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Casimir III the Great, the final monarch of the Piast dynasty, governed Poland from 1333 to 1370.
Answer: True
Explanation: Casimir III the Great, the last Polish king of the Piast dynasty, reigned from 1333 to 1370. He also became King of Ruthenia in 1340.
Upon his accession in 1333, Casimir inherited a kingdom beset by warfare, lacking full recognition from neighboring states, and experiencing economic devastation.
Answer: True
Explanation: When Casimir inherited the throne in 1333, Poland was weakened by war, its neighbors did not fully recognize his title, and the economy was in ruins. His reign initiated a period of recovery and prosperity.
Who were Casimir III's parents, and what was his mother's name?
Answer: Father: Ladislaus the Short, Mother: Jadwiga of Kalisz
Explanation: Casimir III the Great was the son of Ladislaus the Short and Jadwiga of Kalisz.
Casimir III implemented comprehensive legal reforms by codifying civil and criminal laws for both Greater Poland and Lesser Poland.
Answer: True
Explanation: Casimir III enacted significant legal reforms, including the codification of civil and criminal laws for both Greater and Lesser Poland, notably at the Sejm in Wiślica in 1347.
The Corona Regni Poloniae, established by Casimir III, signified that the Polish lands were considered the personal property of the ruling monarch.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Corona Regni Poloniae, or the Crown of the Polish Kingdom, established by Casimir III, signified that the Polish lands were distinct from the monarch's personal property, emphasizing the state's continuity.
What significant institution did Casimir III establish to signify that Polish lands were independent of the monarch's personal ownership?
Answer: The Crown of the Polish Kingdom (Corona Regni Poloniae)
Explanation: Casimir III established the Corona Regni Poloniae (Crown of the Polish Kingdom), an institution signifying that the Polish lands were state property, not the personal domain of the ruling dynasty.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reform implemented by Casimir III?
Answer: Introduction of a national currency.
Explanation: While Casimir III implemented significant legal, administrative, and military reforms, and established the Corona Regni Poloniae, the introduction of a national currency is not explicitly mentioned as one of his reforms in the provided context.
What does the term 'Wiec' refer to in the context of Casimir the Great's reign?
Answer: A popular assembly or council in medieval Poland.
Explanation: In medieval Poland, a 'Wiec' denoted a popular assembly or council, often involving local nobility or townspeople, reflecting the political structures of the era.
Casimir III expanded Poland's territory significantly by conquering lands to the west and north, while relinquishing eastern territories.
Answer: False
Explanation: Casimir III primarily expanded Poland's territory eastward, notably by conquering Red Ruthenia (Galicia-Volhynia), while relinquishing claims to Silesia in the west through diplomacy.
Casimir III focused his territorial expansion efforts primarily towards western Europe to counter threats from the Holy Roman Empire.
Answer: False
Explanation: Casimir III's primary territorial expansion focused eastward, notably conquering Red Ruthenia. His diplomatic efforts were aimed at neutralizing threats from western and northern neighbors rather than direct expansion into western Europe.
Casimir III's full royal title included 'King of Pomerania' but not 'King of Rus' (Ruthenia).
Answer: False
Explanation: Casimir III's full royal title included 'King of Poland and Rus' (Ruthenia), and he was also Lord of Krakow and Pomerania.
The Treaty of Trentschin in 1335 required Casimir III to cede territory to the Teutonic Order.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Treaty of Trentschin in 1335 compelled Casimir III to relinquish his claims to Silesia in perpetuity, a significant territorial concession.
Which of the following territories did Casimir III conquer, thereby extending Poland's borders southeast?
Answer: Red Ruthenia (Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia)
Explanation: Casimir III conquered the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia, also known as Red Ruthenia, extending Poland's southeastern borders and securing access to vital trade routes.
What was Casimir III's approach to managing potential threats from western and northern neighbors?
Answer: He focused on neutralizing these threats through competent diplomacy.
Explanation: Casimir III skillfully employed diplomacy to neutralize potential threats from western and northern neighbors, thereby securing Poland's borders and enabling focus on other strategic objectives.
The Treaty of Trentschin in 1335 involved Casimir III making which significant territorial concession?
Answer: Relinquishing claims to Silesia
Explanation: Through the Treaty of Trentschin in 1335, Casimir III was compelled to permanently relinquish his claims to Silesia.
Casimir III's full royal title included which of the following?
Answer: King of Poland and Rus' (Ruthenia), Lord of Krakow and Pomerania
Explanation: Casimir III's comprehensive royal title included 'King of Poland and Rus' (Ruthenia), and he was also recognized as the Lord of Krakow and Pomerania.
The map showing Poland in red at the end of Casimir III's reign illustrates:
Answer: The territorial extent of Poland in 1370, showing eastern expansion and loss of Silesia.
Explanation: The map illustrates the territorial boundaries of Poland in 1370, indicating significant eastern expansion alongside the relinquishment of Silesia.
During Casimir III's reign, approximately 50 castles and fortifications for nearly 30 towns were constructed.
Answer: True
Explanation: Casimir III significantly strengthened the country's defenses by constructing approximately 50 castles and fortifications for nearly 30 towns.
The Congress of Krakow in 1364 was a military summit organized by Casimir III to plan campaigns against the Teutonic Order.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Congress of Krakow in 1364 was primarily a diplomatic gathering of European monarchs, organized by Casimir III to showcase Poland's wealth and growing influence, rather than a military summit.
The University of Krakow, founded by Casimir III in 1364, was the first university established in Central Europe.
Answer: False
Explanation: The University of Krakow, established in 1364, was the oldest university in Poland but the second in Central Europe, following Charles University in Prague.
The Polish ditty about inheriting wooden towns and leaving stone ones refers to Casimir III's extensive building program of fortifications and castles.
Answer: True
Explanation: The popular Polish saying reflects Casimir III's significant achievements in constructing fortifications and castles, transforming the kingdom's infrastructure.
Why was the founding of the University of Krakow in 1364 particularly significant for Central Europe?
Answer: It was the second university founded in Central Europe, after Prague.
Explanation: The University of Krakow, established in 1364, was the oldest in Poland and the second in Central Europe, following Charles University in Prague, making its founding a significant regional event.
What does the Polish ditty about inheriting wooden towns and leaving stone ones refer to?
Answer: His extensive building program of fortifications and castles.
Explanation: The ditty encapsulates Casimir III's significant achievements in infrastructure development, particularly his construction of stone fortifications and castles, transforming the kingdom's defenses and appearance.
What was the main purpose of the Congress of Krakow held in 1364?
Answer: To showcase Poland's wealth and growing influence on the European stage.
Explanation: The Congress of Krakow in 1364 served as a grand assembly of European monarchs, primarily intended by Casimir III to demonstrate the prosperity and enhanced standing of the Polish kingdom.
How did Casimir III's reign transform Poland's economic state?
Answer: It transformed the kingdom into a relatively prosperous and wealthy state.
Explanation: Casimir III's reign marked a significant economic transformation, elevating Poland from a state of ruin to one of relative prosperity and wealth through effective governance and development.
What was the significance of Casimir III constructing fortifications along the Trail of the Eagle's Nests?
Answer: It established a defensive chain of castles in strategic locations.
Explanation: The construction of fortifications along the Trail of the Eagle's Nests created a vital defensive network of castles strategically positioned across the landscape.
Casimir III designated his son, Casimir Jr., as his successor to the Polish throne.
Answer: False
Explanation: Casimir III had no surviving legitimate sons to succeed him. He designated his nephew, Louis I of Hungary, as his successor.
The legitimacy of Casimir III's daughters from his marriage to Hedwig of Sagan was never questioned.
Answer: False
Explanation: The legitimacy of Casimir III's daughters from his marriage to Hedwig of Sagan was questioned due to the potential bigamy of the marriage, requiring papal legitimation.
Louis I of Hungary succeeded Casimir III, initiating a personal union between Poland and Bohemia.
Answer: False
Explanation: Louis I of Hungary succeeded Casimir III, initiating a personal union between Poland and Hungary, not Bohemia.
Historical records confirm the existence of Casimir III's legendary mistress, Esterka.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Esterka is a legendary figure associated with Casimir III, her existence is not confirmed by direct historical evidence.
Casimir III was married only twice during his lifetime.
Answer: False
Explanation: Casimir III was married four times throughout his life.
Casimir III had no children from his marriage to Aldona of Lithuania.
Answer: False
Explanation: Casimir III had three children, including daughters Elisabeth and Cunigunde, from his marriage to Aldona of Lithuania.
Casimir III's marriage to Adelaide of Hesse was short-lived and produced several heirs.
Answer: False
Explanation: Casimir III's marriage to Adelaide of Hesse produced no children and was marked by separation, though it was not formally annulled until later.
Casimir III's marriage to Christina Rokiczana was recognized as valid by Pope Innocent VI.
Answer: False
Explanation: Casimir III's marriage to Christina Rokiczana was considered bigamous by contemporary authorities, including Pope Innocent VI, and was not recognized as valid.
Anna, Kunigunde, and Jadwiga were the children of Casimir III from his marriage to Hedwig of Sagan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Anna, Kunigunde, and Jadwiga were indeed the daughters of Casimir III from his marriage to Hedwig of Sagan.
Casimir III's marriage to Aldona of Lithuania was primarily a political alliance with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Answer: True
Explanation: The marriage of Casimir III to Aldona of Lithuania, daughter of Grand Duke Gediminas, served as a crucial political alliance between Poland and Lithuania during a period of regional consolidation.
Who succeeded Casimir III the Great as King of Poland, marking the start of a personal union?
Answer: Louis I of Hungary
Explanation: Louis I of Hungary, Casimir III's nephew, succeeded him as King of Poland, initiating a personal union between Poland and Hungary.
How many times did Casimir III the Great marry according to historical records?
Answer: Four times
Explanation: Historical records indicate that Casimir III the Great was married four times.
Which of Casimir III's marriages resulted in no children?
Answer: His marriage to Adelaide of Hesse
Explanation: Casimir III's marriage to Adelaide of Hesse, contracted in 1341, resulted in no offspring and was characterized by separation.
What was the primary issue concerning Casimir III's marriage to Christina Rokiczana?
Answer: It was considered bigamous by contemporary authorities.
Explanation: Casimir III's marriage to Christina Rokiczana was considered bigamous by contemporary standards, particularly as he was still legally married to Adelaide of Hesse at the time.
The legitimacy of Casimir III's daughters from his marriage to Hedwig of Sagan was resolved through:
Answer: Legitimation granted by the Pope.
Explanation: The legitimacy of Casimir III's daughters from his marriage to Hedwig of Sagan, which was potentially bigamous, was formally resolved through legitimation granted by papal decrees.
What was the nature of the agreement made in 1355 regarding the succession of the Polish throne?
Answer: Casimir III's nephew, Louis I of Hungary, would succeed him if Casimir had no male heir, in exchange for Hungarian support.
Explanation: In 1355, Casimir III arranged for his nephew, Louis I of Hungary, to succeed him should he lack a male heir, securing Hungarian support in return.
Which of the following is NOT true about Casimir III's marriage to Adelaide of Hesse?
Answer: It resulted in the birth of several children.
Explanation: Casimir III's marriage to Adelaide of Hesse, which occurred in 1341 and was declared annulled in 1356, did not result in any children.
Casimir III's marriage to Aldona of Lithuania, daughter of Grand Duke Gediminas, primarily served to:
Answer: Solidify political alliances between Poland and Lithuania.
Explanation: The marriage to Aldona of Lithuania was a strategic political alliance designed to strengthen relations between the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
The appellation 'the Polish Justinian' was conferred upon Casimir III primarily for his military reforms and expansionist policies.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Casimir III earned the title 'the Polish Justinian' due to his significant reforms of the Polish judicial system, not primarily for military or expansionist endeavors.
Casimir III is the only Polish king to have been awarded and retained the epithet 'the Great'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Casimir III is uniquely recognized as the only Polish monarch to have received and consistently held the title 'the Great'.
Casimir III the Great is featured as a playable leader in the video game 'Civilization VI'.
Answer: False
Explanation: Casimir III the Great is not featured as a leader in 'Civilization VI'. He has appeared in other strategy games such as 'Civilization V' and 'Crusader Kings II'.
Casimir III the Great is depicted on the obverse of the 100 Polish zloty banknote.
Answer: False
Explanation: Casimir III the Great is depicted on the 50 Polish zloty banknote, not the 100 zloty banknote.
What was the primary reason Casimir III earned the title 'the Polish Justinian'?
Answer: His significant reforms and codification of the Polish judicial system.
Explanation: Casimir III earned the appellation 'the Polish Justinian' due to his profound reforms and codification of the Polish judicial system, particularly the civil and criminal statutes enacted in Wiślica.
What does the image of Casimir's tomb effigy in Wawel Cathedral depict?
Answer: A sculpted representation of the deceased king on his tomb.
Explanation: The tomb effigy of Casimir III in Wawel Cathedral is a sculpted representation of the deceased monarch, a common feature of medieval royal tombs.
What is the significance of Casimir III being featured on the 50 Polish zloty banknote?
Answer: It signifies his enduring importance and recognition in Polish history.
Explanation: Casimir III's depiction on the 50 Polish zloty banknote serves as a modern commemoration, underscoring his lasting significance and esteemed position in Polish historical memory.
Which of the following video games features Casimir III the Great as a playable leader or ruler?
Answer: Civilization V and Crusader Kings II
Explanation: Casimir III the Great has been featured as a playable leader in 'Civilization V' and as a ruler in 'Crusader Kings II', among other strategy games.
Social Policies and Religious Tolerance
Casimir III earned the nickname 'the Peasants' King' because he exclusively supported the nobility against commoners.
Answer: False
Explanation: Casimir III earned the nickname 'the Peasants' King' for curbing the superiority of the nobility and siding with the weak and commoners, not for supporting the nobility.
Casimir III's popularity among the lower classes helped fund the country's reconstruction through a land tax.
Answer: True
Explanation: Casimir III's popularity, particularly among peasants, contributed to funding the kingdom's reconstruction, partly through a land tax paid by lower social classes.
Casimir III enacted laws that severely punished anyone who desecrated Jewish cemeteries.
Answer: True
Explanation: Casimir III implemented laws that imposed severe punishments for the desecration of Jewish cemeteries, as part of his broader protection of the Jewish population.
Casimir III's policies led to a significant decline in the Jewish population within Poland.
Answer: False
Explanation: Casimir III's policies of protection and encouragement led to a significant increase, not decline, in the Jewish population within Poland, contributing to the large Ashkenazi Jewish community.
Casimir III earned the nickname 'the Peasants' King' primarily because he:
Answer: Sided with the weak and curbed the superiority of the nobility.
Explanation: The nickname 'the Peasants' King' reflects Casimir III's efforts to temper the power of the nobility and champion the interests of the common populace.
What specific protections did Casimir III offer to the Jewish population in Poland?
Answer: He confirmed existing privileges, prohibited forced baptism, and punished cemetery desecration.
Explanation: Casimir III confirmed Jewish privileges, prohibited forced baptism, and enacted severe penalties for cemetery desecration, thereby protecting the Jewish community.
The large number of Ashkenazi Jews tracing their ancestry to Poland is attributed to which policy of Casimir III?
Answer: His protection and encouragement of Jewish settlement.
Explanation: Casimir III's policies of protection and encouragement fostered Jewish settlement in Poland, leading to a significant increase in the population and forming the basis for the large Ashkenazi Jewish community.
What historical event is referenced by the image of a document from 1367 granting rights to an Armenian bishop in Lwów?
Answer: Casimir III's policy of religious tolerance towards minorities.
Explanation: The document from 1367 granting rights to an Armenian bishop in Lwów exemplifies Casimir III's policy of religious tolerance towards various minority groups within his kingdom.