Early Slavic States (5) – Polabian Slavs (wars against Frankish Empire and Marchy)

The history of Polabian Slavs is probably the most dramatic among all of the Slavic ethnic groups – after they meet the Empire (Franks, Germany) struggled over 300 years to preserve their customs, religion and independence. However, as A. Michałek pointed in his book, their fall was strongly contributed by themselves: the fierce competition was

Early Slavic states (4) – military forces

The essential part of every A. Michałek book is the history of military forces; it is understandable, considering the importance of war in the Middle Ages people’s life. Additionally warfare was consuming most of wealth and the effort of each state. How could we characterise the early Slavic warfare? First off all, there was a

Early Slavic states (3) – Great Moravia

After the fall of Samo state, the next political organism described by A. Michałek was Great Moravia (830 – 906 A.D.). Its important role in history of the western-Slavic ethnic group was partially described in previous part, which was covering Christianisation. The predecessor of the Great Moravia have to be identified with Samo state remnant.

Early Slavic states (2) – Roman Church

Why Roman Church (IX-X century) is critically important in A. Michałek book? Well, German bishops performed “the essential” role in elimination of numerous Slavic tribes. Their approach had determined the fate of the whole western-Slavic ethnic group. It is importantly to notice that other nations were more likely to cooperate with Slavs (e.g. Italians); unfortunately,

Early Slavic states (1) – Avars and Samo

In 2006 Andrzej Michałek published a book „Słowianie Zachodni. Początki państwowości” (“Western Slavs. The beginnings of statehood”) describing early Slavic states (“Samo’s Kingdom” 623/626-660 A.D.; Great Moravia c. 833 – c. 907 A.D.; Polabian Slavs; Hungary; Poland). The choice of issue is definitely highly intriguing because there is very little historical documents about it (mainly from

Early Slavic States (8) – Hungary (!?)

Probably the most controversial part of A. Michałek’s book is including Hungary as Slavic state. How is it possible, for historian, to connect state formed by ugro-finnic tribe with Slavic political tradition? There is no agreement in prehistory of Hungarians — already in 13th century some emissaries were sent by king to find out, where

Early Slavic States (7) – Polabian Slavs (The battle of Pretzlav 1056)

Sometimes the most impressive victory is followed by ultimate fall… History of Polabian Slavs can be taken as the example. First 40 years of the 11th century were very good for Veleti confederation: already highly militarised society was at constant war, however mainly as Empire ally against Poland (therefore counter-attacks were unlikely). After the fall

Early Slavic States (6) – Polabian Slavs (Slavic revolt of 983)

After the Battle of Rakownica Polabian territory for 23 years was calm (poor knights looking for wealth were travelling to Italy), but it was unpeaceful. Tithing quickly reshaped social-economic status of Slavic peasant, who had to give a homage to local knights (and therefore loose personal freedom). They could escape to Czechia, Poland, or become