Konrad VIII the Younger

Konrad VIII the Younger (Polish: Konrad VIII Młody; b. aft. 1397 - d. by 5 September 1444), was a Duke of Oleśnica, Koźle, half of Bytom and half of Ścinawa during 1416-1427 (with his brothers as co-rulers) and sole Duke of half of Ścinawa since 1427 until his death.

He was the fifth and youngest son of Konrad III the Old, Duke of Oleśnica, by his wife Judith. Like his four older brothers, at the baptism he received the name of Konrad, which was characteristic in this branch of the House of Piast.

=Chosing of the Church career

The modesty of his father's legacy forced that, of the five sons of Konrad III, three decided to follow the ecclesiastic career; Konrad VIII was one of them. The Church, during the time of the political fragmentation of Poland and the enourmous progeny of the Piast dynasty, was the easiest way to develop influence in the fate of Silesia, by obtaining the prestigious (and profitable) Church dignities, which Piast princes easily accepted. The oldest of the brothers, Konrad IV, was made Provost of Wroclaw, and since 1417 Bishop of Wroclaw, and other, Konrad VI, in 1414, was appointed Dean of the Wroclaw Chapter.

Teutonic Knight

Konrad VIII Young went no trace of the older brothers. In 1416, he entered the ranks of the Teutonic Order. Perhaps the impact of this decision was prompting brother, Konrad VII White, who in the Teutonic knights learned the craft and fight to them in 1410 in the Battle of Grunwald. During the solemn religious vows of submission to the castle in Malbork Konrad VIII was accompanied by all the young brothers. Then, in exchange for a loan in 3000 kop grosz Prague Senior Konrad IV, V, Konrad and Konrad VII Kącki White concluded with a great master of the Teutonic Küchmeistrem von Michal Sternbergia pact directed against Poland and Lithuania. Committed themselves to assist in the Order, if that was attacked by the army of King Wladyslaw II Jagiello of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania Witold.

Konrad Between 1425-1429, he served as a prosecutor in order Gardawie. Then, in the years 1429-1433 to perform the duties of the prosecutor in order Lochstedt. The highest religious position to exercise, was the office of Provincial Order for Czech Republic and Moravia.

Government in Silesia

Konrad VIII young, despite the adoption of the mantle is not a religious government resigned in Silesia. In 1416 when the brothers decided to ojcowizny division does not share his father's modest legacy and beyond a few exceptions to have a common rule. Total dominion over the districts: ścinawskim, wołowskim, wińskim, rudnickim, wąsowskim, prusickim and żmigrodzkim. After the death of Konrad Konrad VI, VIII, Dean Young took over the independent governments and Ścinawa Rudna together with the surrounding areas. Henceforth began the prince ścinawskim style.

During the Hussite Wars in 1431 helped the brother Konrad VII white in Gliwice podstępnym bounce from the hands of the Hussites. In contrast, in 1435 joined the ogólnośląskiego connection to the princes and cities, which had concluded with the preservation of peace husytami.