FROM VOLODYMYR YAROSLAVYCH TO VOLODYMYR YAROSLAVYCH: ON THE POSSIBLE MECHANISM FOR DETERMINING KEY LIFE DATES OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HALYCH PRINCELY BRANCH OF THE ROSTYSLAVYCH FAMILY FROM THE RIURYK DYNASTY

Abstract

In the mid-12th century, a powerful sovereign state formation – the Principality of Halych – emerged in the Carpathian region. For at least a century during the classical Middle Ages, it played a significant role in the political and cultural life of Europe. As in other patrimonial-type states, the rulers, specifically representatives of the Rostyslavych branch of the Riuryk dynasty, held a pivotal role in the Principality of Halych. These princes played an outstanding role during the formation of the appanage system of Kyivan
Rus’, contributing significantly to the establishment of the first sovereign principalities in the Carpathian region, from which the territorial Principality of Halych eventually emerged. The main objective of the proposed article is to examine the lives of the Halych Rostyslavych family as a cohesive phenomenon. This approach allows us to identify or approximate key milestones in their lives and estimate the approximate ages of specific family members. The scholarly inquiry begins with the presumed founder of the family, Prince Volodymyr Yaroslavych, son of Grand Prince Yaroslav Volodymyrovych ‘the Wise’ of Kyiv, who lived in the mid-11th century. It
concludes with Prince Volodymyr Yaroslavych, son of Yaroslav Volodymyrovych «Osmomysl», whose death in the late 12th century marked the end of the Halych branch of the Rostyslavych dynasty. This comprehensive approach provides an opportunity to clarify or hypothesize certain aspects of the political life of the Carpathian region from the late 11th century to the transition between the 12th and 13th centuries, specifically during the lifetime and political activity of the Rostyslavych dynasty representatives.