The significance of the Privilege of Košice of 1374 in light of ruminations about women’s rights in Poland

Abstract

The subject matter of the present article concerns an aspect of the Košice privilege of 1374 which has been hitherto unnoticed by history scholars. In addition to the unquestionable significance of this act for the development of the noble’s democracy, its gravity is also connected with the fact that it was the first legal act in Poland dealing with women’s rights. Granting of the privilege of 1374 is presented in a historical context by placing this legal event against the background of the situation in the Polish territories in the 14^th century, while taking into account historical, political, social, and cultural issues. The legal and social situation of women is also portrayed. The provisions of the Košice privilege are characterized and particular emphasis is placed on the purpose of its granting, i.e. guaranteeing the succession to the Polish throne to the daughters of Louis the Great, and its consequences are delineated.