Maria Mikhailovna of Chernigov (1212-1271), was a historian, a Princess of Rostov by marriage to Prince Vasilko Konstantinovich of Rostov, and regent of Rostov during the minority of her son Prince Boris Vasilkovich of Rostov.[1]
Both her father and her husband were killed by the forces of Batu Khan.[2] She was the daughter of Prince Saint Michael of Chernigov. In 1238, her spouse died in the Battle of the River Sit against Batu Khan during the Mongol invasion.[3] She became regent and guardian of her son Boris during his minority. She is described as well educated and a wise regent.[1]
She is best known for her work as an author and historian, who commissioned - and possibly assisted in writing - works chronicling contemporary events and people. Her chronicle is an invaluable source about 13th-century Rostov and Russia as a whole.[1]