Zbigniew

Zbigniew (after 1070 - v. 1112) is the oldest son of Ladislas Ier Hermann. It initially studied with Cracow before being sent in exile to the convent of Quedlinburg.

The return of the oldest son

In 1093, exiled and dissidents deliver Zbigniew of the monastery where it was retained and, with the assistance of the Czech , invades the Silesia where they are well accommodated by the Magnat S. Ladislas must yield and recognize the legitimacy of Zbigniew which is authorized to remain in Silesia.

Sieciech, the strong man of Poland which ambitionne to supplant the Piasts, encourages Ladislas to reconsider its word and to attack Zbigniew again. This one, not obtaining sufficient assistance of the Silesian tycoons , flees in Cujavie. Ladislas Hermann crushes Cujavie. Zbigniew goes, with the guarantee to have the safe life, but he is imprisoned by Sieciech.

Confirmation of the legitimacy of the oldest son

In 1097, the tycoons who oppose Sieciech oblige Ladislas Hermann to confirm the legitimacy of Zbigniew. Sieciech is isolated. Ladislas Hermann is constrained by the partisans of Piasts to divide his territory with Zbigniew, his/her illegitimate son, and Boleslas III the Stop-Chest. Zbigniew receives the Large-Poland, the Cujavie, Sieradz and Łęczyca. Boleslas III the Stop-Chest receives the Petite Poland, the Silesia, Lubusz and a small territory in the west of Large Poland. Ladislas Hermann preserves the Mazovie (which must return in Zbigniew after its death) and the big cities of the territory of Boleslas (which will return in Boleslas after the death of Ladislas).

The June 4th 1102, Ladislas Ier Hermann dies without to have decided which of his two sons will succeed to him. Zbigniew and Boleslas III the Stop-Chest enter in competition to take ascending one on the other.

A fratricidal fight for the capacity

In 1103, Zbigniew makes an alliance with the Poméraniens and the Czech against Boleslas III the Stop-Chest. In 1104, Zbigniew encourages the Czechs and Poméraniens to attack Boleslas on two faces. The territory of Boleslas is seriously devastated.

In 1106, Boleslas and Zbigniew make a pact by which they are committed not making separate alliances and to help against their enemies. Whereas Boleslas III the Stop-Chest invades the Poméranie, Zbigniew refuses to help it and sends its army to attack it by behind on the border poméranienne. Zbigniew preferred to remain allied rather with Poméraniens than to see those devastating its territory to avenge the aggression for Boleslas III the Stop-Chest.

Boleslas III the Stop-Chest makes sure of the neutrality of the Bohemia before attacking Zbigniew and seizing Kalisz, Gniezno, Spicymierz and Łęczyca. Then, with the Russian troops and Hungarian, it starts to push back Zbigniew out of Mazovie. Zbigniew must deposit the weapons. Boleslas III the Stop-Chest leaves him only Mazovie, as a Fief and not as a independent duchy.

In 1107, whereas Boleslas attacks and occupies the poméraniennes cities of Białogard and Kołobrzeg, Zbigniew does not honor its engagement with Vassal and does not send troops to help it. Boleslas expels Zbigniew which turns to Bohemia and the Saint Empire.

In 1109, Henri V, supported by the Czechs, launches an offensive against Silesia under the pretext of restore the capacity of Zbigniew. The invasion of Henri V ends in the defeat of its troops.

Epilog

In 1112, Boleslas authorizes the return of Zbigniew in Poland. He shows it treason, makes him burst the eyes, that of which he will die quickly.

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