The Chronica Polonorum by Bishop Vincentius of Cracow. Preliminary remarks about its historical context, violence and its use

A masterpiece of medieval scholarship, the Chronica Polonorum written by Bishop Vincentius of Cracow (c. 1150-1223) traced the history of the Poles from time immemorial to the lifetime of its author. It is the second oldest Polish narrative source and as such it established an authoritative dynastically sponsored history of the Piast realm. Its author, a learned yet unassuming cleric achieved the goal which he proclaims in the Prologue to this work; his construct of the Polish history influenced the way history of the Poles was written ever since. In his exposition of the history of the Poles, Vincentius places a specific emphasis on violence: its use, its purpose and its justification. This article presents the historical context to the commissioning of the Chronicle and aims to explore various use of violence ultimately serving to construct Casimir the Just's claim to the throne.