He was Archbishop of Gniezno, head of the Polish church, from ca.

[1] The preface of the Gesta principum Polonorum, the anonymous historical narrative whose author is usually referred to as Gallus Anonymus, begins with an address to Archbishop Martin.

[2] Martin, as the chief churchman of the principality, was heavily involved in Polish politics in the era.

He is thought to have mediated between Zbigniew and Bolesław III Wrymouth, and between these two princes and their father Władysław I Herman, in their disputes.

[3] Archbishop Martin probably favoured Zbigniew, this alliance leading to Martin's incarceration by Bolesław when the latter marched on his residence at Spycimierz c.