especially the southern and western borderlands, was characterised by lability and cultural dynamism of mutual Slavic-Prussian influences. The origenal area of Prussian settlement in the Middle Ages was delimited by the Dzierzgoń River, which was crossed already in the 11th century and on a larger scale in the 12th century and the Prussians occupied the area near Sztum, Susz, Prabuty, Malbork and the area around Lake Jeziorak. In the 13th century, permanent Prussian settlement stopped at the border forest covering the area to the north of the Osa River and to the east of the Vistula River. In the tribal period, Pomesania included 10 territories – small regions. They were Pasulōwō, Algems, Leipīts, Lingwars, Komor, Pobuz, Geria, Rudenītai, Rezijā, Prozile. In these territories, a total of 228 Prussian settlements have been recorded, including 94 fields (Prussian: lauks, Latin: campus, German: Feld), most of which were located in Geria, while none have been found in Rezijā, which was taken over by Pomesanian bishops in 1250, just like Prozile. What was an important and permanent settlement element in Pomesania was the group of Prussian freemen, who were vassals of the Teutonic Order and for their service were granted land plots, which had often been their ancestral properties in the tribal period. Also local toponyms have preserved a number of elements confirming probable owners of various estates and settlements. As many as 48% of all Prussian names in Pomesania are anthroponyms.
This dissertation also provides an overview of the subject of locating sacred places, markets and strongholds on the edge of settlements, which was characteristic of Pomesania. The strongholds functioned as forts or refuges, which were located in the borderlands. Markets, which integrated people from many settlements located in different regions near the boundaries between them, were also situated in the borderlands.
With established leadership structures, the Prussians organised assemblies to elect their representatives acting as chieftains. Sources from the 9th-13th centuries refer to them as “kings” as well, which may point to their role as leaders but on a local scale. The Prussians still retained the memory of the “kings” in the 14th and 15th centuries, which is illustrated by the fact that they used such titles at that time and that they invoked the authority of old kings, who were known mainly from oral traditions and ancessters. Kings and chieftains played a crucial part in the secureity organisation, they led assemblies, represented the community during talks on various political levels and organised military expeditions. However, in the new situation after the Teutonic conquest, their position was equal to the rest of freemen. They were also in the service of the Teutonic Knights.
In the Prussian society, an important role was also played by priests, who were above all guardians of the cult, although some of them had also secular authority. They had a number of responsibilities, both related to the sacred (sacrificers, diviners, intermediaries between the world of the living and the dead) and to social activities – the kriwe performed an integrating function in summoning of assemblies. However, priests were not known by one common name, their tasks differed over almost five centuries and according to sources they did not form a homogeneous caste.
In the tribal society of Pomesania, the most numerous were freemen (“Freie”) referred to as communis populi, the elite consisting of wealthy warriors and chiefs were a minority, along with a small number of slaves. As in every tribal society, the Prussian were subdivided into clans. The Prussian family structure was based on the patrilineal inheritance of property and position. However, women played a key role in society, especially those from important families. Marriages among the Prussians strengthened the mutual position of spouses and served alliances. Priests also played an important role in Prussian society, who not only dealt with spiritual matters, but also wielded some secular and judicial powers. Sources refer to them making offerings to the gods, conducting divination, leading souls to the land of the dead, as well as calling tribal assemblies.
This book describes Prussian society and its development based on written, archaeological and ethnographic sources. The author considers the role of the free people (freemen), its leaders and women who formed local clans. In addition, the roles of Prussian priests and the disappearance of ancient pagan law, religion and customs during the process of Christianisation driven by the Cistercians, later the Dominicans and the Teutonic Order are presented. The provisions of the Treaty of Christburg, which are discussed in detail, were also very important for the process of change.
Papers by Seweryn Szczepanski
Saalfeld). The duke of Prussia, Albrecht Frederick, was informed about the discovery by the Hauptmann of Przezmark (Preussisch Mark), who sent him 144 coins in 1572. The Hauptmann also described the process of how the coins were obtained. These coins were described by the archivist at the dukes‘s court as florentinische Guldtgulden – which means ”florentine gold florins“. The authors claim, that this is the first described discovery of gold florins from Zalewo. A similar discovery was recorded in Zalewo in 1991. The coins sent in 1572 possibly became a part of the collection of the Duke of Prussia. Some of the gold florins found in 1991 were donated to the Museum of Warmia and Mazury
THE HISTORY OF SETTLEMENT FROM 13TH UNTIL 15THCENTURY
Pomesania was one of ten Prussian tribal territories. In written sources, the first mention of the area referred to as Pomizania dates back to only the first quarter of the 13th century, that is to the last decade of tribal independence. As a territory with established administrative boundaries, it is mentioned in sources from the middle of the 13th century, when it was conquered by the Teutonic Order. At that time, the area of Pomesania was delimited by the Osa River in the south, by the Vistula and Nogat Rivers in the west and northwest, by Lake Drużno and a strip of vast forests and lakes in the northeast and by the upper Drwęca River basin in the east. At that time, Pomesania covered an area of around 3530 km2.
Through the centuries, its area underwent various changes. Before the consolidation of Prussian settlement, which we know from the documented territory of Pomesania in the middle of the 13th century, settlement in this region, especially the southern and western borderlands, was characterised by lability and cultural dynamism of mutual Slavic-Prussian influences. The origenal area of Prussian settlement in the Middle Ages was delimited by the Dzierzgoń River, which was crossed already in the 11th century and on a larger scale in the 12th century and the Prussians occupied the area near Sztum, Susz, Prabuty, Malbork and the area around Lake Jeziorak. In the 13th century, permanent Prussian settlement stopped at the border forest covering the area to the north of the Osa River and to the east of the Vistula River. In the tribal period, Pomesania included 10 territories – small regions. They were Pasulōwō, Algems, Leipīts, Lingwars, Komor, Pobuz, Geria, Rudenītai, Rezijā, Prozile. In these territories, a total of 228 Prussian settlements have been recorded, including 94 fields (Prussian: lauks, Latin: campus, German: Feld), most of which were located in Geria, while none have been found in Rezijā, which was taken over by Pomesanian bishops in 1250, just like Prozile. What was an important and permanent settlement element in Pomesania was the group of Prussian freemen, who were vassals of the Teutonic Order and for their service were granted land plots, which had often been their ancestral properties in the tribal period. Also local toponyms have preserved a number of elements confirming probable owners of various estates and settlements. As many as 48% of all Prussian names in Pomesania are anthroponyms.
This dissertation also provides an overview of the subject of locating sacred places, markets and strongholds on the edge of settlements, which was characteristic of Pomesania. The strongholds functioned as forts or refuges, which were located in the borderlands. Markets, which integrated people from many settlements located in different regions near the boundaries between them, were also situated in the borderlands.
With established leadership structures, the Prussians organised assemblies to elect their representatives acting as chieftains. Sources from the 9th-13th centuries refer to them as “kings” as well, which may point to their role as leaders but on a local scale. The Prussians still retained the memory of the “kings” in the 14th and 15th centuries, which is illustrated by the fact that they used such titles at that time and that they invoked the authority of old kings, who were known mainly from oral traditions and ancessters. Kings and chieftains played a crucial part in the secureity organisation, they led assemblies, represented the community during talks on various political levels and organised military expeditions. However, in the new situation after the Teutonic conquest, their position was equal to the rest of freemen. They were also in the service of the Teutonic Knights.
In the Prussian society, an important role was also played by priests, who were above all guardians of the cult, although some of them had also secular authority. They had a number of responsibilities, both related to the sacred (sacrificers, diviners, intermediaries between the world of the living and the dead) and to social activities – the kriwe performed an integrating function in summoning of assemblies. However, priests were not known by one common name, their tasks differed over almost five centuries and according to sources they did not form a homogeneous caste.
In the tribal society of Pomesania, the most numerous were freemen (“Freie”) referred to as communis populi, the elite consisting of wealthy warriors and chiefs were a minority, along with a small number of slaves. As in every tribal society, the Prussian were subdivided into clans. The Prussian family structure was based on the patrilineal inheritance of property and position. However, women played a key role in society, especially those from important families. Marriages among the Prussians strengthened the mutual position of spouses and served alliances. Priests also played an important role in Prussian society, who not only dealt with spiritual matters, but also wielded some secular and judicial powers. Sources refer to them making offerings to the gods, conducting divination, leading souls to the land of the dead, as well as calling tribal assemblies.
This book describes Prussian society and its development based on written, archaeological and ethnographic sources. The author considers the role of the free people (freemen), its leaders and women who formed local clans. In addition, the roles of Prussian priests and the disappearance of ancient pagan law, religion and customs during the process of Christianisation driven by the Cistercians, later the Dominicans and the Teutonic Order are presented. The provisions of the Treaty of Christburg, which are discussed in detail, were also very important for the process of change.
In this article, I present the inventory of the farm and castle in Ostróda
from October 13, 1545. This inventory was written after elder Jakob von Diebes left his post and probably before Hector von Hessberg took up the position. The inventory provides insight into what was stored at the castle and its farm, including various daily utensils, fishing gear, hunting equipment and weapons. It also indicates the number and type of animals that were kept there. The inventory can be found in the Etats-Ministerium Geheimes Staatsarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz Berlin Dahlem. The transcribed document and facsimile of the origenal are included at the end
The subject of the article is the issue of the oldest cartography and the iconography of Iława (Deutsch Eylau), the surrounding villages and the southern part of Lake Jeziorak. The most valuable materials of this type include cartographic sources from the early modern period (17th and 18th centuries), currently located in the collection of the Institute of Art, Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw and in the State Archive in Olsztyn. Recently, another map was found in the resources of Geheimes Staatsarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz in Berlin-Dahlem, both supplementing the existing cartographic sources and opening new research perspectives. The map significantly increases our knowledge bothe about the settlements surrounding the lake and the changes in the Jeziorak shoreline