The turmoil of the 1030s in the Polish territory has so far attracted attention of historians. A detailed analysis of the information available in the written sources has strengthened a position in the result of which (in line with the... more
The turmoil of the 1030s in the Polish territory has so far attracted attention of historians. A detailed analysis of the information available in the written sources has strengthened a position in the result of which (in line with the reference to the events in question) the pagan backlash was to stem primarily from religious reasons. This interpretations suggests and provokes reception of Mieszko II's domain as a completely Christian organisation. Consequently, at least officially it suggests that the pagan communities had been pushed to the margins of the society. Scholars have no doubts that these communities existed because they are regarded to have affected the events of the 1030s. Was it really the case? An analysis of archaeological sources, previously not used in the discussion of the pagan backlash, does not answer the questions so unambiguously. There is a strong indication that the followers of the old values did not have to flee from persecutions or the missionary ideology. It also looks like they did not have to fear financial exploitation for the benefit of the established church structures which could have easily operated parallel to venues referring to the traditional religious symbols. If we assume that it was the case, were the events of the 1030s in fact a pagan backlash? This question was at the basis of the considerations presented in this text.
Reakcja pogańska" jako forma realizacji polityki zewnętrznej połabskich organizmów politycznych Summary "Pagan reaction" as a form of realization foreign policy by Wendish political centres There are evidences, that West Slavic pagan... more
Reakcja pogańska" jako forma realizacji polityki zewnętrznej połabskich organizmów politycznych Summary "Pagan reaction" as a form of realization foreign policy by Wendish political centres There are evidences, that West Slavic pagan political centers used so-called pagan reaction in theirs foreign policy. Best exeples for that are 3 rd insurection of Wends, overthrow of Obodrites dukes (Mstislav in 1018 AD, and Gotszalk in 1066 AD), Rugian intervention in Szczecin while Otton of Bamberg second missionary trip, 11 th century revolution in Poland, and related with it separation of Pomerania from Piast monarchy. Stroimir insurection was inspired from abroad too, however it ware Bavarian political influences behind it. Special feature of this type of events (excluding Rugian expedition on Szczecin) was useing of propaganda in order to revolt local citizents against authority and christianity. As a main inspirators we found two north-wendish political centres: Lutician Federation and Rugian tribe. Ideological and propaganda basis of such events was based on established vision of relationship between comunity that intervented and the greatest divinity in wide accepted pantheon. Sources shows, that was happening by character "Svarog's son", namely famous Svarozic from Rethra. It was manifested in overtribal magnitude of sanctuaries related with mentioned political centres (Rethra, Arkona). Contents of narration could be placed in well known in region ethnogenetic myth, which emphasizes community uniqueness, her ancient traditions and special place in region history. Wendish federations and tribal states in this way become a kind of "Chosen people". Successes of political center were factors that strengthened credibility of propaganda. Without them devine hierarchy might change. Mentioned propaganda contents reach recipients by oracle activity, or council summoned ad hoc. Under the pretext of counteract sacrilege and with use of internal opposition, members of a neighboring tribes were incited against the authority. Factor that facilitate this way of intervention was ruler cultural alienation towards his subjects.
