Polotia recepta. Mapa Księstwa Połockiego – teksty i preteksty sporu o władzę

Polotia recepta. A Map of the Principality Polatsk: Texts and Pretexts thePower Dispute This study discusses an important aspect a political message conveyed by Stanisław Pachołowiecki’s map, published in 1580 G.B Cavalieri’s printing house Rome as part The Atlas Polatsk – Descriptio Ducatus Polocensis. question is one paratexts, presenting detailed historical note on Principality. main goal to prove double hypothesis, first that was key argument legitimising rule Stephen Báthory contested Tsar Ivan Terrible not only over small territory under dispute but whole Great Duchy Lithuania Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, second, decision aim military offensive 1577–1582 war at motivated rather than or strategic considerations. In section I, preliminary assumptions, theses research methods are presented. Then, II, context propaganda campaign, map ideological framework, introduced. followed critical analysis note, based Polish Ruthenian-Lithuanian sources (III.1). next (III.2) demonstrates held central place Muscovite discourse. Having proclaimed himself heir throne crown Poland, seized land Polatsk, efficient diplomacy started assert tsar’s alleged dynastic claim Poland. this way, manipulated history “recovered Polatsk”, recepta, argued be Lithuania, can seen reply discourse power drawing claims non-existent duchy, matter legitimisation elective monarchy opposed hereditary one. discussed theatrical iconic form triumph (III.3), author highlights long life myth statehood its sign ificance for today’s Belarusian identity