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Zyndram of Maszkowice (''Zyndram z Maszkowic'', c. 1355 – c. 1414) was a
Polish Polish may refer to: * Anything from or related to Poland, a country in Europe * Polish language * Polish people, people from Poland or of Polish descent * Polish chicken * Polish brothers (Mark Polish and Michael Polish, born 1970), American twin ...
knight, nobleman, and military commander of the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Serving as Sword-bearer of
Kraków , officially the Royal Capital City of Kraków, is the List of cities and towns in Poland, second-largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, the city has a population of 804,237 ...
(miecznik krakowski) under King
Władysław II Jagiełło Jogaila (; 1 June 1434), later Władysław II Jagiełło (),Other names include (; ) (see also Names and titles of Władysław II Jagiełło) was Grand Duke of Lithuania beginning in 1377 and starting in 1386, becoming King of Poland as well. ...
, he rose to prominence during the
Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War The Polish–Lithuanian — Teutonic War, also known as the Great Teutonic War, occurred between 1409 and 1411 between the Teutonic Knights and the allied History of Poland (1385–1569), Kingdom of Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Inspired ...
, most notably as the commander of the left wing of the Polish-Lithuanian army and leader of the prestigious Kraków Banner at the
Battle of Grunwald The Battle of Grunwald was fought on 15 July 1410 during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War. The alliance of the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, led respectively by King Władysław II Jagiełło (Jogaila), a ...
in 1410. A member of the Słońce coat of arms family, Zyndram likely descended from a sołtys (village headman) lineage based in Maszkowice,
Lesser Poland Lesser Poland, often known by its Polish name ''Małopolska'' (; ), is a historical region situated in southern and south-eastern Poland. Its capital and largest city is Kraków. Throughout centuries, Lesser Poland developed a separate cult ...
.


Origins and Family

Zyndram of Maszkowice hailed from a family associated with the Sun (Słońce) coat of arms, as noted by the chronicler
Jan Długosz Jan Długosz (; 1 December 1415 – 19 May 1480), also known in Latin as Johannes Longinus, was a Polish priest, chronicler, diplomat, soldier, and secretary to Bishop Zbigniew Oleśnicki of Kraków. He is considered Poland's first histo ...
. This distinguishes him from earlier assumptions, such as those by Bartosz Paprocki, who mistakenly linked him to the Jastrzębiec clan. The Sun emblem was relatively rare in medieval Poland but appeared in regions like
Podolia Podolia or Podillia is a historic region in Eastern Europe located in the west-central and southwestern parts of Ukraine and northeastern Moldova (i.e. northern Transnistria). Podolia is bordered by the Dniester River and Boh River. It features ...
and in Western European heraldry, particularly in Germany, where the name Zyndram (derived from forms like Sintram or Sindram) was also occasionally used. However, no definitive connection has been established between Zyndram and these regions or families. Zyndram’s origins are tied to Maszkowice, a village in the
Nowy Sącz Nowy Sącz (; ; ; ; ) is a city in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship of southern Poland. It is the district capital of Nowy Sącz County as a separate administrative unit. With a population of 83,116 as of 2021, it is the largest city in the Beskid S ...
county, within the Łącko parish. Local tradition and contemporary sources identify him as a Kraków landowner. Maszkowice, part of the endowment of the Poor Clares’ monastery in
Stary Sącz Stary Sącz is a small historic town in Lesser Poland Voivodeship of southern Poland. It is the seat of the Gmina Stary Sącz (commune), and one of the oldest towns in the country, receiving Magdeburg rights in the 13th century. Geography Star ...
since 1280, remained under monastic control until the Josephine reforms. Notably, Zyndram is the only recorded hereditary owner of Maszkowice, and Długosz’s ''
Liber Beneficiorum A Liber beneficiorum ("Book of Benefice A benefice () or living is a reward received in exchange for services rendered and as a retainer for future services. The Roman Empire used the Latin term as a benefit to an individual from the Empire for s ...
'' mentions a praedium (estate) in the village without specifying its owner, suggesting it may have been absorbed by the monastery by the mid-15th century. Local tradition points to a hill above Maszkowice, known as “ Zyndram’s Hill,” as the site of his fortified residence. This hill, overlooking the
Dunajec River The Dunajec (; Goral dialects: ''Dónajec''; ) is a river running through northeastern Slovakia and southern Poland. It is also regarded as the main river of the Goral Lands. It is a right tributary of the Vistula River. It begins in Nowy Targ at ...
, bears traces of a medieval stronghold, with scattered stones and rubble indicating a former castle. The site’s strategic position suggests it protected the trade route along the Dunajec, connecting Hungary to Poland. Similar fortified sites existed in nearby villages like Wietrznica, Zabrzeż, and Czarny Potok, often linked to the Poor Clares’ monastery and managed by burghers or stewards rather than knightly families.


Early Life and Ancestry

The origins of Zyndram’s family remain uncertain. His rare given name—uncommon in Poland but attested in German-speaking regions—suggests possible Western European influence. In Poland, the name appears in
Nowy Sącz Nowy Sącz (; ; ; ; ) is a city in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship of southern Poland. It is the district capital of Nowy Sącz County as a separate administrative unit. With a population of 83,116 as of 2021, it is the largest city in the Beskid S ...
records, where a 1329 document lists a Mikołaj, son of Zyndram, among the burghers involved in a trade agreement with
Kraków , officially the Royal Capital City of Kraków, is the List of cities and towns in Poland, second-largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, the city has a population of 804,237 ...
. This earlier Zyndram, likely active in the late 13th century, may have been an ancestor of Zyndram of Maszkowice, possibly even one of the town’s founding settlers. The hereditary use of the uncommon name across generations strengthens this hypothesis. Further evidence suggests a Silesian lineage. A family bearing the name Zyndram is documented in
Bielawa Bielawa () is a town in southwestern Poland. Since 1999, it has been situated in Dzierżoniów County, Lower Silesian Voivodeship. From 1975 to 1998, it was part of the Wałbrzych Voivodeship. As of January 1, 2023, it has a population of 28 34 ...
in
Silesia Silesia (see names #Etymology, below) is a historical region of Central Europe that lies mostly within Poland, with small parts in the Czech Silesia, Czech Republic and Germany. Its area is approximately , and the population is estimated at 8, ...
during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Zyndram I, a hereditary village head (sołtys) of Bielawa, had three sons: Piotr, Zyndram II, and Henryk. Piotr and Zyndram II were active around 1300, while Henryk died in 1329. Zyndram II’s son, Zyndram III, and Henryk’s son, Zyndram IV—known as “the Wise”—are both mentioned in records from 1329, when they, along with their uncle Piotr, testified about a rent obligation to the hospital in
Zgorzelec Zgorzelec (, , , , Lower Sorbian: ''Zgórjelc'') is a town in Lower Silesian Voivodeship, in southwestern Poland, with 30,374 inhabitants (2019). It is the seat of Zgorzelec County and of Gmina Zgorzelec (although it is not part of the territory ...
. Earlier, in 1322, Piotr and Zyndram II had served as witnesses to a document issued by Herman of Reichenbach (ibid., no. 4198). These records place Zyndram I’s activity in the second half of the 13th century, and those of his sons and grandsons in the early 14th. The connection between the Silesian Zyndrams and the Zyndram-named burghers of
Nowy Sącz Nowy Sącz (; ; ; ; ) is a city in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship of southern Poland. It is the district capital of Nowy Sącz County as a separate administrative unit. With a population of 83,116 as of 2021, it is the largest city in the Beskid S ...
is reinforced by ties to the Dives (Bogacz) family, who were also of Silesian origin. In a 1321 document from the Henryków monastery, Jan Dives appears alongside Piotr of Bielawa—one of the known Silesian Zyndrams. Jan’s sons, Hanko and Peterman, later appear in a 1329 trade agreement alongside Mikołaj, son of a Zyndram, in Nowy Sącz. Still later, in 1362, Peszko Dives is recorded as a town juror in
Tarnów Tarnów () is a city in southeastern Poland with 105,922 inhabitants and a metropolitan area population of 269,000 inhabitants. The city is situated in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. It is a major rail junction, located on the strategic east– ...
, serving with a man named Zyndram—evidence of an enduring association across towns and generations. These recurring connections suggest that the Zyndrams of
Nowy Sącz Nowy Sącz (; ; ; ; ) is a city in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship of southern Poland. It is the district capital of Nowy Sącz County as a separate administrative unit. With a population of 83,116 as of 2021, it is the largest city in the Beskid S ...
, including the likely ancestor of Zyndram of Maszkowice, may have descended from Silesian burghers or village officials who migrated into southern Poland—possibly encouraged by figures like Spicymir Leliwita, the founder of Tarnów and an influential link between
Silesia Silesia (see names #Etymology, below) is a historical region of Central Europe that lies mostly within Poland, with small parts in the Czech Silesia, Czech Republic and Germany. Its area is approximately , and the population is estimated at 8, ...
and
Lesser Poland Lesser Poland, often known by its Polish name ''Małopolska'' (; ), is a historical region situated in southern and south-eastern Poland. Its capital and largest city is Kraków. Throughout centuries, Lesser Poland developed a separate cult ...
. Zyndram of Maszkowice’s rise from burgher or steward origins to the ranks of the nobility was far from uncommon in 14th-century Poland. Notable parallels include the Brzezin family, later known by the
Trąby coat of arms Trąby (, "French horn, Horns") is a Polish heraldry, Polish coat of arms. It was used by many ''szlachta'' (noble) families under the History of Poland, Kingdom of Poland and the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. History The origin of the horn ...
, which descended from stewards in
Myślenice Myślenice is a town in southern Poland situated in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, 30 km south of Kraków. The town is divided into six districts. The most popular of them, Zarabie, is a famous tourist destination. It is located behind the Ra ...
, and the Bielin (Koniowaszyja) family, whose roots lay among Silesian townsmen. Silesia, in particular, was a major source of knightly families entering the Polish noble class—especially under King
Casimir the Great Casimir III the Great (; 30 April 1310 – 5 November 1370) reigned as the King of Poland from 1333 to 1370. He also later became King of Ruthenia in 1340, retaining the title throughout the Galicia–Volhynia Wars. He was the last Polish king fr ...
, whose policies actively encouraged the settlement and integration of Silesian elites. In this broader context, Zyndram’s noble status appears not as an exception, but as part of a larger pattern of upward social mobility in late
medieval Poland This article covers the history of Poland in the Middle Ages. This time covers roughly a millennium, from the 5th century to the 16th century. It is commonly dated from the Fall of the Western Roman Empire, and contrasted with a later Early Modern ...
.


Career and Land Holdings

The earliest known reference to Zyndram of Maszkowice appears in a court record dated 2 June 1388, preserved in the books of the Biecz land court (''iudicium supremum Biecense''). In this record, a man named Piotr—a sołtys (village headman) and son-in-law of the wójt of
Jasło Jasło is a county town in south-eastern Poland with 36,641 inhabitants, as of 31 December 2012. It is situated in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship (since 1999), and it was previously part of Krosno Voivodeship (1975–1998). It is located in Lesser ...
, Bertram—entrusted Zyndram with legal representation "ad lucrandum et perdendum" (to win or lose the case on his behalf). From that point forward, Zyndram’s name occurs frequently in the court records for nearly twenty-five years. These early legal and administrative ties with the
Biecz Biecz () () is a town and municipality in southeastern Poland, in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Gorlice County. It is in the Carpathian Mountains, in the Doły Jasielsko-Sanockie, by the Ropa (river), Ropa River. Due to its rich history, it is often ...
court and Jasło officials suggest that Zyndram held property in the region. This is supported by a document issued by Zyndram on 4 October 1389 in Jasło, known through a royal confirmation from 1428. In the charter, Zyndram granted land along both banks of the Morwa (Murmawa) River between Jasło and Deszno to a man named Hanzl (also called Jon) for the foundation of a village under German law, to be called Johane. The document identifies
Jaśliska Jaśliska is a village in Krosno County, Subcarpathian Voivodeship, in south-eastern Poland, close to the border with Slovakia. It lies approximately south-east of Dukla, south of Krosno, and south of the regional capital Rzeszów. The village ...
as Zyndram’s residence. Although Jaśliska and its surroundings lay along the eastern border of the Biecz region, on the right bank of the Jasiołka River within the
Sanok Sanok (in full the Royal Free City of Sanok — , , ''Sanok'', , ''Sianok'' or ''Sianik'', , , ''Sūnik'' or ''Sonik'') is a town in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship of southeastern Poland with 38,397 inhabitants, as of June 2016. Located on the San ...
district, the estates may have extended into the Biecz territory on the opposite bank. Just south of Jaśliska, across the Jasiołka River, lies the village of
Zyndranowa Zyndranowa is a village in the administrative district of Gmina Dukla, within Krosno County, Subcarpathian Voivodeship, in south-eastern Poland, close to the border with Slovakia. It lies approximately south of Dukla, south of Krosno, and south ...
—whose name is believed to derive from Zyndram himself. The site is thought to have housed his manor or fortified residence. In addition to Jaśliska and Zyndranowa, Zyndram owned several other villages:
Lubatowa Lubatowa is a village in the administrative district of Gmina Iwonicz-Zdrój, within Krosno County, Subcarpathian Voivodeship, in south-eastern Poland. It lies approximately south-west of Iwonicz-Zdrój, south of Krosno, and south of the region ...
(sold to the Bishopric of Przemyśl in 1408), Jasionka (subject of a legal dispute with Bishop Maciej of Przemyśl in 1412), and Królików (also known as Królik). These holdings were eventually acquired by the bishopric. According to a royal grant issued in 1426 by King
Władysław Jagiełło Władysław is a Polish given male name, cognate with Vladislav. The feminine form is Władysława, archaic forms are Włodzisław (male) and Włodzisława (female), and Wladislaw is a variation. These names may refer to: People Mononym * Włodzis ...
, the estates of Jaśliska and Królików reverted to the Crown upon Zyndram’s death and were subsequently granted to the royal gunner Andrzej. The document states that Zyndram had received the estates ex donatione regia ("by royal grant"). The exact timing of the grant is uncertain, though it likely occurred between 1386 (the beginning of Jagiełło’s reign) and 1388 (when Zyndram’s court activity begins). It is also possible that Zyndram initially held royal lands under lease before acquiring full ownership. The first direct source indicating ownership appears in 1401, when Zyndram pledged 60 grzywnas to Gniewosz of Dalewice secured on the village of Lubatowa. In addition to his hereditary estate in Maszkowice and the granted lands around Jaśliska, Zyndram held royal tenancies (tenutae), including the estates of Małogoszcz and Jasło. Although Małogoszcz is only mentioned once (in 1401), Zyndram appears repeatedly between 1405 and 1412 as ''heres de Jassel'' and ''capitaneus Jasslensis'', suggesting he held an official position in
Jasło Jasło is a county town in south-eastern Poland with 36,641 inhabitants, as of 31 December 2012. It is situated in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship (since 1999), and it was previously part of Krosno Voivodeship (1975–1998). It is located in Lesser ...
as early as 1388. Around 1408, he is also recorded as ''capitaneus Golesensis'', referring to his lease of the nearby Golesz estate, owned by the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec. These holdings and administrative posts positioned Zyndram as a significant landholder and local official in southeastern Lesser Poland. His consolidation of property in the Jaśliska region reflects a notable rise in status from his roots in Maszkowice, where his family had served as hereditary sołtysi under the Poor Clares of
Nowy Sącz Nowy Sącz (; ; ; ; ) is a city in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship of southern Poland. It is the district capital of Nowy Sącz County as a separate administrative unit. With a population of 83,116 as of 2021, it is the largest city in the Beskid S ...
.


Military Career

Zyndram’s military experience began to emerge in the late 14th century. In 1390, during a campaign against Vytautas’s alliance with the Teutonic Knights, he was entrusted by King Jagiełło with guarding Kamieniec Litewski, a strategic fortress on the Lśną River, after its capture. This role, following the conquest of Brest Litovsk and Kamieniec, highlights his early recognition as a capable commander. His involvement likely continued after the 1392 reconciliation at Ostrow, as Jagiełło sent seasoned knights to support Vytautas against the Knights in 1393 and 1394. Court records from this period describe Zyndram as being ''in arduis negotiis, in necessitate domini regis, in servitio regali''—"engaged in difficult affairs, in the king’s need, in royal service"—with King Jagiełło himself requesting court delays on his behalf, suggesting that Zyndram was away on campaign. The 1394 royal accounts record a payment of 10 grzywnas to Zyndram for two lances for an expedition “when it pleases the king,” indicating service likely on the Lithuanian front. This experience may have earned him lands, possibly
Jaśliska Jaśliska is a village in Krosno County, Subcarpathian Voivodeship, in south-eastern Poland, close to the border with Slovakia. It lies approximately south-east of Dukla, south of Krosno, and south of the regional capital Rzeszów. The village ...
, as referenced in a
Biecz Biecz () () is a town and municipality in southeastern Poland, in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Gorlice County. It is in the Carpathian Mountains, in the Doły Jasielsko-Sanockie, by the Ropa (river), Ropa River. Due to its rich history, it is often ...
court case. From 1395 to 1400, Zyndram disappears from records, suggesting he may have been abroad. Some historians speculate he participated in the 1396
Battle of Nicopolis The Battle of Nicopolis took place on 25 September 1396 and resulted in the rout of an allied Crusader army (assisted by the Venetian navy) at the hands of an Ottoman force, raising the siege of the Danubian fortress of Nicopolis and le ...
against the Ottomans, where Polish knights were present, citing parallels between Grunwald’s strategy—advancing as a unified front rather than fragmented units—and the lessons from Nicopolis, where the French erred. Though Długosz does not name Zyndram at Nicopolis, his absence from Polish records and the tactical sophistication at Grunwald support this hypothesis.


Role in the Battle of Grunwald

Zyndram of Maszkowice was a notable figure in the
Battle of Grunwald The Battle of Grunwald was fought on 15 July 1410 during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War. The alliance of the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, led respectively by King Władysław II Jagiełło (Jogaila), a ...
on 15 July 1410, leading the left wing of the Polish-Lithuanian army during this decisive engagement in the
Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War The Polish–Lithuanian — Teutonic War, also known as the Great Teutonic War, occurred between 1409 and 1411 between the Teutonic Knights and the allied History of Poland (1385–1569), Kingdom of Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Inspired ...
, which resulted in a victory over the
Teutonic Knights The Teutonic Order is a Catholic religious institution founded as a military society in Acre, Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem was formed to aid Christians on their pilgrimages to t ...
. His appointment as a military commander is documented by
Jan Długosz Jan Długosz (; 1 December 1415 – 19 May 1480), also known in Latin as Johannes Longinus, was a Polish priest, chronicler, diplomat, soldier, and secretary to Bishop Zbigniew Oleśnicki of Kraków. He is considered Poland's first histo ...
in his ''Historia Polonica'', noting his oversight of the Polish forces, including the prestigious
Kraków , officially the Royal Capital City of Kraków, is the List of cities and towns in Poland, second-largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, the city has a population of 804,237 ...
Banner, the army’s largest and most skilled unit. On 9 July 1410, as the Polish-Lithuanian army advanced into a plain and unfurled their standards—including the royal white eagle banner—King
Władysław II Jagiełło Jogaila (; 1 June 1434), later Władysław II Jagiełło (),Other names include (; ) (see also Names and titles of Władysław II Jagiełło) was Grand Duke of Lithuania beginning in 1377 and starting in 1386, becoming King of Poland as well. ...
led tearful prayers with the Grand Duke, Mazovian princes, and the army singing “ Bogu Rodzica,” invoking God’s witness against the enemy’s provocation. With no hired Czech or Moravian experts willing to assume command due to fear of blame in case of an unfavorable war, Zyndram of Maszkowice, Sword-bearer of Kraków, a nobleman of the Sun coat of arms, was entrusted with leadership, described by Długosz as of small stature but with great courage and resourcefulness. That day, amid reports of Lithuanian and Tatar looting, including a church desecration,
Vytautas Vytautas the Great (; 27 October 1430) was a ruler of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. He was also the prince of Grodno (1370–1382), prince of Lutsk (1387–1389), and the postulated king of the Hussites. In modern Lithuania, Vytautas is revere ...
ordered the execution of two offenders to restore discipline. On 15 July, Zyndram directed the royal Polish forces, positioning 50 banners on the left wing, including the Kraków Banner he led, while Vytautas commanded 40 Lithuanian banners on the right. Długosz’s account focuses on this pre-battle deployment, with no further mention of Zyndram during combat. The extent of Zyndram’s authority is unclear in Długosz’s narrative, particularly his relationship with a military council formed on 10 July under Vytautas, which likely included him despite his absence from the listed eight members. This council managed marches, camps, and supplies, and reportedly decided Jagiełło should remain in camp for safety. Zyndram’s role, described with terms like cura et ordinatio, ductio, and regimen, involved tactical deployment, as seen in organizing battle lines during Jagiełło’s prayers. Semkowicz proposes Zyndram acted as an autonomous commander in the king’s stead, a view supported by Jagiełło’s limited role—praying and observing from a hill while resisting Vytautas’s pleas to engage. Długosz’s ''princeps militiae'' (a term from Gallus and Kadłubek) indicates a temporary commander, also held by Piotr of Szamotuły (1438, 1461) and Jan Zaręba (1461). Kutrzeba argues Zyndram was not a ''
hetman ''Hetman'' is a political title from Central and Eastern Europe, historically assigned to military commanders (comparable to a field marshal or imperial marshal in the Holy Roman Empire). First used by the Czechs in Bohemia in the 15th century, ...
'' due to royal dependence, but Semkowicz suggests autonomy, inferring Zyndram issued orders and led the Kraków Banner. Post-Grunwald delegations, such as Piotr Szafraniec in November 1410 and Sędziwój of Ostroróg in December 1410, support the hetman or capitaneus title, though Zyndram’s command ended with the victory. Zyndram’s contribution is suggested by the Kraków Banner’s loss and restoration of its standard, aiding the Polish success. Semkowicz attributes the army’s formation—integrating territorial and familial levies—to Zyndram, inferring he supported weak points, though Długosz’s silence on combat leaves this undocumented. Semkowicz attributes this to possible bias in Długosz’s episodic, tendency-driven account, favoring nobles like the Oleśnicki family over Zyndram’s sołtys origins. Zyndram’s experience included guarding Kamieniec Litewski in 1390, serving in 1393–1394 expeditions against the Teutonic Order (supported by judicial records and a 1394 payment of 10 grzywna for lances), and a likely 1395–1400 absence, possibly at the 1396
Battle of Nicopolis The Battle of Nicopolis took place on 25 September 1396 and resulted in the rout of an allied Crusader army (assisted by the Venetian navy) at the hands of an Ottoman force, raising the siege of the Danubian fortress of Nicopolis and le ...
. Semkowicz proposes this experience, including a potential Nicopolis influence on a unified front tactic, offered tactical insight, though this is hypothetical. Zyndram’s selection over prominent nobles, despite his modest sołtys family background, reflected his recognized talent. Długosz notes Czech and Moravian experts’ refusal due to fear of failure led to his appointment, a choice Semkowicz links to his energy, bravery, and foresight, qualities he compares to
Władysław Łokietek Władysław is a Polish given male name, cognate with Vladislav. The feminine form is Władysława, archaic forms are Włodzisław (male) and Włodzisława (female), and Wladislaw is a variation. These names may refer to: People Mononym *Włodzis� ...
, victor of Płowce.


Cultural Depictions

Jan Matejko’s 1878 painting
Battle of Grunwald The Battle of Grunwald was fought on 15 July 1410 during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War. The alliance of the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, led respectively by King Władysław II Jagiełło (Jogaila), a ...
depicts Zyndram holding a sword over the head of the Teutonic commander,
Ulrich von Jungingen Ulrich von Jungingen (1360 – 15 July 1410) was the 26th Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, serving from 1407 to 1410. His policy of confrontation with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland would spark the Polish–Lithuan ...
, suggesting his direct role in the Grand Master’s demise. His part in the battle was also described by
Henryk Sienkiewicz Henryk Adam Aleksander Pius Sienkiewicz ( , ; 5 May 1846 – 15 November 1916), also known by the pseudonym Litwos (), was a Polish epic writer. He is remembered for his historical novels, such as The Trilogy, the Trilogy series and especially ...
in his novel ''The Teutonic Knights''.


Death and Legacy

Following the
Battle of Grunwald The Battle of Grunwald was fought on 15 July 1410 during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War. The alliance of the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, led respectively by King Władysław II Jagiełło (Jogaila), a ...
in 1410, Zyndram of Maszkowice withdrew from public life. No records indicate his involvement in post-Grunwald operations, and unlike many commanders, he received no documented rewards, such as promotions or significant land grants. The reasons for this remain unclear, though some historians suggest possible court intrigue or perceptions of his non-elite status may have played a role. Despite his pivotal role in one of Poland’s greatest military victories, he returned to private life. By 1411, Zyndram appeared frequently in
Biecz Biecz () () is a town and municipality in southeastern Poland, in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Gorlice County. It is in the Carpathian Mountains, in the Doły Jasielsko-Sanockie, by the Ropa (river), Ropa River. Due to its rich history, it is often ...
court records, grappling with financial difficulties. Prior to the war, he had sold his estate of
Lubatowa Lubatowa is a village in the administrative district of Gmina Iwonicz-Zdrój, within Krosno County, Subcarpathian Voivodeship, in south-eastern Poland. It lies approximately south-west of Iwonicz-Zdrój, south of Krosno, and south of the region ...
in the
Jaśliska Jaśliska is a village in Krosno County, Subcarpathian Voivodeship, in south-eastern Poland, close to the border with Slovakia. It lies approximately south-east of Dukla, south of Krosno, and south of the regional capital Rzeszów. The village ...
region to Bishop Maciej of
Przemyśl Przemyśl () is a city in southeastern Poland with 56,466 inhabitants, as of December 2023. Data for territorial unit 1862000. In 1999, it became part of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, Subcarpathian Voivodeship. It was previously the capital of Prz ...
for 300 grzywnas of silver, retaining a three-year repurchase option, likely anticipating wartime gains. The campaign, however, brought no profit, and in 1411, he was forced to take out a loan of 76 grzywnas from a local nobleman. Around the same time, he sued Bishop Maciej over 700 grzywnas tied to a land dispute involving the nearby village of Jasionka. Zyndram presented a ruling in his favor, but a royal commission, including high-ranking officials such as Archbishop
Mikołaj Trąba Mikołaj Trąba (; 1358 – 2 December 1422), of Trąby coat of arms, was a Polish Roman Catholic priest, Royal Notary from 1390, Deputy Chancellor of the Crown 1403–12, bishop of Halicz 1410–12, archbishop of Gniezno from 1412, and first p ...
, dismissed his claim, deeming his submitted document invalid. The commission’s ruling on October 18, 1412, marks the last confirmed mention of Zyndram of Maszkowice. The exact date of his death remains unknown; however, by June 5, 1414, his wife, Anna, was recorded as the “Widow of Zyndram.” Anna, likely a burgher from
Kraków , officially the Royal Capital City of Kraków, is the List of cities and towns in Poland, second-largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, the city has a population of 804,237 ...
, first appeared alongside Zyndram in the
Biecz Biecz () () is a town and municipality in southeastern Poland, in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Gorlice County. It is in the Carpathian Mountains, in the Doły Jasielsko-Sanockie, by the Ropa (river), Ropa River. Due to its rich history, it is often ...
court records in 1393 and outlived him by at least a decade. She remained active in legal proceedings, litigating as the widow of Zyndram in the
Sanok Sanok (in full the Royal Free City of Sanok — , , ''Sanok'', , ''Sianok'' or ''Sianik'', , , ''Sūnik'' or ''Sonik'') is a town in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship of southeastern Poland with 38,397 inhabitants, as of June 2016. Located on the San ...
court, as late as 1425. Zyndram left no male heir. He had a daughter, whose name is not recorded, who married Jan, a Kraków burgher and city councilor, active between 1422 and 1456. Jan adopted the surname “Zyndram” from his father-in-law. After Zyndram’s death, his estates reverted to the Crown under the right of escheat. The Maszkowice estate, including his fortified residence, now known as Zyndram’s Hill, was transferred to the Poor Clares convent in
Stary Sącz Stary Sącz is a small historic town in Lesser Poland Voivodeship of southern Poland. It is the seat of the Gmina Stary Sącz (commune), and one of the oldest towns in the country, receiving Magdeburg rights in the 13th century. Geography Star ...
.


See also

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Offices in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth An office is a space where the employees of an organization perform administrative work in order to support and realize the various goals of the organization. The word "office" may also denote a position within an organization with specific dut ...
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Zyndram's Hill Zyndram’s Hill (Polish language, pol. Góra Zyndrama) is an archaeological site located in southern Poland, in Maszkowice, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Maszkowice village, Gmina Łącko, Łącko commune. It was a prehistoric defensive settlement ...
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Battle of Grunwald The Battle of Grunwald was fought on 15 July 1410 during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War. The alliance of the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, led respectively by King Władysław II Jagiełło (Jogaila), a ...


References


External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zyndram of Maszkowic Polish generals Polish knights 1350s births 1414 deaths People in the Battle of Grunwald