Clan of Ostoja
Encyclopedia
The Clan of Ostoja was a powerful group of Knights and Lords in late medieval Europe. The clan encompassed several families in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
, Upper Hungary
(Slovakia
), Hungary
, Transylvania
, Belorus, Ukraine
and Prussia
.
The precise origins and the organizational principles of the Clan are historically obscure. It had been traditionally presumed that the clan had extensive blood relatedness, which was supported by geographic nesting, particularly in Poland. However, historical records confirm that the Clan co-opted at least some of its members. Furthermore, DNA analysis of present living members of the clan shows that Ostoja families were not generally blood related to each other. It is unclear however what proportion of Clan membership was co-opted, and thus to what extent the Clan should be considered an hereditary lineage, in distinction to a rallying banner, but the latter concept seems scientifically more appropriate.
During the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
the Clan adopted several Lithuanian and Belorussian families and transformed into a Clan of Landlords, Senators and Nobility. Members of the Clan closely cooperated, often living close to each other. They held high positions, and held a great amount of land and properties in both Commonwealth
and in Upper Hungary
(Slovakia
) in medieval times, including many great gothic style
castles. Members of the Clan of Ostoja ruled several feudal lordships in Upper Hungary between 1390 and 1434 and Transylvania
in 1395-1401 and again in 1410-1414, during the time of Stibor of Stiboricz
. A line of the Clan, which included relatives of Stibor of Stiboricz who followed him to Hungary, is included in Hungarian aristocracy as barons of the Hungarian kingdom in 1389. Stibor of Stiboricz and his son Stibor of Beckov where both members of Order of the Dragon
. At the same time in Poland between 1390 and 1460, several members of the Clan of Ostoja ruled Voivodeships and cities as castellan
s, voivods and senators on behalf of the King and was, therefore, in control of the Duchies of Pomerania
, Kuyavia-Pomerania, and Greater Poland
, which altogether was considerable part of the Kingdom at the time.
Through the history, the Clan was involved in every war Poland participated in, and during the partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth they can be seen in every movement and uprising
, fighting against foreign forces. The Clan put high value on education and were, in general, good administrators of their properties as well as the properties of the King (starostwo
). They were also inventors, poets, scientists, and great diplomats.
The Clan crest is the Ostoja coat of arms and the battle cry
is Ostoja or Hostoja.
. However, there may be another, older origin: Ostoja family members often used the name of Stibor (Scibor, Czcibor), on the basis of a family origin from Czcibor, victorious in the Battle of Cedynia
brother of Mieszko I of Poland
– first crowned King of Poland year 966. Although this legend is not confirmed, several sources claim that the documents that would have verified this legend were destroyed in World War II.
Piekosinski indicates that the early crest of Ostoja was almost identical with the Piast dynasty crest. It has two "moons" and a cross, and the crest of the Piast dynasty was the very similar, lacking the "moon" on top.
Ostoja's have a Dragon on the helmet and it is not the same Dragon as in the Przegonia coat of arms. Although Przegonia most probably origin from Ostoja, the Przegonia dragon comes from the story about brave Ostoja that was granted the dragon on his helmet because he had defeated the Moravian
s with such anger and ferocity. Another legend tells however that the Ostoja coat of arms origin from another brave Knight, Jan de Jani of Ostoja, first Polish voivode/duke
of Pomerania
and Gdańsk
. Chased by a group Teutonic Knights, he had succeeded in crossing a river on horse despite being clad in full armor, and then raised his voice so the Lord would hear him and said "Ostalem" which means "I still stay" from which comes the name of Ostoja. However, this legend is undermined by the term "Ostoja" being known far before the time of Jan de Jani.
An early Clan location is a village 7 km north of Inowroclaw
, which in 1065 was called Szczibersko, and is now known as Ściborze
. The village lies at what was the northeast border of the Kingdom, suggesting that the Clan there may have served as border defenders.
By 1025, when Mieszko II Lambert
was crowned, the Kingdom of Poland had borders which resemble modern day Poland. Many landlords (comes, comites) were against centralized power in the Kingdom. Rivalry arose between the Lords of Greater Poland
, whose capital was Poznań
, and those ofLesser Poland
, whose main city was Kraków
.
The Stibors are thought to have been a mainstay of the Piast dynasty
, Poland's first ruling dynasty. The Piasts were able to expand Poland during the 10th and the beginning of the 11th century. Clan members were appointed commanding officers of the army units that protected and administered these new counties. The expansion of Poland and of Clan properties seem to have gone hand in hand; for example, when Kuyavia
and Greater Poland
(Wielkopolska) were incorporated, the Clan expanded into the same area. Records refer to Stibor of Ostoja as Comes
of Poniec
in 1099, and also refer to Stibor as Comes of Jebleczna.
Because of several conflicts, the seniority principle was broken and the country divided into several principalities for over 200 years until Wladyslaw I the Elbow-high
(Lokietek) was crowned King of Poland in 1320. Instead of duchies
in the hands of the Piast dynasty
, those duchies turned into several Voivodeship
where Voivode (Duke
, Herzog, Count Palatine
, Overlord) was appointed by the King and given to loyal landlords. The last King of Poland from the Piast dynasty was the son of Wladyslaw I, Casimir III the Great.
The Clan of Ostoja continued, during that time, to expand their land and was granted several high offices. Krakow
replaced Poznan
, the capital of Greater Poland
, as the capital of Poland in 1039. The Clan of Ostoja expanded their land possessions toward the south to settle in the voivodeship of Kraków
, Częstochowa
and Sandomierz
in the Lesser Poland
region of Poland. Documents tells about:
Mongol and Tatar states in Europe were common at that time. In 1259, Poland faced second Tatar raid that was supported by Russian and Lithuanian forces. The defense of the town and castle of Sandomierz
was in the command by Lord Piotr de Krepy of Ostoja. As the defense did not receive help from outside, the situation was hopeless for the defending side and finally Piotr and his brother Zbigniew were killed. The legend says that their blood then run down to the Vistula
river and turned it red.
A legend of the third Tatar raid tells how Lady Halina of Krepy, daughter of Lord Piotr of Sandomierz Castle
used a secret underground tunnel from the castle and duped the Tatars by telling them that she could lead them back through the secret tunnel right to the heart of the Castle. The Tatar side verified that she had come through the secret tunnel, but she guided them deep inside the tunnel which was an extensive maze, and then released a white pigeon that she had with her to use as a prearranged signal. When the pigeon found its way out, the Polish closed the tunnel, trapping the Tatars.
The influence of medieval Polish Clans was significant. Although each Clan was in charge of certain territory, each Clan had family members in many different areas of Poland, who would join and fight together under the same coat of arms
. The most powerful member was usually also the head of the Clan.
Polish family names were appended with –cki or –ski in reference to the name of their properties; for example, if a person named Chelmski acquired the town of Poniec, he would change his surname to Poniecki. The medieval Clan seems to have been situated in more than 163 divergent locations, reflected in various surnames. A Clan become partly a name for the family members with different surnames.
However, the Blociszewski and Ilowiecki families, as many others, appear not to have a shared genetic origin.
As Poland was under pressure from the west from the rising power of the Teutonic Knights
, Poland turned east to ally with Lithuania. In 1386 Ladislaus II Jogaila
(Wladyslaw II Jagiello) was crowned as King of Poland and his brother Vytautas (Witold) become Grand Duke of Grand Duchy of Lithuania
. In 1410 Poland and Lithuania broke Teutonic domination in Prussia
at the Battle of Grunwald
and Tannenberg. The Union of Horodlo
of 1413 declared the intent that the two nations cooperate. 47 Lithuanian families were adopted into 47 Polish clans, sharing the same coat of arms. This expansion eventually led to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
, which was for a time the biggest confederated country in Europe. The Clan of Ostoja did not participate in the Union of Horodlo.
As the Ostoja’s expansion was in line with the expansion of Poland, we can also find members of the Clan in Lithuania, Belarus, Prussia/ Pomerania
and Ukraina. Some families where adopted to the Clan after 1413. In Pomerania, powerful knight family of de Jani (Janski of Ostoja) was ruling the Dutchy becoming first Voivode of Gdańsk
and Pomerania in 1454.
The clans did not just fight for Poland against the enemy. Polish lords and nobility liked to travel and visit new places. On their way, they had to stay overnight in places called Karczma, a place where you can stay overnight to sleep but also a place to eat, drink and meet new friends. Mead
, made from honey and fruit aged in barrels for 1–2 years was drunk after warming. Bawdy songs
and drunken rowdiness were common.
Sometimes, a Lord and his 15-20 men (all armed), could come over a nobleman's property and claim that the noble man is not noble but of simple origin and therefore commanded most surprised nobleman to leave his property by the decision of the mighty Lord. In such situation, it was very important to have mighty Lords in the clan that could protect from the intruder. Clan members could help both military and in the court.
Although Ostoja families was considered as brave, they would have more use of being talkative in the Jagiellonian University
in Krakow, one of the oldest in Europe. Between 1400-1450 there are many of Ostoja's on the list of students. It was at this University that Clan members tight up the connection between each other and educated generations for taking care of coming expansion of the Clan. The Clan solidarity was very important, helping your Clan brother was something that was deeply implemented in the mentality.
Around year 1400 the Ostoja families owned over 250 properties in Poland, mainly in the area of Greater Poland
and Kujawy, Kraków County
, Częstochowa County
and Sandomierz County
with Kraków being the political center of Poland. As two families moved to Lithuania, one to Prussia and few more Lithuanian families was adopted including Russian Prince families like Palecki, the Clan of Ostoja was standing on good economic ground. This together with high education and loyalty towards the Clan members made it possible to raise in power.
From the original nests and properties, members of the Clan of Ostoja created names of different branches of the Clan. All those properties and nest's can be found within borders of Poland of today. The expansion of the Clan went both east, south and north, in the beginning of the 15th century Ostoja families was also owning land in Pomerania
, Prussia
, Lithuania
, Belarus
, Ukraine
, Moravia
, Croatia
, Transylvania
, Hungary
and Germany
. However, the biggest land area that the Clan owned was to be found in Slovakia
.
The political and economical power of Ostoja's in Poland reached at the time the top. As Jan de Jani (Jan Janski or Jan de Turze) lead Prussian confederation together with Mikołaj Szarlejski followed by excellent diplomatic work of Stibor de Poniec, the Clan was ruling the Duchies of Pomerania
, Kujavia and Greater Poland
. Adding the power entrusted by the King to Piotr Chelmski, Jan Chelmski, Piotr de Gaj or Mikołaj Błociszewski
, the Clan of Ostoja was among those that hold prime position in Poland at the time.
Connection between Poland and Hungary is dated to the 12th century when the Piast and Árpád dynasty
was cooperating. From that time Royal families of both countries where family related through several marriages between ruling Houses. It was therefore easy to find Hungarian nobles in Poland and Polish nobles in Hungary and Slovakia. Abel Biel was the first of Ostoja's to serve on the Hungarian Court, he was also the first to receive land in Slovakia.
Most of the Ostoja families supported the House of Anjou
on Polish throne and when Luis I the Great entered the polish throne in 1370 after Casimir III the Great, it made it possible for the Clan of Ostoja to expand south. Hungary
at that time was a modern and expansive kingdom, after Italy
it was the first European country where renaissance
appeared. When Luis the Great died without a male heir some anarchy broke out in both the Kingdom of Poland and the Hungarian Empire. The Ostoja families continued to support the House of Anjou on both Polish and Hungarian throne. This did however not happene since Poland chose to ally with Lithuania and elected Ladislaus Jogaila on Polish throne.
At that time, Stibor of Stiboricz
(1347–1414) of the Clan of Ostoja, son of Moscic Stiboricz (Duke of Gniewkowo
), was holding the position as Lord of regality (Starosta
) of Brzesc as he also served Louis I of Hungary but when the King died, he lost the position as Starost of Brzesk because of his support the House of Anjou and left Poland for Hungary. Although Stibor received office of Lord of the regality (Starost) of Kuyavia in 1383, he turned to help his friend Sigismund von Luxemburg (later Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor
) on Hungarian throne 1386 and become his most loyal ally.
Sigismund was the Prince of Brandenburg
before entering Hungarian throne. He become later on Holy Roman Emperor
, King of Germany, Bohemia, Hungary (including Slovakia, Balcan states, Romania and Bulgarian land), Italian republics and Prince of Luxembourg
. At the age of 13, he was sent to Krakow in order to study polish language and customs. He married Mary, daughter of Luis the Great and became one of the most powerful Emperors in Europe.
In Poland, as Stibor of Stiboricz
recognized the competitors of Jogaila on Polish throne, he immediately entered Poland with an army of 12.000 men, commanded by Sigismund von Luxemburg, to assure that younger sister of Mary, Queen of Hungary, would mary Ladislaus Jogaila
and end the battle for Polish Crown. 1384 Jadwiga
was Crowened as Queen of Poland and in 1386 Jogaila married her and became King of Poland.
As the Ottoman Empire was expanding in every direction including west, Sigismund led the combined armies of Christendom in 1396 against the Turks. Stibor of Stiboricz was one of the generals and commanders of the army. This European coalition of Christian brothers formed huge army but the Turkish side succeeded to form even more men strong army and crushed the Christian side in the Battle of Nicopolis
. It is said that when Sigismund was in great danger while retreating from the battlefield, Stibor of Stiboricz saved his life.
Sigismund recognized Stibor of Stiboricz as his most loyal friend and adviser. In 1387 he granted Stibor the position as Master of Hungarian Court and also the Governor
of Galicia (Eastern Europe). The King gave also Stibor exclusive right to receive high offices in the Empire. To avoid conflict with Hungarian Lords, Stibor was granted land and position mostly in Slovakia which was called Upper Hungary
. Very soon, the amount of land, castles and nominations made Stibor the most powerful Lord in Slovakia. To be able to rule his "Kingdom", most talented family members and close family moved to Hungary and Slovakia. Stibor could nominate his relatives to the offices of Castellan, Voivode or Bishop but it was not popular among Hungarian Lords. In 1395, Stibor become Duke of Transylvania, a nomination that made him Lord of almost half of Romania of today.
When Stibor had left for Brzeg
to follow the King's fiancée, Margarete to Hungary, his opponents, led by the Archbishop John Kanizsai and the Palatine Detre Bebek, demanded that the king should dismiss his foreign advisors and escepcially Stibor and his family of the Clan of Ostoja. When the King refused to comply with their demands, they brought him into captivity and deprived Stibor of his offices (28 April 1401). But Stibor and the Clan returned with their army to renounce the possession of most of castles and finally, the members of the Royal Council set the King free on 29 October 1401. Stibor remained the Emperors major adviser and he could maintain his possessions, as well. Shortly afterward, Stibor led the negotiations with the Teutonic Knights who powned the Neumark (in the Margraviate of Brandenburg) from Sigismund in 25 July 1402.
Again, in 1403 there was upraising against Sigismund led by Archbishop John Kanizsai of Esztergom
that offered the Hungarian crown to King Ladislaus of Naples. Stibor recruited then mercenaries, invaded the north-western parts of the Kingdom and defeated the rebels' troops. The parties made an agreement under which the rebels accepted the King's rule and they were granted a royal pardon on 29 October 1403. Shortly afterwards, the King entrusted Stibor to govern the possessions of the Archdiocese of Esztergom
and the Diocese of Eger
(1405). Stibor himself entrusted those possessions to close family and memmbers of the Clan of Ostoja.
In 1409 Sigismund signed a treaty with Teutonic Knights which was seen as direct action against Poland and in 1410 Scibor was in charge of the negotiations between Poland and Teutonic Knights on the behalf of Sigismund where polish side was asked to not attack the Teutonic side. On behalf of Sigismund, Stibor sold Neumark to the Teutonic Knights for a remarkable big sum. This reinforced Sigismund's finances and made it more difficult for the Teutonic side to hire mercenaries that could fight on their side against polish-Lithuanian side in Grunwald-Tannenberg.
Negotiations in May 1410. King Sigismund entrusted Stibor and the Palatine Nicholas I Garay to mediate between the Teutonic Knights and King Władysław II of Poland but when the negotiations failed, the war broke out. Legendary Battle of Grunwald
took place and almost all of the Ostoja's left Hungary to join polish forces. All except Stibor and both sons of his brother Andrzej that remained loyal to his Emperor. Instead, Stibor led small Hungarian army to attack Poland from south. Because of the diplomatic work of Stibor of Stiboricz
, Sigismund abandoned hostile actions against Poland and turned to support the wealthy and mighty Teutonic Knights
ny signing never executed agreements in to order to gain financial benefit to protect his own Empire for the Ottoman threat. Leading King's army against Poland was mostly marking the support to the Teutonic Knights rather to do any serious damage. Few places have been burned down but Stibor's army did not siege of any stronghold, which Stibor easily could do leading elite army forces and well equipped. After burning down the land of Stary Sącz
, Stibor's army turned back to Hungary in order to prepare the peace negotiations between Poland and Hungary. In several polish sources, there is a legend noted that small polish army chased the army of Stibor and defeated him in small battle. Having in mind that Stibor of Stiboricz and his army, defeated several Principalities and burned down entire Austria except Vienna
, being victorious general in almost all the battles including against at the time powerful Venetian empire, those rumors have no scientific relevance, they are rather falsification of the history in order to glorify polish victory over Teutonic Knights.
At the end of 1411, Stibor, his brothers and other members of the Clan of Ostoja was in charge of leading troops to fight against the Venetian Republic in Friuli
. In 1412 Stibor was meeting with Zawisza Czarny
(The Black Knight) in his Castle of Stará Ľubovňa
in Slovakia, preparing the negotiation between Sigismund and polish King Vladislav Jogaila, which ended with the Treaty of Lubowla
.
of the Clan of Ostoja to lead the negotiations.
Stibor's and Mikolaj's great diplomatic work was to be continued by Stibor de Poniec that some 50 years later proved to be diplomatic genius, continuing the Clan tradition in fine diplomacy. He went to Gdansk
(Danzig) to raise founds for new campaign against the Teutonic side and finally to break the stronghold of the Knights - undefeated and mighty Malbork
(Marieburg). Once he succeeded in raising founds he turned to the Czech/ Moravian side that was in service of the Teutonic Knights and that was the main force in their defence and made them leave the stronghold of Malbork paying them with money raised from Gdansk. The Teutonic Knights faced financial problems at this time and was in dept to their mercenaries. By paying mercenaries from Bohemia and Moravia
, Stibor of Poniec took control of this mighty stronghold without any battle and King Casimir IV Jagiellon entered the castle in 1457. This led to the Second Treaty of Thorn that was sealed 1466 by Sibor of Poniec. Furthermore, he negotiated on behalf of polish King with Danish side that supported Teutonic knights which made Danish side to cancel the blockade they had on polish goods in Baltic Sea
. Other members of the Clan of Ostoja was recognized as great knights in the conflict with Teutonic side, using the art of the sword when needed.
The genius of Stibor of Stiboricz
diplomacy is showed in the work of Wenzel and on this ground of Antoni Prochaska and Daniela Dvorakova. As Sigismund wished to sell Neumark
(Brandenburg
) in order to reinforce the economy, Stibor set up a plan to make Teutonic Knights
to pay much higher price that expected, having in mind that they would not be able to finance bigger army against Poland. Neumark
at this time was a land of trouble since there was no order and the land was well known of robber baron
s being terrorizing the population which made the land dangerous to visit. To buy Neumark
was to buy problems, the fact that Teutonic Knights was very well aware of. It is also the reason why they did not hurry with buying the property. On the other hand, Neumark
would surround Poland and give Teutonic Knights protection from being attacked from that side. Problem for the Teutonic Knights arise when they got notified about Stibor being in charge of selling Neumark to Poland for much smaller amount of money. The price was low and not realistic to accept for King Sigismund and it would be sure to be understand as putting pressure on Teutonic Knight to buy the property since they could not afford being surrounded by polish forces from the west. Agreement was made by Stibor and two powerful Lords in Poland to sell Neumark
to Poland. The agreement tells that if selling Neumark
to Poland would fail, all the properties of those three Lords that signed the agreement would go to Polish Crown as compensation for the loss. A loss that would be remarkable high having in mind that only Stibor owned almost half of western Slovakia at the time of negotiations. As the Teutonic Knights was forced to buy the land, they also had to pay all the penalty for breaking the agreement with polish Lords. It is noted in Teutonic books that Stibor was one of their top expenses at the time. The price of Neumark
was not just 3 times higher that the values, the penalty that Stibor took from the Knights was astronomic. To this, problems inside Neumark
have to be added as very costly for the Knights to organize the territory. This was beginning of the end of the power of Teutonic Knights. After losing the war in Grunwald
year 1410, they had to pay additional penalty to Polish Crown to survive. It is significant that all those penalty founds that have been paid to the Polish Crown as compensation for losses in the Grunwald war, ended in Hungary and the treasury of King Sigismund on the base of diplomatic work of Stibor of Stiboricz
and Zawisza Czarny
. In return, Poland gained Spiš
that was in hand of Poland to the time of partition. However, the most significant and amazing information in the documents are about those two Lords that signed the agreement to sell Neumark
to Poland. They were Sędziwuj de Szubin, the Duke of Kalisz
and Mostko de Staszow, Lord castellan of Poznan
.
The first one was father of Stibor's wife and the second was of Clan of Ostoja family . There is no sources that can confirm that the penalty was ever paid to the Polish Crown, in fact there is no information at all about the agreement in the documents that consider the Crown.
It is remarkable that many of those that was assigned to negotiate between Poland and Teutonic Knight with Sigismund as a part in negotiations, was members of the Clan of Ostoja, creating picture of family meetings. It is also possible that Zawisza Czarny
also was a relative to the Clan and the fact that he spend much time visiting many castles of the Clan during many years also show close connection between this famous Black Knight (named so because of wearing black armor) and the Ostoja. Another interesting fact is that is that King Jogaila was also a member of the Order of the Dragon
. It was a secret society and there was never any member list done at the time. However, all members of this Order was forming one political body against the enemy of Christianity (read Ottoman Empire). No member of the Order was representing the Teutonic Knights. Secret meetings and agreements between Hungary and Poland and so between the Sigismund and Jogaila using most trusted couriers question wherever there was ever any serious dispute between both ruling Kings. Declaring war against Poland in 1410 was more a show to play in order to gain economic advantage from Teutonic Knights than a real war. The facts remain, Teutonic Knights paid considerable amount to Sigismund for declaring and attacking Poland from south. The outcome was small peace of land burned down to show the Teutonic Knights some action. The penalty paid by Teutonic side after losing the Battle of Grunwald
was much bigger and was transferred as a loan to Sigismund. All together, the diplomatic game show on paper that Poland and Hungary was enemies but in reality they were close friends.
In the end, it was the Clan of Ostoja that was the leading force in breaking down Teutonic side, they did it not only by using fine art of sword but also with outstanding diplomatic skills.
, and Uhrovec
Castle in Slovakia and in 1389 Stibor also become Head (Ispan
) of Pozsony County including Bratislava Castle
where he appointed Castellan to administer the property. He also was granted a Town, Nové Mesto nad Váhom
In 1392 Stibor receives more nominations and become Head of Trencsén and Nyitra Counties. Also here he nominated family members of the clan to hold position as Castellan or Voivode of the County. Furtheremore, Stibor was granted the possession of Csejte and Holics (today Čachtice
and Holíč
in Slovakia); and he received then Berencs, Detrekő, Éleskő, Jókő and Korlátkő Castles in 1394 (today Branč
, Plaveč
, Ostrý Kameň, Dobrá Voda
and Korlátka, respectively, in Slovakia). In 1395 he become Voivode of Transylvania and in 1403 Scibor was entrusted to govern the possessions of the Archdiocese of Esztergom and the Diocese of Eger
When the Order of the Dragon
was founded 1408, Stibor was one of its first members. This Order was a very exclusive
club of selcted members, holding mostly royalties and most powerful Prince houses in Europe as well as some of most distinguished Hungarian Lords. In 1409 Stibor was appointed again to the office of Voivode of Transylvania, which gave him recognized title Duke
of Transylvania
.
His son Stibor of Beckov continued his fathers work and succeeded to extend the land and was also appointed as Lord of Árva County including Orava (castle)
. He was also member of the Order of the Dragon
. The son of Stibor's brother Andrzej, also Stibor - was the Bishop of Eger in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Eger. When Sigismund took the nomination from him, he moved back to Poland but never accepting Sigismund decision, calling himself Bishop of Eger to the end of his life. Although he was granted several nominations in Poland and hold several properties, those could never match those properties that he was in charge of in Hungary.
In 1407 Stefan of the Wawrzyniec line of Ostoja moved to Slovakia where Scibor gave him the position as Castellan of Košecy. In 1415 he was in charge of whole Trencsén on the behalf of Scibor. He expanded his properties with Ladce, Horné and Dolné Kočkovce, Nosice and Milochov which he left to his six sons.
Stibor of Stiboricz died in 1414 and was supposed to rest in his own Chapel inside St. Katarina's Church in Krakow. This was also supposed to be the place to rest for his son. It was also written that both father and son was resting in the Chapel until 1903 when the grave of red marble stone was found in Buda. That was of Stibor Stiboric of Beckov dated to 1431. Lately a grave was found in Székesfehérvár
. The grave was broken into pieces because of Turkish side destroyed this place in past. However, it have been established that it was the grave of Stibor of Stiboricz. It was made of same stone, red marmor and when the piece of coat of arms was finally found and there was no doubt. Stibor was granted place beside along Hungarian royalties
Since Stibor of Beckov did not have any heir that could inherit the properties, the testament told that it would be past to closest family, including Beckov Castle
that was made as power center of the clan in Slovakia. This Castle was made to be one of the most significant residences of that time, including great paintings, sculptures and chapel that was formed by artist from many different countries. Several testaments have been approved by the Emperor Sigismund and also his wife. Main issue in those was that all the properties of the Stibor's in Slovakia and Hungarian empire would be divided by closest family in case of lack of hair in the line. In that way, the land would stay in family hands.
Altogether, Stibor of Stiboricz was - together with his son - head of several Counties including Bratislava, Governor
of Galizia, Duke
of Transylvania, owner of over 400 villages, towns which in total was half of western Slovakia of today. He was owner of 31 castles and in control of further 5 in Slovakia of which many could be found along all the 409 km long Vah river. Because of that, Stibor stiled himself “Lord of whole Vah”. He was governor of Archdiocese of Eztergom, Diocese of Eger, Master of Hungarian Court, closest friend and adviser to the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund. Adding the land, Castles and nominations that was granted to the Clan, close family of Stibor and the fact that Stibor of Stiboricz gave all important offices in his power only to family and clan members, the Clan of Ostoja was ruling Slovakia for almost 35 years. Beside being Duke of Transylvania, German, Slovakian and Hungarian sources styled Stibor of Stiboricz as "King Stibor" of Slovakia.
Close family of Stibor of Stiboricz:
The Castles that the Clan received in Slovakia were of great importance as they controlled the borders, Vah river and important roads. They was all build to give good defense against enemy. Inside the strongholds the clan had own army unites, their upkeep was paid from the income Ostoja's gained from their land that they owned or controlled. They could also afford to hire mercenaries when necessary and they was in close cooperation with each other, often visiting and helping to maintain the power they have been given in Slovakia. All of them were in possession of land that was much bigger than any of the clan members had in Poland.
. In case of his death, Katarina was to marry his brother. If the marriage of Kararina and Duke Przemyslaus II would not result in any hair, all the properties would go back to close family of Scibor of Beckov, as in the testament of his father. By this marriage, Stibor's of Ostoja would have dynastic claims in case of extinction of the Piast Dynasty in the future.
Fighting many wars with Ottoman Empire could not stop Turkish side to grow and take more land in east, west and south. Sigismund found himself in difficult position. He already took a loan from polish King when signing the Treaty fo Lubovla but the royal coffers was empty since he used every penny in the war against rebellious Venice
. Since he could not pay back the loan given by polish King, he lost 16 towns in Spiš
area to Polish side.
Emperor Sigismund saw his enemies expanding in almost every direction. The Ottoman Empire in the east, Italian republics in south, the Hussite threat in north. However, the pact with Albert II of Germany
that was supposed to marry Elisabeth of Bohemia, the daughter and heiress of Emperor Sigismund of Luxemburg, and the pact with the Clan of Ostoja was protecting north side of the Kingdom. And through marriage between Katarina of Beckov and the Duke Przemyslaw of the Piast dynasty, the Kingdom could count on more support in the battle against Hussite side. It was all set to form powerful coalition. As Albert II would be the successor on the Hungarian throne and the Clan of Ostoja would hold the position in Slovakia and south of Poland together with the Piast dynasty, the focus could then be to stop Ottoman Empire to expand more in west direction.
Unfortunately, Stibor of Beckov died suddenly in battle against hussite side and just shortly after the agreement between Emperor Siginsmund, Albert II of Germany and the Piast dynasty have been made. It was now up to Katarina to marry Duke Przemyslaw II in accordance to her fathers wish. However, this did not happen as Katarina later married to Lord Pál Bánffy of Alsolindva. Soon after, Stibor the Bishop of Eger lost his office and the Wawrzyniec loose all their offices and properties including the Castle of Košecy (that they received from Stibor of Stiboricz). All this because of their support to the Hussite side. According to the testament, all the land of Ostoja's in Slovakia was to be past to the closest family of Stibor's. Since all the lines that where mentioned in the testament was extinct, the one to inherit all the land and properties was Mikolaj Szarlejski. He was son of Mikolaj Bydgoski, Lord castellan of Bydgoszcz and brother of Stibor of Stiboricz. Szarlejski was, at the time of the death of Stibor of Beckov, the Commander of polish forces in Prussia and he was also Voivode of Brzesc-Kujawy
. Beside that, he was also Lord of several regalities and all together one of the most powerful and influential Lords in Poland. However, Szarlejski was supporting the Hussite side and was making several hostile raid's on Hungarian properties and strongholds which was not in accordance with the policy of the family. Since the land of Ostoja's in Slovakia was main defense against Hussite side, it would now be in hands of the enemy. In this situation and because Katarina did not marry her Prince of Piast, the Emperor Sigismund gave order to the Hungarian Court to cancel the testament of Stibor of Beckov. The testament was cancelled on 28th of march 1435.
Minding Stibor's loyalty and friendship, Sigismund did not leave Katarina of Beckov without any funds. She received one fourth of the value of all properties in cash. Also, in his last day alive, Sigismund gave Beckov Castle and belongings to Pál Bánffy under the condition that he will marry Katarina which was also fulfilled. Although Katarina received only 25% of the property value, the sum was gigantic but it did not stay in the Ostoja family.
In 1440 Władysław III of the Jagiellon dynasty assumed the Hungarian throne and for 4 years he was king of both Poland and Hungary. However, he died in the Battle of Varna
and his brother Casimir IV Jagiellon
became King of Poland in 1447. Casimir married Elisabeth of Austria (1436–1505), daughter of the late King of Hungary Albert II of Germany
and Elisabeth of Bohemia (daughter of Sigismund, the Emperor and King of Hungary). The Jagiellon House challenged the House of Habsburg in Bohemia
and Slovakia.
Following the death of Albert II of Germany
in 1439 when defending Hungary against Turks
, Mikolaj Szarlejski recognized opportunity to regain the land of his family and the Clan in Slovakia. Szarlejski tried to convince Hungarian Royal Council that family properties have been taken in violation of the law. However, Hungarian Lords and Royal Council in Hungary had no intention to give back all of the north defence to their enemy. Then in 1439 Szarlejski decided to raise army against Hungary. With help of the Hussite side, he succeeded to siege several strongholds in the Vah area. Supported by Jan de Jani of Ostoja, the Voivode of Pomerania and Gdansk and several other powerful Lords from the Clan of Ostoja and with support of many friends, the war against Hungarian Empire and Germany was in the beginning successful. Unfortunately, Szarlejski although being in charge of polish forces in Prussia, did not have any significant commanding talent and ironically, both Stibor of Stiboricz and his son Stibor Stiboric of Beckov made great improvements in the fortification of their Castles which made siege of many of them almost impossible. Beckov Castle would later hold siege from Turkish side about 100 years later. As result of that and because the enemy was to strong, military action failed.
The line of Stibor of Stiboricz was extinct, other lines of Stibor's family that derived from Stibor of Stiboricz brothers and that was called Stiborici in Hungaria (the Barons of Hungarian Kingdom) was also extinct. Szarlejski had no heir of his own and his large properties in Poland was past to the Kościelecki family of Ogończyk Clan as the daughter of Stibor Jedrzny married Jan Kościelecki, close friend of Szarlejski. Economic power of Jan de Jani was broken because of all wars with Teutonic knights that he had to pay for himself and all the lines of the Moscic of Stiboricz (Stibor of Stiboricz's father) was extinct. However, other lines of the Clan that still was considered as close family to Stibor's was in position to be the successors of the land in Slovakia in case of death of Szarlejski.
Stefan de Liesková (Leski) of Wawrzyniec line had six son's and they would naturally be the main successors of the clan properties. In 1462 Matthias Corvinus of Hungary
took all the land from the successors because of their support of the Hussite side. Košeca together with all the properties was instead given to Mad’ar (Magyar) family that was fighting the Hussite's. In 1467, Wawrzyniec and his Hussite friends successfully regained the Košeca Castle but shortly after lost it again to the Hungarian side. The Mad’ar family extinct in 1491 and the Košeca Castle with belonging properties was given to Zápolya family in 1496. At that time the Jagiellon dynasty was kings of both Poland-Lithuanian empire and the Hungarian. In this situation, the Wawrzyniec line was protesting against the Zápolya family being in possession of their properties. However, the Zápolya family was too powerful and also family related with the Jagiellon side since Barbara Zapolya became Queen of Poland in 1512 and Jan Zapolya (János Szapolyai) became King of Hungary in 1526.
Also in Poland Wawrzyniec line, together with other members of the Clan of Ostoja, claimed the property of Szarlejski that past to Kościelecki's as well as Janski (de Jani) family claimed compensation from the King but also here the resistance was to big and finally they had to give up plans to regain the properties.
The land that Ostoja's once owned and the land that they were in control of made the Clan very powerful and Stibors in Slovakia one of the most powerful families in Europe. Comparing with the Habsburg dynasty, the Clan had good chance to challenge if they would stay united and with the Stibors as leading force in Upper Hungary. However, it was necessary for the Stibors to be related with ruling dynasties or those that have been ruling to be able to claim power in the future. Marriage with prime families of central Europe was not enough. The family needed to be connected with royal blood. Instead of challenging Habsburgs, Stibor of Beckov and the Clan of Ostoja made agreement of cooperation which would benefit both sides. Both side's had equal forces and before Albert II of Germany
become king of Hungary, Stibor of Stiboricz successfully challenge Austria, burning down the country to the ground except for Vienna
that he left alone.
Lack of heirs that could continue politics of the Clan successfully was also part of the reason of economical problems. While in most countries properties was past to younger lines in the family, in Poland women have same rights to inherit the properties as males. Since all main lines of the Clan suddenly faced lack of males at same time, it were the daughters that inherited the properties and brought them into other families through marriage. As did Katarina when she married Pal Banffy. The Banffy family inherited all the founds given to Katarina by the Emperor Sigismund when giving her 1/4 of all property value in cash. The Beckov castle was in the hands of the Banffy until also this family family extinct and Beckov returned to the Hungarian Crown.
Finally, it was coordinated politics of the Clan of Ostoja that made it powerful. It was also Szarlejski's own politics that in the end ruined family power in Slovakia. Although the Clan supported Poland against Teutonic Knights, they did not support the Jagiellon dynasty in the beginning as the kings of Poland. Clan members staying and living in Poland was however granted power by Jagiellon kings in return for their support. In many cases, the Clan was forced to raise founds from their own treasury in order to defend polish boarders. In the end, it was during the reign of the Jagiellon dynasty, the Clan of Ostoja lost its power and all doubts that the Clan had against those kings from the beginning, become very true. Also in Hungarian history, Jagiellon dynasty have been described as weak and incompetent, which was the result of the politics's of the Lords of Lesser Poland
as they was responsible of electing kings that would sign documents in favor of their financial ambitions rather than choosing strong kings with benefit for the kingdom
As main properties in both Slovakia and Poland was finally lost, the economical power was broken and the Clan of Ostoja was outside the politics of Poland for next 100 years, concentrating mostly in increasing their land properties, holding offices on local level. The Union of Lublin
in 1569 that created biggest country in Europe, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, did not change anything for the Ostoja’s in the beginning.
created a real union
of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
, replacing the personal union
of the Kingdom of Poland
and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
. It encompassed territories from Poland
, Lithuania
, Prussia
, Latvia
, Belarus
, Ukraine
, Moldavia
, Podolia
, part of Spisz and part of Russia including Smolensk
.
The skills needed to expand and secure the borders of the nation were different from what was required when the expansion was completed. When the Union of Lublin
was finally signed it also ended a period of 150 years of consolidating new Empire. The new nation needed new kind of administration and the goal was different. The time of brave knights was over and the nobility was now the successors. The Clan organization lost their importance.
Although the Clans always existed, families did not cooperated with each others like in old time. As for the Clan of Ostoja, several families to the original group of Knights and Lords was added through adoption or became incorporated in other way.
The Union of Horodło in 1413 made first step to unify Polish and Lithuanian/ Belarus nobility when 47 most prominent Lithuanian/ Belarus and Ruthuanian families where adopted to 47 Polish clans
. Following that, several families from east joined the Clan structure before 1569. In such way, the Lithuanian, Belarus and Russian nobility received same rights as their noble Polish brothers. The structure and the law in the Commonwealth was same in every province and it allowed democratic process to develop. The adoption to Ostoja Clan recommended by the King or by the Senat (Government) had to be approved by the senior lines of Ostoja. Looking at the work of Piekosinski there is a list of adopted families as well as families that received nobility. Only in few cases there are notes including Ostoja's, less than 10 families. All other adoptions to the Clan took place in late medieval time when the Clan tried to regain in power after losing the main senior lines of the Clan. Almost all of those adoptions included powerful knight families or leading nobility in their provinces, including several Prince families. It was the Clan, not the King or Senat that decided who to adopt to the Clan at that time and before 1569.
The administration and structure was same all over but there were some important differences. In Poland noble titles were formally removed by the constitution in 1638 and confirmed in 1641 and 1673 since the nobility was equal according to the law.
The titles were in 13th century used during the lifetime but it was common to pas it to next generation although according to the law, all nobility had equal rights and hold equal rank. Looking for influential families in Poland, one have to look for the senatorial position and not the titles that have been given to Poles during the partition time of the Commonwealth. However, in many cases families holding prime positions in Poland during medieval times and holding titles like baron
, comes
or dux
(duke, voivode, count palatine) did never accept this equality system of the Commonwealth and continued to hold their titles, specially when traveling abroad in diplomatic mission. Those families where never equal to simple noblemen and therefore was holding to their old titles. It is very similar to English peerage
although the title was inherit by all members of the family, not only the oldest son. All of those old and powerful medieval families that played central role in building polish Empire was part of hereditary High Nobility
. The title depended on the position of each family member.
The Union of Lublin made an exception for the Lithuanian Prince families and therefore the Commonwealth could see several Lithuanian, Russian or Belarus families with titles. Some of those families was very powerful and wealthy. In time of the Commonwealth they expanded their properties to be of such size that there were few families in Europe to match them. They were the Magnates of the Commonwealth.
Magnates of the Commonwealth are often called the aristocracy of the Commonwealth but the definition of what constitutes aristocracy differs from the rest of Europe in that the Magnate families were much more powerful, often comparable to Princes. A good example is the extinct family of Pac that ruled the Duchy of Lithuania in the 17th century. The Pac family had not descended from a Prince, and therefore did not use any title at all. During the partition of the Commonwealth the Pac family received the title of Count. However, when looking at the size of the Pac properties and their position in the Commonwealth, a simple Count title seems not adequate to their power and property size that was far beyond imagination of most of the European Lords.
Partly in Poland but certainly in Grand Dutchy of Lithuania and Ukraine, almost all important positions was in the hands of the Magnates and it was passed through generations. The only question was which of those about 20 great Magnate families would rule most Voivodeship, Counties and Provinces. The list of those Magnates during the days of the Commonwealth include following families:
Princely Houses: Radziwill
, Sapieha
, Wisniowiecki
, Lubomirski
, Czartoryski
, Ostrogski
, Sanguszko
. Other Magnat families: Chodkiewicz
, Pac, Tyszkiewicz
, Zamoyski
, Hlebowicz (without any hereditary title), Mniszech, Potocki
.
Those families had most significant impact on the politics of the Commonwealth. They chose the candidate for the King and they made sure that the candidate was chosen to serve their interest. The nobility voted for the candidate that Magnates and other aristocracy told them to vote on. The Magnates became the true power in the Commonwealth and the King was, with some few exceptions, only a Marionette of the Magnates in their political game.
Furthermore, there was then some 50-60 influential and very wealthy families and with great family history, sometimes with Prince titles. However, those families did not have same impact on the politics of the Commonwealth, still being considered as Magnats of the Commonwealth. Among them there are most magnificent families like Lanckoronski, Tarnowski
, Tęczyński, Prince Holszanski, Rzewuski
, Gonzaga-Myszkowski or Prince Czertwertynski.
The next 300-400 families (of in total tens of thousands of noble families) counting in power and land possession in the Commonwetlh could more likely be equal to the European aristocracy when referring to counts and barons. Those families should also be included as aristocrats but most publications refer only to titled nobility as the aristocracy which is not in accordance with polish rank system during the time of the Commonwealth. There were many wealthy and influential families that hold several offices in the family like Voivode, Castellan, Bishop or Hetman which gave them a place in the Senat of the Commonwealth. This group hold many great families like Sieniawski, Arciszewski, Ossolinski
, Koniecpolski
, Prince Giedrojc and finally also many families included in the Clan of Ostoja.
According to the Etymological Dictionary of the Polish Language, "a proper magnate should be able to trace noble ancestors back for many generations and own at least 20 villages or estates. He should also hold a major office in the Commonwealth". By this definition, number of magnates in the Clan of Ostoja is considerable high. Lords like Radziwiłł, Wiśniowiecki or Stibor of Stiboricz
that was among richest and most influential Duke's in Europe where much more than local magnates. They ruled a nation, either Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine or Slovakia.
Aristocratic titles given to noble families in the time of partition of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
by Russian, Prussian and Austrian emperors as well as by Holy Vatican City State cannot be compared with the titles of from medieval times. Those are, except single cases, foreign titles. The constitution of 1921 (§96) in march, removed all the titles in Poland including the nobility itself. However, the constitution of 1935, did not confirm the paragraph 96 in constitution of 1921. Therefore, families that received or bought titles from foreign Emperors could still legally use them. As the titles where not legally forbidden, the peerage of old families in Poland is also taken to consideration. However, usually when referring to titles in Poland, it is understand as the titles given during the partition.
In this way, families included in the Clan of Ostoja and having origin from medieval time, are all considered as High Nobility
and peers.
Before the Union of Lublin only families have been adopted to the Clan of Ostoja. Also there were several families to move to the east part of the Commonwealth like for example Unichowski family from the Radom line. There were also more than 50 families that proved to be part of the Clan of Ostoja during the partition time.
Because of almost total domination of the Magnates in all Grand Duchy of Lithuania
and Ukraine
, it was very difficult to any family from outside to receive nomination of Senator rank. Most of successful Ostoja families in this area was instead in possession of highest ranked offices on local level in their Counties and Voivodeship
's such as County Judge of mayor cities, Lord of regality (Starosta
) or Lord Chamberlain.
, become famous fir his legendary defence of the town in 1587. Maciej Kawęczyński reformed the printing system in Lithuania. Mikołaj Kreza was Rittmeister
of the Crown, Michał Maleczkowski was Magnus procurator (Latin for "ruler") of Lesser Poland 1576-1577 and Gabriel Słoński (1520–1598) was architect and Burgrave
of Krakow
. However, since education was still of importance in the philosophy of the Ostoja families, new generation was upcoming in the end of 16th century holding many inventors. Also, this century saw the Jagiellon dynasty end in 1572, Sigismund II Augustus
was the last of this dynasty to rule the Commonwealth. He was followed by Stephen Báthory
, the Duke of Transylvania, considered one of greatest kings in polish history. The end of Jagiellonian era was a start of new chapter in the history of the Clan of Ostoja.
The 17th century provided much more activity from the Clan. First half of the century was the Golden Age of the Commonwealth. In Lithuania families was fighting for the supremacy of the Grand Duchy which lead to many confrontations. The leading families was Prince Radziwill, Prince Sapieha and Pac. In Volyn, Podole and Ukraine Wisniowiecki family reached the supremacy of the area. Estimated amount of people working for Wisniowiecki on his estates was almost 300.000 at that time.
In Lithuania, the Sluszka and Unichowski families of the Clan of Ostoja raised in great power. Krzysztof Słuszka became Voivode of Livonia
and Aleksander Słuszka
Castellan of Samogitia
and later Voivide of Minsk
, then Voivode of Novogrod and ended as Voivode of Trakai
in 1647. Samuel Unichowski of Ostoja followed up 40 years later and also became the Voivode of Trakai. Lady Elżbieta Słuszka (1619–1671) was the richest and most powerful Lady of the Commonwealth. She was the Crown Court Marshall and after death of her first husband inherited the Kazanowski Palace
in Warsaw
. Josef Bogusław Sluszka (1652–1701) was Hetman
and Castellan of Trakai
and Vilnius
. Dominik Michał Słuszka (1655–1713) was the Voivode of Polotsk and finally Aleksander Jozef Unichowski became the Castellan of Samogitia
.
Other families in Lithuania that was part of the Clan of Ostoja became very wealthy. Prince Boratynski family joined Clan already in the 16th century and was often holding high military rank, Prince Palecki family also joined at the same time. The Danielewicz
family was by adoption included in Pac family and inherit part of their land possessions.
In Poland, the Szyszkowski family of Ostoja became very powerful. Piotr Szyszkowski was the Catellan of Wojno 1643, Marcin Szyszkowski
was the Bishop of Kraków and Prince of Siewierz
and Mikołaj Szyszkowski became the Prince-bishop
of Warmia
in 1633. Both Prince Mikołaj and Prince Marcin had great impact on the politics of the Commonwealth. Following information is mainly taken from polish Wikipedia.
Salomon Rysiński (1565–1625) was famous writer at the time, Krzysztof Boguszewski
was one of the most famous painters and artists of Greater Poland and Stanisław Bzowski (1567–1637) was member of Dominican Order
, friend of reforms, appointed by Vatikan City to write down its history.
Wojciech Gajewski was the Castellan of Rogozin 1631-1641, Łukasz Gajewski became Castellan of Santok in 1661, Michał Scibor-Rylski the Castellan of Gostyn in 1685, Mikołaj Scibor Marchocki, the Castellan of Malogoski (Żarnòw) 1697 and Jan Stachurski was leading the army against the Cossac uprising as Major General
in 1664.
The most famous members of the Clan of Ostoja in that century was Kazimierz Siemienowicz
and Michał Sędziwój (Michael Sendivogius, Sędzimir). Siemienowicz was the General of artillery, military engineer, artillery specialist and the pioneer of rocketry. His publications was for 200 years used as main artillery manual in Europe.
Michał Sędziwój that was from the Sędzimir branch of the Clan, was famous European alchemist, philosopher and medical doctor. A pioneer of chemistry, he developed ways of purification and creation of various acids, metals and other chemical compounds. He discovered that air is not a single substance and contains a life-giving substance-later called oxygen-170 years before Scheele and Priestley. He correctly identified this 'food of life' with the gas (also oxygen) given off by heating nitre (saltpetre). This substance, the 'central nitre', had a central position in Sędziwój's schema of the universe. Sędziwój was famous in Europe and very popular person since he declared that he can make gold
from quicksilver
In time when mighty Lords needed gold for payment of the army, such talent was widely recognized. During a demonstration how to make the gold and in presence of the Emperor Rudolph II, Sędziwój was captured and robbed by a German alchemist named Muhlenfels who had conspired with the German prince, Brodowski, to steal Sędziwój's secret.
, received money from Russian governors and was obliged to report to Russian ambassador Otto Magnus von Stackelberg
. He was furthermore richly paid to join the Constitution of Maj 3 but because of his character or rather lack of it, he did not fulfill his promise.
Most families that signed Poniatowski's election, including many Ostoja families, was signing for the Czartoryski family that wanted to make necessary changes in the Commonwealth. However, to support those changes Czartoryski asked for help from Russia, an offer that Russia could not resist.
Except some single cases, the Ostoja families in Lithuania and Poland stayed far away from this political chaos. The King was appointing those that supported his own ambitions, which was the beginning of some new great fortunes. Founds and properties that belonged to the Crown was this century given away to all those that served the King and Russia well. Many new Magnates was created and the order in the Commonwealth at that time looked more like Wild Western. This political disaster ended in Partitions of Poland
, 1772 when Prussia, Austria and Russia decided to divide defenseless Commonwealth between them. Poniatowski's reign until 1795 became the darkest chapter in Polish history. The Constitution of May 3, 1791
come far to late. This was the first time that the Commonwealth included Ruthenians
and not just Poland and Lithuania. New Commonwealth was to be formed of three nations. Also this intentions came far to late. However, the Constitution of May 3 united families that wanted to make necessary changes and that would serve the nation. In this movement we suddenly see lot of activity from the Ostoja families. Almost all of them supported the movement and in many cases all members of the family joined, women and men. In the first half of the century, the Ostoja familie hold many offices and was still prospecting. In the second half of the century, they clearly turned into military commanders and supporters of the resistance, leading Confederations and armies against foreign forces and specially against Russia.
Ignacy Ścibor Marchocki
of Ostoja (1755–1827) created famous "Kingdom of Mińkowce". Marchocki proclaimed his estates an independent state and installed on its borders pillars with the name plates, identifying that this is "The border of Minkowce state". The "Kingdom" hold one town, 18 villages and 4 Castles (one for each season) with some 4200 souls living in the "Kingdom". Marchocki liberated peasants from serfdom, granted them a self-government, established jury (court with jury and court of appeal)), built school, pharmacy, orphanage, churches and monuments, cloth and carriage factories, factory of anis apple oil production, with brickyard, varnish and paint plants, with mulberry trees gardens. Its own paper was manufactured there and lime – calcined. He opened his own printing house, where different decrees (like "agreement between the Lord and the peasants"), directions, resolutions and even sermons, later delivered by him in Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. The government of the Kingdom that included Jews, serfs, town citizens, peasants and foreigners. He also employed two doctors within the property.
All of this was of course reported to Russian Administration that in the beginning was stunned, thinking that it was an act of madness. However, the "Kingdom" was working excellent and the Lord of the Kingdom was getting richer and more famous, buying even more properties and land to expand the "Kingdom". Life inside his estate was considered as heaven comparing to normal life peasants outside the border pillars which would more correctly be referred as hell. Peasants was at that time normally property of the estate that could be sold any time. In the "Kingdom" people was living in wealth and prosperity and Marchocki himself was the most successful administrator of his goods in Russian Empire. This eccentric man was summertime wearing a Roman Toga
during official meetings on the property that looked like picture taken from paradise.
In the end, this started to worry Russian administration that gave order to burn down all the printing so this madness would not spread to other provinces. This could cause a revolution because suddenly it was clear that making democracy inside a property was making owners rich and people happy. Soon, every citizen of not noble origin in the area wanted to live in the "Kingdom of Mińkowce". It was a plague that started to spread all over the countryside and infect entire system. To stop this revolution, the Tsar ordered Marchocki captured and imprisoned. Following information and source is taken from polish Wikipedia.
Lady Krystyna Ścibor-Bogusławska (-1783) - was Lady of regality of Wągłczew by nomination received by the King Poniatowski and Aleksander Scibor Marchocki became the Castellan
of Malogoski after Mikołaj. Franciszek Gajewski became the Castellan
of Konarsk-Kuyavia
and Florian Hrebnicki the Uniat Archbishop
of Polotsk. Antoni Gajewski (-1775) was Castellan
of Naklo, Lord of the regality of Łęczyca and of Kościany
. His relative Rafał Tadeusz Gajewski (1714–1776) became the Castllan of Rogozin. Józef Jakliński was then the Castellan
of Kamensk
/Spicymir 1759-1775.
At the end of the century, Józef Siemoński, the General adj. of King Poniatowski became supreme commander of Sandomierz
uprising initiated by Kościuszko and Karol Podgorski escaped the Russian side by joining the Prussian army where he became General Major. Also in other parts of the Commonwealth the resistance against Poniatowski and Russia formed Confederations. Michał Władysław Lniski was vice Voivode and Marshal
of the Contederetion of Bar in Pomerania
and Franciszek Ksawery Ścibor-Bogusławski was Rittmeister
of same Confederation. Then Wojciech Marchocki was the Castellan
of Sanok County
and Józef Andrzej Mikorski the Castellan
of Rawa County
from 1791.
The Ostaszewski and the Blociszewski of Ostoja families hold many family members that were fighting against forces behind the partition of the Commonwealth. Of them, Tadeusz Błociszewski was General Major and Michał Ostaszewski (1720–1816) was one of main initiators of the Confederation of Bar in Subcarpathian Voivodeship
. Tomasz Ostaszewski was helping the Confederation in his position as the Bishop of Plock. Finally, Antoni Baranowski of Ostoja was awarded and apponited as General Major of Royal Army by Tadeusz Kościuszko
. Baranowski participated as the head of the division in the Battle of Maciejowice
. Subsequently remained off-duty, in 1812 he organized levée en masse
in Lublin
and Siedlce
.
, Henryk Sienkiewicz
, Frédéric Chopin
and many others. This century shows also many Ostoja families as wealthy aristocrats holding Palaces, Manor houses and big properties not only in Poland and Lithuania but also in other European countries. This is also the century when the Ostoja families became once again very active and participated in every political action but this time against ruling authorities.
During the 19th century the nobility of the Commonwealth raised once again to fight those that occupied their Country. In history books this century is marked with major Uprisings against Prussia, Russia and Austria and also with the Napoleonic Wars
. However, between those most known events, there was more than 100 smaller military actions to be remembered. In all those wars, big and small, we see almost all of the Ostoja families participating and in many cases in commanding position.
As many others, Ostoja families was punished for participating in Uprisings and other military actions and lost their properties as they were confiscated. According to Norman Davis, the consequences of the January Uprising in 1863 in Russian part of the Commonwealth was deportation of 80.000 people to Siberia or other working camps. Confiscated properties of Ostoja families where given to those families that was loyal to Russia, Austria or Prussia. In such way, several families gained in power during the partition, receiving high offices, nominations and lot of land. They were also given noble titles of Baron or Count or even Prince for their support and service. But Ostoja's was not only good at fighting the enemy. Families kept part of their properties, Manor houses and Palaces outside the conflict and war to be able to support refugies, wonded and those in need. They acted both openly against foreign forces and in conspiracy using same successful tactics as families did in the time of Stibor of Stiboricz
. Following information is taken from articles in polish Wikipedia.
Adam Ostaszewki of Ostoja (1860–1934) was a pioneer of polish aviation
constructing several aircraft's. Ostaszewski hold doctor degree in philosophy
and law
. He was furthermore writer, poet and translator of poetry from all over the world as he knew some 20 languages. He worked with astronomy, made sculptures, painted and was also interested in several different fields like optics, physics, electricity and magnetism, history, archeology, chemistry, botanic, zoology and many others. This remarkable man was often called "Leonardo from Wzdow".
Kacper Kotkowski (1814–1875) was catholic priest, head and commissar of the Sandomierz uprising while Stanisław Błociszewski received the Order of Virtuti Militari
for his patriotic fight as an officer against Russian forces. Jan Czeczot
was famous poet and ethnographer in Belarus
. In Russia, Andrzej Miklaszewski was Actual State Councillor (e.g., Marshall and General - Table of Ranks) and in his position being able to help many families, saving them from exile in Siberia
. In the mean time, Jan Kazimierz Ordyniec was owner and publisher of "Dziennik Warszawski" was heating up the resistance with articles. In the end, he was forced to emigrate and joned famous society at Hôtel Lambert
in Paris
.
Spirydion Ostaszewski (1797–1875) was writing down polish legends which was important for the cause and fight for the liberty of Poland. He participated in November Uprising
1830-1831 and helped many families returning from Siberia
to settle down in west part of Ukraine
. In the mean time, Teofil Wojciech Ostaszewski initiated first program against Serfdom
. He was also the Marshal of Brzostowo County. Łukasz Solecki was Bishop of Przemyśl
and professor of the Lviv University
,
Jan Aleksander Karłowicz became well known ethnographer, linguist, documenting the folklore
while Mieczysław Karłowicz was composer of several symphonies and poems. Zygmunt Czechowicz was one of the initiators of the uprising of the Belarus Nation.
Ladies Emma and Maria A. from Ostaszewski branch of Ostoja (1831–1912 and 1851–1918) where both devoted social activists and patriots. They raised founds for helping wonded and poor during the time of uprisings. Lady Karolina Wojnarowska (1814–1858) born Rylska was author writing under the pseudonym Karol Nowowiejski.
Between the First and Second World Wars, several Ostoja families were still in possession of many castles and manor houses. Despite Ostoja involvement in all military actions and uprisings. This show that the strategy was still to keep few family members out of the Uprisings and military actions to preserve some economical ground for the future of the family.
Also here we can find almost all Ostoja families fighting. From the end of the 18th century to the end of World War II, many army Generals was from the Ostoja Clan and there were several great Colonels, Majors and Captains that the Clan contributed with. Almost all men from the Ostoja Clan was holding the officer rank, even if they were poets or artists. Some of them was fighting in Polish Army (Armia Krajowa), some of them left Russian Camps and Siberia to join the Anders Army, others joined the British Royal Air Force
and some helped to break the Enigma machine
ciphers.
Hipotit Brodowicz and Adam Mokrzecki reached the rank of General Major in the army, the later widely decorated for commanding troups in Polish–Soviet War between 1919-1921. Stefan Mokrzecki
was also a general in the Polish army serving country well. Witold Ścibor-Rylski (1871–1926) was officer that emigrated to the USA in 1898 but came back to Poland in 1914 to help the Country in World War I
holding the rank of Colonel. He was serving Poland through the Polish-Soviet War and left for United States
after the campagne. His service for Poland was widely recognized and he also finally received the rank of General from President August Zaleski
.
Włodzimierz Zagórski (1882–1927) was a general in the Polish army. During the years of 1914–1916 he was a chief of staff
of Polish Legions
. Since November 1918 in Polish Armed Forces
. As former intelligence officer, he accused Józef Piłsudski for being spy in favour of Austria
. Outside the military service, Władysław Chotkowski (1843–1926) was a professor and head of Jagiellonian University
and another Adam Ostaszewski was President of Plock to year 1934.
Adam Hrebnicki-Doktorowicz (1857–1941) was a professor in agriculture development, founder of Institute in Ukraine and Karzimierz Zagórski (1883–1944) was widely recognized adventurer-pioneer, photographer.
Bronisław Bohatyrewicz (1870–1940) was a general in the Polish army, died in Katyn. General Zbigniew Ścibor Rylski (born 1917) succeeded to survive World War II
and his wife, Zofia Rylska was during the war a master spy under the cover name of Marle Springer. Her information led to localization and destruction of German battleship Tirpitz
. In the mean time, Stanislaw Danielewicz
was working with Enigma machine
ciphers breaking. Karola Uniechowska(1904–1955) was voluntary medical doctor during World War II, she also participated in the Battle of Monte Cassino
while Zofia Uniechowska (1909–1993) - achieved Order of Virtuti Militari
for conspiracy against Nazi government in Poland. Stefan Ścibor-Bogusławski (1897–1978) was richly awarded Colonel
, also for his decisive actions in the Battle of Monte Cassino
.
Stanisław Chrostowski (1897–1947) was a professor and artist and Maxim Rylski (1895–1969) became a famous poet in Ukraine
. There is a park and institution named after him in Kiev
, there are also three stautes of him in this town in memory for his great contribution to the people of Ukraine. Another Hrebnicki, Stanisław Doktorowicz-Hrebnicki (1888–1974) was decorated professor
in geology.
Wacław Krzywiec (1908–1956) was famous komandor of the legendary ORP Błyskawica warship. Falsely accused by communistic regime in Poland after World War II in a famous trial, he was sent to prison and died shortly after being released. The Słoński brothers where all serving in the RAF as pilots and officers. All three of them were finally shot down and paid the ultimate price for their fight for the liberty. Zbigniew Rylski, a major in Polish army, widely decorated for many great sabotage actions during World War II.
Zygmund Ignacy Rylski (1898–1945) - legendary Major Hańcza, later advanced to rang of Colonel
. One of most devoted and widely decorated officers during World War II. Lady Izabela Zielińska born Ostaszewska year 1910 have experience of 101 years of past changes and many wars. Being musician, she was decorated with medal of Gloria Artis in 2011. Marcelina Antonina Scibor-Kotkowska of Ostoja was the mother of Witold Gombrowicz
.
. All the land and properties, except the Ostaszewski Palace in Kraków
, have been confiscated and became property of People's Republic of Poland
. Same happened in Belarus, Lithuania and Ukraine. Although communism
is not longer ruling in those countries and most of them applyed democratic system, non of the properties of Ostoja families have been given back to their rightful owners and no compensation given. Most of the old familiy properties have been burned down by fighting armies during WW I, WW II and during Polish-Sovjet war 1919-1921. The existing Ostoya Palace around Rzeszow
taken care by Rylski branch of Ostoja is an exception.
Antoni Uniechowski
(1903–1976) was widely recognized painter in Poland, known for his drawings. Aleksander Ścibor-Rylski (1928–1983) was poet, writer and film director and Tadeusz Sędzimir (1894–1989) was worldwide known inventor. His name has been given to revolutionary methods of processing steel and metals used in every industrialized nation of the world.
Joseph Stanislaus Ostoja-Kotkowski
(1922–1994) was famous artist that worked with photography, film-making, theater, design, fabric design, murals, kinetic and static sculpture, stained glass, vitreous enamel murals, op-collages, computer graphics and also laser art. He was a pioneer regarding laser kinetics and "sound and image".
Tadeusz Ostaszewski (1918–2003) was professor
of fine arts in University of Krakow, Adam Kozłowiecki (1911–2007) was Archbishop
of the Archdiocese of Lusaka
in Zambia
, Andrzej Zagórski (1926–2007) was devoted officer of Armia Krajowa
that wrote over 250 publications about polish underground resistance and Kazimierz Tumiłowicz (1932–2008) was creator of Siberian association of remembrance and social worker in Greater Poland
. Andrzej Ostoja-Owsiany (1931–2008) was Senator in Poland after the fall of the communism.
The end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century mark new age without wars and it also end over 200 years of Ostoja families fight for the liberty. It also end the Clan of Ostoja's more than 900 years old military service for Poland.
Results on today living lines of the Clan show that Ostoja have been a battle cry for certain group of knights in medieval time that settled down close to each other. There is no record at the moment who was the leading force behind this group. The DNA results match in several cases with other old knight families in different part of Europe, many of those early genetic matches can be found in England, Scotland and Ireland with families that are assumed to have records back to the Norman conquest of England
year 1066.
Haplogroup
s found in the tests of the project are different with Haplogroup R1a (Y-DNA)
dominating. Based on 10 different tests (Y67-67 markers) of old medieval lines of Ostoja, the composition is following:
Haplogroup R1a (Y-DNA)
(slavic origin)
Haplogroup R1b (Y-DNA)
(Western Europe)
Haplogroup I2 (Y-DNA)
(Scandinavia, Western Europe - I2b1)
Haplogroup N (Y-DNA)
(Ugro-Finnic origin)
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was a dualistic state of Poland and Lithuania ruled by a common monarch. It was the largest and one of the most populous countries of 16th- and 17th‑century Europe with some and a multi-ethnic population of 11 million at its peak in the early 17th century...
, Upper Hungary
Upper Hungary
Upper Hungary is the usual English translation for the area that was historically the northern part of the Kingdom of Hungary, now mostly present-day Slovakia...
(Slovakia
Slovakia
The Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It has a population of over five million and an area of about . Slovakia is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south...
), Hungary
Hungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
, Transylvania
Transylvania
Transylvania is a historical region in the central part of Romania. Bounded on the east and south by the Carpathian mountain range, historical Transylvania extended in the west to the Apuseni Mountains; however, the term sometimes encompasses not only Transylvania proper, but also the historical...
, Belorus, Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
and Prussia
Prussia
Prussia was a German kingdom and historic state originating out of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg. For centuries, the House of Hohenzollern ruled Prussia, successfully expanding its size by way of an unusually well-organized and effective army. Prussia shaped the history...
.
The precise origins and the organizational principles of the Clan are historically obscure. It had been traditionally presumed that the clan had extensive blood relatedness, which was supported by geographic nesting, particularly in Poland. However, historical records confirm that the Clan co-opted at least some of its members. Furthermore, DNA analysis of present living members of the clan shows that Ostoja families were not generally blood related to each other. It is unclear however what proportion of Clan membership was co-opted, and thus to what extent the Clan should be considered an hereditary lineage, in distinction to a rallying banner, but the latter concept seems scientifically more appropriate.
During the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was a dualistic state of Poland and Lithuania ruled by a common monarch. It was the largest and one of the most populous countries of 16th- and 17th‑century Europe with some and a multi-ethnic population of 11 million at its peak in the early 17th century...
the Clan adopted several Lithuanian and Belorussian families and transformed into a Clan of Landlords, Senators and Nobility. Members of the Clan closely cooperated, often living close to each other. They held high positions, and held a great amount of land and properties in both Commonwealth
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was a dualistic state of Poland and Lithuania ruled by a common monarch. It was the largest and one of the most populous countries of 16th- and 17th‑century Europe with some and a multi-ethnic population of 11 million at its peak in the early 17th century...
and in Upper Hungary
Upper Hungary
Upper Hungary is the usual English translation for the area that was historically the northern part of the Kingdom of Hungary, now mostly present-day Slovakia...
(Slovakia
Slovakia
The Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It has a population of over five million and an area of about . Slovakia is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south...
) in medieval times, including many great gothic style
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture....
castles. Members of the Clan of Ostoja ruled several feudal lordships in Upper Hungary between 1390 and 1434 and Transylvania
Transylvania
Transylvania is a historical region in the central part of Romania. Bounded on the east and south by the Carpathian mountain range, historical Transylvania extended in the west to the Apuseni Mountains; however, the term sometimes encompasses not only Transylvania proper, but also the historical...
in 1395-1401 and again in 1410-1414, during the time of Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz of Ostoja coat of arms was an aristocrat of Polish origin in the Kingdom of Hungary. He was a close friend of King Sigismund of Hungary who appointed him to several offices during his reign. For instance, between 1395 and 1401, then from 1409 to 1414 he was the voivode of...
. A line of the Clan, which included relatives of Stibor of Stiboricz who followed him to Hungary, is included in Hungarian aristocracy as barons of the Hungarian kingdom in 1389. Stibor of Stiboricz and his son Stibor of Beckov where both members of Order of the Dragon
Order of the Dragon
The Order of the Dragon was a monarchical chivalric order for selected nobility,founded in 1408 by Sigismund, King of Hungary and later Holy Roman Emperor The Order of the Dragon (Latin Societas Draconistrarum) was a monarchical chivalric order for selected nobility,founded in 1408 by Sigismund,...
. At the same time in Poland between 1390 and 1460, several members of the Clan of Ostoja ruled Voivodeships and cities as castellan
Castellan
A castellan was the governor or captain of a castle. The word stems from the Latin Castellanus, derived from castellum "castle". Also known as a constable.-Duties:...
s, voivods and senators on behalf of the King and was, therefore, in control of the Duchies of Pomerania
Pomerania
Pomerania is a historical region on the south shore of the Baltic Sea. Divided between Germany and Poland, it stretches roughly from the Recknitz River near Stralsund in the West, via the Oder River delta near Szczecin, to the mouth of the Vistula River near Gdańsk in the East...
, Kuyavia-Pomerania, and Greater Poland
Greater Poland
Greater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history...
, which altogether was considerable part of the Kingdom at the time.
Through the history, the Clan was involved in every war Poland participated in, and during the partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth they can be seen in every movement and uprising
Congress Poland
The Kingdom of Poland , informally known as Congress Poland , created in 1815 by the Congress of Vienna, was a personal union of the Russian parcel of Poland with the Russian Empire...
, fighting against foreign forces. The Clan put high value on education and were, in general, good administrators of their properties as well as the properties of the King (starostwo
Starostwo
Starostwo , from the 14th century in the Polish Crown and later through the era of the joint state of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until the partitions of Poland in 1795, referred to the crown lands administered by the official known as starosta...
). They were also inventors, poets, scientists, and great diplomats.
The Clan crest is the Ostoja coat of arms and the battle cry
Battle cry
A battle cry is a yell or chant taken up in battle, usually by members of the same military unit.Battle cries are not necessarily articulate, although they often aim to invoke patriotic or religious sentiment....
is Ostoja or Hostoja.
Legend of Ostoja
According to one legend, the Coat of arms were given in 1058 to a brave feudal knight, (Colonel) Ostoja, by Bolesław II the GenerousBolesław II the Generous
Bolesław II the Generous, also known as the Bold and the Cruel , was Duke of Poland and third King of Poland .He was the eldest son of Casimir I the Restorer and Maria Dobroniega, daughter of Grand Duke Vladimir I of Kiev....
. However, there may be another, older origin: Ostoja family members often used the name of Stibor (Scibor, Czcibor), on the basis of a family origin from Czcibor, victorious in the Battle of Cedynia
Battle of Cedynia
In the Battle of Cedynia or Zehden, an army of Mieszko I of Poland defeated forces of Hodo or Odo I of Lusatia on 24 June 972, near the Oder river...
brother of Mieszko I of Poland
Mieszko I of Poland
Mieszko I , was a Duke of the Polans from about 960 until his death. A member of the Piast dynasty, he was son of Siemomysł; grandchild of Lestek; father of Bolesław I the Brave, the first crowned King of Poland; likely father of Świętosława , a Nordic Queen; and grandfather of her son, Cnut the...
– first crowned King of Poland year 966. Although this legend is not confirmed, several sources claim that the documents that would have verified this legend were destroyed in World War II.
Piekosinski indicates that the early crest of Ostoja was almost identical with the Piast dynasty crest. It has two "moons" and a cross, and the crest of the Piast dynasty was the very similar, lacking the "moon" on top.
Ostoja's have a Dragon on the helmet and it is not the same Dragon as in the Przegonia coat of arms. Although Przegonia most probably origin from Ostoja, the Przegonia dragon comes from the story about brave Ostoja that was granted the dragon on his helmet because he had defeated the Moravian
Moravians (ethnic group)
Moravians are the modern West Slavic inhabitants of the historical land of Moravia, the easternmost part of the Czech Republic, which includes the Moravian Slovakia. They speak the two main groups of Moravian dialects , the transitional Bohemian-Moravian dialect subgroup and standard Czech...
s with such anger and ferocity. Another legend tells however that the Ostoja coat of arms origin from another brave Knight, Jan de Jani of Ostoja, first Polish voivode/duke
Duke
A duke or duchess is a member of the nobility, historically of highest rank below the monarch, and historically controlling a duchy...
of Pomerania
Pomerania
Pomerania is a historical region on the south shore of the Baltic Sea. Divided between Germany and Poland, it stretches roughly from the Recknitz River near Stralsund in the West, via the Oder River delta near Szczecin, to the mouth of the Vistula River near Gdańsk in the East...
and Gdańsk
Gdansk
Gdańsk is a Polish city on the Baltic coast, at the centre of the country's fourth-largest metropolitan area.The city lies on the southern edge of Gdańsk Bay , in a conurbation with the city of Gdynia, spa town of Sopot, and suburban communities, which together form a metropolitan area called the...
. Chased by a group Teutonic Knights, he had succeeded in crossing a river on horse despite being clad in full armor, and then raised his voice so the Lord would hear him and said "Ostalem" which means "I still stay" from which comes the name of Ostoja. However, this legend is undermined by the term "Ostoja" being known far before the time of Jan de Jani.
Early history
The earliest historical records that mention the Clan use the name Stibor, which derives from Czcibor (Scibor, Czcibor, Cibor, Czesbor, Cidebur) which comes from czcic (to honor) and borzyc (battle), thus denoting a person who “Battles for Honor” or who is the “Defender of Honor”. This is also what the clan's battle cry, Ostoja, means. Another popular Ostoja name was Moscic.An early Clan location is a village 7 km north of Inowroclaw
Inowroclaw
Inowrocław , is a town in northern Poland.According to the 2004 Census estimate the town has a total population of 77,641. Situated in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship since 1999, Inowrocław was previously in the Bydgoszcz Voivodeship . Inowrocław is an industrial town located about 40 km...
, which in 1065 was called Szczibersko, and is now known as Ściborze
Sciborze
Ściborze is a village in the administrative district of Gmina Rojewo, within Inowrocław County, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, in north-central Poland....
. The village lies at what was the northeast border of the Kingdom, suggesting that the Clan there may have served as border defenders.
By 1025, when Mieszko II Lambert
Mieszko II Lambert
Mieszko II Lambert was King of Poland during 1025–1031, and Duke from 1032 until his death.He was the second son of Bolesław I the Brave, but the eldest born from his third wife Emmilda, daughter of Dobromir, possible ruler of Lusatia. He was probably named after his paternal grandfather, Mieszko I...
was crowned, the Kingdom of Poland had borders which resemble modern day Poland. Many landlords (comes, comites) were against centralized power in the Kingdom. Rivalry arose between the Lords of Greater Poland
Greater Poland
Greater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history...
, whose capital was Poznań
Poznan
Poznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be...
, and those ofLesser Poland
Lesser Poland
Lesser Poland is one of the historical regions of Poland, with its capital in the city of Kraków. It forms the southeastern corner of the country, and should not be confused with the modern Lesser Poland Voivodeship, which covers only a small, southern part of Lesser Poland...
, whose main city was Kraków
Kraków
Kraków also Krakow, or Cracow , is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life...
.
The Stibors are thought to have been a mainstay of the Piast dynasty
Piast dynasty
The Piast dynasty was the first historical ruling dynasty of Poland. It began with the semi-legendary Piast Kołodziej . The first historical ruler was Duke Mieszko I . The Piasts' royal rule in Poland ended in 1370 with the death of king Casimir the Great...
, Poland's first ruling dynasty. The Piasts were able to expand Poland during the 10th and the beginning of the 11th century. Clan members were appointed commanding officers of the army units that protected and administered these new counties. The expansion of Poland and of Clan properties seem to have gone hand in hand; for example, when Kuyavia
Kuyavia
Kujawy , is a historical and ethnographic region in the north-central Poland, situated in the basin of the middle Vistula and upper Noteć Rivers, with its capital in Włocławek.-Etymology:The origin of the name Kujawy was seen differently in history...
and Greater Poland
Greater Poland
Greater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history...
(Wielkopolska) were incorporated, the Clan expanded into the same area. Records refer to Stibor of Ostoja as Comes
Comes
Comes , plural comites , is the Latin word for companion, either individually or as a member of a collective known as comitatus, especially the suite of a magnate, in some cases large and/or formal enough to have a specific name, such as a cohors amicorum. The word comes derives from com- "with" +...
of Poniec
Poniec
Poniec is a town situated in the southern part of the Greater Poland Voivodeship , formerly in Leszno Voivodeship , in Poland. The town has about 3,000 inhabitants. It is the capital of a commune in Gostyń County....
in 1099, and also refer to Stibor as Comes of Jebleczna.
Late medieval period
Wladyslaw I the Elbow-high
Władysław the Short or Elbow-high , was a King of Poland. He was a Duke until 1300, and Prince of Kraków from 1305 until his coronation as King on 20 January 1320...
(Lokietek) was crowned King of Poland in 1320. Instead of duchies
Duchy
A duchy is a territory, fief, or domain ruled by a duke or duchess.Some duchies were sovereign in areas that would become unified realms only during the Modern era . In contrast, others were subordinate districts of those kingdoms that unified either partially or completely during the Medieval era...
in the hands of the Piast dynasty
Piast dynasty
The Piast dynasty was the first historical ruling dynasty of Poland. It began with the semi-legendary Piast Kołodziej . The first historical ruler was Duke Mieszko I . The Piasts' royal rule in Poland ended in 1370 with the death of king Casimir the Great...
, those duchies turned into several Voivodeship
Voivodeship
Voivodship is a term denoting the position of, or more commonly the area administered by, a voivod. Voivodeships have existed since medieval times in Poland, Romania, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia and Serbia....
where Voivode (Duke
Duke
A duke or duchess is a member of the nobility, historically of highest rank below the monarch, and historically controlling a duchy...
, Herzog, Count Palatine
Count palatine
Count palatine is a high noble title, used to render several comital styles, in some cases also shortened to Palatine, which can have other meanings as well.-Comes palatinus:...
, Overlord) was appointed by the King and given to loyal landlords. The last King of Poland from the Piast dynasty was the son of Wladyslaw I, Casimir III the Great.
The Clan of Ostoja continued, during that time, to expand their land and was granted several high offices. Krakow
Kraków
Kraków also Krakow, or Cracow , is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life...
replaced Poznan
Poznan
Poznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be...
, the capital of Greater Poland
Greater Poland
Greater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history...
, as the capital of Poland in 1039. The Clan of Ostoja expanded their land possessions toward the south to settle in the voivodeship of Kraków
Kraków
Kraków also Krakow, or Cracow , is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life...
, Częstochowa
Czestochowa
Częstochowa is a city in south Poland on the Warta River with 240,027 inhabitants . It has been situated in the Silesian Voivodeship since 1999, and was previously the capital of Częstochowa Voivodeship...
and Sandomierz
Sandomierz
Sandomierz is a city in south-eastern Poland with 25,714 inhabitants . Situated in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship , previously in Tarnobrzeg Voivodeship . It is the capital of Sandomierz County . Sandomierz is known for its Old Town, a major tourist attraction...
in the Lesser Poland
Lesser Poland
Lesser Poland is one of the historical regions of Poland, with its capital in the city of Kraków. It forms the southeastern corner of the country, and should not be confused with the modern Lesser Poland Voivodeship, which covers only a small, southern part of Lesser Poland...
region of Poland. Documents tells about:
- Moscic of Ostoja de Magna Kozmin was Duke of PoznańPoznanPoznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be...
, ruling Greater PolandGreater PolandGreater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history...
1242-52. He was head of the main Ostoja line and in possession of the family nest Sciborzyce among others. His son was owner of towns DynówDynówDynów is a town in Rzeszów County, Subcarpathian Voivodeship, Poland, with a population of 6,058 .-Massacre during Second World War:...
and RzeszówRzeszówRzeszów is a city in southeastern Poland with a population of 179,455 in 2010. It is located on both sides of the Wisłok River, in the heartland of the Sandomierska Valley...
but this Ostoja line died out since he only had a daughter, who later married Nicolaus de Zerkowo of the Doliwa Clan.
- Piotr of Ostoja was Lord of the regality (starostaStarostaStarost is a title for an official or unofficial position of leadership that has been used in various contexts through most of Slavic history. It can be translated as "elder"...
) of Sandomierz in 1259, and Miroslaw of Ostoja was CastellanCastellanA castellan was the governor or captain of a castle. The word stems from the Latin Castellanus, derived from castellum "castle". Also known as a constable.-Duties:...
of SandomierzSandomierzSandomierz is a city in south-eastern Poland with 25,714 inhabitants . Situated in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship , previously in Tarnobrzeg Voivodeship . It is the capital of Sandomierz County . Sandomierz is known for its Old Town, a major tourist attraction...
in 1270.
- Jan from Bobin was Treasurer and Chamberlain of Krakow in 1270 and Mikolaj of Ostoja was Chamberlain of Krakow in 1286.
- ComesComesComes , plural comites , is the Latin word for companion, either individually or as a member of a collective known as comitatus, especially the suite of a magnate, in some cases large and/or formal enough to have a specific name, such as a cohors amicorum. The word comes derives from com- "with" +...
Marcin of Ostoja in 1304 and in the family property of Chelm and Wola just outside Krakow city, furthermore there are notes about Comes Dobieslaw, Comes Sanzimir and Comes Imram, who were all great Lords belonging to the Ostoja family.
- Mikolaj of Ostoja hold high office as Standard-bearer of InowroclawInowroclawInowrocław , is a town in northern Poland.According to the 2004 Census estimate the town has a total population of 77,641. Situated in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship since 1999, Inowrocław was previously in the Bydgoszcz Voivodeship . Inowrocław is an industrial town located about 40 km...
1311 and of WyszogródWyszogródWyszogród is a town in Poland, in Masovian Voivodship, in Płock County, by the Vistula River. The population of Wyszogród was 2,793 in 2004.-History:...
1315, Jędrzej of Ostoja was CastellanCastellanA castellan was the governor or captain of a castle. The word stems from the Latin Castellanus, derived from castellum "castle". Also known as a constable.-Duties:...
of PoznanPoznanPoznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be...
1343.
- Moscic Stiboricz of Ostoja was Duke of GniewkowoGniewkowoGniewkowo is a town in Inowrocław County, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland with a population of 7,301 .- Location :Gniewkowo is located to the south of the Bydgoszcz forest on route 52, 15 km northeast of Inowrocław and 23 km southwest of Toruń.- History :Archaeological...
in 1353 and Lord of regality StarostaStarostaStarost is a title for an official or unofficial position of leadership that has been used in various contexts through most of Slavic history. It can be translated as "elder"...
of Brzesko CountyBrzesko CountyBrzesko County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, southern Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Brzesko, which lies ...
1368. He was from the line of Ostoja family that become senior line after the line of Duke Moscic de Magna Kozmin extinct, owner of family nest Sciborzyce and also father to future great Lord Stibor of StiboriczStibor of StiboriczStibor of Stiboricz of Ostoja coat of arms was an aristocrat of Polish origin in the Kingdom of Hungary. He was a close friend of King Sigismund of Hungary who appointed him to several offices during his reign. For instance, between 1395 and 1401, then from 1409 to 1414 he was the voivode of...
.
- In 1257 the Clan of Ostoja founded the church of St. Martin in Krakow together with the Gryf Clan family (see Gryf coat of arms).
Mongol and Tatar states in Europe were common at that time. In 1259, Poland faced second Tatar raid that was supported by Russian and Lithuanian forces. The defense of the town and castle of Sandomierz
Sandomierz
Sandomierz is a city in south-eastern Poland with 25,714 inhabitants . Situated in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship , previously in Tarnobrzeg Voivodeship . It is the capital of Sandomierz County . Sandomierz is known for its Old Town, a major tourist attraction...
was in the command by Lord Piotr de Krepy of Ostoja. As the defense did not receive help from outside, the situation was hopeless for the defending side and finally Piotr and his brother Zbigniew were killed. The legend says that their blood then run down to the Vistula
Vistula
The Vistula is the longest and the most important river in Poland, at 1,047 km in length. The watershed area of the Vistula is , of which lies within Poland ....
river and turned it red.
A legend of the third Tatar raid tells how Lady Halina of Krepy, daughter of Lord Piotr of Sandomierz Castle
Sandomierz Castle
The Sandomierz Royal Castle is a medieval structure in Sandomierz, Poland. It was built on a slope of Vistula River by Casimir III the Great and extended in the 16th century. The original building was blown up in 1656, leaving only the west wing standing...
used a secret underground tunnel from the castle and duped the Tatars by telling them that she could lead them back through the secret tunnel right to the heart of the Castle. The Tatar side verified that she had come through the secret tunnel, but she guided them deep inside the tunnel which was an extensive maze, and then released a white pigeon that she had with her to use as a prearranged signal. When the pigeon found its way out, the Polish closed the tunnel, trapping the Tatars.
Late medieval Polish clans, origin of the surnames
The influence of medieval Polish Clans was significant. Although each Clan was in charge of certain territory, each Clan had family members in many different areas of Poland, who would join and fight together under the same coat of arms
Coat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
. The most powerful member was usually also the head of the Clan.
Polish family names were appended with –cki or –ski in reference to the name of their properties; for example, if a person named Chelmski acquired the town of Poniec, he would change his surname to Poniecki. The medieval Clan seems to have been situated in more than 163 divergent locations, reflected in various surnames. A Clan become partly a name for the family members with different surnames.
However, the Blociszewski and Ilowiecki families, as many others, appear not to have a shared genetic origin.
As Poland was under pressure from the west from the rising power of the Teutonic Knights
Teutonic Knights
The Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem , commonly the Teutonic Order , is a German medieval military order, in modern times a purely religious Catholic order...
, Poland turned east to ally with Lithuania. In 1386 Ladislaus II Jogaila
Jogaila
Jogaila, later 'He is known under a number of names: ; ; . See also: Jogaila : names and titles. was Grand Duke of Lithuania , king consort of Kingdom of Poland , and sole King of Poland . He ruled in Lithuania from 1377, at first with his uncle Kęstutis...
(Wladyslaw II Jagiello) was crowned as King of Poland and his brother Vytautas (Witold) become Grand Duke of Grand Duchy of Lithuania
Grand Duchy of Lithuania
The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was a European state from the 12th /13th century until 1569 and then as a constituent part of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until 1791 when Constitution of May 3, 1791 abolished it in favor of unitary state. It was founded by the Lithuanians, one of the polytheistic...
. In 1410 Poland and Lithuania broke Teutonic domination in Prussia
Prussia
Prussia was a German kingdom and historic state originating out of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg. For centuries, the House of Hohenzollern ruled Prussia, successfully expanding its size by way of an unusually well-organized and effective army. Prussia shaped the history...
at the Battle of Grunwald
Battle of Grunwald
The Battle of Grunwald or 1st Battle of Tannenberg was fought on 15 July 1410, during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War. The alliance of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, led respectively by King Jogaila and Grand Duke Vytautas , decisively defeated the Teutonic Knights, led...
and Tannenberg. The Union of Horodlo
Union of Horodlo
The Union of Horodło or Pact of Horodło was a set of three acts signed in the town of Horodło on October 2, 1413. The first act was written by Jogaila, King of Poland, and Vytautas, Grand Duke of Lithuania. The second and third acts were composed by the Lithuanian and Polish nobility respectively...
of 1413 declared the intent that the two nations cooperate. 47 Lithuanian families were adopted into 47 Polish clans, sharing the same coat of arms. This expansion eventually led to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was a dualistic state of Poland and Lithuania ruled by a common monarch. It was the largest and one of the most populous countries of 16th- and 17th‑century Europe with some and a multi-ethnic population of 11 million at its peak in the early 17th century...
, which was for a time the biggest confederated country in Europe. The Clan of Ostoja did not participate in the Union of Horodlo.
As the Ostoja’s expansion was in line with the expansion of Poland, we can also find members of the Clan in Lithuania, Belarus, Prussia/ Pomerania
Pomerania
Pomerania is a historical region on the south shore of the Baltic Sea. Divided between Germany and Poland, it stretches roughly from the Recknitz River near Stralsund in the West, via the Oder River delta near Szczecin, to the mouth of the Vistula River near Gdańsk in the East...
and Ukraina. Some families where adopted to the Clan after 1413. In Pomerania, powerful knight family of de Jani (Janski of Ostoja) was ruling the Dutchy becoming first Voivode of Gdańsk
Gdansk
Gdańsk is a Polish city on the Baltic coast, at the centre of the country's fourth-largest metropolitan area.The city lies on the southern edge of Gdańsk Bay , in a conurbation with the city of Gdynia, spa town of Sopot, and suburban communities, which together form a metropolitan area called the...
and Pomerania in 1454.
The clans did not just fight for Poland against the enemy. Polish lords and nobility liked to travel and visit new places. On their way, they had to stay overnight in places called Karczma, a place where you can stay overnight to sleep but also a place to eat, drink and meet new friends. Mead
Mead
Mead , also called honey wine, is an alcoholic beverage that is produced by fermenting a solution of honey and water. It may also be produced by fermenting a solution of water and honey with grain mash, which is strained immediately after fermentation...
, made from honey and fruit aged in barrels for 1–2 years was drunk after warming. Bawdy songs
Ribaldry
Ribaldry is humorous entertainment that ranges from bordering on indelicacy to gross indecency. It is also referred to as "bawdiness", "gaminess" or "bawdry"....
and drunken rowdiness were common.
Sometimes, a Lord and his 15-20 men (all armed), could come over a nobleman's property and claim that the noble man is not noble but of simple origin and therefore commanded most surprised nobleman to leave his property by the decision of the mighty Lord. In such situation, it was very important to have mighty Lords in the clan that could protect from the intruder. Clan members could help both military and in the court.
Creating the Empire of Ostoja 1370-1460
Jan Długosz (1415–1480) was known as a Polish chronicle and was best known for Annales seu cronici incliti regni Poloniae (The Annals of Jan Długosz), covering events in southeastern Europe, but also in Western Europe, from 965 to 1480. In this work, he described Ostoja's as brave and talkativeAlthough Ostoja families was considered as brave, they would have more use of being talkative in the Jagiellonian University
Jagiellonian University
The Jagiellonian University was established in 1364 by Casimir III the Great in Kazimierz . It is the oldest university in Poland, the second oldest university in Central Europe and one of the oldest universities in the world....
in Krakow, one of the oldest in Europe. Between 1400-1450 there are many of Ostoja's on the list of students. It was at this University that Clan members tight up the connection between each other and educated generations for taking care of coming expansion of the Clan. The Clan solidarity was very important, helping your Clan brother was something that was deeply implemented in the mentality.
Around year 1400 the Ostoja families owned over 250 properties in Poland, mainly in the area of Greater Poland
Greater Poland
Greater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history...
and Kujawy, Kraków County
Kraków County
Kraków County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, southern Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat is the city of Kraków, although the city is...
, Częstochowa County
Czestochowa County
Częstochowa County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Silesian Voivodeship, southern Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat is the city of Częstochowa, although the city...
and Sandomierz County
Sandomierz County
Sandomierz County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Sandomierz,...
with Kraków being the political center of Poland. As two families moved to Lithuania, one to Prussia and few more Lithuanian families was adopted including Russian Prince families like Palecki, the Clan of Ostoja was standing on good economic ground. This together with high education and loyalty towards the Clan members made it possible to raise in power.
In Poland
The list of offices that Ostoja family hold in late medieval time show the power of Ostoja's at that time. Looking at the map of Poland those years, it also show that the Clan was ruling considerable part of Poland on the behalf of the King.| Name | Land or offices | Other information |
|---|---|---|
| Abel Biel of Ostoja | Burgrave Burgrave A burgrave is literally the count of a castle or fortified town. The English form is derived through the French from the German Burggraf and Dutch burg- or burch-graeve .* The title is originally equivalent to that of castellan or châtelain, meaning keeper of a castle and/or fortified town... of Wielun Wielun Wieluń is a city in central Poland with 24,347 inhabitants . Situated in the Łódź Voivodeship , it was previously in Sieradz Voivodeship .- History :... 1376 |
Powerful and wealthy Knight Knight A knight was a member of a class of lower nobility in the High Middle Ages.By the Late Middle Ages, the rank had become associated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct for the perfect courtly Christian warrior.... , in his belief a Lord that only God command. He, as many other Ostoja’s, supported the court of Prince Wladyslaw Opolczyk Wladyslaw Opolczyk Władysław II of Opole was a Duke of Opole from 1356 , Count palatine of Hungary during 1367–1372, ruler over Lubliniec since 1368, Duke of Wieluń during 1370–1392, ruler over Bolesławiec from 1370 , Governor of Galicia–Volhynia during 1372–1378, ruler over Pszczyna during 1375–1396, Count... in 1373 . The Castle and stronghold in Bleszno was most probably of his creation |
| Piotr (Pietrasz) of Ostoja | Burgrave of Krakow Kraków Kraków also Krakow, or Cracow , is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life... |
Nightmare of Teutonic Knights, personal Chamberlain to the Queen of Poland, Zofia (wife of Ladislaus Jogaila) and her child Casimir |
| Piotr Gajewski of Ostoja | Castellan of Kalisz 1456 | |
| Jan Chelmski | Castellan of Połaniec 1451 | |
| Piotr Stibor de Poniec of Ostoja | Major General of all Greater Poland Greater Poland Greater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history... 1458 |
Starost of Malbork Malbork Malbork is a town in northern Poland in the Żuławy region , with 38,478 inhabitants . Situated in the Pomeranian Voivodeship since 1999, it was previously assigned to Elbląg Voivodeship... , one of greatest polish Diplomats of that time and adviser to polish King. Owner of Poniec Town |
| Jan of Ostoja | Abbot Abbot The word abbot, meaning father, is a title given to the head of a monastery in various traditions, including Christianity. The office may also be given as an honorary title to a clergyman who is not actually the head of a monastery... |
Closest advisor to the King Casimir II the Great, made great efforts in educating new generation in administration of Poland |
| Mikolaj de Jerzykowo of Ostoja | Castellan of Ostrow | |
| Chelmski Rokossius (Rokosz) of Ostoja | Bishop of Kamianets-Podilskyi Kamianets-Podilskyi Kamyanets-Podilsky or Kamienets-Podolsky is a city located on the Smotrych River in western Ukraine, to the north-east of Chernivtsi... 1378-1398 |
|
| Jan Rokosz | Judge of Krakow 1400 | Brother of Rokossius, powerful Knight. It is told that Jan participated in 26 battles, all of them victorious. |
| Jakusz de Blociszewo of Ostoja | Voivode of Lwow 1370 | |
| Moscic Stiboricz of Ostoja | Voivode of Gniewkowo Gniewkowo Gniewkowo is a town in Inowrocław County, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland with a population of 7,301 .- Location :Gniewkowo is located to the south of the Bydgoszcz forest on route 52, 15 km northeast of Inowrocław and 23 km southwest of Toruń.- History :Archaeological... from 1353 |
Starosta of Brzesk from 1363, Head of the family deciding in politics of the Clan, father of Stibor of Stiboricz. |
| Mikolaj Bygdoski of Stiboricz | Castellan of Bydgoszcz 1380 | Brother of Stibor of Stiboricz, Lord of Kazza |
| Stibor de Radzimin of Ostoja | Bishop of Plock Plock Płock is a city in central Poland, on the Vistula river. According to the data provided by GUS on 30 June 2009 there were 126,675 inhabitants. It is located in the Masovian Voivodeship , having previously been the capital of the Płock Voivodeship . It now is a capital of a Powiat at the extreme... 1390 |
|
| Moscic de Staszow of Ostoja | Castellan of Poznan Poznan Poznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be... 1413 |
|
| Swietoslaw Ilowiecki of Ostoja | Castellan of Karzec 1415 | |
| Mikołaj Błociszewski Mikołaj Błociszewski Mikołaj Błociszewski of Ostoja coat of arms - the court knight and deputy of King Jogaila to negotiate with the Teutonic Knights... of Ostoja |
Castellan of Santok 1403, Lord of Poznan County 1417 | One of the most trusted Lords of King Jogaila |
| Piotr Chelmski of Ostoja | Burgrave of Krakow 1418, Castellan of Polaniec 1434 | Received Lembark Town from King Jogaila, one of Kings most trusted Knights, was in charge of education of Fredrich von Brandenburg (engaged with King Jagiello's daughter) on the behalf of the King |
| Mikolaj Szarlejski of Ostoja | Son of Mikolaj Bydgoski | Voivode of Brzesk and Kujawy 1457, Castellen of Inowroclaw 1438, Starost of Bydgoszcz 1441, Starost of Tucholsk 1454, Starost of Brodnica and Gniewkowo, member of the Prussian Confederation Prussian Confederation The Prussian Confederation was an organization formed in 1440 by a group of 53 gentry and clergy and 19 cities in Prussia to oppose the monastic state of the Teutonic Knights. It was based on the basis of an earlier similar organization, the Lizard Union... . Supreme Commander of Forces in Prussia, leading Polish army in order to take back family possessions in Slovakia. |
| Jan Janski de Turze of Ostoja | Voivode of Pomerania Pomerania Pomerania is a historical region on the south shore of the Baltic Sea. Divided between Germany and Poland, it stretches roughly from the Recknitz River near Stralsund in the West, via the Oder River delta near Szczecin, to the mouth of the Vistula River near Gdańsk in the East... 1454, Starost of Tczew Tczew Tczew is a town on the Vistula River in Eastern Pomerania, Kociewie, northern Poland with 60,279 inhabitants . It is an important railway junction with a classification yard dating to the Prussian Eastern Railway... , Starogard Gdański Starogard Gdanski Starogard Gdański is a town in Eastern Pomerania in northwestern Poland with 48,328 inhabitants... , Nowe County and of Kiszewskie |
|
| Piotr Franczoch de Łopuszna of Ostoja | Voivode of Sanok Sanok Sanok is a town in south-eastern Poland with 39,110 inhabitants, as of 2 June 2009. It's the capital of Sanok County in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship. Previously, it was in the Krosno Voivodeship and in the Ruthenian Voivodeship , which was part of the Lesser Poland province... 1456 |
|
| Piotr de Chotkowo of Ostoja | Bishop of Plock 1480-1497 | Chotkowo, property of Kotkowski vel Chotkowski |
| Wawarzyniec line of Ostoja | Landlords of Ciechanow and Plonsk Plonsk Płońsk is a town in north-central Poland with 22,500 inhabitants .It is situated in the Masovian Voivodeship ; previously, in was in Ciechanów Voivodeship... |
Land including properties of Bogurzyn, Kuchary, Dobrsko, Malużyn, Niechodzin, Wierzbica, Dzyrdzynek and Nyechadzyno, Castles and economic buildings |
From the original nests and properties, members of the Clan of Ostoja created names of different branches of the Clan. All those properties and nest's can be found within borders of Poland of today. The expansion of the Clan went both east, south and north, in the beginning of the 15th century Ostoja families was also owning land in Pomerania
Pomerania
Pomerania is a historical region on the south shore of the Baltic Sea. Divided between Germany and Poland, it stretches roughly from the Recknitz River near Stralsund in the West, via the Oder River delta near Szczecin, to the mouth of the Vistula River near Gdańsk in the East...
, Prussia
Prussia
Prussia was a German kingdom and historic state originating out of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg. For centuries, the House of Hohenzollern ruled Prussia, successfully expanding its size by way of an unusually well-organized and effective army. Prussia shaped the history...
, Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
, Belarus
Belarus
Belarus , officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered clockwise by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Its capital is Minsk; other major cities include Brest, Grodno , Gomel ,...
, Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
, Moravia
Moravia
Moravia is a historical region in Central Europe in the east of the Czech Republic, and one of the former Czech lands, together with Bohemia and Silesia. It takes its name from the Morava River which rises in the northwest of the region...
, Croatia
Croatia
Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
, Transylvania
Transylvania
Transylvania is a historical region in the central part of Romania. Bounded on the east and south by the Carpathian mountain range, historical Transylvania extended in the west to the Apuseni Mountains; however, the term sometimes encompasses not only Transylvania proper, but also the historical...
, Hungary
Hungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
and Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. However, the biggest land area that the Clan owned was to be found in Slovakia
Slovakia
The Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It has a population of over five million and an area of about . Slovakia is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south...
.
The political and economical power of Ostoja's in Poland reached at the time the top. As Jan de Jani (Jan Janski or Jan de Turze) lead Prussian confederation together with Mikołaj Szarlejski followed by excellent diplomatic work of Stibor de Poniec, the Clan was ruling the Duchies of Pomerania
Pomerania
Pomerania is a historical region on the south shore of the Baltic Sea. Divided between Germany and Poland, it stretches roughly from the Recknitz River near Stralsund in the West, via the Oder River delta near Szczecin, to the mouth of the Vistula River near Gdańsk in the East...
, Kujavia and Greater Poland
Greater Poland
Greater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history...
. Adding the power entrusted by the King to Piotr Chelmski, Jan Chelmski, Piotr de Gaj or Mikołaj Błociszewski
Mikołaj Błociszewski
Mikołaj Błociszewski of Ostoja coat of arms - the court knight and deputy of King Jogaila to negotiate with the Teutonic Knights...
, the Clan of Ostoja was among those that hold prime position in Poland at the time.
In Slovakia and Hungary
Árpád dynasty
The Árpáds or Arpads was the ruling dynasty of the federation of the Hungarian tribes and of the Kingdom of Hungary . The dynasty was named after Grand Prince Árpád who was the head of the tribal federation when the Magyars occupied the Carpathian Basin, circa 895...
was cooperating. From that time Royal families of both countries where family related through several marriages between ruling Houses. It was therefore easy to find Hungarian nobles in Poland and Polish nobles in Hungary and Slovakia. Abel Biel was the first of Ostoja's to serve on the Hungarian Court, he was also the first to receive land in Slovakia.
Most of the Ostoja families supported the House of Anjou
Capetian House of Anjou
The Capetian House of Anjou, also known as the House of Anjou-Sicily and House of Anjou-Naples, was a royal house and cadet branch of the direct House of Capet. Founded by Charles I of Sicily, a son of Louis VIII of France, the Capetian king first ruled the Kingdom of Sicily during the 13th century...
on Polish throne and when Luis I the Great entered the polish throne in 1370 after Casimir III the Great, it made it possible for the Clan of Ostoja to expand south. Hungary
Hungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
at that time was a modern and expansive kingdom, after Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
it was the first European country where renaissance
Renaissance
The Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned roughly the 14th to the 17th century, beginning in Italy in the Late Middle Ages and later spreading to the rest of Europe. The term is also used more loosely to refer to the historical era, but since the changes of the Renaissance were not...
appeared. When Luis the Great died without a male heir some anarchy broke out in both the Kingdom of Poland and the Hungarian Empire. The Ostoja families continued to support the House of Anjou on both Polish and Hungarian throne. This did however not happene since Poland chose to ally with Lithuania and elected Ladislaus Jogaila on Polish throne.
At that time, Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz of Ostoja coat of arms was an aristocrat of Polish origin in the Kingdom of Hungary. He was a close friend of King Sigismund of Hungary who appointed him to several offices during his reign. For instance, between 1395 and 1401, then from 1409 to 1414 he was the voivode of...
(1347–1414) of the Clan of Ostoja, son of Moscic Stiboricz (Duke of Gniewkowo
Gniewkowo
Gniewkowo is a town in Inowrocław County, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland with a population of 7,301 .- Location :Gniewkowo is located to the south of the Bydgoszcz forest on route 52, 15 km northeast of Inowrocław and 23 km southwest of Toruń.- History :Archaeological...
), was holding the position as Lord of regality (Starosta
Starosta
Starost is a title for an official or unofficial position of leadership that has been used in various contexts through most of Slavic history. It can be translated as "elder"...
) of Brzesc as he also served Louis I of Hungary but when the King died, he lost the position as Starost of Brzesk because of his support the House of Anjou and left Poland for Hungary. Although Stibor received office of Lord of the regality (Starost) of Kuyavia in 1383, he turned to help his friend Sigismund von Luxemburg (later Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor
Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor
Sigismund of Luxemburg KG was King of Hungary, of Croatia from 1387 to 1437, of Bohemia from 1419, and Holy Roman Emperor for four years from 1433 until 1437, the last Emperor of the House of Luxemburg. He was also King of Italy from 1431, and of Germany from 1411...
) on Hungarian throne 1386 and become his most loyal ally.
Stibor of Stiboricz and Sigismund von Luxemburg
Brandenburg
Brandenburg is one of the sixteen federal-states of Germany. It lies in the east of the country and is one of the new federal states that were re-created in 1990 upon the reunification of the former West Germany and East Germany. The capital is Potsdam...
before entering Hungarian throne. He become later on Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Emperor
The Holy Roman Emperor is a term used by historians to denote a medieval ruler who, as German King, had also received the title of "Emperor of the Romans" from the Pope...
, King of Germany, Bohemia, Hungary (including Slovakia, Balcan states, Romania and Bulgarian land), Italian republics and Prince of Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Luxembourg , officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg , is a landlocked country in western Europe, bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. It has two principal regions: the Oesling in the North as part of the Ardennes massif, and the Gutland in the south...
. At the age of 13, he was sent to Krakow in order to study polish language and customs. He married Mary, daughter of Luis the Great and became one of the most powerful Emperors in Europe.
In Poland, as Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz of Ostoja coat of arms was an aristocrat of Polish origin in the Kingdom of Hungary. He was a close friend of King Sigismund of Hungary who appointed him to several offices during his reign. For instance, between 1395 and 1401, then from 1409 to 1414 he was the voivode of...
recognized the competitors of Jogaila on Polish throne, he immediately entered Poland with an army of 12.000 men, commanded by Sigismund von Luxemburg, to assure that younger sister of Mary, Queen of Hungary, would mary Ladislaus Jogaila
Jogaila
Jogaila, later 'He is known under a number of names: ; ; . See also: Jogaila : names and titles. was Grand Duke of Lithuania , king consort of Kingdom of Poland , and sole King of Poland . He ruled in Lithuania from 1377, at first with his uncle Kęstutis...
and end the battle for Polish Crown. 1384 Jadwiga
Jadwiga of Poland
Jadwiga was monarch of Poland from 1384 to her death. Her official title was 'king' rather than 'queen', reflecting that she was a sovereign in her own right and not merely a royal consort. She was a member of the Capetian House of Anjou, the daughter of King Louis I of Hungary and Elizabeth of...
was Crowened as Queen of Poland and in 1386 Jogaila married her and became King of Poland.
As the Ottoman Empire was expanding in every direction including west, Sigismund led the combined armies of Christendom in 1396 against the Turks. Stibor of Stiboricz was one of the generals and commanders of the army. This European coalition of Christian brothers formed huge army but the Turkish side succeeded to form even more men strong army and crushed the Christian side in the Battle of Nicopolis
Battle of Nicopolis
The Battle of Nicopolis took place on 25 September 1396 and resulted in the rout of an allied army of Hungarian, Wallachian, French, Burgundian, German and assorted troops at the hands of an Ottoman force, raising of the siege of the Danubian fortress of Nicopolis and leading to the end of the...
. It is said that when Sigismund was in great danger while retreating from the battlefield, Stibor of Stiboricz saved his life.
Sigismund recognized Stibor of Stiboricz as his most loyal friend and adviser. In 1387 he granted Stibor the position as Master of Hungarian Court and also the Governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
of Galicia (Eastern Europe). The King gave also Stibor exclusive right to receive high offices in the Empire. To avoid conflict with Hungarian Lords, Stibor was granted land and position mostly in Slovakia which was called Upper Hungary
Upper Hungary
Upper Hungary is the usual English translation for the area that was historically the northern part of the Kingdom of Hungary, now mostly present-day Slovakia...
. Very soon, the amount of land, castles and nominations made Stibor the most powerful Lord in Slovakia. To be able to rule his "Kingdom", most talented family members and close family moved to Hungary and Slovakia. Stibor could nominate his relatives to the offices of Castellan, Voivode or Bishop but it was not popular among Hungarian Lords. In 1395, Stibor become Duke of Transylvania, a nomination that made him Lord of almost half of Romania of today.
Brzeg
Brzeg is a town in southwestern Poland with 38,496 inhabitants , situated in Silesia in the Opole Voivodeship on the left bank of the Oder...
to follow the King's fiancée, Margarete to Hungary, his opponents, led by the Archbishop John Kanizsai and the Palatine Detre Bebek, demanded that the king should dismiss his foreign advisors and escepcially Stibor and his family of the Clan of Ostoja. When the King refused to comply with their demands, they brought him into captivity and deprived Stibor of his offices (28 April 1401). But Stibor and the Clan returned with their army to renounce the possession of most of castles and finally, the members of the Royal Council set the King free on 29 October 1401. Stibor remained the Emperors major adviser and he could maintain his possessions, as well. Shortly afterward, Stibor led the negotiations with the Teutonic Knights who powned the Neumark (in the Margraviate of Brandenburg) from Sigismund in 25 July 1402.
Again, in 1403 there was upraising against Sigismund led by Archbishop John Kanizsai of Esztergom
Esztergom
Esztergom , is a city in northern Hungary, 46 km north-west of the capital Budapest. It lies in Komárom-Esztergom county, on the right bank of the river Danube, which forms the border with Slovakia there....
that offered the Hungarian crown to King Ladislaus of Naples. Stibor recruited then mercenaries, invaded the north-western parts of the Kingdom and defeated the rebels' troops. The parties made an agreement under which the rebels accepted the King's rule and they were granted a royal pardon on 29 October 1403. Shortly afterwards, the King entrusted Stibor to govern the possessions of the Archdiocese of Esztergom
Archdiocese of Esztergom
The archbishopric of Esztergom was a historical diocese created in 1000 under Stephen I of Hungary largely on the territory of Upper Hungary. After the Treaty of Trianon, its territory was reduced to its present-day extent and it became the Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest on 31 May 1993...
and the Diocese of Eger
Eger
Eger is the second largest city in Northern Hungary, the county seat of Heves, east of the Mátra Mountains. Eger is best known for its castle, thermal baths, historic buildings , and red and white wines.- Name :...
(1405). Stibor himself entrusted those possessions to close family and memmbers of the Clan of Ostoja.
In 1409 Sigismund signed a treaty with Teutonic Knights which was seen as direct action against Poland and in 1410 Scibor was in charge of the negotiations between Poland and Teutonic Knights on the behalf of Sigismund where polish side was asked to not attack the Teutonic side. On behalf of Sigismund, Stibor sold Neumark to the Teutonic Knights for a remarkable big sum. This reinforced Sigismund's finances and made it more difficult for the Teutonic side to hire mercenaries that could fight on their side against polish-Lithuanian side in Grunwald-Tannenberg.
Negotiations in May 1410. King Sigismund entrusted Stibor and the Palatine Nicholas I Garay to mediate between the Teutonic Knights and King Władysław II of Poland but when the negotiations failed, the war broke out. Legendary Battle of Grunwald
Battle of Grunwald
The Battle of Grunwald or 1st Battle of Tannenberg was fought on 15 July 1410, during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War. The alliance of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, led respectively by King Jogaila and Grand Duke Vytautas , decisively defeated the Teutonic Knights, led...
took place and almost all of the Ostoja's left Hungary to join polish forces. All except Stibor and both sons of his brother Andrzej that remained loyal to his Emperor. Instead, Stibor led small Hungarian army to attack Poland from south. Because of the diplomatic work of Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz of Ostoja coat of arms was an aristocrat of Polish origin in the Kingdom of Hungary. He was a close friend of King Sigismund of Hungary who appointed him to several offices during his reign. For instance, between 1395 and 1401, then from 1409 to 1414 he was the voivode of...
, Sigismund abandoned hostile actions against Poland and turned to support the wealthy and mighty Teutonic Knights
Teutonic Knights
The Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem , commonly the Teutonic Order , is a German medieval military order, in modern times a purely religious Catholic order...
ny signing never executed agreements in to order to gain financial benefit to protect his own Empire for the Ottoman threat. Leading King's army against Poland was mostly marking the support to the Teutonic Knights rather to do any serious damage. Few places have been burned down but Stibor's army did not siege of any stronghold, which Stibor easily could do leading elite army forces and well equipped. After burning down the land of Stary Sącz
Stary Sacz
Stary Sącz - is a town in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland, seat of the municipality Stary Sącz. It's a one of the oldest towns in Poland, founded in 13th century.- Geography :...
, Stibor's army turned back to Hungary in order to prepare the peace negotiations between Poland and Hungary. In several polish sources, there is a legend noted that small polish army chased the army of Stibor and defeated him in small battle. Having in mind that Stibor of Stiboricz and his army, defeated several Principalities and burned down entire Austria except Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
, being victorious general in almost all the battles including against at the time powerful Venetian empire, those rumors have no scientific relevance, they are rather falsification of the history in order to glorify polish victory over Teutonic Knights.
At the end of 1411, Stibor, his brothers and other members of the Clan of Ostoja was in charge of leading troops to fight against the Venetian Republic in Friuli
Friuli
Friuli is an area of northeastern Italy with its own particular cultural and historical identity. It comprises the major part of the autonomous region Friuli-Venezia Giulia, i.e. the province of Udine, Pordenone, Gorizia, excluding Trieste...
. In 1412 Stibor was meeting with Zawisza Czarny
Zawisza Czarny
Zawisza Czarny z Garbowa , Sulima Coat of Arms, was a Polish knight and nobleman. He served as a soldier and diplomat under the Polish king Władysław II and Hungarian-Bohemian king Sigismund of Luxembourg...
(The Black Knight) in his Castle of Stará Ľubovňa
Stará Lubovna
Stará Ľubovňa is a town with approximately 16,000 inhabitants in northeastern Slovakia. The town consists of the districts Podsadek and Stará Ľubovňa.-Geography:...
in Slovakia, preparing the negotiation between Sigismund and polish King Vladislav Jogaila, which ended with the Treaty of Lubowla
Treaty of Lubowla
Treaty of Lubowla of 1412 was a treaty between Władysław II, King of Poland, and Sigismund of Luxemburg, King of Hungary. Negotiated in the town of Stará Ľubovňa in modern Slovakia, it was confirmed later that year in Buda....
.
Diplomacy
Stibor proved to be great diplomat that could combine the loyalty to King Sigismund with his diplomatic work in favour of Poland. In 1397 Stibor was chosen by Sigismund to represent him in negotiations with the polish King Jogaila that appointed Mikolaj Bydgoski to represent polish Crown. Two brothers Stibor and Mikolaj met on each side being in charge of that diplomatic mission. Later on, around year 1409, King Jogaila appointed his most trusted diplomat Mikołaj BłociszewskiMikołaj Błociszewski
Mikołaj Błociszewski of Ostoja coat of arms - the court knight and deputy of King Jogaila to negotiate with the Teutonic Knights...
of the Clan of Ostoja to lead the negotiations.
Stibor's and Mikolaj's great diplomatic work was to be continued by Stibor de Poniec that some 50 years later proved to be diplomatic genius, continuing the Clan tradition in fine diplomacy. He went to Gdansk
Gdansk
Gdańsk is a Polish city on the Baltic coast, at the centre of the country's fourth-largest metropolitan area.The city lies on the southern edge of Gdańsk Bay , in a conurbation with the city of Gdynia, spa town of Sopot, and suburban communities, which together form a metropolitan area called the...
(Danzig) to raise founds for new campaign against the Teutonic side and finally to break the stronghold of the Knights - undefeated and mighty Malbork
Malbork
Malbork is a town in northern Poland in the Żuławy region , with 38,478 inhabitants . Situated in the Pomeranian Voivodeship since 1999, it was previously assigned to Elbląg Voivodeship...
(Marieburg). Once he succeeded in raising founds he turned to the Czech/ Moravian side that was in service of the Teutonic Knights and that was the main force in their defence and made them leave the stronghold of Malbork paying them with money raised from Gdansk. The Teutonic Knights faced financial problems at this time and was in dept to their mercenaries. By paying mercenaries from Bohemia and Moravia
Moravia
Moravia is a historical region in Central Europe in the east of the Czech Republic, and one of the former Czech lands, together with Bohemia and Silesia. It takes its name from the Morava River which rises in the northwest of the region...
, Stibor of Poniec took control of this mighty stronghold without any battle and King Casimir IV Jagiellon entered the castle in 1457. This led to the Second Treaty of Thorn that was sealed 1466 by Sibor of Poniec. Furthermore, he negotiated on behalf of polish King with Danish side that supported Teutonic knights which made Danish side to cancel the blockade they had on polish goods in Baltic Sea
Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea is a brackish mediterranean sea located in Northern Europe, from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 20°E to 26°E longitude. It is bounded by the Scandinavian Peninsula, the mainland of Europe, and the Danish islands. It drains into the Kattegat by way of the Øresund, the Great Belt and...
. Other members of the Clan of Ostoja was recognized as great knights in the conflict with Teutonic side, using the art of the sword when needed.
The genius of Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz of Ostoja coat of arms was an aristocrat of Polish origin in the Kingdom of Hungary. He was a close friend of King Sigismund of Hungary who appointed him to several offices during his reign. For instance, between 1395 and 1401, then from 1409 to 1414 he was the voivode of...
diplomacy is showed in the work of Wenzel and on this ground of Antoni Prochaska and Daniela Dvorakova. As Sigismund wished to sell Neumark
Neumark
Neumark comprised a region of the Prussian province of Brandenburg, Germany.Neumark may also refer to:* Neumark, Thuringia* Neumark, Saxony* Neumark * Nowe Miasto Lubawskie or Neumark, a town in Poland, situated at river Drwęca...
(Brandenburg
Brandenburg
Brandenburg is one of the sixteen federal-states of Germany. It lies in the east of the country and is one of the new federal states that were re-created in 1990 upon the reunification of the former West Germany and East Germany. The capital is Potsdam...
) in order to reinforce the economy, Stibor set up a plan to make Teutonic Knights
Teutonic Knights
The Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem , commonly the Teutonic Order , is a German medieval military order, in modern times a purely religious Catholic order...
to pay much higher price that expected, having in mind that they would not be able to finance bigger army against Poland. Neumark
Neumark
Neumark comprised a region of the Prussian province of Brandenburg, Germany.Neumark may also refer to:* Neumark, Thuringia* Neumark, Saxony* Neumark * Nowe Miasto Lubawskie or Neumark, a town in Poland, situated at river Drwęca...
at this time was a land of trouble since there was no order and the land was well known of robber baron
Robber baron
A robber baron or robber knight was an unscrupulous and despotic nobility of the medieval period in Europe, for example, Berlichingen. It has slightly different meanings in different countries. In modern US parlance, the term is also used to describe unscrupulous industrialists...
s being terrorizing the population which made the land dangerous to visit. To buy Neumark
Neumark
Neumark comprised a region of the Prussian province of Brandenburg, Germany.Neumark may also refer to:* Neumark, Thuringia* Neumark, Saxony* Neumark * Nowe Miasto Lubawskie or Neumark, a town in Poland, situated at river Drwęca...
was to buy problems, the fact that Teutonic Knights was very well aware of. It is also the reason why they did not hurry with buying the property. On the other hand, Neumark
Neumark
Neumark comprised a region of the Prussian province of Brandenburg, Germany.Neumark may also refer to:* Neumark, Thuringia* Neumark, Saxony* Neumark * Nowe Miasto Lubawskie or Neumark, a town in Poland, situated at river Drwęca...
would surround Poland and give Teutonic Knights protection from being attacked from that side. Problem for the Teutonic Knights arise when they got notified about Stibor being in charge of selling Neumark to Poland for much smaller amount of money. The price was low and not realistic to accept for King Sigismund and it would be sure to be understand as putting pressure on Teutonic Knight to buy the property since they could not afford being surrounded by polish forces from the west. Agreement was made by Stibor and two powerful Lords in Poland to sell Neumark
Neumark
Neumark comprised a region of the Prussian province of Brandenburg, Germany.Neumark may also refer to:* Neumark, Thuringia* Neumark, Saxony* Neumark * Nowe Miasto Lubawskie or Neumark, a town in Poland, situated at river Drwęca...
to Poland. The agreement tells that if selling Neumark
Neumark
Neumark comprised a region of the Prussian province of Brandenburg, Germany.Neumark may also refer to:* Neumark, Thuringia* Neumark, Saxony* Neumark * Nowe Miasto Lubawskie or Neumark, a town in Poland, situated at river Drwęca...
to Poland would fail, all the properties of those three Lords that signed the agreement would go to Polish Crown as compensation for the loss. A loss that would be remarkable high having in mind that only Stibor owned almost half of western Slovakia at the time of negotiations. As the Teutonic Knights was forced to buy the land, they also had to pay all the penalty for breaking the agreement with polish Lords. It is noted in Teutonic books that Stibor was one of their top expenses at the time. The price of Neumark
Neumark
Neumark comprised a region of the Prussian province of Brandenburg, Germany.Neumark may also refer to:* Neumark, Thuringia* Neumark, Saxony* Neumark * Nowe Miasto Lubawskie or Neumark, a town in Poland, situated at river Drwęca...
was not just 3 times higher that the values, the penalty that Stibor took from the Knights was astronomic. To this, problems inside Neumark
Neumark
Neumark comprised a region of the Prussian province of Brandenburg, Germany.Neumark may also refer to:* Neumark, Thuringia* Neumark, Saxony* Neumark * Nowe Miasto Lubawskie or Neumark, a town in Poland, situated at river Drwęca...
have to be added as very costly for the Knights to organize the territory. This was beginning of the end of the power of Teutonic Knights. After losing the war in Grunwald
Battle of Grunwald
The Battle of Grunwald or 1st Battle of Tannenberg was fought on 15 July 1410, during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War. The alliance of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, led respectively by King Jogaila and Grand Duke Vytautas , decisively defeated the Teutonic Knights, led...
year 1410, they had to pay additional penalty to Polish Crown to survive. It is significant that all those penalty founds that have been paid to the Polish Crown as compensation for losses in the Grunwald war, ended in Hungary and the treasury of King Sigismund on the base of diplomatic work of Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz of Ostoja coat of arms was an aristocrat of Polish origin in the Kingdom of Hungary. He was a close friend of King Sigismund of Hungary who appointed him to several offices during his reign. For instance, between 1395 and 1401, then from 1409 to 1414 he was the voivode of...
and Zawisza Czarny
Zawisza Czarny
Zawisza Czarny z Garbowa , Sulima Coat of Arms, was a Polish knight and nobleman. He served as a soldier and diplomat under the Polish king Władysław II and Hungarian-Bohemian king Sigismund of Luxembourg...
. In return, Poland gained Spiš
Spiš
Spiš is a region in north-eastern Slovakia, with a very small area in south-eastern Poland. Spiš is an informal designation of the territory , but it is also the name of one the 21 official tourism regions of Slovakia...
that was in hand of Poland to the time of partition. However, the most significant and amazing information in the documents are about those two Lords that signed the agreement to sell Neumark
Neumark
Neumark comprised a region of the Prussian province of Brandenburg, Germany.Neumark may also refer to:* Neumark, Thuringia* Neumark, Saxony* Neumark * Nowe Miasto Lubawskie or Neumark, a town in Poland, situated at river Drwęca...
to Poland. They were Sędziwuj de Szubin, the Duke of Kalisz
Kalisz
Kalisz is a city in central Poland with 106,857 inhabitants , the capital city of the Kalisz Region. Situated on the Prosna river in the southeastern part of the Greater Poland Voivodeship, the city forms a conurbation with the nearby towns of Ostrów Wielkopolski and Nowe Skalmierzyce...
and Mostko de Staszow, Lord castellan of Poznan
Poznan
Poznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be...
.
The first one was father of Stibor's wife and the second was of Clan of Ostoja family . There is no sources that can confirm that the penalty was ever paid to the Polish Crown, in fact there is no information at all about the agreement in the documents that consider the Crown.
It is remarkable that many of those that was assigned to negotiate between Poland and Teutonic Knight with Sigismund as a part in negotiations, was members of the Clan of Ostoja, creating picture of family meetings. It is also possible that Zawisza Czarny
Zawisza Czarny
Zawisza Czarny z Garbowa , Sulima Coat of Arms, was a Polish knight and nobleman. He served as a soldier and diplomat under the Polish king Władysław II and Hungarian-Bohemian king Sigismund of Luxembourg...
also was a relative to the Clan and the fact that he spend much time visiting many castles of the Clan during many years also show close connection between this famous Black Knight (named so because of wearing black armor) and the Ostoja. Another interesting fact is that is that King Jogaila was also a member of the Order of the Dragon
Order of the Dragon
The Order of the Dragon was a monarchical chivalric order for selected nobility,founded in 1408 by Sigismund, King of Hungary and later Holy Roman Emperor The Order of the Dragon (Latin Societas Draconistrarum) was a monarchical chivalric order for selected nobility,founded in 1408 by Sigismund,...
. It was a secret society and there was never any member list done at the time. However, all members of this Order was forming one political body against the enemy of Christianity (read Ottoman Empire). No member of the Order was representing the Teutonic Knights. Secret meetings and agreements between Hungary and Poland and so between the Sigismund and Jogaila using most trusted couriers question wherever there was ever any serious dispute between both ruling Kings. Declaring war against Poland in 1410 was more a show to play in order to gain economic advantage from Teutonic Knights than a real war. The facts remain, Teutonic Knights paid considerable amount to Sigismund for declaring and attacking Poland from south. The outcome was small peace of land burned down to show the Teutonic Knights some action. The penalty paid by Teutonic side after losing the Battle of Grunwald
Battle of Grunwald
The Battle of Grunwald or 1st Battle of Tannenberg was fought on 15 July 1410, during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War. The alliance of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, led respectively by King Jogaila and Grand Duke Vytautas , decisively defeated the Teutonic Knights, led...
was much bigger and was transferred as a loan to Sigismund. All together, the diplomatic game show on paper that Poland and Hungary was enemies but in reality they were close friends.
In the end, it was the Clan of Ostoja that was the leading force in breaking down Teutonic side, they did it not only by using fine art of sword but also with outstanding diplomatic skills.
The land and nominations
In 1388, King Sigismund granted Stibor Beckov CastleBeckov Castle
Beckov Castle is a castle in ruins located near the village of Beckov in Nové Mesto nad Váhom District, Trenčín Region, western Slovakia.It is a natural cultural monument and its present appearance is the result of renovations in the last quarter of the 20th century and since 2002.-Great...
, and Uhrovec
Uhrovec
Uhrovec is a village and municipality in the Bánovce nad Bebravou District of the Trenčín Region of Slovakia.-Geography:The village lies at an altitude of 258 metres and covers an area of 22.95km². It has a population of 1478 people...
Castle in Slovakia and in 1389 Stibor also become Head (Ispan
Ispan
Ispan is a town in north-western Tajikistan. It is located in Sughd province.-External links:*...
) of Pozsony County including Bratislava Castle
Bratislava Castle
Bratislava Castle is the main castle of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.The massive rectangular building with four corner towers stands on a quite isolated rocky hill of the Little Carpathians directly above the Danube river in the middle of Bratislava...
where he appointed Castellan to administer the property. He also was granted a Town, Nové Mesto nad Váhom
Nové Mesto nad Váhom
Nové Mesto nad Váhom is a town in the Trenčín Region of Slovakia.- Geography :District town located at the northern edge of the Danubian Hills at the foothills of the northern end of the White Carpathians, on the Váh river. Other mountains nearby are the White Carpathians and the Považský Inovec...
In 1392 Stibor receives more nominations and become Head of Trencsén and Nyitra Counties. Also here he nominated family members of the clan to hold position as Castellan or Voivode of the County. Furtheremore, Stibor was granted the possession of Csejte and Holics (today Čachtice
Cachtice
Čachtice is a village in Nové Mesto nad Váhom District in western Slovakia with a population of 3,630 .The village is situated between the Danubian Lowland and the Little Carpathians. It is best known for the ruins of the nearby Čachtice Castle, home of Elizabeth Báthory who is alleged to be the...
and Holíč
Holíc
Holíč is a town in western Slovakia.-History:The oldest archaeological findings are from the Neolithic, and there are findings from the Bronze Age, Iron Age and the Roman time. The town was first mentioned in 1205 as Wywar, meaning "New Castle". The Árpád dynasty built a stone castle after Mongol...
in Slovakia); and he received then Berencs, Detrekő, Éleskő, Jókő and Korlátkő Castles in 1394 (today Branč
Branc
Branč is a village and municipality in the Nitra District in western centralSlovakia, in the Nitra Region.-Geography:The village lies at an altitude of 137 metres and covers an area of 13.808 km²...
, Plaveč
Plavec
Plaveč is a village and municipality in Stará Ľubovňa District in the Prešov Region of northern Slovakia.-History:In historical records the village was first mentioned in 1287. The ruins of the 13th century Plaveč Castle lie above the town, after a fire in 1856. -Geography:The municipality lies at...
, Ostrý Kameň, Dobrá Voda
Dobrá Voda
Dobrá Voda is a municipality of Trnava District in the Trnava region of Slovakia.-External links:*http://www.statistics.sk/mosmis/eng/run.html...
and Korlátka, respectively, in Slovakia). In 1395 he become Voivode of Transylvania and in 1403 Scibor was entrusted to govern the possessions of the Archdiocese of Esztergom and the Diocese of Eger
When the Order of the Dragon
Order of the Dragon
The Order of the Dragon was a monarchical chivalric order for selected nobility,founded in 1408 by Sigismund, King of Hungary and later Holy Roman Emperor The Order of the Dragon (Latin Societas Draconistrarum) was a monarchical chivalric order for selected nobility,founded in 1408 by Sigismund,...
was founded 1408, Stibor was one of its first members. This Order was a very exclusive
club of selcted members, holding mostly royalties and most powerful Prince houses in Europe as well as some of most distinguished Hungarian Lords. In 1409 Stibor was appointed again to the office of Voivode of Transylvania, which gave him recognized title Duke
Duke
A duke or duchess is a member of the nobility, historically of highest rank below the monarch, and historically controlling a duchy...
of Transylvania
Transylvania
Transylvania is a historical region in the central part of Romania. Bounded on the east and south by the Carpathian mountain range, historical Transylvania extended in the west to the Apuseni Mountains; however, the term sometimes encompasses not only Transylvania proper, but also the historical...
.
His son Stibor of Beckov continued his fathers work and succeeded to extend the land and was also appointed as Lord of Árva County including Orava (castle)
Orava (castle)
Orava Castle is situated on a high rock above Orava river. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia. The castle was built in the thirteenth century...
. He was also member of the Order of the Dragon
Order of the Dragon
The Order of the Dragon was a monarchical chivalric order for selected nobility,founded in 1408 by Sigismund, King of Hungary and later Holy Roman Emperor The Order of the Dragon (Latin Societas Draconistrarum) was a monarchical chivalric order for selected nobility,founded in 1408 by Sigismund,...
. The son of Stibor's brother Andrzej, also Stibor - was the Bishop of Eger in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Eger. When Sigismund took the nomination from him, he moved back to Poland but never accepting Sigismund decision, calling himself Bishop of Eger to the end of his life. Although he was granted several nominations in Poland and hold several properties, those could never match those properties that he was in charge of in Hungary.
In 1407 Stefan of the Wawrzyniec line of Ostoja moved to Slovakia where Scibor gave him the position as Castellan of Košecy. In 1415 he was in charge of whole Trencsén on the behalf of Scibor. He expanded his properties with Ladce, Horné and Dolné Kočkovce, Nosice and Milochov which he left to his six sons.
Stibor of Stiboricz died in 1414 and was supposed to rest in his own Chapel inside St. Katarina's Church in Krakow. This was also supposed to be the place to rest for his son. It was also written that both father and son was resting in the Chapel until 1903 when the grave of red marble stone was found in Buda. That was of Stibor Stiboric of Beckov dated to 1431. Lately a grave was found in Székesfehérvár
Székesfehérvár
Székesfehérvár is a city in central Hungary and is the 9th largest in the country. Located around southwest of Budapest. It is inhabited by 101,973 people , with 136,995 in the Székesfehérvár Subregion. The city is the centre of Fejér county and the regional centre of Central Transdanubia...
. The grave was broken into pieces because of Turkish side destroyed this place in past. However, it have been established that it was the grave of Stibor of Stiboricz. It was made of same stone, red marmor and when the piece of coat of arms was finally found and there was no doubt. Stibor was granted place beside along Hungarian royalties
Since Stibor of Beckov did not have any heir that could inherit the properties, the testament told that it would be past to closest family, including Beckov Castle
Beckov Castle
Beckov Castle is a castle in ruins located near the village of Beckov in Nové Mesto nad Váhom District, Trenčín Region, western Slovakia.It is a natural cultural monument and its present appearance is the result of renovations in the last quarter of the 20th century and since 2002.-Great...
that was made as power center of the clan in Slovakia. This Castle was made to be one of the most significant residences of that time, including great paintings, sculptures and chapel that was formed by artist from many different countries. Several testaments have been approved by the Emperor Sigismund and also his wife. Main issue in those was that all the properties of the Stibor's in Slovakia and Hungarian empire would be divided by closest family in case of lack of hair in the line. In that way, the land would stay in family hands.
Altogether, Stibor of Stiboricz was - together with his son - head of several Counties including Bratislava, Governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
of Galizia, Duke
Duke
A duke or duchess is a member of the nobility, historically of highest rank below the monarch, and historically controlling a duchy...
of Transylvania, owner of over 400 villages, towns which in total was half of western Slovakia of today. He was owner of 31 castles and in control of further 5 in Slovakia of which many could be found along all the 409 km long Vah river. Because of that, Stibor stiled himself “Lord of whole Vah”. He was governor of Archdiocese of Eztergom, Diocese of Eger, Master of Hungarian Court, closest friend and adviser to the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund. Adding the land, Castles and nominations that was granted to the Clan, close family of Stibor and the fact that Stibor of Stiboricz gave all important offices in his power only to family and clan members, the Clan of Ostoja was ruling Slovakia for almost 35 years. Beside being Duke of Transylvania, German, Slovakian and Hungarian sources styled Stibor of Stiboricz as "King Stibor" of Slovakia.
Close family of Stibor of Stiboricz:
| Name | Family relation | Other information |
|---|---|---|
| Stibor of Stiboricz Stibor of Stiboricz Stibor of Stiboricz of Ostoja coat of arms was an aristocrat of Polish origin in the Kingdom of Hungary. He was a close friend of King Sigismund of Hungary who appointed him to several offices during his reign. For instance, between 1395 and 1401, then from 1409 to 1414 he was the voivode of... |
Son of Moscic Stiboricz, Voivode of Gniewkowo | Duke of Transylvania, Ispan of five Counties, owner of 31 castles and over 300 towns and villages. Married Dobrochna, daughter of Sędziwoj of Szubin Szubin Szubin is a town in Nakło County, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland, located southwest of Bydgoszcz. As of 12 December 2004 it had a population of 9354.-History:... (of Pałuka Clan), one of most influential Lords in Poland, Magnus Procurator of Poland 1380 |
| Stibor Stiboric of Beckov | Son of Stibor Stiboricz | Inherited all the land and castles from his father, expanded with Orava Castle |
| Jachna Stiboric | Daughter of Stibor Stiboricz | |
| Radochna Stiboric | Daughter of Stibor of Stiboricz | Married Andrzej Balicki, member of the Order of the Dragon |
| Katarina of Beckov | Daughter of Stibor Stiboric of Beckov | Received 25% of all the land value including Beckov Castle in cash |
| Marcin of Stiboricz | Brother of Stibor of Stiboricz | Canon Canon (priest) A canon is a priest or minister who is a member of certain bodies of the Christian clergy subject to an ecclesiastical rule .... of Plock Plock Płock is a city in central Poland, on the Vistula river. According to the data provided by GUS on 30 June 2009 there were 126,675 inhabitants. It is located in the Masovian Voivodeship , having previously been the capital of the Płock Voivodeship . It now is a capital of a Powiat at the extreme... |
| Zofia of Stiboricz | Sister of Stibor of Stiboricz | Married Przedpelek of Steszew |
| Hugon | Son of Zofia of Stiboricz | Introduced in Hungary by Stibor of Stiboricz, in possession of big land area in Racza region in Croatia after marriage with daughter to wealthy Hungarian Lord |
| Moscic | Son of Zofia of Stiboricz | Introduced by Stibor of Stiboricz, received Šintava Šintava Šintava is a village and municipality in Galanta District of the Trnava Region of south-west Slovakia.-History:In historical records the village was first mentioned in 1042, when King Peter, the successor of Stephen I of Hungary, having been deprived from his throne united with German emperor... Castle in Slovakia from King Sigismund |
| Mikolaj Bygdoski of Stiboricz | Oldest brother of Stibor of Stiboricz | Lord in Poland, Castellan of Bydgoszcz. Baron Baron Baron is a title of nobility. The word baron comes from Old French baron, itself from Old High German and Latin baro meaning " man, warrior"; it merged with cognate Old English beorn meaning "nobleman"... in Hungary where he received Castle of Košeca Košeca Košeca is a village and municipality in Ilava District in the Trenčín Region of north-western Slovakia.-Geography:The municipality lies at an altitude of 255 metres and covers an area of 18.943 km²... from King Sigismund. Diplomat of the behalf of Jogaila (King of Poland) in negotiations with King Sigismund |
| Stibor Stiboric Jadrzny of Roznatow | Son of Mikolaj Bydgoski | Castellan of Dobrá Voda Dobrá Voda Dobrá Voda is a municipality of Trnava District in the Trnava region of Slovakia.-External links:*http://www.statistics.sk/mosmis/eng/run.html... , received Castle of Dobrá Voda from Stibor Stiboric of Beckov |
| Mikolaj Szarlejski | Son of Mikolaj Bydgoski | Voivode of Brzesk and Kujawy 1457, Castellen of Inowroclaw 1438, Starost of Bydgoszcz 1441, Starost of Tucholsk 1454, Starost of Brodnica and Gniewkowo, member of the Prussian Confederation. Supreme Commander of Forces in Prussia, leading Polish army in order to take back family possessions in Slovakia. |
| Andrzej Podczaszy of Stiboricz | Brother of Stibor of Stiboricz | Voivode and Castellan of Trencsén, received from Stibor the Castle of Ugróc (Uhrovec Uhrovec Uhrovec is a village and municipality in the Bánovce nad Bebravou District of the Trenčín Region of Slovakia.-Geography:The village lies at an altitude of 258 metres and covers an area of 22.95km². It has a population of 1478 people... ) |
| Stibor de minori Stiboric | Son of Andrzej Podczaszy | Bishop Bishop A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the... of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Eger |
| Moscic Stiboric | Son of Andrzej Podczaszy of Stiboricz | |
| Wawrzyniec Leski vel de Lieskovo | Close family of Stibor of Stiboricz | |
| Stefan de Lieskovo | Son of Wawrzyniec Leski | Castellan of Košecy (Kazza) 1407, Ispan of Trencen 1415, Lord of Ladce, Horné and Dolné Kočkovce, Nosice i Milochov |
| Piotr, Jakub, Jana, Stanisław, Władysław and Stefan | All of them son's of Stefan de Liesková of Wawrzyniec line | Divided properties among them |
The Castles that the Clan received in Slovakia were of great importance as they controlled the borders, Vah river and important roads. They was all build to give good defense against enemy. Inside the strongholds the clan had own army unites, their upkeep was paid from the income Ostoja's gained from their land that they owned or controlled. They could also afford to hire mercenaries when necessary and they was in close cooperation with each other, often visiting and helping to maintain the power they have been given in Slovakia. All of them were in possession of land that was much bigger than any of the clan members had in Poland.
The end of the Ostoja’s domination in Poland and Slovakia
Although Sigismund's most loyal Stibor's was not to help him anymore, the presence of the Clan in Slovakia and Hungary was still significant. The testament told that the fortune of Stibor's was to be past to closest family witch included children and grandchildren of Stibor of Stiboricz's brothers, all except the Beckov Castle with belongings that was supposed to be given to Katarina, daughter to Stibor Stiboric of Beckov. This testament was approved by the emperor Sigismund and his wife, the Queen. The testament of his son, Stibor de Beckov was in line with his fathers but with one important difference. It was written 4 August 1431 and the difference in the testament from his fathers wish told that in case Stibor de Beckov would not have a son, all the properties that he personally owned would pas to his daughter Katarina. THis however under the condition that she will marry Przemyslaus II, Duke of Cieszyn of the Piast dynastyPiast dynasty
The Piast dynasty was the first historical ruling dynasty of Poland. It began with the semi-legendary Piast Kołodziej . The first historical ruler was Duke Mieszko I . The Piasts' royal rule in Poland ended in 1370 with the death of king Casimir the Great...
. In case of his death, Katarina was to marry his brother. If the marriage of Kararina and Duke Przemyslaus II would not result in any hair, all the properties would go back to close family of Scibor of Beckov, as in the testament of his father. By this marriage, Stibor's of Ostoja would have dynastic claims in case of extinction of the Piast Dynasty in the future.
Fighting many wars with Ottoman Empire could not stop Turkish side to grow and take more land in east, west and south. Sigismund found himself in difficult position. He already took a loan from polish King when signing the Treaty fo Lubovla but the royal coffers was empty since he used every penny in the war against rebellious Venice
Venice
Venice is a city in northern Italy which is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. It is the capital of the Veneto region...
. Since he could not pay back the loan given by polish King, he lost 16 towns in Spiš
Spiš
Spiš is a region in north-eastern Slovakia, with a very small area in south-eastern Poland. Spiš is an informal designation of the territory , but it is also the name of one the 21 official tourism regions of Slovakia...
area to Polish side.
Emperor Sigismund saw his enemies expanding in almost every direction. The Ottoman Empire in the east, Italian republics in south, the Hussite threat in north. However, the pact with Albert II of Germany
Albert II of Germany
Albert the Magnanimous KG was King of Hungary from 1438 until his death. He was also King of Bohemia, elected King of Germany as Albert II, duke of Luxembourg and, as Albert V, archduke of Austria from 1404.-Biography:Albert was born in Vienna as the son of Albert IV, Duke of Austria, and Johanna...
that was supposed to marry Elisabeth of Bohemia, the daughter and heiress of Emperor Sigismund of Luxemburg, and the pact with the Clan of Ostoja was protecting north side of the Kingdom. And through marriage between Katarina of Beckov and the Duke Przemyslaw of the Piast dynasty, the Kingdom could count on more support in the battle against Hussite side. It was all set to form powerful coalition. As Albert II would be the successor on the Hungarian throne and the Clan of Ostoja would hold the position in Slovakia and south of Poland together with the Piast dynasty, the focus could then be to stop Ottoman Empire to expand more in west direction.
Unfortunately, Stibor of Beckov died suddenly in battle against hussite side and just shortly after the agreement between Emperor Siginsmund, Albert II of Germany and the Piast dynasty have been made. It was now up to Katarina to marry Duke Przemyslaw II in accordance to her fathers wish. However, this did not happen as Katarina later married to Lord Pál Bánffy of Alsolindva. Soon after, Stibor the Bishop of Eger lost his office and the Wawrzyniec loose all their offices and properties including the Castle of Košecy (that they received from Stibor of Stiboricz). All this because of their support to the Hussite side. According to the testament, all the land of Ostoja's in Slovakia was to be past to the closest family of Stibor's. Since all the lines that where mentioned in the testament was extinct, the one to inherit all the land and properties was Mikolaj Szarlejski. He was son of Mikolaj Bydgoski, Lord castellan of Bydgoszcz and brother of Stibor of Stiboricz. Szarlejski was, at the time of the death of Stibor of Beckov, the Commander of polish forces in Prussia and he was also Voivode of Brzesc-Kujawy
Brzesc Kujawski Voivodeship
Brześć Kujawski Voivodeship was a unit of administrative division and local government in Poland from 14th century to the partitions of Poland in 1772–1795...
. Beside that, he was also Lord of several regalities and all together one of the most powerful and influential Lords in Poland. However, Szarlejski was supporting the Hussite side and was making several hostile raid's on Hungarian properties and strongholds which was not in accordance with the policy of the family. Since the land of Ostoja's in Slovakia was main defense against Hussite side, it would now be in hands of the enemy. In this situation and because Katarina did not marry her Prince of Piast, the Emperor Sigismund gave order to the Hungarian Court to cancel the testament of Stibor of Beckov. The testament was cancelled on 28th of march 1435.
Minding Stibor's loyalty and friendship, Sigismund did not leave Katarina of Beckov without any funds. She received one fourth of the value of all properties in cash. Also, in his last day alive, Sigismund gave Beckov Castle and belongings to Pál Bánffy under the condition that he will marry Katarina which was also fulfilled. Although Katarina received only 25% of the property value, the sum was gigantic but it did not stay in the Ostoja family.
In 1440 Władysław III of the Jagiellon dynasty assumed the Hungarian throne and for 4 years he was king of both Poland and Hungary. However, he died in the Battle of Varna
Battle of Varna
The Battle of Varna took place on November 10, 1444 near Varna in eastern Bulgaria. In this battle the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Murad II defeated the Polish and Hungarian armies under Władysław III of Poland and János Hunyadi...
and his brother Casimir IV Jagiellon
Casimir IV Jagiellon
Casimir IV KG of the House of Jagiellon was Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1440, and King of Poland from 1447, until his death.Casimir was the second son of King Władysław II Jagiełło , and the younger brother of Władysław III of Varna....
became King of Poland in 1447. Casimir married Elisabeth of Austria (1436–1505), daughter of the late King of Hungary Albert II of Germany
Albert II of Germany
Albert the Magnanimous KG was King of Hungary from 1438 until his death. He was also King of Bohemia, elected King of Germany as Albert II, duke of Luxembourg and, as Albert V, archduke of Austria from 1404.-Biography:Albert was born in Vienna as the son of Albert IV, Duke of Austria, and Johanna...
and Elisabeth of Bohemia (daughter of Sigismund, the Emperor and King of Hungary). The Jagiellon House challenged the House of Habsburg in Bohemia
Bohemia
Bohemia is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western two-thirds of the traditional Czech Lands. It is located in the contemporary Czech Republic with its capital in Prague...
and Slovakia.
Albert II of Germany
Albert the Magnanimous KG was King of Hungary from 1438 until his death. He was also King of Bohemia, elected King of Germany as Albert II, duke of Luxembourg and, as Albert V, archduke of Austria from 1404.-Biography:Albert was born in Vienna as the son of Albert IV, Duke of Austria, and Johanna...
in 1439 when defending Hungary against Turks
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
, Mikolaj Szarlejski recognized opportunity to regain the land of his family and the Clan in Slovakia. Szarlejski tried to convince Hungarian Royal Council that family properties have been taken in violation of the law. However, Hungarian Lords and Royal Council in Hungary had no intention to give back all of the north defence to their enemy. Then in 1439 Szarlejski decided to raise army against Hungary. With help of the Hussite side, he succeeded to siege several strongholds in the Vah area. Supported by Jan de Jani of Ostoja, the Voivode of Pomerania and Gdansk and several other powerful Lords from the Clan of Ostoja and with support of many friends, the war against Hungarian Empire and Germany was in the beginning successful. Unfortunately, Szarlejski although being in charge of polish forces in Prussia, did not have any significant commanding talent and ironically, both Stibor of Stiboricz and his son Stibor Stiboric of Beckov made great improvements in the fortification of their Castles which made siege of many of them almost impossible. Beckov Castle would later hold siege from Turkish side about 100 years later. As result of that and because the enemy was to strong, military action failed.
The line of Stibor of Stiboricz was extinct, other lines of Stibor's family that derived from Stibor of Stiboricz brothers and that was called Stiborici in Hungaria (the Barons of Hungarian Kingdom) was also extinct. Szarlejski had no heir of his own and his large properties in Poland was past to the Kościelecki family of Ogończyk Clan as the daughter of Stibor Jedrzny married Jan Kościelecki, close friend of Szarlejski. Economic power of Jan de Jani was broken because of all wars with Teutonic knights that he had to pay for himself and all the lines of the Moscic of Stiboricz (Stibor of Stiboricz's father) was extinct. However, other lines of the Clan that still was considered as close family to Stibor's was in position to be the successors of the land in Slovakia in case of death of Szarlejski.
Stefan de Liesková (Leski) of Wawrzyniec line had six son's and they would naturally be the main successors of the clan properties. In 1462 Matthias Corvinus of Hungary
Matthias Corvinus of Hungary
Matthias Corvinus , also called the Just in folk tales, was King of Hungary and Croatia from 1458, at the age of 14 until his death...
took all the land from the successors because of their support of the Hussite side. Košeca together with all the properties was instead given to Mad’ar (Magyar) family that was fighting the Hussite's. In 1467, Wawrzyniec and his Hussite friends successfully regained the Košeca Castle but shortly after lost it again to the Hungarian side. The Mad’ar family extinct in 1491 and the Košeca Castle with belonging properties was given to Zápolya family in 1496. At that time the Jagiellon dynasty was kings of both Poland-Lithuanian empire and the Hungarian. In this situation, the Wawrzyniec line was protesting against the Zápolya family being in possession of their properties. However, the Zápolya family was too powerful and also family related with the Jagiellon side since Barbara Zapolya became Queen of Poland in 1512 and Jan Zapolya (János Szapolyai) became King of Hungary in 1526.
Also in Poland Wawrzyniec line, together with other members of the Clan of Ostoja, claimed the property of Szarlejski that past to Kościelecki's as well as Janski (de Jani) family claimed compensation from the King but also here the resistance was to big and finally they had to give up plans to regain the properties.
Aftermath
Albert II of Germany
Albert the Magnanimous KG was King of Hungary from 1438 until his death. He was also King of Bohemia, elected King of Germany as Albert II, duke of Luxembourg and, as Albert V, archduke of Austria from 1404.-Biography:Albert was born in Vienna as the son of Albert IV, Duke of Austria, and Johanna...
become king of Hungary, Stibor of Stiboricz successfully challenge Austria, burning down the country to the ground except for Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
that he left alone.
Lack of heirs that could continue politics of the Clan successfully was also part of the reason of economical problems. While in most countries properties was past to younger lines in the family, in Poland women have same rights to inherit the properties as males. Since all main lines of the Clan suddenly faced lack of males at same time, it were the daughters that inherited the properties and brought them into other families through marriage. As did Katarina when she married Pal Banffy. The Banffy family inherited all the founds given to Katarina by the Emperor Sigismund when giving her 1/4 of all property value in cash. The Beckov castle was in the hands of the Banffy until also this family family extinct and Beckov returned to the Hungarian Crown.
Finally, it was coordinated politics of the Clan of Ostoja that made it powerful. It was also Szarlejski's own politics that in the end ruined family power in Slovakia. Although the Clan supported Poland against Teutonic Knights, they did not support the Jagiellon dynasty in the beginning as the kings of Poland. Clan members staying and living in Poland was however granted power by Jagiellon kings in return for their support. In many cases, the Clan was forced to raise founds from their own treasury in order to defend polish boarders. In the end, it was during the reign of the Jagiellon dynasty, the Clan of Ostoja lost its power and all doubts that the Clan had against those kings from the beginning, become very true. Also in Hungarian history, Jagiellon dynasty have been described as weak and incompetent, which was the result of the politics's of the Lords of Lesser Poland
Lesser Poland
Lesser Poland is one of the historical regions of Poland, with its capital in the city of Kraków. It forms the southeastern corner of the country, and should not be confused with the modern Lesser Poland Voivodeship, which covers only a small, southern part of Lesser Poland...
as they was responsible of electing kings that would sign documents in favor of their financial ambitions rather than choosing strong kings with benefit for the kingdom
As main properties in both Slovakia and Poland was finally lost, the economical power was broken and the Clan of Ostoja was outside the politics of Poland for next 100 years, concentrating mostly in increasing their land properties, holding offices on local level. The Union of Lublin
Union of Lublin
The Union of Lublin replaced the personal union of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania with a real union and an elective monarchy, since Sigismund II Augustus, the last of the Jagiellons, remained childless after three marriages. In addition, the autonomy of Royal Prussia was...
in 1569 that created biggest country in Europe, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, did not change anything for the Ostoja’s in the beginning.
Nobility of the Commonwealth
At the end of 15th and beginning of the 16th century the Commonwealth was the biggest and one of the most powerful countries in Europe. In 1569, the Union of LublinUnion of Lublin
The Union of Lublin replaced the personal union of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania with a real union and an elective monarchy, since Sigismund II Augustus, the last of the Jagiellons, remained childless after three marriages. In addition, the autonomy of Royal Prussia was...
created a real union
Real union
Real union is a union of two or more states, which share some state institutions as in contrast to personal unions; however they are not as unified as states in a political union...
of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was a dualistic state of Poland and Lithuania ruled by a common monarch. It was the largest and one of the most populous countries of 16th- and 17th‑century Europe with some and a multi-ethnic population of 11 million at its peak in the early 17th century...
, replacing the personal union
Personal union
A personal union is the combination by which two or more different states have the same monarch while their boundaries, their laws and their interests remain distinct. It should not be confused with a federation which is internationally considered a single state...
of the Kingdom of Poland
Crown of the Polish Kingdom
The Crown of the Kingdom of Poland , or simply the Crown , is the name for the unit of administrative division, the territories under direct administration of Polish nobility from middle-ages to late 18th century...
and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
Grand Duchy of Lithuania
The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was a European state from the 12th /13th century until 1569 and then as a constituent part of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until 1791 when Constitution of May 3, 1791 abolished it in favor of unitary state. It was founded by the Lithuanians, one of the polytheistic...
. It encompassed territories from Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
, Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
, Prussia
Royal Prussia
Royal Prussia was a Region of the Kingdom of Poland and of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth . Polish Prussia included Pomerelia, Chełmno Land , Malbork Voivodeship , Gdańsk , Toruń , and Elbląg . It is distinguished from Ducal Prussia...
, Latvia
Latvia
Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
, Belarus
Belarus
Belarus , officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered clockwise by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Its capital is Minsk; other major cities include Brest, Grodno , Gomel ,...
, Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
, Moldavia
Moldavia
Moldavia is a geographic and historical region and former principality in Eastern Europe, corresponding to the territory between the Eastern Carpathians and the Dniester river...
, Podolia
Podolia
The region of Podolia is an historical region in the west-central and south-west portions of present-day Ukraine, corresponding to Khmelnytskyi Oblast and Vinnytsia Oblast. Northern Transnistria, in Moldova, is also a part of Podolia...
, part of Spisz and part of Russia including Smolensk
Smolensk
Smolensk is a city and the administrative center of Smolensk Oblast, Russia, located on the Dnieper River. Situated west-southwest of Moscow, this walled city was destroyed several times throughout its long history since it was on the invasion routes of both Napoleon and Hitler. Today, Smolensk...
.
Union of Lublin
The Union of Lublin replaced the personal union of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania with a real union and an elective monarchy, since Sigismund II Augustus, the last of the Jagiellons, remained childless after three marriages. In addition, the autonomy of Royal Prussia was...
was finally signed it also ended a period of 150 years of consolidating new Empire. The new nation needed new kind of administration and the goal was different. The time of brave knights was over and the nobility was now the successors. The Clan organization lost their importance.
Although the Clans always existed, families did not cooperated with each others like in old time. As for the Clan of Ostoja, several families to the original group of Knights and Lords was added through adoption or became incorporated in other way.
The Union of Horodło in 1413 made first step to unify Polish and Lithuanian/ Belarus nobility when 47 most prominent Lithuanian/ Belarus and Ruthuanian families where adopted to 47 Polish clans
Polish clans
Polish clans differ from most clan systems in that while they are mostly composed of families sharing male-line origin there can also be some genealogically unrelated families bearing the same coat of arms and clan name because of a formal adoption upon ennoblement or sometimes because of a...
. Following that, several families from east joined the Clan structure before 1569. In such way, the Lithuanian, Belarus and Russian nobility received same rights as their noble Polish brothers. The structure and the law in the Commonwealth was same in every province and it allowed democratic process to develop. The adoption to Ostoja Clan recommended by the King or by the Senat (Government) had to be approved by the senior lines of Ostoja. Looking at the work of Piekosinski there is a list of adopted families as well as families that received nobility. Only in few cases there are notes including Ostoja's, less than 10 families. All other adoptions to the Clan took place in late medieval time when the Clan tried to regain in power after losing the main senior lines of the Clan. Almost all of those adoptions included powerful knight families or leading nobility in their provinces, including several Prince families. It was the Clan, not the King or Senat that decided who to adopt to the Clan at that time and before 1569.
The administration and structure was same all over but there were some important differences. In Poland noble titles were formally removed by the constitution in 1638 and confirmed in 1641 and 1673 since the nobility was equal according to the law.
The titles were in 13th century used during the lifetime but it was common to pas it to next generation although according to the law, all nobility had equal rights and hold equal rank. Looking for influential families in Poland, one have to look for the senatorial position and not the titles that have been given to Poles during the partition time of the Commonwealth. However, in many cases families holding prime positions in Poland during medieval times and holding titles like baron
Baron
Baron is a title of nobility. The word baron comes from Old French baron, itself from Old High German and Latin baro meaning " man, warrior"; it merged with cognate Old English beorn meaning "nobleman"...
, comes
Comes
Comes , plural comites , is the Latin word for companion, either individually or as a member of a collective known as comitatus, especially the suite of a magnate, in some cases large and/or formal enough to have a specific name, such as a cohors amicorum. The word comes derives from com- "with" +...
or dux
Dux
Dux is Latin for leader and later for Duke and its variant forms ....
(duke, voivode, count palatine) did never accept this equality system of the Commonwealth and continued to hold their titles, specially when traveling abroad in diplomatic mission. Those families where never equal to simple noblemen and therefore was holding to their old titles. It is very similar to English peerage
Peerage
The Peerage is a legal system of largely hereditary titles in the United Kingdom, which constitute the ranks of British nobility and is part of the British honours system...
although the title was inherit by all members of the family, not only the oldest son. All of those old and powerful medieval families that played central role in building polish Empire was part of hereditary High Nobility
Nobility
Nobility is a social class which possesses more acknowledged privileges or eminence than members of most other classes in a society, membership therein typically being hereditary. The privileges associated with nobility may constitute substantial advantages over or relative to non-nobles, or may be...
. The title depended on the position of each family member.
The Union of Lublin made an exception for the Lithuanian Prince families and therefore the Commonwealth could see several Lithuanian, Russian or Belarus families with titles. Some of those families was very powerful and wealthy. In time of the Commonwealth they expanded their properties to be of such size that there were few families in Europe to match them. They were the Magnates of the Commonwealth.
Magnates of the Commonwealth are often called the aristocracy of the Commonwealth but the definition of what constitutes aristocracy differs from the rest of Europe in that the Magnate families were much more powerful, often comparable to Princes. A good example is the extinct family of Pac that ruled the Duchy of Lithuania in the 17th century. The Pac family had not descended from a Prince, and therefore did not use any title at all. During the partition of the Commonwealth the Pac family received the title of Count. However, when looking at the size of the Pac properties and their position in the Commonwealth, a simple Count title seems not adequate to their power and property size that was far beyond imagination of most of the European Lords.
Princely Houses: Radziwill
Radziwill
The Radziwiłł family is an noble family of Lithuanian origin. The descendants of Kristinas Astikas, a close associate of the 14th century Lithuanian ruler Vytautas, were highly prominent for centuries, first in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, later in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the...
, Sapieha
Sapieha
The Sapieha is a Polish-Lithuanian princely family descending from the medieval boyars of Smolensk. The family acquired great influence in the sixteenth century.-History:...
, Wisniowiecki
Wisniowiecki
Wiśniowiecki is the name of a family notable in the history of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. They were powerful magnates in Ruthenia of Rurikid or Gediminids descent. The family traditions traces their descend to Gediminids, but modern historians believe there is more evidence for the Rurikid...
, Lubomirski
Lubomirski
Lubomirski family is a Polish szlachta family. The family used the "Szreniawa without a cross" arms and their motto was: Nil conscire sibi ....
, Czartoryski
Czartoryski
Czartoryski is the surname of a Polish-Ukrainian-Lithuanian magnate family also known as the Familia. They used the Czartoryski Coat of arms and were the leading noble family of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 18th century.-History:The Czartoryski is a family of a Grand Ducal...
, Ostrogski
Ostrogski
Ostrogski was one of the greatest Ruthenian princely families of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.They were most likely of Rurikid stock and descended from Sviatopolk II of Kiev. Some scholars however claim their descent from Galicia-Volhynia line of Rurikid dynasty. Vasilko Romanovich Prince of...
, Sanguszko
Sanguszko
Sanguszko is a Polish-Lithuanian noble family of the Ruthenian Sanguszko is a Polish-Lithuanian noble family of the Ruthenian Sanguszko is a Polish-Lithuanian noble family of the Ruthenian (now Ukrainian stock from the Gediminid dynasty. Like other princely houses of Polish-Lithuanian...
. Other Magnat families: Chodkiewicz
Chodkiewicz
The Chodkiewicz family was one of the most influential noble families of Ruthenian descent in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 16th-17th centuries. Chodko Jurewicz, chamberlain to Grand Duke Vytenis was probably ancestor of whole clan and gaved it name Chodkiewicz, meaning "son of Chodzko"...
, Pac, Tyszkiewicz
Tyszkiewicz
The Tyszkiewicz family was a wealthy and influential magnate family of Ruthenian/Lithuanian nobility with roots traced into the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania...
, Zamoyski
Zamoyski
Zamojski, plural: Zamojscy is the surname of an important Polish nobility family of Jelita coat of arms. The name is sometimes spelled Zamoyski. It is the Polish for "de Zamość" - the name they originally wore as lords of the place...
, Hlebowicz (without any hereditary title), Mniszech, Potocki
Potocki
Potocki is the surname of a Polish noble family.-History:The Potocki family is a great artistocratic family originated from Potok in the Kraków Voivodeship; their family name derives from that place name. The family is heavily entwined with the cultural development and history of Poland's Eastern...
.
Those families had most significant impact on the politics of the Commonwealth. They chose the candidate for the King and they made sure that the candidate was chosen to serve their interest. The nobility voted for the candidate that Magnates and other aristocracy told them to vote on. The Magnates became the true power in the Commonwealth and the King was, with some few exceptions, only a Marionette of the Magnates in their political game.
Furthermore, there was then some 50-60 influential and very wealthy families and with great family history, sometimes with Prince titles. However, those families did not have same impact on the politics of the Commonwealth, still being considered as Magnats of the Commonwealth. Among them there are most magnificent families like Lanckoronski, Tarnowski
Tarnowski
Tarnowski is the surname of a Polish szlachta family. Because Polish adjectives have different forms for the genders, Tarnowska is the form for a female family member.-History:...
, Tęczyński, Prince Holszanski, Rzewuski
Rzewuski family
Rzewuski family was an important family of Polish nobility from Lesser Poland region. The family originated from villages around the town of Łosice. They used the Krzywda coat of arms. Members of the family held several notable positions in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, most notably, that...
, Gonzaga-Myszkowski or Prince Czertwertynski.
The next 300-400 families (of in total tens of thousands of noble families) counting in power and land possession in the Commonwetlh could more likely be equal to the European aristocracy when referring to counts and barons. Those families should also be included as aristocrats but most publications refer only to titled nobility as the aristocracy which is not in accordance with polish rank system during the time of the Commonwealth. There were many wealthy and influential families that hold several offices in the family like Voivode, Castellan, Bishop or Hetman which gave them a place in the Senat of the Commonwealth. This group hold many great families like Sieniawski, Arciszewski, Ossolinski
Ossolinski
Ossoliński is the surname of a Polish szlachta family. Because Polish adjectives have different forms for the genders, Ossolińska is the form for a female family member-History:...
, Koniecpolski
Koniecpolski
Koniecpolski is the surname of a Polish szlachta family. Because Polish adjectives have different forms for the genders, Koniecpolska is the form for a female family member.-History:...
, Prince Giedrojc and finally also many families included in the Clan of Ostoja.
According to the Etymological Dictionary of the Polish Language, "a proper magnate should be able to trace noble ancestors back for many generations and own at least 20 villages or estates. He should also hold a major office in the Commonwealth". By this definition, number of magnates in the Clan of Ostoja is considerable high. Lords like Radziwiłł, Wiśniowiecki or Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz of Ostoja coat of arms was an aristocrat of Polish origin in the Kingdom of Hungary. He was a close friend of King Sigismund of Hungary who appointed him to several offices during his reign. For instance, between 1395 and 1401, then from 1409 to 1414 he was the voivode of...
that was among richest and most influential Duke's in Europe where much more than local magnates. They ruled a nation, either Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine or Slovakia.
Aristocratic titles given to noble families in the time of partition of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was a dualistic state of Poland and Lithuania ruled by a common monarch. It was the largest and one of the most populous countries of 16th- and 17th‑century Europe with some and a multi-ethnic population of 11 million at its peak in the early 17th century...
by Russian, Prussian and Austrian emperors as well as by Holy Vatican City State cannot be compared with the titles of from medieval times. Those are, except single cases, foreign titles. The constitution of 1921 (§96) in march, removed all the titles in Poland including the nobility itself. However, the constitution of 1935, did not confirm the paragraph 96 in constitution of 1921. Therefore, families that received or bought titles from foreign Emperors could still legally use them. As the titles where not legally forbidden, the peerage of old families in Poland is also taken to consideration. However, usually when referring to titles in Poland, it is understand as the titles given during the partition.
In this way, families included in the Clan of Ostoja and having origin from medieval time, are all considered as High Nobility
Nobility
Nobility is a social class which possesses more acknowledged privileges or eminence than members of most other classes in a society, membership therein typically being hereditary. The privileges associated with nobility may constitute substantial advantages over or relative to non-nobles, or may be...
and peers.
The end of the golden age of the Commonwealth
Because of almost total domination of the Magnates in all Grand Duchy of Lithuania
Grand Duchy of Lithuania
The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was a European state from the 12th /13th century until 1569 and then as a constituent part of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until 1791 when Constitution of May 3, 1791 abolished it in favor of unitary state. It was founded by the Lithuanians, one of the polytheistic...
and Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
, it was very difficult to any family from outside to receive nomination of Senator rank. Most of successful Ostoja families in this area was instead in possession of highest ranked offices on local level in their Counties and Voivodeship
Voivodeship
Voivodship is a term denoting the position of, or more commonly the area administered by, a voivod. Voivodeships have existed since medieval times in Poland, Romania, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia and Serbia....
's such as County Judge of mayor cities, Lord of regality (Starosta
Starosta
Starost is a title for an official or unofficial position of leadership that has been used in various contexts through most of Slavic history. It can be translated as "elder"...
) or Lord Chamberlain.
16th century
In Poland Ostoja families almost totally disappeared from the political life in the 16th century. Most of the families was owning enough of land to live quite and peaceful life. In most, they were holding offices on the local level mostly to guard their own interests in the County. Notable members of the Clan in that century are to be found in late XVI century. Kacper Karliński, Lord of OlsztynOlsztyn
Olsztyn is a city in northeastern Poland, on the Łyna River. Olsztyn has been the capital of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship since 1999. It was previously in the Olsztyn Voivodeship...
, become famous fir his legendary defence of the town in 1587. Maciej Kawęczyński reformed the printing system in Lithuania. Mikołaj Kreza was Rittmeister
Rittmeister
Rotamaster was the military rank of a commissioned cavalry officer in charge of a squadron , the equivalent of O3 or Captain, in the German-speaking armies, Austro-Hungarian, Polish-Lithuanian, Russian and some other states.The exact name of this rank maintains a variety of spellings in different...
of the Crown, Michał Maleczkowski was Magnus procurator (Latin for "ruler") of Lesser Poland 1576-1577 and Gabriel Słoński (1520–1598) was architect and Burgrave
Burgrave
A burgrave is literally the count of a castle or fortified town. The English form is derived through the French from the German Burggraf and Dutch burg- or burch-graeve .* The title is originally equivalent to that of castellan or châtelain, meaning keeper of a castle and/or fortified town...
of Krakow
Kraków
Kraków also Krakow, or Cracow , is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life...
. However, since education was still of importance in the philosophy of the Ostoja families, new generation was upcoming in the end of 16th century holding many inventors. Also, this century saw the Jagiellon dynasty end in 1572, Sigismund II Augustus
Sigismund II Augustus
Sigismund II Augustus I was King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, the only son of Sigismund I the Old, whom Sigismund II succeeded in 1548...
was the last of this dynasty to rule the Commonwealth. He was followed by Stephen Báthory
Stephen Báthory
Stephen Báthory may refer to several noblemen of Hungarian descent:* Stephen III Báthory , Palatine of Hungary* Stephen V Báthory , judge of the Royal Court and Prince of Transylvania...
, the Duke of Transylvania, considered one of greatest kings in polish history. The end of Jagiellonian era was a start of new chapter in the history of the Clan of Ostoja.
17th century
In Lithuania, the Sluszka and Unichowski families of the Clan of Ostoja raised in great power. Krzysztof Słuszka became Voivode of Livonia
Livonia
Livonia is a historic region along the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. It was once the land of the Finnic Livonians inhabiting the principal ancient Livonian County Metsepole with its center at Turaida...
and Aleksander Słuszka
Aleksander Słuszka
Aleksander Słuszka of Ostoja coat of arms was a Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth noble and politician. Starost of Rzeczyca , Homel , Mazyr and Łojów . Castellan of Minsk . Voivode of Minsk , Voivode of Nowogródek , Voivode of Troki...
Castellan of Samogitia
Samogitia
Samogitia is one of the five ethnographic regions of Lithuania. It is located in northwestern Lithuania. Its largest city is Šiauliai/Šiaulē. The region has a long and distinct cultural history, reflected in the existence of the Samogitian dialect...
and later Voivide of Minsk
Minsk
- Ecological situation :The ecological situation is monitored by Republican Center of Radioactive and Environmental Control .During 2003–2008 the overall weight of contaminants increased from 186,000 to 247,400 tons. The change of gas as industrial fuel to mazut for financial reasons has worsened...
, then Voivode of Novogrod and ended as Voivode of Trakai
Trakai Voivodeship
Trakai Voivodeship, Trakai Palatinate, or Troki Voivodeship , was a unit of administrative division and local government in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania from 1413 until 1795.-History:...
in 1647. Samuel Unichowski of Ostoja followed up 40 years later and also became the Voivode of Trakai. Lady Elżbieta Słuszka (1619–1671) was the richest and most powerful Lady of the Commonwealth. She was the Crown Court Marshall and after death of her first husband inherited the Kazanowski Palace
Kazanowski Palace
The Kazanowski Palace , also known as the Radziejowski Palace, was a large palace in Warsaw, occupying the place where the Charitable Center Res Sacra Miser stands today.-History:...
in Warsaw
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most...
. Josef Bogusław Sluszka (1652–1701) was Hetman
Hetman
Hetman was the title of the second-highest military commander in 15th- to 18th-century Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which together, from 1569 to 1795, comprised the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, or Rzeczpospolita....
and Castellan of Trakai
Trakai
Trakai is a historic city and lake resort in Lithuania. It lies 28 km west of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Because of its proximity to Vilnius, Trakai is a popular tourist destination. Trakai is the administrative centre of Trakai district municipality. The town covers 11.52 km2 of...
and Vilnius
Vilnius
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 as of 2010. It is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County...
. Dominik Michał Słuszka (1655–1713) was the Voivode of Polotsk and finally Aleksander Jozef Unichowski became the Castellan of Samogitia
Samogitia
Samogitia is one of the five ethnographic regions of Lithuania. It is located in northwestern Lithuania. Its largest city is Šiauliai/Šiaulē. The region has a long and distinct cultural history, reflected in the existence of the Samogitian dialect...
.
Other families in Lithuania that was part of the Clan of Ostoja became very wealthy. Prince Boratynski family joined Clan already in the 16th century and was often holding high military rank, Prince Palecki family also joined at the same time. The Danielewicz
Danielewicz
Danielewicz vel Danilewicz of Ostoja coat of arms was a noble family name in Lithuania and in the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth. On the political scen Danielewicz supported the Clan of Ostoja expansion in 14th century and in Lithuania was one of the closest families related to the Pac family...
family was by adoption included in Pac family and inherit part of their land possessions.
In Poland, the Szyszkowski family of Ostoja became very powerful. Piotr Szyszkowski was the Catellan of Wojno 1643, Marcin Szyszkowski
Marcin Szyszkowski
Marcin II Szyszkowski of Ostoja Coat of Arms was a notable Polish priest who attended the Jesuit school of Kalisz and became bishop of Lutsk, Płock and finally of Kraków. In the power of the Bishop of Kraków, he also became Prince of Siewierz.- Life and education :Szyszkowski was born into a noble...
was the Bishop of Kraków and Prince of Siewierz
Duchy of Siewierz
The Duchy of Siewierz was a Silesian duchy with its capital in Siewierz. The area was part of the original Duchy of Silesia established after the death of Duke Bolesław III Wrymouth in 1138 during the times of the fragmentation of Poland....
and Mikołaj Szyszkowski became the Prince-bishop
Prince-Bishop
A Prince-Bishop is a bishop who is a territorial Prince of the Church on account of one or more secular principalities, usually pre-existent titles of nobility held concurrently with their inherent clerical office...
of Warmia
Warmia
Warmia or Ermland is a region between Pomerelia and Masuria in northeastern Poland. Together with Masuria, it forms the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship....
in 1633. Both Prince Mikołaj and Prince Marcin had great impact on the politics of the Commonwealth. Following information is mainly taken from polish Wikipedia.
Salomon Rysiński (1565–1625) was famous writer at the time, Krzysztof Boguszewski
Krzysztof Boguszewski
Krzysztof Boguszewski of Ostoja coat of arms, - Polish Baroque painter.He was son of August and raised in Chełmno County, by a family that was part of Clan of Ostoja. In early years Krzysztof master his skills in Gdańsk under the supervision of Herman Han. Then in 1623 he was appointed painter by...
was one of the most famous painters and artists of Greater Poland and Stanisław Bzowski (1567–1637) was member of Dominican Order
Dominican Order
The Order of Preachers , after the 15th century more commonly known as the Dominican Order or Dominicans, is a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Dominic and approved by Pope Honorius III on 22 December 1216 in France...
, friend of reforms, appointed by Vatikan City to write down its history.
Wojciech Gajewski was the Castellan of Rogozin 1631-1641, Łukasz Gajewski became Castellan of Santok in 1661, Michał Scibor-Rylski the Castellan of Gostyn in 1685, Mikołaj Scibor Marchocki, the Castellan of Malogoski (Żarnòw) 1697 and Jan Stachurski was leading the army against the Cossac uprising as Major General
Major General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
in 1664.
The most famous members of the Clan of Ostoja in that century was Kazimierz Siemienowicz
Kazimierz Siemienowicz
Kazimierz Siemienowicz , was a Polish-Lithuanian general of artillery, gunsmith, military engineer, artillery specialist and pioneer of rocketry. Born in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, he served the armies of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a federation of Poland and the Grand Duchy, and in the...
and Michał Sędziwój (Michael Sendivogius, Sędzimir). Siemienowicz was the General of artillery, military engineer, artillery specialist and the pioneer of rocketry. His publications was for 200 years used as main artillery manual in Europe.
Michał Sędziwój that was from the Sędzimir branch of the Clan, was famous European alchemist, philosopher and medical doctor. A pioneer of chemistry, he developed ways of purification and creation of various acids, metals and other chemical compounds. He discovered that air is not a single substance and contains a life-giving substance-later called oxygen-170 years before Scheele and Priestley. He correctly identified this 'food of life' with the gas (also oxygen) given off by heating nitre (saltpetre). This substance, the 'central nitre', had a central position in Sędziwój's schema of the universe. Sędziwój was famous in Europe and very popular person since he declared that he can make gold
Gold
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and an atomic number of 79. Gold is a dense, soft, shiny, malleable and ductile metal. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without oxidizing in air or water. Chemically, gold is a...
from quicksilver
Mercury (element)
Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is also known as quicksilver or hydrargyrum...
In time when mighty Lords needed gold for payment of the army, such talent was widely recognized. During a demonstration how to make the gold and in presence of the Emperor Rudolph II, Sędziwój was captured and robbed by a German alchemist named Muhlenfels who had conspired with the German prince, Brodowski, to steal Sędziwój's secret.
18th century
The 18th century provided many changes in the Commonwealth, most significant was choosing incompetent Kings of foreign origin that was mostly interested in fighting personal wars against other Countries. This is the time when total disorder led to total bankruptcy of the state finances, where Magnates cooperated with foreign forces in order to gain even more power. As for the last King Poniatowski, he was paid by Catherine II of RussiaCatherine II of Russia
Catherine II, also known as Catherine the Great , Empress of Russia, was born in Stettin, Pomerania, Prussia on as Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg...
, received money from Russian governors and was obliged to report to Russian ambassador Otto Magnus von Stackelberg
Otto Magnus von Stackelberg (ambassador)
Reichsgraf Otto Magnus von Stackelberg was a diplomat of the Russian Empire, an envoy in Madrid from 1767 to 1771, ambassador in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from 1772 to 1790 and in Sweden from 1791 to 1793....
. He was furthermore richly paid to join the Constitution of Maj 3 but because of his character or rather lack of it, he did not fulfill his promise.
Most families that signed Poniatowski's election, including many Ostoja families, was signing for the Czartoryski family that wanted to make necessary changes in the Commonwealth. However, to support those changes Czartoryski asked for help from Russia, an offer that Russia could not resist.
Except some single cases, the Ostoja families in Lithuania and Poland stayed far away from this political chaos. The King was appointing those that supported his own ambitions, which was the beginning of some new great fortunes. Founds and properties that belonged to the Crown was this century given away to all those that served the King and Russia well. Many new Magnates was created and the order in the Commonwealth at that time looked more like Wild Western. This political disaster ended in Partitions of Poland
Partitions of Poland
The Partitions of Poland or Partitions of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth took place in the second half of the 18th century and ended the existence of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, resulting in the elimination of sovereign Poland for 123 years...
, 1772 when Prussia, Austria and Russia decided to divide defenseless Commonwealth between them. Poniatowski's reign until 1795 became the darkest chapter in Polish history. The Constitution of May 3, 1791
Constitution of May 3, 1791
The Constitution of May 3, 1791 was adopted as a "Government Act" on that date by the Sejm of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Historian Norman Davies calls it "the first constitution of its type in Europe"; other scholars also refer to it as the world's second oldest constitution...
come far to late. This was the first time that the Commonwealth included Ruthenians
Ruthenians
The name Ruthenian |Rus']]) is a culturally loaded term and has different meanings according to the context in which it is used. Initially, it was the ethnonym used for the East Slavic peoples who lived in Rus'. Later it was used predominantly for Ukrainians...
and not just Poland and Lithuania. New Commonwealth was to be formed of three nations. Also this intentions came far to late. However, the Constitution of May 3 united families that wanted to make necessary changes and that would serve the nation. In this movement we suddenly see lot of activity from the Ostoja families. Almost all of them supported the movement and in many cases all members of the family joined, women and men. In the first half of the century, the Ostoja familie hold many offices and was still prospecting. In the second half of the century, they clearly turned into military commanders and supporters of the resistance, leading Confederations and armies against foreign forces and specially against Russia.
Ignacy Ścibor Marchocki
Ignacy Ścibor Marchocki
Ingacy Scibor Marchocki of Ostoja coat of arms was a Polish noble, famous in the first quarter of the nineteenth century. Ścibor Marchocki proclaimed his estates an independent state and installed on its borders pillars with the name plates, identifying that this is “The border of Minkowce state”...
of Ostoja (1755–1827) created famous "Kingdom of Mińkowce". Marchocki proclaimed his estates an independent state and installed on its borders pillars with the name plates, identifying that this is "The border of Minkowce state". The "Kingdom" hold one town, 18 villages and 4 Castles (one for each season) with some 4200 souls living in the "Kingdom". Marchocki liberated peasants from serfdom, granted them a self-government, established jury (court with jury and court of appeal)), built school, pharmacy, orphanage, churches and monuments, cloth and carriage factories, factory of anis apple oil production, with brickyard, varnish and paint plants, with mulberry trees gardens. Its own paper was manufactured there and lime – calcined. He opened his own printing house, where different decrees (like "agreement between the Lord and the peasants"), directions, resolutions and even sermons, later delivered by him in Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. The government of the Kingdom that included Jews, serfs, town citizens, peasants and foreigners. He also employed two doctors within the property.
All of this was of course reported to Russian Administration that in the beginning was stunned, thinking that it was an act of madness. However, the "Kingdom" was working excellent and the Lord of the Kingdom was getting richer and more famous, buying even more properties and land to expand the "Kingdom". Life inside his estate was considered as heaven comparing to normal life peasants outside the border pillars which would more correctly be referred as hell. Peasants was at that time normally property of the estate that could be sold any time. In the "Kingdom" people was living in wealth and prosperity and Marchocki himself was the most successful administrator of his goods in Russian Empire. This eccentric man was summertime wearing a Roman Toga
Toga
The toga, a distinctive garment of Ancient Rome, was a cloth of perhaps 20 ft in length which was wrapped around the body and was generally worn over a tunic. The toga was made of wool, and the tunic under it often was made of linen. After the 2nd century BC, the toga was a garment worn...
during official meetings on the property that looked like picture taken from paradise.
In the end, this started to worry Russian administration that gave order to burn down all the printing so this madness would not spread to other provinces. This could cause a revolution because suddenly it was clear that making democracy inside a property was making owners rich and people happy. Soon, every citizen of not noble origin in the area wanted to live in the "Kingdom of Mińkowce". It was a plague that started to spread all over the countryside and infect entire system. To stop this revolution, the Tsar ordered Marchocki captured and imprisoned. Following information and source is taken from polish Wikipedia.
Lady Krystyna Ścibor-Bogusławska (-1783) - was Lady of regality of Wągłczew by nomination received by the King Poniatowski and Aleksander Scibor Marchocki became the Castellan
Castellan
A castellan was the governor or captain of a castle. The word stems from the Latin Castellanus, derived from castellum "castle". Also known as a constable.-Duties:...
of Malogoski after Mikołaj. Franciszek Gajewski became the Castellan
Castellan
A castellan was the governor or captain of a castle. The word stems from the Latin Castellanus, derived from castellum "castle". Also known as a constable.-Duties:...
of Konarsk-Kuyavia
Kuyavia
Kujawy , is a historical and ethnographic region in the north-central Poland, situated in the basin of the middle Vistula and upper Noteć Rivers, with its capital in Włocławek.-Etymology:The origin of the name Kujawy was seen differently in history...
and Florian Hrebnicki the Uniat Archbishop
Archbishop
An archbishop is a bishop of higher rank, but not of higher sacramental order above that of the three orders of deacon, priest , and bishop...
of Polotsk. Antoni Gajewski (-1775) was Castellan
Castellan
A castellan was the governor or captain of a castle. The word stems from the Latin Castellanus, derived from castellum "castle". Also known as a constable.-Duties:...
of Naklo, Lord of the regality of Łęczyca and of Kościany
Kosciany
Kościany is a village in the administrative district of Gmina Szczytniki, within Kalisz County, Greater Poland Voivodeship, in west-central Poland. It lies approximately north-east of Szczytniki, east of Kalisz, and south-east of the regional capital Poznań.-References:...
. His relative Rafał Tadeusz Gajewski (1714–1776) became the Castllan of Rogozin. Józef Jakliński was then the Castellan
Castellan
A castellan was the governor or captain of a castle. The word stems from the Latin Castellanus, derived from castellum "castle". Also known as a constable.-Duties:...
of Kamensk
Kamensk
Kamensk is an urban locality in Kabansky District of the Republic of Buryatia, Russia. Population:...
/Spicymir 1759-1775.
At the end of the century, Józef Siemoński, the General adj. of King Poniatowski became supreme commander of Sandomierz
Sandomierz
Sandomierz is a city in south-eastern Poland with 25,714 inhabitants . Situated in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship , previously in Tarnobrzeg Voivodeship . It is the capital of Sandomierz County . Sandomierz is known for its Old Town, a major tourist attraction...
uprising initiated by Kościuszko and Karol Podgorski escaped the Russian side by joining the Prussian army where he became General Major. Also in other parts of the Commonwealth the resistance against Poniatowski and Russia formed Confederations. Michał Władysław Lniski was vice Voivode and Marshal
Marshal
Marshal , is a word used in several official titles of various branches of society. The word is an ancient loan word from Old French, cf...
of the Contederetion of Bar in Pomerania
Pomerania
Pomerania is a historical region on the south shore of the Baltic Sea. Divided between Germany and Poland, it stretches roughly from the Recknitz River near Stralsund in the West, via the Oder River delta near Szczecin, to the mouth of the Vistula River near Gdańsk in the East...
and Franciszek Ksawery Ścibor-Bogusławski was Rittmeister
Rittmeister
Rotamaster was the military rank of a commissioned cavalry officer in charge of a squadron , the equivalent of O3 or Captain, in the German-speaking armies, Austro-Hungarian, Polish-Lithuanian, Russian and some other states.The exact name of this rank maintains a variety of spellings in different...
of same Confederation. Then Wojciech Marchocki was the Castellan
Castellan
A castellan was the governor or captain of a castle. The word stems from the Latin Castellanus, derived from castellum "castle". Also known as a constable.-Duties:...
of Sanok County
Sanok County
Sanok County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Subcarpathian Voivodeship, south-eastern Poland, on the Slovak border. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is...
and Józef Andrzej Mikorski the Castellan
Castellan
A castellan was the governor or captain of a castle. The word stems from the Latin Castellanus, derived from castellum "castle". Also known as a constable.-Duties:...
of Rawa County
Rawa County
Rawa County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Łódź Voivodeship, central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Rawa Mazowiecka, which lies east of...
from 1791.
The Ostaszewski and the Blociszewski of Ostoja families hold many family members that were fighting against forces behind the partition of the Commonwealth. Of them, Tadeusz Błociszewski was General Major and Michał Ostaszewski (1720–1816) was one of main initiators of the Confederation of Bar in Subcarpathian Voivodeship
Subcarpathian Voivodeship
Podkarpackie Voivodeship , or Subcarpathian Voivodeship, is a voivodeship, or province, in extreme-southeastern Poland. Its administrative capital and largest city is Rzeszów...
. Tomasz Ostaszewski was helping the Confederation in his position as the Bishop of Plock. Finally, Antoni Baranowski of Ostoja was awarded and apponited as General Major of Royal Army by Tadeusz Kościuszko
Tadeusz Kosciuszko
Andrzej Tadeusz Bonawentura Kościuszko was a Polish–Lithuanian and American general and military leader during the Kościuszko Uprising. He is a national hero of Poland, Lithuania, the United States and Belarus...
. Baranowski participated as the head of the division in the Battle of Maciejowice
Battle of Maciejowice
The Battle of Maciejowice was fought on October 10, 1794, between Poland and the Russian Empire.The Poles were led by Tadeusz Kościuszko. Kościuszko with 6,200 men planned to prevent the linking of two larger Russian armies, 12,000 under Iwan Fersen and 12,500 under Alexander Suvorov...
. Subsequently remained off-duty, in 1812 he organized levée en masse
Levée en masse
Levée en masse is a French term for mass conscription during the French Revolutionary Wars, particularly for the one from 16 August 1793.- Terminology :...
in Lublin
Lublin
Lublin is the ninth largest city in Poland. It is the capital of Lublin Voivodeship with a population of 350,392 . Lublin is also the largest Polish city east of the Vistula river...
and Siedlce
Siedlce
Siedlce ) is a city in eastern Poland with 77,392 inhabitants . Situated in the Masovian Voivodeship , previously the city was the capital of a separate Siedlce Voivodeship ....
.
The Uprising of the nation
In the 19th century the conditions and structure changed once again since the Commonwealth was not existing anymore and the land was occupied. It was the time of the boom for the nationalism and it was also the century of Adam MickiewiczAdam Mickiewicz
Adam Bernard Mickiewicz ) was a Polish poet, publisher and political writer of the Romantic period. One of the primary representatives of the Polish Romanticism era, a national poet of Poland, he is seen as one of Poland's Three Bards and the greatest poet in all of Polish literature...
, Henryk Sienkiewicz
Henryk Sienkiewicz
Henryk Adam Aleksander Pius Sienkiewicz was a Polish journalist and Nobel Prize-winning novelist. A Polish szlachcic of the Oszyk coat of arms, he was one of the most popular Polish writers at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1905 for his...
, Frédéric Chopin
Frédéric Chopin
Frédéric François Chopin was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist. He is considered one of the great masters of Romantic music and has been called "the poet of the piano"....
and many others. This century shows also many Ostoja families as wealthy aristocrats holding Palaces, Manor houses and big properties not only in Poland and Lithuania but also in other European countries. This is also the century when the Ostoja families became once again very active and participated in every political action but this time against ruling authorities.
During the 19th century the nobility of the Commonwealth raised once again to fight those that occupied their Country. In history books this century is marked with major Uprisings against Prussia, Russia and Austria and also with the Napoleonic Wars
Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic Wars were a series of wars declared against Napoleon's French Empire by opposing coalitions that ran from 1803 to 1815. As a continuation of the wars sparked by the French Revolution of 1789, they revolutionised European armies and played out on an unprecedented scale, mainly due to...
. However, between those most known events, there was more than 100 smaller military actions to be remembered. In all those wars, big and small, we see almost all of the Ostoja families participating and in many cases in commanding position.
As many others, Ostoja families was punished for participating in Uprisings and other military actions and lost their properties as they were confiscated. According to Norman Davis, the consequences of the January Uprising in 1863 in Russian part of the Commonwealth was deportation of 80.000 people to Siberia or other working camps. Confiscated properties of Ostoja families where given to those families that was loyal to Russia, Austria or Prussia. In such way, several families gained in power during the partition, receiving high offices, nominations and lot of land. They were also given noble titles of Baron or Count or even Prince for their support and service. But Ostoja's was not only good at fighting the enemy. Families kept part of their properties, Manor houses and Palaces outside the conflict and war to be able to support refugies, wonded and those in need. They acted both openly against foreign forces and in conspiracy using same successful tactics as families did in the time of Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz
Stibor of Stiboricz of Ostoja coat of arms was an aristocrat of Polish origin in the Kingdom of Hungary. He was a close friend of King Sigismund of Hungary who appointed him to several offices during his reign. For instance, between 1395 and 1401, then from 1409 to 1414 he was the voivode of...
. Following information is taken from articles in polish Wikipedia.
Adam Ostaszewki of Ostoja (1860–1934) was a pioneer of polish aviation
Aviation
Aviation is the design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft, especially heavier-than-air aircraft. Aviation is derived from avis, the Latin word for bird.-History:...
constructing several aircraft's. Ostaszewski hold doctor degree in philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
and law
Law
Law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. Contract law regulates everything from buying a bus...
. He was furthermore writer, poet and translator of poetry from all over the world as he knew some 20 languages. He worked with astronomy, made sculptures, painted and was also interested in several different fields like optics, physics, electricity and magnetism, history, archeology, chemistry, botanic, zoology and many others. This remarkable man was often called "Leonardo from Wzdow".
Kacper Kotkowski (1814–1875) was catholic priest, head and commissar of the Sandomierz uprising while Stanisław Błociszewski received the Order of Virtuti Militari
Virtuti Militari
The Order Wojenny Virtuti Militari is Poland's highest military decoration for heroism and courage in the face of the enemy at war...
for his patriotic fight as an officer against Russian forces. Jan Czeczot
Jan Czeczot
Jan Czeczot of Ostoja was a noble of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth of Belarusian origin, romantic poet and ethnographer. Fascinated by folk lore and traditional folk songs of the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania, confederal part of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, he recollected hundreds of...
was famous poet and ethnographer in Belarus
Belarus
Belarus , officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered clockwise by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Its capital is Minsk; other major cities include Brest, Grodno , Gomel ,...
. In Russia, Andrzej Miklaszewski was Actual State Councillor (e.g., Marshall and General - Table of Ranks) and in his position being able to help many families, saving them from exile in Siberia
Siberia
Siberia is an extensive region constituting almost all of Northern Asia. Comprising the central and eastern portion of the Russian Federation, it was part of the Soviet Union from its beginning, as its predecessor states, the Tsardom of Russia and the Russian Empire, conquered it during the 16th...
. In the mean time, Jan Kazimierz Ordyniec was owner and publisher of "Dziennik Warszawski" was heating up the resistance with articles. In the end, he was forced to emigrate and joned famous society at Hôtel Lambert
Hôtel Lambert
Hôtel Lambert is a hôtel particulier, a grand mansion townhouse, on the Quai Anjou on the eastern tip of the Île Saint-Louis, Paris IVème; the name, Hôtel Lambert, was a sobriquet that designated a 19th-century political faction of Polish exiles, who gathered there.-Architectural history:The house...
in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
.
Spirydion Ostaszewski (1797–1875) was writing down polish legends which was important for the cause and fight for the liberty of Poland. He participated in November Uprising
November Uprising
The November Uprising , Polish–Russian War 1830–31 also known as the Cadet Revolution, was an armed rebellion in the heartland of partitioned Poland against the Russian Empire. The uprising began on 29 November 1830 in Warsaw when the young Polish officers from the local Army of the Congress...
1830-1831 and helped many families returning from Siberia
Siberia
Siberia is an extensive region constituting almost all of Northern Asia. Comprising the central and eastern portion of the Russian Federation, it was part of the Soviet Union from its beginning, as its predecessor states, the Tsardom of Russia and the Russian Empire, conquered it during the 16th...
to settle down in west part of Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
. In the mean time, Teofil Wojciech Ostaszewski initiated first program against Serfdom
Serfdom
Serfdom is the status of peasants under feudalism, specifically relating to Manorialism. It was a condition of bondage or modified slavery which developed primarily during the High Middle Ages in Europe and lasted to the mid-19th century...
. He was also the Marshal of Brzostowo County. Łukasz Solecki was Bishop of Przemyśl
Przemysl
Przemyśl is a city in south-eastern Poland with 66,756 inhabitants, as of June 2009. In 1999, it became part of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship; it was previously the capital of Przemyśl Voivodeship....
and professor of the Lviv University
Lviv University
The Lviv University or officially the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv is the oldest continuously operating university in Ukraine...
,
Jan Aleksander Karłowicz became well known ethnographer, linguist, documenting the folklore
Folklore
Folklore consists of legends, music, oral history, proverbs, jokes, popular beliefs, fairy tales and customs that are the traditions of a culture, subculture, or group. It is also the set of practices through which those expressive genres are shared. The study of folklore is sometimes called...
while Mieczysław Karłowicz was composer of several symphonies and poems. Zygmunt Czechowicz was one of the initiators of the uprising of the Belarus Nation.
Ladies Emma and Maria A. from Ostaszewski branch of Ostoja (1831–1912 and 1851–1918) where both devoted social activists and patriots. They raised founds for helping wonded and poor during the time of uprisings. Lady Karolina Wojnarowska (1814–1858) born Rylska was author writing under the pseudonym Karol Nowowiejski.
20th century
Also here we can find almost all Ostoja families fighting. From the end of the 18th century to the end of World War II, many army Generals was from the Ostoja Clan and there were several great Colonels, Majors and Captains that the Clan contributed with. Almost all men from the Ostoja Clan was holding the officer rank, even if they were poets or artists. Some of them was fighting in Polish Army (Armia Krajowa), some of them left Russian Camps and Siberia to join the Anders Army, others joined the British Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
and some helped to break the Enigma machine
Enigma machine
An Enigma machine is any of a family of related electro-mechanical rotor cipher machines used for the encryption and decryption of secret messages. Enigma was invented by German engineer Arthur Scherbius at the end of World War I...
ciphers.
Hipotit Brodowicz and Adam Mokrzecki reached the rank of General Major in the army, the later widely decorated for commanding troups in Polish–Soviet War between 1919-1921. Stefan Mokrzecki
Stefan Mokrzecki
Stefan Mokrzecki of Ostoja coat of arms was a general in the Russian Army and the Polish Army. During Polish-Soviet War commanded 8 DP and other units. Later member of armed forces of Republic of Central Lithuania. Retired in 1925...
was also a general in the Polish army serving country well. Witold Ścibor-Rylski (1871–1926) was officer that emigrated to the USA in 1898 but came back to Poland in 1914 to help the Country in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
holding the rank of Colonel. He was serving Poland through the Polish-Soviet War and left for United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
after the campagne. His service for Poland was widely recognized and he also finally received the rank of General from President August Zaleski
August Zaleski
August Zaleski was a Polish economist, politician, and diplomat. Twice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, he served as the President of Poland within the Polish Government in Exile.- Biography :...
.
Włodzimierz Zagórski (1882–1927) was a general in the Polish army. During the years of 1914–1916 he was a chief of staff
Chief of Staff
The title, chief of staff, identifies the leader of a complex organization, institution, or body of persons and it also may identify a Principal Staff Officer , who is the coordinator of the supporting staff or a primary aide to an important individual, such as a president.In general, a chief of...
of Polish Legions
Polish Legions in World War I
Polish Legions was the name of Polish armed forces created in August 1914 in Galicia. Thanks to the efforts of KSSN and the Polish members of the Austrian parliament, the unit became an independent formation of the Austro-Hungarian Army...
. Since November 1918 in Polish Armed Forces
Polish Armed Forces
Siły Zbrojne Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej are the national defense forces of Poland...
. As former intelligence officer, he accused Józef Piłsudski for being spy in favour of Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
. Outside the military service, Władysław Chotkowski (1843–1926) was a professor and head of Jagiellonian University
Jagiellonian University
The Jagiellonian University was established in 1364 by Casimir III the Great in Kazimierz . It is the oldest university in Poland, the second oldest university in Central Europe and one of the oldest universities in the world....
and another Adam Ostaszewski was President of Plock to year 1934.
Adam Hrebnicki-Doktorowicz (1857–1941) was a professor in agriculture development, founder of Institute in Ukraine and Karzimierz Zagórski (1883–1944) was widely recognized adventurer-pioneer, photographer.
Bronisław Bohatyrewicz (1870–1940) was a general in the Polish army, died in Katyn. General Zbigniew Ścibor Rylski (born 1917) succeeded to survive World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and his wife, Zofia Rylska was during the war a master spy under the cover name of Marle Springer. Her information led to localization and destruction of German battleship Tirpitz
German battleship Tirpitz
Tirpitz was the second of two s built for the German Kriegsmarine during World War II. Named after Grand Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, the architect of the Imperial Navy, the ship was laid down at the Kriegsmarinewerft in Wilhelmshaven in November 1936 and launched two and a half years later in April...
. In the mean time, Stanislaw Danielewicz
Danielewicz
Danielewicz vel Danilewicz of Ostoja coat of arms was a noble family name in Lithuania and in the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth. On the political scen Danielewicz supported the Clan of Ostoja expansion in 14th century and in Lithuania was one of the closest families related to the Pac family...
was working with Enigma machine
Enigma machine
An Enigma machine is any of a family of related electro-mechanical rotor cipher machines used for the encryption and decryption of secret messages. Enigma was invented by German engineer Arthur Scherbius at the end of World War I...
ciphers breaking. Karola Uniechowska(1904–1955) was voluntary medical doctor during World War II, she also participated in the Battle of Monte Cassino
Battle of Monte Cassino
The Battle of Monte Cassino was a costly series of four battles during World War II, fought by the Allies against Germans and Italians with the intention of breaking through the Winter Line and seizing Rome.In the beginning of 1944, the western half of the Winter Line was being anchored by Germans...
while Zofia Uniechowska (1909–1993) - achieved Order of Virtuti Militari
Virtuti Militari
The Order Wojenny Virtuti Militari is Poland's highest military decoration for heroism and courage in the face of the enemy at war...
for conspiracy against Nazi government in Poland. Stefan Ścibor-Bogusławski (1897–1978) was richly awarded Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
, also for his decisive actions in the Battle of Monte Cassino
Battle of Monte Cassino
The Battle of Monte Cassino was a costly series of four battles during World War II, fought by the Allies against Germans and Italians with the intention of breaking through the Winter Line and seizing Rome.In the beginning of 1944, the western half of the Winter Line was being anchored by Germans...
.
Stanisław Chrostowski (1897–1947) was a professor and artist and Maxim Rylski (1895–1969) became a famous poet in Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
. There is a park and institution named after him in Kiev
Kiev
Kiev or Kyiv is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. The population as of the 2001 census was 2,611,300. However, higher numbers have been cited in the press....
, there are also three stautes of him in this town in memory for his great contribution to the people of Ukraine. Another Hrebnicki, Stanisław Doktorowicz-Hrebnicki (1888–1974) was decorated professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
in geology.
Wacław Krzywiec (1908–1956) was famous komandor of the legendary ORP Błyskawica warship. Falsely accused by communistic regime in Poland after World War II in a famous trial, he was sent to prison and died shortly after being released. The Słoński brothers where all serving in the RAF as pilots and officers. All three of them were finally shot down and paid the ultimate price for their fight for the liberty. Zbigniew Rylski, a major in Polish army, widely decorated for many great sabotage actions during World War II.
Zygmund Ignacy Rylski (1898–1945) - legendary Major Hańcza, later advanced to rang of Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
. One of most devoted and widely decorated officers during World War II. Lady Izabela Zielińska born Ostaszewska year 1910 have experience of 101 years of past changes and many wars. Being musician, she was decorated with medal of Gloria Artis in 2011. Marcelina Antonina Scibor-Kotkowska of Ostoja was the mother of Witold Gombrowicz
Witold Gombrowicz
Witold Marian Gombrowicz was a Polish novelist and dramatist. His works are characterized by deep psychological analysis, a certain sense of paradox and an absurd, anti-nationalist flavor...
.
The end of 20th century and beginning of 21st
After World War II, it was for many not possible to live in Poland as they were the enemies of the state. Many choose living in exile and moved to several different countries all over the World. Some Ostoja families stayd in Poland or returned back to Poland from France, England, Scotland or other part of the World where they were placed after military service during WW II and survived StalinismStalinism
Stalinism refers to the ideology that Joseph Stalin conceived and implemented in the Soviet Union, and is generally considered a branch of Marxist–Leninist ideology but considered by some historians to be a significant deviation from this philosophy...
. All the land and properties, except the Ostaszewski Palace in Kraków
Kraków
Kraków also Krakow, or Cracow , is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life...
, have been confiscated and became property of People's Republic of Poland
People's Republic of Poland
The People's Republic of Poland was the official name of Poland from 1952 to 1990. Although the Soviet Union took control of the country immediately after the liberation from Nazi Germany in 1944, the name of the state was not changed until eight years later...
. Same happened in Belarus, Lithuania and Ukraine. Although communism
Communism
Communism is a social, political and economic ideology that aims at the establishment of a classless, moneyless, revolutionary and stateless socialist society structured upon common ownership of the means of production...
is not longer ruling in those countries and most of them applyed democratic system, non of the properties of Ostoja families have been given back to their rightful owners and no compensation given. Most of the old familiy properties have been burned down by fighting armies during WW I, WW II and during Polish-Sovjet war 1919-1921. The existing Ostoya Palace around Rzeszow
Rzeszów
Rzeszów is a city in southeastern Poland with a population of 179,455 in 2010. It is located on both sides of the Wisłok River, in the heartland of the Sandomierska Valley...
taken care by Rylski branch of Ostoja is an exception.
Antoni Uniechowski
Antoni Uniechowski
Antoni Uniechowski, of Ostoja coat of arms was a Polish illustrator.Antoni Uniechowski was born in Wilno to Janusz Radogost-Uniechowski of the Clan of Ostoja and Zofia née Jelska. He spent his childhood at the family house in Belarus. As a child, he was often ill, as a consequence spending his...
(1903–1976) was widely recognized painter in Poland, known for his drawings. Aleksander Ścibor-Rylski (1928–1983) was poet, writer and film director and Tadeusz Sędzimir (1894–1989) was worldwide known inventor. His name has been given to revolutionary methods of processing steel and metals used in every industrialized nation of the world.
Joseph Stanislaus Ostoja-Kotkowski
Joseph Stanislaus Ostoja-Kotkowski
Joseph Stanislaus Ostoja-Kotkowski AM of Ostoja coat of arms was best known for his ground-breaking work in chromasonics, laser kinetics and 'sound and image' productions he earned recognition in Australia and overseas for his pioneering work in laser sound and image technology.PRG 919 Personal...
(1922–1994) was famous artist that worked with photography, film-making, theater, design, fabric design, murals, kinetic and static sculpture, stained glass, vitreous enamel murals, op-collages, computer graphics and also laser art. He was a pioneer regarding laser kinetics and "sound and image".
Tadeusz Ostaszewski (1918–2003) was professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of fine arts in University of Krakow, Adam Kozłowiecki (1911–2007) was Archbishop
Archbishop
An archbishop is a bishop of higher rank, but not of higher sacramental order above that of the three orders of deacon, priest , and bishop...
of the Archdiocese of Lusaka
Lusaka
Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia. It is located in the southern part of the central plateau, at an elevation of about 1,300 metres . It has a population of about 1.7 million . It is a commercial centre as well as the centre of government, and the four main highways of Zambia head...
in Zambia
Zambia
Zambia , officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. The neighbouring countries are the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania to the north-east, Malawi to the east, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia to the south, and Angola to the west....
, Andrzej Zagórski (1926–2007) was devoted officer of Armia Krajowa
Armia Krajowa
The Armia Krajowa , or Home Army, was the dominant Polish resistance movement in World War II German-occupied Poland. It was formed in February 1942 from the Związek Walki Zbrojnej . Over the next two years, it absorbed most other Polish underground forces...
that wrote over 250 publications about polish underground resistance and Kazimierz Tumiłowicz (1932–2008) was creator of Siberian association of remembrance and social worker in Greater Poland
Greater Poland
Greater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history...
. Andrzej Ostoja-Owsiany (1931–2008) was Senator in Poland after the fall of the communism.
The end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century mark new age without wars and it also end over 200 years of Ostoja families fight for the liberty. It also end the Clan of Ostoja's more than 900 years old military service for Poland.
DNA of Ostoja
The Ostoja Clan DNA project on FTDNA shows that Ostoja families are generally not blood related to each other. As the geographic composition of early family nests show small islands on the map of Poland, it have been earlier presumed that most families on those islands are family related. Part of the families have same origin when changing the name after new property. In most, those changes have been recorded between 1400 and 1500.Results on today living lines of the Clan show that Ostoja have been a battle cry for certain group of knights in medieval time that settled down close to each other. There is no record at the moment who was the leading force behind this group. The DNA results match in several cases with other old knight families in different part of Europe, many of those early genetic matches can be found in England, Scotland and Ireland with families that are assumed to have records back to the Norman conquest of England
Norman conquest of England
The Norman conquest of England began on 28 September 1066 with the invasion of England by William, Duke of Normandy. William became known as William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, defeating King Harold II of England...
year 1066.
Haplogroup
Haplogroup
In the study of molecular evolution, a haplogroup is a group of similar haplotypes that share a common ancestor having the same single nucleotide polymorphism mutation in both haplotypes. Because a haplogroup consists of similar haplotypes, this is what makes it possible to predict a haplogroup...
s found in the tests of the project are different with Haplogroup R1a (Y-DNA)
Haplogroup R1a (Y-DNA)
Haplogroup R1a is the phylogenetic name of a major clade of Human Y-chromosome DNA haplogroups. In other words, it is a way of grouping a significant part of all modern men according to a shared male-line ancestor. It is common in many parts of Eurasia and is frequently discussed in human...
dominating. Based on 10 different tests (Y67-67 markers) of old medieval lines of Ostoja, the composition is following:
Haplogroup R1a (Y-DNA)
Haplogroup R1a (Y-DNA)
Haplogroup R1a is the phylogenetic name of a major clade of Human Y-chromosome DNA haplogroups. In other words, it is a way of grouping a significant part of all modern men according to a shared male-line ancestor. It is common in many parts of Eurasia and is frequently discussed in human...
(slavic origin)
- 1 result matching east-north slavic origin with subgroup E, found in LithuaniaLithuaniaLithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
andLatviaLatviaLatvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
. - 2 results matching western-slavic origin, south west of PolandPolandPoland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
, SlovakiaSlovakiaThe Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It has a population of over five million and an area of about . Slovakia is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south...
. - 1 result matching almost in all cases families in EnglandEnglandEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
, IrelandIrelandIreland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
andNorwayNorwayNorway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
. - 1 result matching both slavic families and those to be found in EnglandEnglandEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
and ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
.
Haplogroup R1b (Y-DNA)
Haplogroup R1b (Y-DNA)
The point of origin of R1b is thought to lie in Eurasia, most likely in Western Asia. T. Karafet et al. estimated the age of R1, the parent of R1b, as 18,500 years before present....
(Western Europe)
- 3 results matching families found in EnglandEnglandEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
and IrelandIrelandIreland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, few inGermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
and NormandyNormandyNormandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
.
Haplogroup I2 (Y-DNA)
Haplogroup I2 (Y-DNA)
In human genetics, Haplogroup I2 is a Y-chromosome haplogroup. Until 2008, it was known as Haplogroup I1b. Haplogroup I2 might have originated in Southeastern Europe some 15,000 - 17,000 years ago and developed into three main subgroups : I2*, I2a, and I2b.-Subclades:Note: The systematic subclade...
(Scandinavia, Western Europe - I2b1)
- 1 result matching families in GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, NetherlandsNetherlandsThe Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
and EnglandEnglandEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
Haplogroup N (Y-DNA)
Haplogroup N (Y-DNA)
In human genetics, Haplogroup N is a Y-chromosome DNA haplogroup, defined by the presence of the marker M231. The b2/b3 deletion in the AZFc region of the human Y-chromosome is a characteristic of Haplogroup N haplotypes. This deletion, however, appears to have occurred independently on four...
(Ugro-Finnic origin)
- 1 result matching Rurikid lines with genetic distans of 18-20. Mostly in UkraineUkraineUkraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
,BelarusBelarusBelarus , officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered clockwise by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Its capital is Minsk; other major cities include Brest, Grodno , Gomel ,...
and LithuaniaLithuaniaLithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
.
Notable members of the Clan of Ostoja
The list of notable members of the Clan of Ostoja is to be found in the article of Ostoja coat of arms.See also
- Treaty of LubowlaTreaty of LubowlaTreaty of Lubowla of 1412 was a treaty between Władysław II, King of Poland, and Sigismund of Luxemburg, King of Hungary. Negotiated in the town of Stará Ľubovňa in modern Slovakia, it was confirmed later that year in Buda....
- Nobility in the Kingdom of HungaryNobility in the Kingdom of HungaryThe origin of the nobility in the Kingdom of Hungary can be traced to the Magyar conquest of Pannonia in the 9th century, and it developed over the course of the Middle Ages...
- Stibor of StiboriczStibor of StiboriczStibor of Stiboricz of Ostoja coat of arms was an aristocrat of Polish origin in the Kingdom of Hungary. He was a close friend of King Sigismund of Hungary who appointed him to several offices during his reign. For instance, between 1395 and 1401, then from 1409 to 1414 he was the voivode of...
- Rulers of Transylvania
- List of castles in Slovakia
- Second Peace of Thorn
- Beckov CastleBeckov CastleBeckov Castle is a castle in ruins located near the village of Beckov in Nové Mesto nad Váhom District, Trenčín Region, western Slovakia.It is a natural cultural monument and its present appearance is the result of renovations in the last quarter of the 20th century and since 2002.-Great...
- Malbork CastleMalbork CastleThe Marienburg Castle in Malbork is by area the largest castle in the world. It was built in Prussia by the Teutonic Knights, a German Roman Catholic religious order of crusaders, in a form of an Ordensburg fortress. The Order named it Marienburg...
- SzlachtaSzlachtaThe szlachta was a legally privileged noble class with origins in the Kingdom of Poland. It gained considerable institutional privileges during the 1333-1370 reign of Casimir the Great. In 1413, following a series of tentative personal unions between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of...
- Union of Horodło
- MagnateMagnateMagnate, from the Late Latin magnas, a great man, itself from Latin magnus 'great', designates a noble or other man in a high social position, by birth, wealth or other qualities...
- Union of LublinUnion of LublinThe Union of Lublin replaced the personal union of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania with a real union and an elective monarchy, since Sigismund II Augustus, the last of the Jagiellons, remained childless after three marriages. In addition, the autonomy of Royal Prussia was...
- Sejm of the Republic of Poland
- Offices in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth
- Polish HussarsPolish HussarsThe Polish Hussars were the main type of cavalry of the first Polish Army, later also introduced into the Army of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, between the 16th and 18th centuries...
- Polish heraldryPolish heraldryPolish heraldry is a branch of heraldry focused on studying the development of coats of arms in the lands of historical Poland , as well as specifically-Polish traits of heraldry. The term is also used to refer to Polish heraldic system, as opposed to systems used elsewhere, notably in Western Europe...
- Polish clansPolish clansPolish clans differ from most clan systems in that while they are mostly composed of families sharing male-line origin there can also be some genealogically unrelated families bearing the same coat of arms and clan name because of a formal adoption upon ennoblement or sometimes because of a...
- Battle of Lwów (1918)Battle of Lwów (1918)Battle of Lviv begun on 1 November 1918 and lasted till May 1919 and was a six months long conflict between the forces of the West Ukrainian People's Republic and local Polish civilian population assisted later by regular Polish Army forces for the control...
- November UprisingNovember UprisingThe November Uprising , Polish–Russian War 1830–31 also known as the Cadet Revolution, was an armed rebellion in the heartland of partitioned Poland against the Russian Empire. The uprising began on 29 November 1830 in Warsaw when the young Polish officers from the local Army of the Congress...
- January UprisingJanuary UprisingThe January Uprising was an uprising in the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth against the Russian Empire...
- Kościuszko UprisingKosciuszko UprisingThe Kościuszko Uprising was an uprising against Imperial Russia and the Kingdom of Prussia led by Tadeusz Kościuszko in Poland, Belarus and Lithuania in 1794...
- Ostoja coat of arms
Sources
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- Meier, Jörg; Piirainen, Ilpo Tapani; Wegera, Klaus-Peter, Deutschsprachige Handschriften in slowakischen Archiven, Berlin 2009, ISBN 978-3-11-019334-3
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- Sandomierz.pl, oficialny serwis miasta Sandomierza, historia-sandomierskie legendy
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- Kasper Niesiecki, "Herbarz Polski" Leipzig, 1839–1846
- Wojciech Wijuk Kojalowicz, Herbarz, Krakow 1897
- Tomasz Lenczewski, "Genealogie Rodow Utytulowanych w Polsce", 1995–1996
- Szymon Konarski, "Armorial de la Noblesse Polonaise Titree", Paris 1958
- Hungarian Aristocracy (Magyar Arisztokrácia) - http://ferenczygen.tripod.com/
- Ilona Czamanska, "Wisniowieccy; Monografia Rodu",ISBN 9788371772290
- Stanislaw Estreicher, "Bibliografia Polska, Drukarnia Universytetu Jagiellonskiego, Krakow 1912
- Tadeusz Korzon, "Wewnetrzne dzieje Polski za Slanislawa Augusta", Krakow 1897
- T. Chrzanowski, "Dziedzictwo. Ziemianie polscy i ich udział w życiu narodu", Kraków, Znak, 1995
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), Krakow from 1935 - Sylwester Groza, „Hrabia Ścibor na Ostrowcu”, tom I–II, Warszawa 1848
- History of Transylvania by Akadémiai Kiadó http://mek.niif.hu/03400/03407/html/118.html
- P. Engel, Zsigmond bárói (The barons of Sigismund), in E. Marosi et al.
- Manteuffel, Tadeusz (1982). The Formation of the Polish State: The Period of Ducal Rule, 963-1194. Wayne State University Press. p. 149. ISBN 9780814316825
- Pal Engel, The realm of St. Stephen, a History of Medieval Hungary 895-1526, New York 2001, ISBN 1-85043-977-X
External links
- Franciszek Ksawery Piekosinski, Polish Heraldry of the Middle Ages, Cracow, 1899
- IH PAN (Polish academy of Science), Słownik historyczno-geograficzny
- Battle of Cidini by Thietmar on Cedynia website - Polish language
- Orava Castle film
- Stara Lubowna Castle pictures
- Bran Castle Museum
- Sintava Castle
- Ornatowski
- Hungarian Aristocracy
- Bibliografia Polska, incl. Tresury Report
- The history of Poniec and Poniecki of Ostoja
- Stiborici Stibor
- Ignacy Scibor Marchocki
- Armorial de Gelre
- History of Medieval Hungary by Pal Engel