Chronica seu originale regum et principum Poloniae



Chronica seu originale regum et principum Poloniae, short name Chronica Polonorum, is a Latin history of Poland written by Wincenty Kadłubek between 1190 and 1208 CE. The work was probably commissioned by Casimir II of Poland. Consisting of four books, it describes Polish history.

Kadłubek included in his work many legendary and anachronistic events in an attempt to connect Polish history to antiquity, for example battles against Julius Caesar or events from early medieval Poland (for example the story of Princess Wanda). Such practice was not uncommon among chronicles in the Middle Ages.

The first, second, and third books are composed as a classical dialogue, where the author positions himself as a witness of a conversation. The Chronica's use of this style is unique in medieval literature but was frequently used in antiquity.

From May 2024, the copy of the Chronicle from 15th century is presented at a permanent exhibition in the Palace of the Commonwealth.