Skirmunt, Prince of Black Ruthenia 1192 – before 1219

Skirmunt: Grand Prince of Lithuania and Ruler of the Transforming Eastern Europe

Skirmunt (Скирмунт, Скирмонт, Скирмон), the Grand Prince of Lithuania 1219 – after 1241, the Prince of Black Ruthenia 1192 – before 1219, the Prince of Kiernów, Berestia, Mielnik, Horoden, Pińsk {independent principality until 1241}, Turów {independent principality 988 – 1010, 1078 – 1238}, Mozyrz, Czernihów {independent principality 1024 – 1036, 1054 – 1239}, Starodub, Karaczów, was born before 1192, died after 1241.

• *Early Years and Rise to Power (Before 1192 - 1219)**

Skirmunt, the Grand Prince of Lithuania, and Prince of Black Ruthenia, whose life spanned a tumultuous period in Eastern Europe, left an indelible mark on the history of Lithuania and Black Ruthenia. Skirmunt was born into a dynamic and evolving Eastern Europe, a region marked by shifting borders, power struggles, and territorial disputes. His exact birth date remains uncertain but is estimated to have occurred sometime between 1177 and 1192 maybe in Nowogródek, Black Ruthenia, he emerged as a pivotal figure in the region during a time of great strife and conflict. Raised amidst the ever-changing political landscape, Skirmunt would emerge as a prominent figure in the history of Lithuania and the surrounding territories.

Skirmunt was the son of Mingajło, who held the title of Prince of Black Ruthenia after 1185 until 1192, and Isabella I Blois, who was the queen of Jerusalem and Cyprus. This lineage bestowed upon him a legacy of leadership and nobility. Skirmunt was a key figure in the politics and warfare of his era, and his life's events unfolded against a backdrop of constant struggle for power and territory.

His early years coincided with the rule of Princeps Mieszko III the Old in Poland. However, as 1177 approached, a rebellion led by the magnates arose against Mieszko III, resulting in his deposition. Casimir II the Just assumed the throne, inaugurating a period of political transition.

In the year 1180, a significant congress of the Piast dukes convened in Łęczyca, potentially reshaping the geopolitical situation in the region. Skirmunt was a witness to these important events, which unfolded against the backdrop of competing noble interests.

In his early years, during this period, Skirmunt held various titles and territorial dominions, including the title of Prince of Black Ruthenia, succeeding his father in this role from 1192 to sometime before 1219. Black Ruthenia was a country fraught with geopolitical tensions, and Skirmunt faced numerous challenges in maintaining control and stability within his principality. He also presided over the principalities of Kiernów, Berestia, Mielnik, Horoden, Pińsk, Turów, Mozyrz, and Czernihów, each with its own significance in the regional context.

Skirmunt's rule coincided with a transformative era in Eastern Europe. The early 13th century saw the passing of significant rulers and the emergence of powerful figures. Mieszko III the Old's death in 1202 led to a brief reign by his son, Władysław III Spindleshanks, before Leszek the White took control.

The region also experienced the extensive rule of Henry I the Bearded in Silesia, which extended from 1202 to 1238. During this time, various legal developments and territorial changes were underway. Granting privileges to the clergy, exemplified by the Borzykowski privilege of 1210, reflected the evolving political and religious dynamics.

Of particular significance was the establishment of Złotoryja under the Magdeburg Law in 1211, a pivotal moment in adopting German legal principles within Poland. The Wolbork privilege of 1215 further illustrated the evolving relationship between district princes and the clergy.

• *Changing Dynasties and Territorial Conflicts (1219 – After 1241)**

As the years passed, Skirmunt's influence expanded further. He ascended to the position of the Grand Prince of Lithuania in 1219, a position of immense responsibility. This marked a significant turning point in his life, as he now had to navigate the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and external threats that defined the political landscape of the time. He played a pivotal role in the region's history as he navigated the intricate web of power politics.

The 1220s and 1230s were marked by external challenges, including Prussian invasions into Mazovia and the Culm land. These events led to expeditions against the Prussians, initiated by figures such as Leszek the White, Henry the Bearded, and the Pomeranian dukes.

In 1226, Skirmunt witnessed Konrad of Mazowiecki's negotiations with the Teutonic Knights, a German Crusading Order. These negotiations culminated in the Teutonic Knights' presence in the region, which would have profound and lasting consequences.

As the years progressed, Mendog (Mindaugas), half brother of Skirmunt’s great grandfather Montwiłł, united the tribes of South Lithuania in 1236, establishing his capital in Troki. The Teutonic Knights expanded their territorial holdings, and in 1237, the land under their rule was referred to as Livonia, encompassing modern-day Latvia and Estonia.

Skirmunt's reign was marked by a series of territorial acquisitions and diplomatic maneuvers, as he sought to expand and consolidate the domains under his rule. His leadership played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of Lithuania and Black Ruthenia during a pivotal period in their history.

Skirmunt's life continued to be marked by conflict and the defense of his lands. In 1237, he faced another significant challenge when Tatars, led by Genghis Khan's son Ögedei Khan, invaded the country. Skirmunt, ever the valiant defender of his people, engaged the Tatars in battle and successfully drove them away from Starodub, Karaczów, and most of Severia. His military prowess and determination were instrumental in repelling this formidable threat.

Szymon Dowkont (Simonas Daukantas) wrote in the history of Samogitia: “The year 1237 Krivė Krivaitis calls people to defend their land. The 25th of Shiloh (September): Ryngold (Ringaudas) gives a speech to the soldiers gathered at the Kamieniec castle [the tower of Kamieniec Litewski?], inviting them to die for their gods and freedom. After a changeable battle, the townspeople are crushed. The townspeople's magister Volkewîn, warlords Danenberg and Hasseldorf, 1 840 knights of Christ (brothers) and 27 000 other Christians die. Captured enemy flags were kept in the Thunder Church in Kiernów. The Tatars did not allow the end of the order of townsmen. Genghis Khan's son Ögedei Khan sends his warlord Batu Khan with 300 000 horsemen. At Kolomna, Batu Khan defeats the united army of George [Ginwill, the brother of Skirmunt], the Grand Prince of Gudia (Gudija) [the Prince of Połock]. After this battle, Batu Khan orders the Lithuanians to pay tribute as well. Ryngold cuts off the ears of the sent Tatar envoys. The Tatars move across the Dnieper. Near Kojdanów, Skirmunt takes the Tatar victory, the Tatar warlord himself is killed. Skirmunt drives out the Tatars from Starodub, Karaczów and almost all of Severia. Sons Lubart and Pisimont (Pryšmantas) are appointed governors of the new lands of Lithuania, and Treniota of Nowogródek.”

Throughout this period, Skirmunt's leadership played a vital role in maintaining stability and influence in the territories under his rule. He encountered the complex challenges posed by neighboring powers and evolving political landscapes, all of which tested his diplomatic and strategic skills.

The year 1241 marked a major turning point in the region as it witnessed the Tatar invasion of Poland and the Battle of Legnica, in which Henry the Pious tragically perished. In the wake of this turmoil, the fate of Eastern Europe hung in the balance.

• *Legacy and the Unwritten Chapters (After 1241)**

Skirmunt's life and legacy continued to unfold beyond the year 1241. His contributions to Lithuania, Black Ruthenia, and the broader Eastern European context left an indelible mark on the region's history.

As Eastern Europe underwent further transformations and territorial divisions in the late 13th century, the unwritten chapters of Skirmunt's life would have further shaped the destiny of these lands. His leadership, diplomatic acumen, and political stewardship during a turbulent era underscored his enduring significance in the annals of Eastern European history.

The precise details of Skirmunt's later life and eventual passing remain obscured by the passage of time. Nevertheless, his role as Grand Prince of Lithuania and ruler of the diverse principates served as a cornerstone of the region's history, leaving an indomitable imprint on the medieval world.

The legacy of Skirmunt extended beyond his lifetime. He appointed his sons Giligin, the Grand Prince of Lithuania and Ruthenia after 1241 – 1246; Lubart, the Prince of Karaczów, and Czernihów; Pisimont, the Prince of Turów, and Starodub; Trabus, the Grand Prince of Samogitia; and Treniota, Prince of Black Ruthenia after 1192 – before 1219, to govern various Lithuanian lands, ensuring the continuity of his rule and the protection of his people.

Skirmunt's exact date of death remains uncertain, but it is known that he lived on after 1241, witnessing further developments in the ever-evolving landscape of Eastern Europe. His life was a testament to the resilience and tenacity of the rulers and leaders of his time, who navigated the complexities of medieval politics and warfare to safeguard their lands and people. Skirmunt, the Prince of Black Ruthenia and the Grand Prince of Lithuania, left an enduring legacy as a protector and defender of his realm.

In the midst of these turbulent times, Skirmunt carved out his own path, playing a role in the intricate web of medieval European politics and warfare. His life was intertwined with the larger narrative of Black Ruthenia, Lithuania, Poland and Eastern Europe, a testament to the enduring spirit of the people and leaders who lived through these dynamic and transformative centuries.

Po Skirmanto viešpatavo jo sūnus Treniota. Jis viename baisiame mūšyje netoli Okuniovkos upės nugalėjo Kurdą13, skitų karaliaus Balaklajaus vadą, kuris surinkęs Užvolgio skitų būrius plačiai niokojo Rusią. Tame mūšyje žuvo Treniotos broliai Liubartas ir Pasimantas, garsūs karžygiai ir vadai. Tačiau nugalėtojo garbė teko Treniotai.

Simonas Daukantas Žemaitojos istorijoje rašė: "1237 metai Krivė Krivaitis ragina žmones ginti savo kraštą. 25 šilo (rugsėjis) mėnesio diena: ties Kamenes pilimi surinktiems kariams Rimgaudas pasako kalbą kviesdamas mirti už savo dievus ir laisvę. Po permainingos kovos miečeiviai sutriuškinami. Žūva miečeivių magistras Folkvinas, karvedžiai Danenbergas ir Haseldorfas, 1840 Kristaus riterių (brolių) ir 27 000 kitų krikščionių. Paimtos priešų vėliavos buvo laikomos Kernavėje Perkūno bažnyčioje. Pribaigti miečeivių ordiną neleido totoriai. Čingischano sūnus Oktajus (Očudajus) su 300 000 raitelių pasiunčia savo karvedį Batijų (Bataju). Ties Kolomna Batajus sumuša Didžiojo Gudų Kunigaikščio Jurgio jungtinę gudijos žemių armiją. Po šito mūšio mokėti duoklę Batajus paliepia ir lietuviams. Atsiustiems totorių pasiuntiniams Rimgaudas nupjausto ausis. Totoriai persikelia per Dnieprą. Prie Kaidanovo Skirmantas pergali totorius, pats totorių karvedys gauna galą. Skirmantas išveja totorius iš Starodubo, Karačevo ir veik visos Severijos. Naujų Lietuvos žemių valdytojais paskiriami sūnus Liubartas ir Pisimantas (Pryšmantas), o Naugarduko – Treniota. "