Monasteries in Lesser Poland and the economic modernisation of state power in the 12th-14th centuries
Historical Lesser Polacomprised the lands of Kraków and Sandomierz. The position of Kraków as the capital city, the centre of power and seat of one of the most important Polish bishoprics, gave to the region a special role in the political history of Poland during the period of the partition and the reborn Polish Kingdom of the last Piasts (symbolically closed between the dates 1138-1370). In addition to the prominent role of the bishops and high clergy in the political, cultural and socio-economic phenomena of this era, monasteries also played a significant role. Lesser Poland had a densely developed network of monasteries of various rules. A special economic role was played by big abbayes with extensive landholdings. In terms of the modernisation of power, one has to consider the role of immunities, settlement and colonisation policy, participation in the development of crafts and trade, strengthening of frontiers and routes, services to the ruler and the state, and expert support
