The coronation of Władysław I the Elbow-high as King of Poland at Wawel Cathedral on January 20, 1320, was a pivotal event in Polish history. This ceremony ended the period of feudal fragmentation and symbolically united Polish lands under one scepter. This event restored the institution of the Kingdom of Poland after nearly 200 years of interruption.

The Coronation of Władysław I the Elbow-high as King of Poland was a crucial event in our country's history. This moment not only marked the return to royal tradition but also symbolized the unification of Polish lands after the period of feudal fragmentation.

Władysław I the Elbow-high, known for his determination and leadership abilities, went a long way to achieve this goal. His coronation was the culmination of many years of efforts to unite Poland and strengthen its position in the international arena. In this article, we will look closer at the circumstances and date of this breakthrough event that forever changed the face of Polish statehood.

Poland before the coronation of Władysław the Elbow-high was in a period of deep political and territorial transformations. The country was divided into many duchies, which significantly weakened its position in the international arena.

The feudal fragmentation, lasting from 1138 to 1320, was characterized by the division of Poland into numerous duchies. This process began after the death of Bolesław III Wrymouth, who in his testament divided the country among his sons. The effects of the fragmentation included:

• Weakening of central authority
• Conflicts between regional dukes
• Loss of Poland's importance in international relations
• Threat from neighboring states, especially the Teutonic Order

The feudal fragmentation led to territorial fragmentation, making it difficult to effectively manage the country and defend its borders.

Several attempts to unify Poland were made before the coronation of Władysław the Elbow-high:

• Henry IV Probus: sought to unite Silesia and Lesser Poland
• Przemysł II: unified Greater Poland and Pomerelia, crowned king in 1295
• Wenceslaus II of Bohemia: took control over a significant part of Polish lands, crowned in 1300

These actions, although partially successful, did not lead to permanent unification of the country. Władysław the Elbow-high, learning from his predecessors' experiences, continued the process of unifying Polish lands, striving to rebuild a strong state.

Władysław the Elbow-high overcame numerous obstacles on his way to the Polish crown. His determination and leadership skills enabled him to unite Polish lands and rebuild a strong state.

The Elbow-high began the process of unifying Polish lands in 1306 by regaining Lesser Poland. He systematically expanded his influence, gaining control over Kuyavia and the lands of Sieradz and Łęczyca. In 1314, he incorporated Greater Poland, which significantly strengthened his position. The prince conducted effective foreign policy, forming alliances with Hungary and Lithuania, which helped him in his fight against the Teutonic Knights and Bohemians.

The Elbow-high had to face numerous political opponents. He defeated rival families such as the Święc family in Gdańsk and the Zaremba family in Greater Poland. In 1311, he suppressed the rebellion of Vogt Albert in Kraków, consolidating his power in Lesser Poland. He effectively fought internal opposition, eliminating threats from ambitious nobles. His greatest success was defeating John of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia, who claimed rights to the Polish crown.

The coronation of Władysław I the Elbow-high as King of Poland marked a turning point in the country's history. This event symbolically ended the period of feudal fragmentation and began a new chapter in Polish statehood.

Władysław I the Short was crowned King of Poland on January 20, 1320. The ceremony took place at the Wawel Cathedral in Kraków, the traditional coronation site of Polish monarchs. The choice of this date was not coincidental - it fell on the feast day of St. Fabian and St. Sebastian, which gave the ceremony additional religious significance. The Wawel Cathedral, as the central place of religious worship and a symbol of royal power, emphasized the importance of the event and legitimized the authority of the new monarch.

The coronation ceremonies of Władysław I the Short were carefully planned and conducted according to the prevailing ceremonial protocol. The ceremony included:

1. Procession: Władysław the Short and his wife Jadwiga of Kalisz arrived at the cathedral in a solemn procession.
2. Anointing: Archbishop Janisław of Gniezno anointed the monarch with holy oils.
3. Bestowal of regalia: The king received the crown, scepter, and royal orb - symbols of monarchical power.
4. Coronation oath: Władysław I took an oath, pledging to defend the interests of the Kingdom and the Church.
5. Homage of nobles: Representatives of the nobility and knighthood pledged their allegiance to the new king.

The ceremony gathered numerous church and secular dignitaries, including bishops, princes, and representatives of the nobility. Łokietek's coronation was not only a religious act but also a political one, confirming his rule over the unified Polish lands and recognition by the country's elites.

The coronation of Władysław the Short as King of Poland in 1320 had fundamental significance for the country's history. This event not only formally ended the period of feudal fragmentation but also initiated a new era in the history of Polish statehood.

The coronation of Władysław Łokietek restored the institution of the Kingdom of Poland after nearly 200 years of interruption. This act symbolized the rebirth of a unified Polish state and a return to the traditions of the Piast monarchy. The restoration of the kingdom strengthened Poland's position in the international arena, giving it status equal to other European monarchies. The legitimization of Łokietek's power by Pope John XXII further reinforced his position as the rightful ruler of the unified kingdom.

The coronation of Łokietek had a significant impact on Poland's domestic and foreign policy. Internally, it strengthened central authority and accelerated the process of administrative unification of the country. The king introduced a uniform legal and monetary system, which promoted economic development. In foreign policy, the coronation strengthened Poland's negotiating position. Łokietek formed alliances with Hungary and Lithuania, which helped in confrontations with the Teutonic Order. Poland became an active participant in Central European politics, resulting in an increase in its importance on the international stage.

The coronation of Władysław I Łokietek as King of Poland in 1320 began a new chapter in the country's history, but it also brought numerous challenges. The new monarch had to face both external threats and internal problems in the process of consolidating his power.

The Teutonic Order posed a serious threat to Poland's territorial integrity. Łokietek conducted intensive diplomatic and military actions against the Knights. In 1327, the Battle of Płowce took place, where Polish forces achieved a significant victory over the Order's forces. The conflict with the Teutonic Knights also included disputes over Pomerania, which the Order had seized in 1308. Łokietek repeatedly intervened with the Pope on this matter, seeking to recover the lost territories.

The consolidation of royal power after the coronation required many efforts from Łokietek:

1. Administrative reforms: Introduction of the office of General Starosta in Greater Poland and Lesser Poland.
2. Economic policy: Granting privileges to cities to gain their support.
3. Combating internal opposition: Suppressing rebellions and winning over the magnates.
4. Unification of law: Striving to standardize the legal system throughout the kingdom.
5. Strengthening royal authority: Organizing court ceremonies and rituals emphasizing the ruler's majesty.

Łokietek also had to face rivalry from John of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia, who claimed rights to the Polish crown. Effective diplomacy and alliances with Hungary and Lithuania helped Łokietek strengthen his position in the international arena.

• Władysław I Łokietek was crowned King of Poland on January 20, 1320, in the Wawel Cathedral in Kraków.
• The coronation symbolized the end of the feudal fragmentation period and the unification of Polish lands.
• This event restored the institution of the Kingdom of Poland after nearly 200 years of interruption, strengthening Poland's position in the international arena.
• Łokietek had to overcome numerous political opponents and face external threats, particularly from the Teutonic Order.
• The coronation initiated the process of royal power consolidation, administrative reforms, and legal unification in Poland.

The coronation of Władysław I Łokietek on January 20, 1320, was a breakthrough moment in Polish history. This event ended the period of feudal fragmentation and initiated a new era of a unified kingdom.

Łokietek not only restored the institution of monarchy but also strengthened Poland's position in the international arena. His determination and political skills enabled the effective unification of Polish lands.

The coronation paved the way for administrative reforms, legal unification, and economic development. Despite challenges such as the threat from the Teutonic Knights, Władysław I Łokietek laid the foundations for a strong and unified Polish state.