Abstract

The earliest mention of the relations between the Holy See and Mieszko's I country comes from an epitaph on Bolesław Chrobry's (destroyed) tomb. The epitaph mentions young Bolesław Chrobry's stay in Rome, where he was possibly sent as a German hostage in 973. The earlier connection between the Holy See and the Polish Missionary Bishop Jordan, who was directly answerable to the Pope, is seen as problematic. As per medieval records, Jordan was ordained as the Bishop of Mieszko I’s country in 968, even though it is commonly assumed he was ordained bishop in 967. The event is connected with the transfer of the Saxon rebel Wichmann the Younger’s sword to Otto I. The author of this study strives to connect Jordan’s appointment as bishop with the establishment of the Archdiocese of Magdeburg. According to the existing evidence, Jordan’s nomination took place during the Synodeof Ravenna in April 967, which saw the adoption of new Church structures across the Slavic states. Since it was only the pope himself who was entitled to license the Christianization of pagans, the author contends that the relations between the Holy See and the early Piast state must have predated Mieszko I’s baptism.