O średniowiecznych Prusach i Prusakach
About Medieval Old Prussians and Prussians

Summary/Abstract: The term Prutheni (or Pruteni), which appears in medieval Latin texts, denoted the original (Baltic) inhabitants of Prussia until the end of the 13th century. In the 14th century, after their subjugation by the Teutonic Order, this name began to be applied to all inhabitants of this country, regardless of their ethnic affiliation – Old Prussian, German or Polish. Hence, there may be doubts as to the meaning of this term in specific sources from the late Middle Ages. Two equivalents of this name have been used in Polish literature for centuries: Prusowie and Prusacy. Currently, the first of them is used alone to designate Prussian autochthons, while the second one covers the entire population living in Prussia under the rule of the Teutonic Knights, as well as in later times. In the past, ethnic Prussians were also called Prusacy in Polish literature.

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