The Gryfit, also known as Świebodzic, was a medieval Polish knightly family. They occupied a dominant position among the nobles of Lesser Poland in the 12th and 13th century.

Gryf coat of arms
Janik, Archbishop of Gniezno, 12th century

History

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The family name comes from the emblem Gryf (a Griffin) of their coat of arms. In particular for the period before the 14th century they are also called Świebodzice, because of their battle cry: Świeboda, (freedom, liberty).[1] Jan Długosz connected the family with the House of Griffins. According to some historians, the Gryfici family, the House of Griffins and the House of Sobiesław are descendants of a branch of the Piast dynasty and their progenitor was one of the younger brothers of Bolesław the Brave - Świętopełk.[2]

Notable members

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Branches

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See also

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Bibliography

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References

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  1. ^ M. L. Wójcik, Ród Gryfitów..., s. 31.
  2. ^ Rymar E., Rodowód książąt pomorskich, t. 1, Szczecin 1995; Suplement, Gdańsk 2003; Śliwiński B., Poczet książąt gdańskich, Gdańsk 1997
  3. ^ Fritze, Wolfgang H. (1982). Frühzeit zwischen Ostsee und Donau. Duncker & Humblot. p. 356. ISBN 9783428451517.
  4. ^ Cetwiński, Marek (1980). Rycerstwo Śląskie do końca XIII w. Pochodzenie. Gospodarka. Polityka. Wrocławskie Towarzystwo Naukowe. p. 70.