Zbigniew of Poland: Difference between revisions
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In 1093 Zbigniew was abducted from Quedlinburg and brought back to [[Poland]] by powerful lords who opposed to Duke Władysław I's all-powerful [[voivode]] ({{lang-pl|[[wojewoda]]}}) [[Sieciech]]. Zbigniew took refuge in [[Silesia]], a stronghold of negative sentiment for both Sieciech and Duke Władysław I. In the absence of Sieciech and Prince Bolesław (who at that time were captured by Hungarians and kept captive), Duke Władysław I then undertook a penal expedition to Silesia, which was unsuccessful; then, he was forced to sign an Act of Legitimization under which he recognized Zbigniew as his son and also given to him the right to succeed to the throne. Following Sieciech and Bolesław’s escape from Hungary an expedition against Zbigniew was mounted by the Count Palatine. It’s aim was to nullify the Act of Legitimization. The contestants met at the [[Battle of Goplo]] in 1096, where Sieciech’s forces completely defeated the supporters of Zbigniew, who was taken captured and imprisoned; however, he regained his freedom a year later ([[1 May]] [[1097]]) due to the intervention of the bishops. At the same time his rights guaranteed by the Act of Legitimization were returned to him. |
In 1093 Zbigniew was abducted from Quedlinburg and brought back to [[Poland]] by powerful lords who opposed to Duke Władysław I's all-powerful [[voivode]] ({{lang-pl|[[wojewoda]]}}) [[Sieciech]]. Zbigniew took refuge in [[Silesia]], a stronghold of negative sentiment for both Sieciech and Duke Władysław I. In the absence of Sieciech and Prince Bolesław (who at that time were captured by Hungarians and kept captive), Duke Władysław I then undertook a penal expedition to Silesia, which was unsuccessful; then, he was forced to sign an Act of Legitimization under which he recognized Zbigniew as his son and also given to him the right to succeed to the throne. Following Sieciech and Bolesław’s escape from Hungary an expedition against Zbigniew was mounted by the Count Palatine. It’s aim was to nullify the Act of Legitimization. The contestants met at the [[Battle of Goplo]] in 1096, where Sieciech’s forces completely defeated the supporters of Zbigniew, who was taken captured and imprisoned; however, he regained his freedom a year later ([[1 May]] [[1097]]) due to the intervention of the bishops. At the same time his rights guaranteed by the Act of Legitimization were returned to him. |
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Soon, Zbigniew gained an unexpected ally in his young half-brother Bolesław, who, after discovered the plans of both Sieciech and Duchess [[Judith of Swabia|Judith-Sophia of Swabia]] (second wife of Duke Władysław I) to take the complete control over the country, decided to sided with him. In 1098, both princes prevailed on their father to banish Sieciech and give them separate provinces. The Duke was forced to accept and made the formal division of his domains: he kept control of [[Mazovia]] and its capital at [[Plock]]; also, could retained control of the most important cities i.e. [[Wrocław]], [[Kraków]] and [[Sandomierz]]. Zbigniew’s province encompassed [[Greater Poland]] including [[Gniezno]], [[Kuyavia]], [[ |
Soon, Zbigniew gained an unexpected ally in his young half-brother Bolesław, who, after discovered the plans of both Sieciech and Duchess [[Judith of Swabia|Judith-Sophia of Swabia]] (second wife of Duke Władysław I) to take the complete control over the country, decided to sided with him. In 1098, both princes prevailed on their father to banish Sieciech and give them separate provinces. The Duke was forced to accept and made the formal division of his domains: he kept control of [[Mazovia]] and its capital at [[Plock]]; also, could retained control of the most important cities i.e. [[Wrocław]], [[Kraków]] and [[Sandomierz]]. Zbigniew’s province encompassed [[Greater Poland]] including [[Gniezno]], [[Kuyavia]], [[Łęczyca|Łęczyca Land]] and [[Sieradz Land]]. Bolesław’s territory included [[Lesser Poland]], [[Silesia]] and [[Lubusz Land]]. |
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The division of the country greatly alarmed the Count Palatine, who feared that the disminution of his master's power could undermine his own situation. He then began preparations for a military settlement of the issue and gained the Duke’s support for it. The position of Duke Władysław I was strange because he chose to support Sieciech’s cause instead of his own sons. After hear of the expedition, Zbigniew and Bolesław renewed their alliance, who took place at the ''[[Wiec]]'' organized in [[Wrocław]] by the magnate Skarbmir. There it was decided to remove the current guardian of Bolesław, a noble named Wojslaw (a Sieciech's relative) and arrange an expedition against the Count Palatine. Subsequently in 1099 the troops of both Sieciech and Duke Władysław I faced with the forces of Zbigniew and Bolesław near Zarnowiec by the river [[Pilica]]. The Rebel forces were victorious and the humilliated Duke was obliged to permanently remove Sieciech from the position of Count Palatine. |
The division of the country greatly alarmed the Count Palatine, who feared that the disminution of his master's power could undermine his own situation. He then began preparations for a military settlement of the issue and gained the Duke’s support for it. The position of Duke Władysław I was strange because he chose to support Sieciech’s cause instead of his own sons. After hear of the expedition, Zbigniew and Bolesław renewed their alliance, who took place at the ''[[Wiec]]'' organized in [[Wrocław]] by the magnate Skarbmir. There it was decided to remove the current guardian of Bolesław, a noble named Wojslaw (a Sieciech's relative) and arrange an expedition against the Count Palatine. Subsequently in 1099 the troops of both Sieciech and Duke Władysław I faced with the forces of Zbigniew and Bolesław near Zarnowiec by the river [[Pilica]]. The Rebel forces were victorious and the humilliated Duke was obliged to permanently remove Sieciech from the position of Count Palatine. |
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===Duke of Poland=== |
===Duke of Poland=== |
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Duke Władysław I died on [[4 June]] [[1102]]. The division of the country was mantained almost exactly as was done in 1098, with the exception that Zbigniew received after his father's death Mazovia with his capital at Plock. The two states created after the division were virtually separated. Both Dukes mantain different internal and foreign politics, and this caused taht some times the brothers were enemies. With his new ally, Duke [[Borivoj II, Duke of Bohemia|Borivoj II of Bohemia]], Zbigniew invaded Bolesław III's domains. In turn, the young Duke ravaged the Pomeranian border during 1104-1105, who caused the break of the previous alliance between Zbigniew and [[Pomerania]]. |
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In 1106 Bolesław managed to bribe Duke Borivoj II, who sided with him against Zbigniew, and also he formally entered into an alliance with King [[Coloman of Hungary]]. During a popular assembly, attended by both princes, were place some restrictions to their rules; however, this created a very unfavorable situation for Bolesław III, who decided to began the civil war in order to obtain the overlordship of Poland. With the help of his Kievan and Hungarian allies, Bolesław attacked Zbigniew’s territory. The allied forces easily took control of most important cities including [[Kalisz]], [[Gniezno]], [[Spycimierz]], taking control of half of Zbigniew’s lands. Defeated, Zbigniew was forced to recognized Bolesław III as High Duke of all Poland, and was allowed to retain Masovia only as a [[fief]]. |
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In 1112 Zbigniew was lured back to Poland, where Bolesław had him blinded. Later, Zbigniew died. |
In 1112 Zbigniew was lured back to Poland, where Bolesław had him blinded. Later, Zbigniew died. |
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| Zbigniew | |
|---|---|
| Duke of Poland | |
 Portrait by Leonard Chodźko. | |
| Reign | 1102–1107 |
| Predecessor | Władysław I Herman |
| Successor | Bolesław III Wrymouth |
| House | Piast |
| Father | Władysław I Herman |
| Mother | Przecława (Prawdzic?) |
Zbigniew (b. ca. 1073 — d. aft. 1114[a]), Duke of Poland from 1102 until 1107.
He was the first-born son of Prince Władysław of Poland (second son of Duke Casimir I the Restorer) by certain Przecława, who apparently belonged to the Prawdzic clan.[1] The real status of Zbigniew's mother was disputed among historians: some believed that she was only Władysław's mistress and by others they were married but only under pagan rituals and, in consequence, the union wasn't recognized by the Church as a valid marriage. Whatever the truth was, Zbigniew was considered illegitimate and ineligible for the succession.
Life
Early years
Prince Władysław assumed the Polish throne in 1079 after the deposition of his older brother Bolesław II the Bold. Soon after (ca. 1080), Przecława was either dead or sent away; according to some sources, she took the veil under the name of Christina and died around 1092.[2]
Duke Władysław I married with the Bohemian princess Judith, daughter of Duke Vratislaus II of Bohemia. The apparent barrenness of the Duchess encouraged Zbigniew's expectations of succeeded his father despite his illegitimacy; but in 1085 the Barons forced Duke Władysław I to recall Mieszko Bolesławowic (only son of the deposed Bolesław II) from his exile in Hungary. The young prince accepted the overlordship of his uncle and gave up his hereditary claims in exchange for becoming first in line of succession. One year later, in 1086, and after six years of marriage, Duchess Judith gave birth a son, the future Bolesław III Wrymouth.
Now with a legitimate son and heir, Duke Władysław I wanted to get rid of both Zbigniew and Mieszko. In the case of Mieszko, the Duke was forced to accept him because he was popular among the nobility, but with Zbigniew, Duke Władysław I act quickly: in 1087 he was sent to the Quedlinburg Abbey with the intention to became a monk and with this, deprived him from any possible rights of succession.
Return. Fight against Sieciech
In 1093 Zbigniew was abducted from Quedlinburg and brought back to Poland by powerful lords who opposed to Duke Władysław I's all-powerful voivode (Polish: wojewoda) Sieciech. Zbigniew took refuge in Silesia, a stronghold of negative sentiment for both Sieciech and Duke Władysław I. In the absence of Sieciech and Prince Bolesław (who at that time were captured by Hungarians and kept captive), Duke Władysław I then undertook a penal expedition to Silesia, which was unsuccessful; then, he was forced to sign an Act of Legitimization under which he recognized Zbigniew as his son and also given to him the right to succeed to the throne. Following Sieciech and Bolesław’s escape from Hungary an expedition against Zbigniew was mounted by the Count Palatine. It’s aim was to nullify the Act of Legitimization. The contestants met at the Battle of Goplo in 1096, where Sieciech’s forces completely defeated the supporters of Zbigniew, who was taken captured and imprisoned; however, he regained his freedom a year later (1 May 1097) due to the intervention of the bishops. At the same time his rights guaranteed by the Act of Legitimization were returned to him.
Soon, Zbigniew gained an unexpected ally in his young half-brother Bolesław, who, after discovered the plans of both Sieciech and Duchess Judith-Sophia of Swabia (second wife of Duke Władysław I) to take the complete control over the country, decided to sided with him. In 1098, both princes prevailed on their father to banish Sieciech and give them separate provinces. The Duke was forced to accept and made the formal division of his domains: he kept control of Mazovia and its capital at Plock; also, could retained control of the most important cities i.e. Wrocław, Kraków and Sandomierz. Zbigniew’s province encompassed Greater Poland including Gniezno, Kuyavia, Łęczyca Land and Sieradz Land. Bolesław’s territory included Lesser Poland, Silesia and Lubusz Land.
The division of the country greatly alarmed the Count Palatine, who feared that the disminution of his master's power could undermine his own situation. He then began preparations for a military settlement of the issue and gained the Duke’s support for it. The position of Duke Władysław I was strange because he chose to support Sieciech’s cause instead of his own sons. After hear of the expedition, Zbigniew and Bolesław renewed their alliance, who took place at the Wiec organized in Wrocław by the magnate Skarbmir. There it was decided to remove the current guardian of Bolesław, a noble named Wojslaw (a Sieciech's relative) and arrange an expedition against the Count Palatine. Subsequently in 1099 the troops of both Sieciech and Duke Władysław I faced with the forces of Zbigniew and Bolesław near Zarnowiec by the river Pilica. The Rebel forces were victorious and the humilliated Duke was obliged to permanently remove Sieciech from the position of Count Palatine.
After the definitive defeat of his troops, the Duke was forced to exile Sieciech from the country; he left Poland around 1100/1101. Is known that he took refuge in German lands. However, he eventually returned to Poland, but didn't play any political role again. He may have been blinded.
Duke of Poland
Duke Władysław I died on 4 June 1102. The division of the country was mantained almost exactly as was done in 1098, with the exception that Zbigniew received after his father's death Mazovia with his capital at Plock. The two states created after the division were virtually separated. Both Dukes mantain different internal and foreign politics, and this caused taht some times the brothers were enemies. With his new ally, Duke Borivoj II of Bohemia, Zbigniew invaded Bolesław III's domains. In turn, the young Duke ravaged the Pomeranian border during 1104-1105, who caused the break of the previous alliance between Zbigniew and Pomerania.
In 1106 Bolesław managed to bribe Duke Borivoj II, who sided with him against Zbigniew, and also he formally entered into an alliance with King Coloman of Hungary. During a popular assembly, attended by both princes, were place some restrictions to their rules; however, this created a very unfavorable situation for Bolesław III, who decided to began the civil war in order to obtain the overlordship of Poland. With the help of his Kievan and Hungarian allies, Bolesław attacked Zbigniew’s territory. The allied forces easily took control of most important cities including Kalisz, Gniezno, Spycimierz, taking control of half of Zbigniew’s lands. Defeated, Zbigniew was forced to recognized Bolesław III as High Duke of all Poland, and was allowed to retain Masovia only as a fief.
In 1107 Zbigniew was chased from the country by his brother and he sought help from Holy Roman Emperor Henry V. In 1109 Zbigniew joined the Emperor's campaign against Poland, which ended in Bolesław III's victory at the Battle of Hundsfeld.
In 1112 Zbigniew was lured back to Poland, where Bolesław had him blinded. Later, Zbigniew died.
See also
Notes
Citations
- ^ K. Jasiński, Rodowód pierwszych Piastów, Wrocław – Warszaw (1992).
- ^ Krystyna Przecława Prawdzic
- ^ WIEM Encyklopedia.
- ^ Gieysztor 1979, p. 138, 668.
References
- Gieysztor, Aleksander (1979). History of Poland. Warsaw: PWN—Polish Scientific Publishers. ISBN 8301003928.
- "Zbigniew". Internetowa encyklopedia PWN (in Polish). Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
- "Zbigniew". WIEM Encyklopedia (in Polish). Retrieved 2008-01-17.
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