Bortz, a Cuman Chief in the 13th Century
Bortz, a Cuman Chief in the 13th Century

Summary/Abstract: The Cumans, also known as Kipchaks and Polovcians, flourished during the 11th-13th centuries in the territory of the East European steppe. At the beginning of the 13th century the Hungarian Kingdom turned its attention to the Cumans. As a consequence, in 1227 Bortz, the fourth chieftain of the Cumans, sent his son, along with a retinue, to Esztergom, the seat of the Hungarian Archbishop, to embrace Christianity. The Dominican missionaries baptised Bortz and his people. This act was motivated by political considerations on both the Cuman and Hungarian sides. The aim of this paper is threefold. First, it analyses Bortz's name and his position occupied among the Cuman leaders. Secondly, the complicated problem of the habitat of the Cuman group led by Bortz is investigated. Finally, the motives for his conversion to Christianity are discussed.

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