Roman the Great
| Roman the Great | |
|---|---|
Seal used by Roman during his rule in Novgorod | |
| Prince of Novgorod | |
| Reign | 1168–1170 |
| Predecessor | Svyatoslav IV Rostislavich |
| Successor | Rurik Rostislavich |
| Prince of Volhynia | |
| Reign | 1170–1189 1189–1205 |
| Predecessor | Mstislav III Izyaslavich Vsevolod II Mstislavich |
| Successor | Vsevolod II Mstislavich Daniel Romanovich |
| Prince of Galicia | |
| Reign | 1189 1198/1199–1205 |
| Predecessor | (?) Oleg Yaroslavich Vladimir II Yaroslavich |
| Successor | Andrew II Daniel Romanovich |
| Born | c. 4 April 1152 |
| Died | 19 June 1205 (52-53) Near Zawichost, Kingdom of Poland |
| Spouse | Predslava Rurikovna Anna-Euphrosyne |
| Issue | Fedora Romanovna Olena Romanovna Daniel Romanovich Vasylko Romanovich |
| House | Rurik |
| Father | Mstislav II of Kiev |
| Mother | Agnes of Poland |
| Religion | Eastern Orthodox Christianity |
Roman Mstislavich (c. 4 April 1152 – 19 June 1205), also known as Roman the Great, was Prince of Novgorod (1168–1170), Volhynia (1170–1189; 1189–1205), and Galicia (1189; 1198/99–1205). He founded the Romanovichi branch of Rurikids, which would rule Galicia–Volhynia until 1340.
By seizing the throne of Galicia, he dominated the western regions of Kievan Rus'. In the early 13th century, Byzantine chroniclers applied the imperial title of autocrate (αύτοκράτωρ) to him, but there is no evidence that he assumed it officially.
He waged two successful campaigns against the Cumans, from which he returned with many rescued captives. The effect of Roman's victory was, however, undermined by new divisions among the princes of Rus'.
Roman was killed during the Battle of Zawichost, where his forces were crushed.