Roman Mstislavich (Russian and Ukrainian: Роман Мстиславич), also Roman Mstyslavych or Roman the Great, (c. 1152 – Zawichost, October 14, 1205) was a Rus’ prince, Grand Prince of Kiev (a member of the Rurik dynasty).
He was prince of Novgorod (1168–1170), of Vladimir-in-Volhynia (1170–1189, 1189–1205), and of Halych (1189, 1198/99–1205). By seizing the throne of Halych, he became the master of all western Rus’. In the early 13th century, the Byzantine imperial title, "autocrate" (αύτοκράτωρ) was applied by the chroniclers 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 dissensions among the princes of Rus’.
Roman died in a battle with the Poles. He founded the Romanovich dynasty that would rule Vladimir-in-Volhynia and Halych until 1340.
Read more about Roman The Great: Early Years, Prince of Vladimir-in-Volhynia, Prince of Halych and Vladimir-in-Volhynia, Marriage and Children, See Also, Ancestors
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“Good gentlemen, look fresh and merrily.
Let not our looks put on our purposes,
But bear it as our Roman actors do,
With untired spirits and formal constancy.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)