History of Mazovia and its people - Part I : The First Steps (867-1410)

[kakom]

Chapter 39 (1215–1223)

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Between 1215 and 1223, Przemysław conducted two additional military campaigns against his pagan neighbors to the east. During this period, the western borders of the Mazovian state were also slightly expanded through fabricated claims on border counties belonging to the Duchy of Brabant and the Kingdom of Carinthia.

The first conflict of this era was a war against the Kingdom of Carinthia, involving claims to the County of Altmark, also known as the Old March. These lands were quickly seized by Przemysław’s forces. The war itself was exceptionally brief, lasting only a few months, as Carinthia was already engaged in a war with Lombardy.

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Around the same time, Przemysław also attacked the Duchy of Brabant, ruled by Tore the Fat, a Norwegian nobleman from the Yngling dynasty. This war, like the one with Carinthia, was legitimized by fabricated claims against Tore. The counties of Wittenberg and Magdeburg became the flashpoints of the conflict. Similar to the Carinthian campaign, this war was short-lived, as Brabant lacked sufficient forces to oppose the Mazovian army. After months of systematically capturing castles, towns, and villages—and engaging in acts of destruction, including the slaughter of peasants and the rape of women—Tore was forced to cede both counties to Przemysław.

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Between 1217 and 1219, Przemysław launched an invasion against Novgorod Rus with the aim of seizing the territories of the Duchy of Minsk. This war was far longer and more brutal than the conflicts on the western borders of the Mazovian Empire. Mazovian forces quickly besieged strongholds in the Duchy of Minsk, prompting Prince Volodar to march his army against Przemysław’s forces. A decisive battle occurred near Barysaw on June 12, 1219, resulting in a crushing victory for the Mazovian knights.

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In October 1219, following Prince Volodar’s humiliating defeat at Barysaw, peace was signed. As a result, all fortresses, villages, and cities in the Duchy of Minsk came under Przemysław’s control. However, this victory did not satisfy Przemysław’s ambitions. After the war’s conclusion, he turned his attention back to the Kingdom of Livonia. The Duchy of Samogitia, the last part of Lithuania not under Mazovian rule, became the target of Przemysław’s next campaign.

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The invasion of the Livonians began in April 1220 and lasted until June 1222, culminating in a confrontation between the Mazovian and Livonian armies at the Battle of Veivirženai. The battle was a massacre. Przemysław’s forces, numbering 32,000, faced 20,000 Livonians. The engagement lasted less than a few hours, during which the Livonians were swiftly encircled and annihilated. Following this defeat, King Vaidiginas II relinquished Samogitia to Przemysław.

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Meanwhile, the Mongol Ilkhanate, led by Hulagu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, began its conquests in Central Asia. Their first target was the Persian Empire, a Zoroastrian state that had repelled the Seljuk Turks nearly 200 years earlier. Whether Persia would survive this new threat remained uncertain. However, these events held little interest for Przemysław, as they occurred at the far edge of the known world.

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On August 9, 1223, Przemysław I passed away. His eldest son, Jan, succeeded him. Przemysław I is remembered as the founder of the third dynasty to rule Mazovia. His epithet, “The Bastard,” stemmed from his illegitimate birth as the son of Zygmunt IV, the penultimate ruler of the Zygmuntowicz dynasty. He is also remembered for overseeing one of the greatest territorial expansions in Mazovian history.
Przemysław’s death came at an unfortunate time, as it occurred during the outbreak of a second war with the Duchy of Brabant. Three months before his death, Przemysław’s envoys had declared his claims on lands currently held by Duke Tore. This conflict was to be continued by Jan, who made it a matter of honor to secure victory.

Map of the Mazovian Empire in 1223​

Królestwo Bawarii - Kingdom of Bavaria
Królestwo Krymskie - Crimean Kingdom
Ruś Kijowska - Kievan Rus
Ruś Nowogrodzka - Novgorodian Rus
Królestwo Liwońskie - Livonian Kingdom

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

The Empire is doing well, and as Jan has succeeded his father, legitimacy should be less of a concern (from a narrative perspective at least, of course the game could have other ideas)...

 

[kakom]

Chapter 40 (1223–1225)​

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Jan I, the eldest son of Przemysław I "The Bastard," inherited an exceptionally expansive state from his father, one that was in the midst of a war with its western neighbor, the Duchy of Brabant. Jan, who had been raised under the tutelage of Przemysław since birth, became almost a mirror image of his father.

A brilliant commander, he proved his mettle during the final campaigns against the pagan Ruthenians and Livonians, where he demonstrated great courage on the battlefield. These wars also revealed his deep faith, which eventually evolved into fanaticism. To his subjects and vassals, however, he was a just ruler. Jan’s hospitality and eloquence, traits that endeared him to many, were also tools he adeptly used to further his political scheming and plots.

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Before ascending to the Mazovian throne, Jan ruled the Duchy of Lithuania for five years. In 1218, he married Mathiko, a Georgian princess to whom he had been betrothed. Mathiko was nearly four years his senior. Their marriage produced two daughters and a son, Jakub. Zofia, their eldest child, was followed by Grzymisława, born after Jan’s accession to the throne in 1223, and Jakub, their only son, born in 1218.

The war with Duke Tore of Brabant, which had begun during Przemysław’s reign, focused on the County of Blankenburg, ruled by Countess Fru Ilmetrud. These lands, considered de jure part of the Duchy of Saxony-Wittenberg, were seen by Jan as rightfully belonging to his realm. The fighting lasted nearly a year, ultimately resulting in Jan’s victory and the annexation of new territories in the western reaches of the Mazovian Empire.

However, tragedy struck during one of Jan’s tours of the villages and towns in the County of Poznań. He was betrayed by his trusted coachman, leading to his carriage plummeting off a cliff. As Jan lay in the shattered remains of the carriage, his bones broken and blood filling his lungs, he pondered who might have orchestrated the attack. Likely suspects included his brother, Henryk—after all, who else stood to gain from Jan’s death? His young son, Jakub, was far too young to conspire against him.

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Jan’s untimely death in the prime of his life ended what had been a promising reign. Following his assassination, the throne passed to his only son, the seven-year-old Jakub. Fearing for her son’s life, Mathiko, the queen mother, grew increasingly concerned that the assassins who had killed her husband would target her child next. For this reason, it was decided that Jakub would remain under her care while the realm was governed on his behalf by his uncle, Henryk, Duke of Samogitia.

Jan’s reign lasted only two years, during which he managed to annex new territories in the west.

Map of the Mazovian Empire in 1225​

Królestwo Krymskie - Crimean Kingdom
Królestwo Mołdawskie - Moldavian Kingdom
Królestwo Wołoskie - Wallachian Kingdom
Królestwo Bawarii - Bavarian Kingdom
Królestwo Karyntii - Carinthian Kingdom
Królestwo Danii - Denmark Kingdom
Ruś Kijowska - Kievan Rus'
Ruś Nowogrodzka - Novgorodian Rus'
Królestwo Liwońskie – Livonian Kingdom
1 - Teutonic Order
2 - Kingdom of Gautariki
3 - Duchy of Holstein
4 - Duchy of Brabant
5 - Duchy of Franconia
6 - Duchy of Balaton
7 - Kingdom of Croatia
8 - Duchy of Chrobati

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

That was brief, Jakub probably won't last much longer though...

 

[kakom]

Chapter 41 (1225–1235)​

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After the death of Jan I, the throne passed to his seven-year-old son, Jakub I. On July 14, 1225, just two weeks after Jan’s funeral, the young monarch was crowned. According to agreements reached between Jakub’s mother, Mathiko, and his uncle, Henryk, Duke of Samogitia, Henryk was to serve as regent until Jakub came of age. During the regency, Jakub remained under the care of his mother, who, since her husband’s death, had fallen into paranoia, seeing conspiracies against her son’s life everywhere.

Henryk, Jakub’s uncle and regent, was content with his role and position. Lacking personal ambition or a thirst for power, he loved his brother dearly and resolved to protect his nephew from all potential threats.

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A year later, Jakub’s aunt, Małgorzata Przemyska, reached marriageable age. In accordance with agreements made by Przemysław I, she was married to Hypatios, the ruler of the Kingdom of Sicily. Jan’s elder sister and another aunt of Jakub, Wolisława, had long been married; Przemysław had arranged her union with Ferguson, an Irish prince. Meanwhile, Mathiko and Henryk arranged a suitable match for Jakub’s eldest sister, Zofia. She was betrothed to the underage ruler of the Kingdom of France, Arnaud.

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On April 11, 1230, Mathiko, Jakub’s mother and guardian, passed away. A grand funeral was held in Poznań Cathedral, where most Mazovian monarchs and their spouses had been laid to rest. Mathiko was buried in a sarcophagus beside her husband, Jan I. She died at the age of 36, leaving Jakub in the care of his uncle, Henryk, who continued as regent.

Twelve-year-old Jakub deeply mourned the loss of his mother, who had been his entire world. Henryk took it upon himself to shape his nephew into a great conqueror and warrior, akin to Jakub’s grandfather and father, Przemysław I "The Bastard."

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To this end, Henryk brought the best fencing masters from abroad to train Jakub in the art of swordsmanship. Additionally, Jakub was made to study the great conquerors of past centuries, learning strategies employed by Julius Caesar during his conquest of Gaul and Hannibal Barca’s tactics in defeating the Romans at Cannae. These efforts prepared Jakub for his future role as Emperor, molding him into a brilliant tactician who, like his grandfather, was eager to expand the empire's borders.

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From the distant steppes of Central Asia, a second Mongol horde, known as the Golden Horde, began its advance. Led by Batu Khan, another grandson of Genghis Khan, these bloodthirsty warriors set their sights on conquering European lands. The horde ravaged one state after another to the east of the Mazovian Empire’s borders. On July 13, 1233, they conquered the Khanate of Aktobe in the Battle of Aktobe. Two years later, the horde swallowed the Kingdom of Perm. Though these lands were pagan, tales of the invaders’ cruelty sent shivers down the spines of many.

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In Jakub’s view, confrontation with the Mongols was inevitable. He believed it was only a matter of time before the horde reached the borders of his empire. Determined to prepare, Jakub sought assistance from Pope Innocent VII, requesting financial support. The funds generously provided by the Holy See were used to hire mercenary banners to bolster the imperial retinue as well as the local and noble contingents.

In addition, Jakub sent letters requesting aid from all the knightly orders. The Teutonic Knights, the Hospitallers, and the Templars—three of the largest and most powerful knightly orders—responded positively to his call. By 1238, Jakub had assembled the largest army the Mazovian Empire had ever fielded.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

Henryk was the best kind of uncle for Jakub to have, competent enough to take the throne for himself, but loyal enough to not have any ambition to take the throne for himself.

 

[Chac1]

Thanks for the new chapter. Given the way CK often plays out, Jakub was lucky that Henryk did not have much ambition. Often it turns out the jealous uncle not only kills off his own brother in a plot, but then he goes after his nephew's lands and titles. Glad this worked out differently. However, the Golden Horde looks like a challenge.

 

[kakom]

Henryk was the best kind of uncle for Jakub to have, competent enough to take the throne for himself, but loyal enough to not have any ambition to take the throne for himself.

Thanks for the new chapter. Given the way CK often plays out, Jakub was lucky that Henryk did not have much ambition. Often it turns out the jealous uncle not only kills off his own brother in a plot, but then he goes after his nephew's lands and titles. Glad this worked out differently. However, the Golden Horde looks like a challenge.

Yes Jakub I was very lucky in this respect. I myself expected him to be killed or Henryk to usurp the throne as regent because I had similar situations several times when I played CK2.

 

[kakom]

Chapter 42 (1235 – 1240)

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In 1236, the Golden Horde invaded the neighboring Kingdom of the Crimean Hungarians, defeating their forces near Theodosia and then capturing and plundering the capital of this once-prosperous kingdom. The devastating defeat of the Hungarians seemed to confirm the belief that Mongol horsemen were invincible warriors, spreading destruction and ruin wherever they went. The ruling Arpad dynasty was entirely exterminated by the Mongol conquerors, while minor landowners were allowed to keep their lives and properties in exchange for paying tribute to the Khan.

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As the Golden Horde looted and burned Theodosia, Jakub’s forces began marching toward the border with the former Crimean Hungarian Kingdom. Jakub had managed to gather a massive army of nearly 120,000 troops, with a single goal: to halt the Mongol onslaught. On July 15, 1237, the Mazovian forces crossed the border and entered lands occupied by the Golden Horde. The timing of the attack could not have been better—Batu Khan had died in battles against the Hungarians, and the Horde was now led by his underage son, Bagaridai.

Bagaridai sent his forces, numbering around 80,000 to 100,000 troops, to confront Jakub. The area near the small town of Pierwomajsk became the battlefield where the two armies clashed. The battle occurred on April 9, 1238. Jakub positioned his forces in two lines, each consisting of four banners, with his personal imperial banner held in reserve. The first line was composed of knightly orders and mercenary banners, while the second line consisted of local and noble contingents. This arrangement was designed to minimize casualties among Mazovian knights.

The Mongol army adopted a two-layered formation with a strong reserve comprising their most experienced and well-equipped warriors.

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The battle began with an assault by the first Mazovian line, consisting of mercenaries and knights from religious orders. Jakub sought to test the Mongols’ tactics. The Mazovians struck along the entire Mongol front, forcing the enemy to retreat briefly before unleashing a devastating hail of arrows. This barrage decimated the knightly and mercenary banners.

Jakub then deployed his second line to support the first, pushing the Golden Horde’s forces back along the entire front. In response, the Mongol commander, with no better options, sent his reserves into battle.

At this critical moment, Jakub led his personal reserve banner into the fray, orchestrating a maneuver that encircled the Mongol forces. This decisive move resulted in the complete rout of the Mongol army, which was forced to flee. The battle concluded with an overwhelming Mazovian victory.

The Golden Horde suffered catastrophic losses, with an estimated 45,000 to 70,000 Mongol warriors killed on the battlefield. Mazovian losses were also significant, but Jakub’s decision to send mercenaries and knightly orders into the initial clashes minimized his own casualties, reducing them to around 20,000. This victory shattered the backbone of the Golden Horde. After the ensuing peace agreement, the territories captured by Jakub remained under his control. Shortly afterward, the Ilkhanate launched its own invasion against the Golden Horde.

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Upon returning to Poznań in October 1239, Jakub married Cathan, the daughter of Irish ruler Ruirech II. The marriage was primarily a political alliance, though Cathan turned out to be a charming and graceful woman who quickly won Jakub’s affection. Their union bore fruit a year later with the birth of their first daughter, Pechna.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

Jakub has done well to defeat the Golden Horde, and hopefully the Mongol infighting will continue so that Mazovia can continue to expand.

 

[Chac1]

Congratulations on defeating the Horde! Well done. This was definitely a happy chapter. You don't often get those.

 

[kakom]

Chapter 43 (1240–1245)​

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At the end of 1240, following his victorious campaign against the Golden Horde, Jakub had become a symbol in Europe of a defender of the Christian faith and a paragon of military strategy. He began preparations for another military campaign, this time targeting Kievan Rus. The aim of this campaign was to reclaim parts of the Kievan principality that lay outside the borders of the Mazovian Empire.

The Principality of Kiev had been annexed to Mazovia by Zygmunt II, who invaded Kievan Rus in 1042 to incorporate these lands into his realm. However, parts of these territories were lost during the reign of Konrad III Zygmuntowicz, who, while dealing with a rebellion of magnates, lacked the resources to fend off a pagan Rus invasion in 1140. He was forced to acknowledge the loss of these lands to Kievan Rus.

Jakub assembled an army of 45,000 troops to achieve his goal. On April 12, 1240, he marched from Poznań at the head of his forces toward the borders with Kievan Rus, initiating a conflict that lasted nearly three years. This war, fought between 1240 and 1243, culminated in the Second Battle of Kiev, which took place on January 12, 1243.

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On the frozen Ukrainian steppes surrounding Kiev, two armies clashed: Jakub's Mazovian knights, numbering 40,000, against the army of Grand Prince Rogovold of Kiev, consisting of 38,000 men. This battle, fought on the frost-hardened ground southwest of Kiev, became one of the greatest military victories in Mazovian history.

At dawn, the Rus forces launched an attack on the Mazovian lines positioned on the opposite side of the Dnieper River. Heavily armored mounted boyars and Kievan infantry, arranged in wedge formation, struck the Mazovian center, composed primarily of heavily armored foot knights. Jakub ordered his first lines to retreat strategically, luring the enemy forward. The icy slopes of the Dnieper hindered further Rus advances.

When the Rus forces became ensnared in combat with Mazovian troops at the center, Jakub executed his plan. He commanded both flanks of his army to strike, encircling the Rus forces. The final act of this battle was an assault by Jakub's reserves, held back in case of a failure in the initial strategy. The reserves attacked the enemy’s rear, leading to their complete encirclement.

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The battle ended by the evening of that day. Numerous Rus counts and princes were captured, and Jakub secured significant ransoms for their release. On February 23, 1243, Rogovold sent envoys to Jakub's camp near Kiev to propose peace terms. According to these terms, the territories claimed by Jakub as part of the Kievan principality would become his, and Rogovold agreed to pay a substantial tribute in gold in exchange for peace. The terms aligned with Jakub's objectives, and the treaty was officially signed on February 25, 1243.

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Following his victory over Kievan Rus, Jakub began displaying increasing arrogance toward both his political opponents and battlefield adversaries. This pride earned him the moniker "The Proud," a trait that ultimately led to his downfall. As negotiations with Rogovold's envoys were ongoing, Jakub was already planning another campaign—this time against his pagan neighbors, the Livonian Kingdom.

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Before embarking on the Livonian campaign in 1244, Jakub returned to Poznań to secure a male heir needed to ensure the continuity of the his dynasty on the Mazovian throne. His visit to the bedchamber of his beautiful wife Cathan resulted in the birth of another daughter, whom he named Kazimiera.

The birth of another daughter was concerning, as the lack of a male heir meant the throne would pass to Jakub's uncle. However, his uncle also lacked a son. This situation jeopardized the dynasty's future. Prospects for his uncle Henryk to have offspring were slim, as Henryk had married Katarzyna Korecka, a daughter of Jan III Korecki, Prince of Halicz-Bełz, who was ten years his senior.

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During his time in the capital, Jakub arranged the betrothal of his younger sister Grzymisława to the Byzantine Emperor Theoktistos, Jakub's cousin, as he was the son of Jakub's aunt Wolisława. His older sister, Zofia, had married the French King Arnaud, to whom Jakub sent a significant dowry in gold.

Unable to stay idle in Poznań, Jakub launched his campaign against the Livonian Kingdom. His goal was to conquer the lands of Semigallia, located north of the Samogitian Duchy. Livonian King Vaidiginas II chose not to face Jakub in open battle, forcing the Mazovian ruler to lay siege to castles and settlements. To pressure Vaidiginas into battle, Jakub allowed his troops to engage in plunder, rape, and murder across the occupied territories. This only fueled greater resistance among the pagan populace.

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Jakub marched on Riga, the Livonian capital, hoping its capture would force Vaidiginas to capitulate or at least begin negotiations. He attempted to seize the city by storm, arriving at its walls on November 14, 1244. The attack began on November 15 and continued for three days but failed due to the lack of siege engines. Livonian defenders, aware they would be shown no mercy, repelled the first assault. Jakub then settled in for a siege, constructing battering rams, catapults, and towers for a renewed assault.

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The siege lasted until December 1244. On December 12, a deceptive attack was launched to confuse the defenders, who responded slowly. As Mazovian troops scaled the walls with ladders, catapults unleashed a barrage to ignite fires within the wooden city. With the gates smashed by battering rams, more Mazovian knights poured into the city, resulting in a massacre of its inhabitants.

By December 15, it was clear that Vaidiginas had never commanded the defense of his capital, having fled before the Mazovian army's arrival. Jakub had to settle for capturing his wife, Sarmita, and part of their offspring.

After sacking Riga, Jakub marched back toward Semigallia, which his troops had already subdued. Vaidiginas' envoys arrived, offering any terms for the safe return of his wife and children. In exchange for their release, Vaidiginas paid a substantial sum of gold and ceded Semigallia to Jakub I.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

Prospects for his uncle Henryk to have offspring were slim, as Henryk had married Katarzyna Korecka, a daughter of Jan III Korecki, Prince of Halicz-Bełz, who was ten years his senior.

CK AI logic in a nutshell...

 

[NarcomancerPL]

CK AI logic in a nutshell...

Never say never. This game can really surprise you sometime

 

[Ruwaard]

CK AI logic in a nutshell...

Yes and no, since this did happen, though usually only to heiresses, or an ambitious count on the rise marrying a Queen Dowager (like the Meinhardiner of Tirol and Görz).

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

Yes and no, since this did happen, though usually only to heiresses, or an ambitious count on the rise marrying a Queen Dowager (like the Meinhardiner of Tirol and Görz).

I know, but in CK it is way too common (usually when I create vassals, I see the first 40 year old widows marrying the first 16 year old second generation vassals to establish a non-aggression pact because my vassals only marry outside of my realm if they had enough Grace to get a spouse from China. It only really stops because the mods I use mean that most rulers who marry a spouse their own age or younger will end up with more than enough children to marry off for NAPs)

 

[kakom]

Chapter 44 (1245–1248)

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After the victorious campaign against the pagans, Jakub returned to Poznań with the intention of preparing for another military expedition to the East. On February 12, 1246, Jakub entered the gates of Poznań, where commoners greeted his victorious return to the capital of the Mazovian Empire. He spent the next two years in the city before marching into battle again. His next campaign was planned against the Novgorod Rus', which at the time was engulfed in civil war. Jakub intended to wait two years before attacking, hoping that the warring Rus' factions would weaken each other.

During his stay in the capital, Jakub engaged in intensive preparations to amass the resources necessary for the planned conflict. His wars against the Mongols, Kievan Rus', and the Kingdom of Livonia had depleted the Mazovian treasury. To acquire the needed gold, he raised taxes on the Church and cities established under imperial law. These measures quickly replenished Jakub’s coffers, and he planned to lower these taxes again after the war with Novgorod.

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In the meantime, Jakub attended banquets organized by his wife, Cathania. During one of these celebrations, Jakub came to realize that his wife was an extraordinary woman. She was remarkably responsible and capable, effectively ruling the empire in his absence. Additionally, her beauty outshone that of many other noblewomen. Jakub understood for the first time that he loved his wife; until then, their union had been purely formal.

During one of their walks through the gardens of the Poznań palace, Jakub confessed his deep love to Cathania. From that evening on, their marriage took on a more emotional expression. Jakub no longer visited his wife’s chamber out of obligation, but out of affection and desire.

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This rekindled passion between the imperial couple resulted in Cathania’s blessed state. Nine months later, she gave birth to a son, who became the heir to the Mazovian throne. The boy was named Jakub, likely due to his father’s apparent self-admiration.

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The birth of a son fulfilled Jakub’s personal ambitions and ensured the dynasty’s continuity, which had seemed at risk. Henryk, Jakub’s uncle, attended the baptism of his nephew, which took place on April 12, 1247.

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Three weeks after the baptism, monks from a nearby contemplative monastery founded by Zygmunt III in 1120 came to Jakub with a request for funds to restore their convent. Being in a good mood, Jakub approved the allocation of resources to renovate the monastic buildings and church, which housed the tombs of four Mazovian rulers from the Zygmuntowicz dynasty.

By January 1248, Jakub was ready to embark on his campaign against Novgorod. He assembled an army of 45,000 soldiers, which he believed sufficient to subdue the Rus'. In February, he set out with plans to invade the Principality of Polotsk. By April, Jakub crossed the border between the Mazovian Empire and the lands of Novgorod Rus'. He divided his forces into two large armies: one under his direct command, numbering 25,000 men, aimed toward Vitebsk; and another, 20,000 strong, led by his uncle Henryk, besieging Polotsk.

Upon reaching the outskirts of Vitebsk, Jakub encountered an advancing Novgorod army commanded by Grand Prince Mitrofan I, consisting of approximately 24,000 troops. Without the advantage of numbers or surprise, Jakub decided to retreat to Polotsk to regroup with Henryk’s forces and crush the Novgorodians. However, Jakub underestimated his opponents. Mitrofan had called for reinforcements from his relative Rogovold, Grand Prince of Kiev and husband to Mitrofan’s sister. In his arrogance, Jakub failed to conduct adequate reconnaissance and remained unaware of Rogovold’s approach with 28,000 troops from the southeast.

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When Jakub's rearguard informed him that Rogovold's forces had cut off his retreat, he realized he was trapped between two formidable armies. With no other options, Jakub decided to attack the Kievan forces before the Novgorodians could join them—a desperate act born out of a no-win situation. He also sent messengers to Henryk, hoping his uncle’s forces would arrive in time.

When Henryk finally reached the battlefield near Vitebsk, he found only a blood-soaked plain littered with tens of thousands of corpses. The Rus' forces had withdrawn eastward due to heavy casualties. Jakub’s body was discovered after an arduous search; only the distinctiveness of his attire allowed him to be identified among the mangled knights. Henryk decided to withdraw from Novgorod's borders with his nephew’s remains.

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Jakub’s death at the Battle of Vitebsk left his one-year-old son, Jakub II, on the throne. Jakub I’s embalmed remains were transported to Poznań and interred in the cathedral founded by Bogumił I. Known as Jakub "the Proud," he went down in history as one of Mazovia’s most notable monarchs. However, his arrogance and hubris ultimately led to his death at just 28 years old, ending his reign.

Map of the Mazovian Empire, 1248​

Królestwo Danii - Denmark Kingdom
Zakon Krzyżacki - Teutonic Order
Królestwo Liwońskie – Livonian Kingdom
Ruś Nowogrodzka - Novgorodian Rus'
Ruś Kijowska - Kievan Rus'
Królestwo Mołdawskie - Moldavian Kingdom
Królestwo Wołoskie - Wallachian Kingdom
Królestwo Bawarii - Bavarian Kingdom
1 - Duchy of Holstein
2 - Duchy of Brabant
3 - Duchy of Franconia
4 - Kingdom of Lombardy
5 - Kingdom of Carinthia
6 - Kingdom of Croatia
7 - Duchy of Chrobati
8 - The Golden Horde

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

Henryk despises his great-nephew (-100 opinion), I don't think he's going to play nice this time around...

 

[kakom]

CK AI logic in a nutshell...

Never say never. This game can really surprise you sometime

Yes and no, since this did happen, though usually only to heiresses, or an ambitious count on the rise marrying a Queen Dowager (like the Meinhardiner of Tirol and Görz).

I know, but in CK it is way too common (usually when I create vassals, I see the first 40 year old widows marrying the first 16 year old second generation vassals to establish a non-aggression pact because my vassals only marry outside of my realm if they had enough Grace to get a spouse from China. It only really stops because the mods I use mean that most rulers who marry a spouse their own age or younger will end up with more than enough children to marry off for NAPs)

Standard ck AI, this was played on a very old version of the game.

Henryk despises his great-nephew (-100 opinion), I don't think he's going to play nice this time around...

It will be revealed in the following chapters

 

[Ruwaard]

@kakom : except for having succeeded in siring a male heir, Jakub I the Proud of Mazovia came across as a Mazovian version of Charles the Bold of Burgundy.