Testament of Moldavian princess Maria (Lupu) Radziwill from 1659
Testament of Moldavian princess Maria (Lupu) Radziwill from 1659

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this publication is to introduce a new source into scientific circulation and analyze the testament of Moldavian Princess Maria (Lupu) Radziwill from 1659, which has been of interest to researchers since the 19th century (АВАК 1883, 585-592), but has not yet been published in full. Based on the method of interdisciplinary approach, we tried to consider this document not only from the point of view of the uniqueness of the archival source, but, to a greater extent, from the point of view of its historical and legal content. The publication of the testament is of special significance and uniqueness, since, firstly, the study of the original will allow us to reveal the reliable facts of the events of those times. Secondly, this source allows us to shed some light on some issues related to the personal life of Maria (Lupu) Radziwill, her family members (in Poland and Moldova) and heirs. Thirdly, the content of Maria’s testament at last will put an end to numerous discussions and assumptions regarding her dowry and its fate. A free interpretation of the testament of Maria (Lupu) Radziwill led to numerous falsifications and mystifications of the size of her property. The content of this unique document indicates that Maria Radziwill was an extraordinary woman. She was not only perfectly educated for her time (she spoke several languages), but, as the testament shows, she was a woman with a strong character, independent, determined, responsible and highly moral. Being a ktetorissa and patroness of Orthodox monasteries and churches in the Polish-LithuanianCommonwealth, she distributed most of her wealth to their maintenance. But in addition, as evidenced by the testament, she donated a certain part of her property to support not only Orthodox schools, but also Protestant schools – in the form of scholarships for low-income students, and this fact characterizes her education and intelligence. In her testament, Maria (Lupu) Radziwill writes with warmth and love about her relatives from Moldavia (father, sister, and stepbrother), relatives of her husband (sister and nieces), her stepdaughter Anna Maria Radziwill.

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