Oświęcim, first named in 1117, is an old Lesser Polish castellany at the meeting of the Soła and the Vistula, given to Mieszko by Casimir II in 1177 (en.wikipedia, Oświęcim: 'around 1179').
With it go the Zator country on the Skawa and the Pszczyna country to the west. It stays in the diocese of Kraków.
Who he is
- Title
- Castellan of Oświęcim
- Confidence
- low
Castellan (kasztelan, comes castellanus) not named for 1199-1200 in the sources consulted. Silesian castellans appear by name mostly in charters from 1202 onward; no name is carried back to 1 January 1200 here.
Overlord
Mieszko Tanglefoot, duke of Racibórz
What it holds
- The castle of Oświęcim
- The Vistula crossing
- The Zator country to the Skawa
- The Pszczyna country
- The Soła valley up to the Beskids (forest)
How it was acquired
Appointed by the duke at his pleasure; the castellan is not a hereditary lord.
How things stand that morning
Held for Mieszko by his castellan (not pinned). Across the Skawa begins the Kraków land.
Threats
- The Kraków lords' claim to their lost castellany
Places of note
- Oświęcim castle: Castellany seat (gród)
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: The grant is attested (1177 or about 1179); Zator and Pszczyna as places are named later; the castellan is not pinned.
On the map: The district is drawn from its head castle and a few places near its later edges; its 1200 bounds are not documented.
Primary sources for Racibórz (Mieszko Tanglefoot)
Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.
- Chronicle of the Poles, by Master Vincent (Wincenty Kadłubek), Wincenty Kadłubek (about 1190 to 1208). Book 4 is a contemporary's account of the fight for the senior throne of Kraków. Read online
- The annals of the Kraków chapter and the other Polish annals (kept from the 11th century; the Kraków chapter annals continued to 1266). Short dated entries that fix the chronology Kadłubek blurs: the deaths of dukes and bishops, Mieszko the Old's captures of Kraków, Prussian raids on Masovia, church consecrations. Read online
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.