Geneza i historyczny rozwój form dyplomatycznych od starożytności do kongresu wiedeńskiego w 1815 roku

The article contains the definition of the notion „diplomacy” in a narrow and wide meaning, stressing its contemporary meaning. The author describes the diplomacy genesis from the times of ancient Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Greece and Rome (of the ancient and republican times) up to the Middle Ages. He shows the principles and ways of carrying out diplomacy taking into consideration binding at those times ceremonies. Byzantine contributed greatly in this area; some of the principles binding in that time are still in force as external forms of diplomatic activities. In the further part of the article the beginnings of modern diplomacy have been described, which started in Italian cities. Then creating steady legations and professional diplomatic corps, stressing Poland's and Vatican diplomacy have been discussed. Also the evolution of titles, classes and ranks of diplomatic personnel have been presented.