ROMAN MSTISLAVICH
Roman Mstislavich (ca1149 - 1205) was the eldest son of Mstislav II Izyaslavich, prince of Kyiv. His mother was Yudifu (Agnes), a Polish princess. He was prince of Novgorod (1168-69), prince of Vladimir-in-Volynia (1170-1205), prince of Ovruch, and prince of Galich (1199-1205). He married first Predslava, daughter of Rurik Rostislavich, prince of Kiev, and then, after divorcing Predslava, he married Anna, Byzantine princess. His sons were Daniil, King of Galicia; Vasil'ko, prince of Vladimir-in-Volynia; Roman, prince of Galich, who most likely was a baby when his father died; and his daughter was Feodora. They are shown on this family chart.
He was one of the most successful of the Rurikid princes on the late 12th century. He combined great energy with astute political and administrative policies. He recognized the importance of increasing the economic potential of his domains. After much campaigning and maneuvering he managed to unite Vladimir-in-Volynia and Galich increasing the importance and power of this far western region and making it independent of Kyiv. He fought the Polovtsi, routing them repeatedly, and also fought the Poles and Lithuanians. At one point he even had as his guest the Byzantine Emperor Alexius III Angelus, when the latter was driven out of Constantinople by the 4th Crusade. He was famous throughout Europe. Pope Innocent III offered to raise his title to king on condition of his recognizing Rome, but he refused. However, his son, Daniil, decided to try this as a way to get more European support. Roman died on campaign in Poland at the battle of Zawichost.
