Dragovit

Dragovit (Latin: Drogoviz; German: Dragowit; Polish: Drogowit; died in 810;^[1]) was a pagan ruler (prince or chief) of the Veleti (Latin: rex Wiltorum; "king of the Wiltzes"). It is thought that Dragovit began his rule c. 740.^[2]

Because of their constant hatred and hostility toward the Franks,^[3] in the late 8th century, Frankish king Charlemagne organised campaigns against the Veleti, and fellow Slavic tribe of the Linonen. With the aid of Frisian, Obodrite,^[a] Saxon and Sorbian^[b] reinforcements, Charlemagne managed to cross the Elbe River, advancing toward the Havel River into Veleti territory. Outnumbered, Dragovit, in 789, was forced to pledge loyalty to the Franks and surrender hostages.^[4] Among others, Dragovit was also forced to pay a tribute and accept the influence of Christian missionaries among his people.^[5]

His capital was a fortification known as civitas Dragowiti (City of Dragovit). Its location is hypothesised to be either at Brandenburg an der Havel^[6] or Demmin.^[2]

Explanatory notes

1. Obodrites are also of Slavic stock
2. Sorbs are also of Slavic stock