Introduction

This article analyzes numismatic sources of political propaganda used by Decimus Clodius Albinus (193-197 CE). The study covers two phases of his minting activity: as Caesar under Septimius Severus (193-195) and as self-proclaimed Augustus (195-197). Coins from the first period, minted in Rome, reflected Severus's agenda. Issues from Lugdunum, during his independent rule, fully represented his own political program, often schematic, with an emphasis on legionary loyalty. The author highlights coins as a crucial tool for reaching a broad audience.

The article analyzes the role of Diadumenianus Augustus in Emperor Macrinus's propaganda during the power struggle against Elagabalus (May 16 - June 8, 218 AD). Despite his young age, Diadumenianus was appointed Augustus and adopted the name Antoninus to counter the usurper's claims. Macrinus utilized his son in propaganda efforts, aiming to gain the support of the army and the populace by promising privileges. Coins with the inscription "FELICITAS TEMPORVM" were intended to mask the ongoing civil war. The dispatch of Diadumenianus to the Parthians, seeking their support, was a desperate attempt to save his life and secure the throne. Ultimately, Diadumenianus was killed, and his name was subjected to damnatio memoriae.

The article analyzes the political portrayal of Emperor Gallienus in imperial propaganda of the 3rd century, focusing on the years 253-268, a period of profound crisis for the Roman Empire. The study primarily relies on the analysis of coin reverses issued in Rome and Milan, especially during the pivotal year 260 when Valerian I was captured. Kluczek argues that Gallienus's propaganda emphasized his military valor (virtus), victories (victoria), and divine protection (Jupiter, Mars), aiming to strengthen his position against external threats and usurpers. This image, initially more modest than Valerian's, became more distinct and militaristic after 260, reflecting Gallienus's political priorities in maintaining power.

The article analyzes "Liber fundationis episcopatus Wratislaviensis" as a source for settlement studies in Silesia. It challenges the assumption that this source provided a complete list of localities. The author argues that the Endowment Book primarily includes newly established settlements and older ones requiring tithe regulation due to changes in ownership, organization, or legal status (e.g., the creation of new urban centers). The study focuses on the criteria guiding the episcopal chancery in compiling the list, questioning its completeness as a record of all existing settlements.

Polish calendars from the second half of the 18th century became an important source of information, popularizing knowledge and combating superstitions. Initially, astrological predictions dominated, but Jesuits introduced political calendars devoid of astrology, focusing on practical knowledge in history, geography, nature, and medicine. Astronomy gained prominence, explaining eclipses and other phenomena as natural occurrences, thus discrediting astrology. Calendars also discussed theories about life in space and the stability of the Solar System. The fight against superstitions extended to comets and meteorological phenomena like storms and earthquakes, which were rationally explained, rejecting supernatural interpretations. Health prophylaxis, hygiene, and vaccinations were promoted to combat epidemics. Calendars played a crucial role in disseminating scientific progress and shaping rational thought in 18th-century Polish society.

This article analyzes the political stance of Michał Zaleski, marshal of the Brześć Litewski confederation, between 1788 and 1793. Despite the common perception of Targowica confederates as traitors, the author argues that Zaleski's case warrants a nuanced assessment. Zaleski, critical of both the Great Sejm and the Targowica Confederation, consistently defended noble rights and national integrity. His decision to join Targowica stemmed from a sense of duty to protect his fellow citizens and family from Russian forces. Despite his aversion to the Targowica General Council, he diligently performed his duties as marshal, intervening on behalf of citizens. He was not condemned by his contemporaries, and during the Kościuszko Uprising, he actively supported the insurgency. The article portrays Zaleski as an upright individual who, in challenging times, strived for unity and the good of his country.

Lumír Dokoupil's study focuses on Vincenc Prasek's foundational role in Czech historiography in Silesia, particularly during his 1883-1895 Opava residency. Prasek, a Silesian native, initially taught in Olomouc but maintained ties with Opava, contributing to the Matice opavská's establishment. His early work, including linguistic efforts, shifted towards regional studies, influenced by scholars like František Bartoš and Vincenc Brandl. Although a classical philologist by training, Prasek's historical contributions often involved collecting and publishing historical documents rather than in-depth analysis. His major undertaking was the "Vlastivěda slezská" (Silesian Homeland Studies), a ten-volume project. Despite its ambitious scope and limited completion, it was a pivotal work. Prasek also initiated the Matice opavská's museum and archive, advocating for a historical journal to foster Silesian historical consciousness. While his contemporaries recognized his contributions, Prasek's adherence to traditional historical methods limited his adoption of newer theoretical approaches.

This study analyzes the role of the Jewish Bildungsbürgertum in Moravská Ostrava between 1890 and 1910, a period of intense industrialization. This group, comprised of educated professionals like lawyers and doctors, constituted approximately one-fifth of the total Bildungsbürgertum in the city. Their representation in prestigious legal and medical professions exceeded 50%. Based on census data, the research reveals their origins (mainly Moravia, Bohemia, Silesia ), lifestyle (large apartments, domestic staff ), and active participation in social and political life, especially within the Jewish community.

The article analyzes the political activity of Karol Junga (1887-1943), a prominent Polish minority activist in Zaolzie in interwar Czechoslovakia. It presents his career from a deputy in Warsaw to the Provincial Sejm in Brno, highlighting controversial decisions, especially his pursuit of cooperation with Czech agrarians. Conflicts with Leon Wolf and other Polish leaders, as well as Junga's attempts to maintain political independence, are key. The abstract emphasizes the complexity of his motivations, including ambitious ones, and the influence of the international situation on his political missteps.

This article examines the role of the Polish Trade Union (ZZP), the National Workers' Party (NSR), and the National Labor Party (NPR) in Upper Silesia during World War I, the Silesian Uprisings, and the plebiscite. It details ZZP's growth, politicization, and the formation of NSR. The text describes ZZP/NSR's relations with other Polish groups, particularly the National Democracy and Christian Democracy, and their involvement in the plebiscite campaign and uprisings. It emphasizes Józef Rymer's leadership and ZZP's significant role in social mobilization.

The article discusses the development of municipal self-government in the Second Polish Republic, starting from the partitions period. It analyzes differences in its functioning depending on the partition (Austrian, Prussian, Russian), highlighting limitations and challenges such as the lack of uniform regulations, weak financial base, and state interference. The text presents attempts to unify self-government after regaining independence, with a focus on the 1933 act, and the impact of political changes, especially after the May Coup. It also emphasizes economic problems of cities, including deficiencies in municipal infrastructure and housing, and efforts to overcome them.

The article analyzes the rights and duties of primary school teachers in the Silesian Voivodeship between 1922 and 1939. It presents the evolution of teacher pragmatics, starting from autonomous Silesian regulations that initially focused on remuneration, and later gradually adapted to national laws, regulating appointments, duties, and social benefits. It discusses Silesian specificities, controversies surrounding regulations, and the process of unifying educational law with the rest of Poland.

The article analyzes Czechoslovakia's policy towards Roma between 1960 and 1975. It discusses the effects of the 1958 anti-nomadism law, which led to forced settlement and assimilation attempts. The establishment of the Union of Gypsies-Roma in 1969, which sought recognition as a distinct nationality, was rejected by authorities. The dispersal concept, aiming to eliminate settlements, also failed. In 1972, a new concept of socio-cultural integration was introduced, focusing on education and social welfare.