Maria of Chernigov
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Maria Mikhailovna (Russian: Мария Михайловна; c. 1212 – 1271) was the princess consort of Rostov from 1228 to 1238 during her marriage to Vasilko Konstantinovich.[1] Following the death of her husband, she was the regent of Rostov during the minority of her son, Boris.[1] She was also a historian.[1]
Life
Her husband, Vasilko Konstantinovich, prince of Rostov, was killed at the Battle of Sit River in 1238 during the Mongol conquest.[1] In the late 1240s, her father, Michael of Chernigov, was executed by order of Batu Khan.[1] Although she was expected, according to custom, to retire to a convent, she decided instead to become regent during the minority of her son Boris.[1]
She is best known for her work as an author and historian. She participated in various literary projects, such as the compilation of a chronicle with the support of the bishop of Rostov.[2][3] Her son witnessed the trial and torture of her father and later recounted these events to her, leading her to write accounts that were incorporated into a hagiography known as the Life of St. Michael of Chernigov and into the chronicles of Rostov.[1] Compared with other Russian writings, her works are far more emotional and personal, depicting the suffering of an entire nation through the prism of a single individual.[4] Her chronicles reflect ideas of patriotism and a desire for the liberation of the country.[5]