Danilo (Daniel) Romanovich – Prince of Galicia and Volhynia

c. 1201–1264
Known as Danilo of Galicia (Danylo Halytskyi, Данило Галицький), he ruled the Principality of Galicia-Volhynia (Ruthenia)(now in Poland and the Ukraine, respectively)—at that time, one of the most influential states of East-Central Europe.

Son of Prince Roman Mstislavich, Daniel was only four years old when his father—who had united Galicia and Volhynia—died in battle against the Poles in 1205. Not until 1221 did Daniel begin to defeat other claimants to Roman’s succession and assert his authority over Volhynia, and only in 1238 did he finally gain control of Galicia. He then focused on enriching his domain, encouraging settlers, building cities (including Lvov and Chelm), and promoting the development of flourishing trade throughout his lands.

Following the devastating Mongol invasions of 1240–41, Danilo recognized the Mongol khan’s authority to protect his people, but he preserved considerable autonomy and worked to strengthen his principality. He sought alliances with Hungary, Poland, Austria, and Lithuania—marrying his children into European royal families and negotiating with the Pope to seek military support against the Mongols.

In 1253, Danilo was crowned the first and only King of Rus’/Ruthenia (Rex Russiae) by a papal legate, hoping to unite Christian resistance. Although military aid from Europe never arrived, he temporarily drove the Mongols out of Volhynia, but by 1260 renewed invasions forced him to submit and dismantle his defenses. Danilo spent his later years balancing vassalage to the khan with preserving Rus’ traditions and self-rule.