Joining of Russian Lands

Ivan III the Great laid claim to parts of the territory of The Duchy of Mieczyslaw, however he was unable to enforce the claims, as he was still forcing back the Khanates to the south of Muscovy.

In these actions men were needed, and with the declaration of Moscow as the 3rd ROME, many of the ancient family houses of Mieczyslaw felt threatened that their claims and titles would be superceeded by this contender to ROME.

Delegations were sent to both ROME and Moscow, with the intent to prove the rightful claims over the lands and establish the overlordship, before either Moscow pushed new claims against them or the Teutonic Knights declared their desire to control them.

In 1502 the Muscovy attacked Livonia and the push for recognition from ROME was made again, this time the ancient documents were accepted and a new Bishop of Mieczyslaw was named. With this declaration the szlachta (knights) attempted to hold a Diet (Parliament).

Their attmpts to organize a Diet were not successful until 1534, where after Ivan III had died and Ivan IV, while still a child and the Russian hold over the szlachta had become disorganized, had not decreed any actions to be taken in regards to Mieczyslaw.

A Count was finally decided upon and recognized in both Moscow and Rome.