European Kingdoms

Duchy & Kingdom of Poland (Piast Dynasty)
AD 962 - 1370

Polish States All Modern States Central Europe Hessian States Saxon States The Rus / Old Russia

The Western Polans were a West Slavic tribe which migrated into what is now Poland in the sixth to eighth centuries AD. Initially they appear to have dominated the neighbouring Goplans, but very soon they had also subjugated the other West Slavic tribes in the region.

Legendarily, the Polans first formed a state of some kind in mid-sixth century Early Poland. Population pressures on the Pontic steppe had been growing for some time, and various invasions from the east prompted an outwards Slavic migration. They largely avoided the nearby Balt tribes by heading further north and west.

The rule of the (semi-legendary) Prince Piast in the Polish territories of the mid-ninth century began a process of unification in the region which included conquering the Masovians to the east. By the mid-tenth century a Piast dynasty-controlled duchy was formed which, on occasions, could also refer to itself as a kingdom (more on a personal basis for several rulers rather than in terms of an elevated state, as they needed to be able to claim domination of various, often rebellious, Polish sub-states, Mazovia included).

Mieszko Piast became the first documented ruler of Poland when he accepted Christianity into the newly created state in 966. At this time, the Polish state encompassed territory which was similar to that of modern Poland, but without many of the northern regions which were still tribal.

Mieszko was also termed 'King of the Wends', the name for West Slavs who had come to dominate an earlier melange of groups to the north (see also the Pomeranians and Vidivarii for more detail). His son, Bolesław I (born circa 966), temporarily extended the Polish realm over early Lusatia, Bohemia, Moravia, and what is now Slovakia (essentially covering the twentieth century's Czechoslovakia, plus territory to its immediate west).

Poland was declared a kingdom on at least two occasions by its great princes, and the throne was occupied for a time by Bohemian kings on a third occasion but, for the most part, the great princes ruled as dukes of Poland in between periods of confusion and counter-claims of possession of the ducal throne - until 1370 when a new dynasty took control of a fully-fledged 'Kingdom of Poland'.

To clearly differentiate between kings, dukes, and pretenders, the kings are shown below in green. From AD 964 there were two capitals, at Gniezno and Poznan, but various others emerged, and especially so during times of division.

(Information by Peter Kessler, with additional information by Krzysiek Popończyk, from The Russian Primary Chronicle (Laurentian Text), Samuel Hazzard Cross & Olgerd P Sherbowitz-Wetzor (Eds and translators, Mediaeval Academy of America), from A History of Poland from its Foundation, M Ross, from Geography, Ptolemy, from The Earliest Icelandic Chronicle of the Norwegian Kings (1030-1157), Theodore Murdock Andersson & Kari Ellen Gade Morkinskinna, from The History of the Baltic Countries, Zigmantas Kiaupa, Ain Mäesalu, Ago Pajur, & Gvido Straube (Eds, Estonia 2008), and from External Link: The Forgotten Kingdom of Lechia (the argument for the mythical 'Kingdom of Lechia').)

962 - 992

Son of Siemomysl. Founder of West Polans ducal state.

966

Having formed a unified Polish state out of Western Polans territories, one which includes Mazovia and areas of Pomerania around the Odra (which his son fails to hold onto), Mieszko I accepts baptism, followed by the building of churches and the establishment of an ecclesiastical hierarchy.

He sees baptism as a way of strengthening his hold on power, with the active support he can expect from the bishops, as well as it being a unifying force for the Polish people.

The Baptism of Poland, by Jan Matejko in 1888-1889, portrays a romanticised version of the acceptance of Christianity by Duke Mieszko on behalf of his people in 966

972

Mieszko is attacked by Margrave Odo of the Ostmark, one of the border areas between the Polish lands and Saxony. The reasons are unclear, as the Poles are faithful servants of the German emperor and Odo does not have permission to attack them anyway.

Odo's initial thrust is apparently successful, or Mieszko fools him into believing in a Polish retreat which suddenly turns into a successful counter-attack. Honours are essentially even at the end.

981

Galicia is mentioned by Nestor, who describes the passage of Volodymyr of the Kievan Rus in this year as he enters into Poland and claims this region for his own.

This would seem to be the Lyakhs (Lachys, Lechians, the alternative name for early Poland) whom the Russian Primary Chronicle states that he defeats, taking their towns of Peremyshl, Cherven, and others, all of which are subject to the Rus (at least until 1018).

Otto I accepts the surrender of Berengar of Ivrea in 961 to become undisputed German emperor, shown in this early thirteenth century text called the Manuscriptum Medioalense

983

The next target for Volodymyr of the Rus is the Radimichs. He meets them at the River Pishchan' and overcomes them. The Radimichs are counted as a division of the Lyakhs (likely Poles under the name of Lechians). They had migrated eastwards to settle in regions which lay alongside the Rus lands, and now they are forced to pay tribute to the Rus.

At the same time, the Slavic revolt of the Saxon marches sees the Polabian Slavs, plus the Lutici (also a target of Polish expansion) and Obotrite tribes, on the east bank of the Elbe rise up against German overlordship.

Faced with a drive to convert them to Christianity as a way of integrating them into the German empire, they take the rare act of organising under Lutici leadership and destroy several churches and settlements. The Saxons are only just able to defend the line of the Elbe, but the march of the Billungs and the North March are lost.

992 - 1025

Son. Succeeded 25 May. Elevated to king in 1024. Died 1025.

992

The period in which Bolesław succeeds to the ducal throne is a confused one. Some sources claim that his step-mother and brothers act as his regents for a short time (no longer than 992-995), while others state that in traditional Piast fashion the new ruler sees them as potential rivals and banishes all three of them almost immediately after gaining power.

Bolesław I Chobry 'the Brave', son of Mieszko I Piast, was elevated to the rank of king in 1024, the year before his death

Either way, he is known to be the undisputed ruler of Poland in 992 (Greater Poland, Galicia, Mazovia, Kuiavia, and parts of Pomerania, forming something close to the modern Polish territory), which is the year in which Holy Roman Emperor Otto III requests his military aid, towards the year's end.

However, the Odra area of Pomerania which his father had conquered may have proved to be too difficult to hold onto, as it is lost during Bolesław's reign.

992

Step-mother. From North March. Regent or rival? Died 1023.

992

Son. Half-brother of Bolesław. Regent or rival?

992

Brother. Regent or rival?

992 - 995

Brother. In Pomerania, if still alive (possibly dead by 991).

997

St Adalbert of Prague, sent by the Pope into Prussian lands to convert the pagans, is escorted by soldiers who have been assigned to him by Bolesław. Adalbert is executed by the natives for sacrilege, and Bolesław uses the event as an excuse to begin a series of unsuccessful attempts at conquering the Prussians. He is also able to secure Poland's autonomy from the German empire.

A personification of the early Wends was presented by a gospel book of 990 which showed them as the Sclavinia (early Slavs, of which the westernmost groups were known as Wends), plus Germania, Gallia, and Roma, all of whom were bringing tribute to Holy Roman Emperor Otto III

1000

On 7 to 15 March the Congress of Gniezno (the capital of Poland) is held. German Emperor Otto III establishes an archbishopric in Gniezno with three new bishoprics in Kraków (Krakow or Cracow) for Little Poland, Wroclaw for Silesia, and Kolobrzeg for Pomerania. The old bishopric in Poznan is also reaffirmed.

1002

Upon the death of Otto III of the German empire, Bolesław takes control of Lusatia and the march of Meissen, two border territories which lie between Poland and Thuringia. He opposes Otto's successor, Henry II, during a series of battles until peace is agreed in 1018.

1003 - 1004

Bolesław becomes duke of Bohemia as Boleslav or Boleslaus IV thanks to his familial connection to Boleslaus I (his grandfather). The title brings with it Moravia and the lands which today form Slovakia.

1018

A peace treaty is signed in Budziszyn with Emperor Henry II - ratifying Poland's control over Lusatia and Meissen (as well as Galicia). In the same year, Germany and Hungary support an expedition against Kyiv, and Bolesław defeats his son-in-law's enemy there, taking over 'Grody Czerwieńskie'.

Szybowcowa Hill in Lower Silesia had been home to many people before the creation of the kingdom of Poland, from the Celtic Naharvali tribe to the Germanic Vandali, and then early Slav immigrants

This is possibly the Cherven towns which include the town of Peremyshl of the Lyachs which had been conquered by St Vladimir the Great of the Kievan Rus in 981.

1024 - 1025

Bolesław declares the Polish kingdom on 25 December 1024, with the blessing of Pope John XIX, and is crowned on 18 April 1025 in Gniezno (see feature link for more on Gniezno).

Unfortunately he dies just two months after his coronation, on 17 June 1025. The capital remains divided between Gniezno and Poznan while his son inherits the kingship in an undivided Poland.

1025 - 1031

Son of Bolesław. Crowned king on 25 December.

1031

Mieszko has angered the German emperor following two devastating raids into Saxony in 1028 and 1030, while also fighting a defensive war against Bohemia and the Rus. Now he is forced to flee Polish lands by the Rus ruler, Yaroslav the Wise, who installs Mieszko's elder half-brother as Poland's ruler. Mieszko finds himself in Bohemia, where Duke Oldrich has him imprisoned.

The Hohenstaufen family of Swabia gained a strong foothold on power in the late eleventh century and went on to supply an entire dynasty of German emperors which included Frederick Barbarossa

1031 - 1032

Half-brother. Probably in Kraków or Silesia, Oct-Spring.

1031 - 1033

Sub-prince, probably in Kraków or Silesia, Oct-Spring.

1032

Restored by Bohemia, spring to Jul only.

1032 - 1033

Mieszko makes a return to power in one of Poland's regions in opposition to Bezprym and Otto, but Poland is now partitioned three ways (in 1032), with Otto probably gaining Silesia or Kraków, Dytryk (Deitrich), son of either the Lambert Mieszkowic or Mieszko of 992, probably in Pomerania, and Mieszko II probably in Great Poland, Mazovia, and Kuiavia.

Kyiv gains Galicia, while Upper Lusatia is lost along with part of Lower Lusatia, Red Ruthenia, Upper Hungary (modern Slovakia), and probably even Moravia. The partition is brief - Mieszko has restored his control over all of it by 1033.

Dytryk is deposed and expelled. Bezprym, having destroyed his own power base, is murdered by his own exasperated subjects, probably at the behest of his own brothers, and Otto is killed by one of his own men.

Kiy, Shchek, and Khoriv (with Lubed, right) were the mythical founders of the Slavic settlement of Kyiv, for which occupation began around the fifth century AD

1033 - 1034

Restored, until 10/11 May 1034. Died of natural causes.

1034 - 1038

The rule of Poland becomes confusing and may cease entirely between these dates, leaving no overall authority coordinating the minor duchies. One name is mentioned as a ruler in this period, that of Bolesław Zapomniany, but his existence is doubtful.

He could be a later addition simply to plug the gap and show a continuous monarchy. The mention of Kazimierz may be a sign of his first attempt to restore a unified Polish crown.

1034?

Son of Mieszko II. Existed?

1034

Son of Mieszko II. Fled to German lands.

1037/1038

The Polish 'state' collapses into anarchy. The Pagan Rebellion involves many minor princes, none of whose names or territories are known other than Mieclaw of Mazovia.

Mieszko II and Rycheza Lotaryńska, reputed parents of the cruel Bolesław Zapomniany 'the Forgotten' whose very existence is doubted

During this period of anarchy, Duke Brestislav I of Bohemia captures, plunders, and destroys the cities of Gniezno and nearby Poznan in 1038. The Polish capital is removed to Kraków in Lesser Poland, certainly not the heart of the former kingdom.

1038 - 1039?

Existed? Reported killed for his cruelty.

1039

In summer 1039, Kazimierz I Karol Odnowiciel, 'the Restorer', returns, with significant German backing and an alliance with his brother-in-law, Yaroslav the Wise of the Kievan Rus. He swiftly gains control of Greater Poland and Kuiavia, gaining with it the title of prince of Poland.

As a result of the extensive raiding and the destruction of Gniezno by Duke Bretislav I of Bohemia, Kazimierz I moves the Polish capital to Kraków and soon gains control of Lesser Poland.

Duke Bretislav I 'Achilles' of Bohemia was given his sobriquet thanks to his battling spirit, during his strengthening of the Bohemian duchy at the expense of the duchy of Poland

1039 - 1058

Restored. Prince of Poland.

1040 - 1050

In 1040 or 1041 Kazimierz gains control of the formerly independent Mazovia. In 1047 he also captures Silesia after driving out the Bohemians, although full control is perhaps only achieved in 1050. Despite these victories, the rule of Kazimierz is still not strong enough amongst his own people that he can crown himself king.

1058 - 1079

Son. King from 1076. Restored Gniezno. Expelled.

1058 - 1065

Brother. Possibly sub-prince in Kuiavia, Sieradz, & Leczyca.

1076 - 1079

A renewed Polish kingdom is declared on 25 December 1076. However, two attempted rebellions take place against what is seen as an increasingly over-powerful king - in 1077 and 1078.

Just a year later, in 1079, a full revolt takes place and Bolesław II is overthrown and expelled. He takes refuge in the court of his ally, Ladislas I of Hungary, but is assassinated there thanks to his outrageous behaviour.

The bishopric in Płock was founded about 1075, but the present cathedral was built after 1129, replacing one which existed by 1102

With the personal title of king removed, along with the king, Poland reverts to a duchy. The bewildering array of subsequent claimants to be the senior ruler of Poland during this period makes it very hard to judge just who holds authority in the country.

1079 - 1080

Regent from June onwards.

1079 - 1102

Brother of Bolesław II. King (1085). Abdicated.

1080

Shortly after Prince Wladyslaw I Herman of Mazovia becomes king of Poland, the capital is moved to Płock in Mazovia, perhaps in order to better maintain a firm grip on the rebellious territory or simply because the king feels more comfortable there. This town remains the Polish capital until 1138.

1081

Duke of Bohemia and pretender to the Polish throne.

1086 - 1089

Wladyslaw's nephew & co-ruler. Died (by poison?) 1089.

1093 - 1096

Illegitimate son of Wladyslaw I in Mazovia. Co-ruler.

c.1096

Nicæa in western Anatolia is the first Islamic town to fall to the Crusaders, who cross the Bosphorus alongside the forces of the Eastern Roman Emperor Alexius I Comnenus. The Christian soldiers briefly besiege the town before it falls.

The coming of the Crusaders occurred at a time at which the Islamic world was deeply involved in factional in-fighting, and at first they were dismissed as being a mere Eastern Roman raid

Islam is divided and in conflict with itself, and neither the ruling Seljuq Turks or the more local Seljuqs of Rum who actually control Nicæa are in any position to offer immediate retaliation. Palestine is soon taken, where the Christian kingdom of Jerusalem is formed.

This event triggers a large-scale migration of Ashkenazi Jews from territories in Western Europe into Poland. They are welcomed by the tolerant King Wladyslaw, being allowed to settle without any restrictions.

This migration forms the beginnings of what will become the nineteenth century's 'Pale of Settlement', which is when the descendents of the same Jewish Diaspora settlers beginning to migrate away from Congress Poland, from 1881.

1097 - 1102

Co-ruler for the second time.

1097 - 1102

Son of Wladyslaw I & Judith of Bohemia. Co-ruler.

1102

Wladyslaw dies without having resolved a somewhat tricky successional issue. The result is that the half-brothers, Zbigniew and Bolesław, are left to fight it out, along with the king's other sons. As per an agreement between them, Zbigniew rules in the north and Bolesław in the south.

Bolesław III Krzywousty 'Wry-Mouthed' quickly found himself in conflict with his older brother, Zbigniew, but managed to repulse an expedition by the German emperor, Henry V, who sided with Zbigniew, and then caught and blinded his rival

1102 - 1138

Senior prince. Greater Poland, Silesia, & Lesser Poland.

1102 - 1108

Co-ruler for third time. In Greater Poland, Kuiavia, & Mazovia.

1108

Inevitably, war has broken out between the brothers, primarily due to the fact that Zbigniew as the elder of the two sees himself as the senior prince. Bolesław, however, holds all the cards, with the result that Zbigniew is entirely defeated. He is forced into exile in German lands.

1109 - 1111

Emperor Henry V is defeated by Bolesław in 1109 while invading Polish lands. The excuse for the invasion is an attempt to restore Zbigniew. In 1111, when Bolesław has faced a defeat of his own while trying to defeat Bohemia, he is forced to accept the return of Zbigniew as part of the peace process. Mysteriously, shortly after his return Zbigniew is blinded and soon dies.

1113

Despite the apparently suspicious death of Zbigniew, the peace between Bolesław, Bohemia, and the German emperor allows Bolesław to focus his attention on the tribes and newfound duchy of Pomerania. Now he conquers the northern strongholds along the River Noteć, securing his own northern border in the process.

Stettin in Pomerania was for a brief time controlled by Poland during one of that state's many forays into Pomeranian lands in an attempt to control the pagan natives (and possibly also to block similar German incursions)

1122

Bolesław is able to continue his campaigns into Pomerania. The third of his three campaigns allows him to subjugate western Pomerania and incorporate Gdańsk Pomerania into the Polish kingdom.

Integration of the newly-annexed lands enables him to build churches and begin the process of Christianising the people. Bishop Otto of Bamberg confirms the Christianisation of Pomerania from 1123 onwards.

1138

The death of Bolesław and the reading of his 'Succession Statute' serves to fragment the Polish kingdom for almost two centuries. On 28 October, Poland is divided into several principalities: Great Poland, Mazovia, Kujavia, Silesia, and Sandomierz. Little Poland is reserved for the senior Polish prince in Kraków, who until 1180 is nominal overlord for all of the principalities.

Initially this is Wladyslaw, duke of Silesia, who acts as overlord and supreme Polish authority. Further subdivisions occur throughout the next two centuries.

During the Poland of the post-'Succession Statute', Czersk castle in Mazovia was one of the land's most important ducal residences

1138 - 1146

Senior prince of Poland. Duke of Silesia. Fled the kingdom.

1138 - 1146

Brother. Duke of Mazovia.

1138 - 1173

Brother. Duke of Greater Poland.

1141 - 1146

In a growing conflict which turns into open warfare from 1144, Bolesław IV, duke of Mazovia, along with his brothers all rebel against Wladyslaw II. Bolesław's rebellious efforts between 1141-1143, and again from 1144-1146, secure him the position of senior prince.

Wladyslaw is forced to flee the kingdom, joined by his immediate family after his wife fails to lead a successful defence of Kraków. He does, however, become the progenitor of the Silesian Piast line of succession (from 1163).

1146 - 1173

Senior prince (1146). Duke of Mazovia & Silesia, with Kraków.

1138 - 1166

Brother. Duke of Sandomierz. Killed fighting Prussians.

1147 - 1166

The pagan Prussian tribes along the Baltic coast have been pushing southwards during Poland's troubled period. They now hold several districts in Mazovia, so Bolesław IV conceives of a 'Prussian Crusade' to Christianise them (and of course seize their lands).

By about AD 1000 the final locations of the Baltic tribes were well known by the Germans who were beginning their attempts to subdue and control them, although the work would take a few centuries to complete and the Lithuanians would never be conquered by them (click or tap on map to view full sized)

With the backing of the Pope and the emperor, and with the aid of Kievan Rus troops, the crusades continue until final defeat comes for the Poles in 1166.

1163

Although Wladyslaw II is now dead (since 1159), his sons have continued to agitate within the German empire for a return of their rightful lands. Bolesław I the Tall and Mieszko IV Tanglefoot find favour with the emperor following the submission of Bolesław IV to the empire.

They now find their Silesian heritage being restored to them, allowing them to provide the dukes of Silesia until 1675. (Mieszko even becomes senior prince of Poland in 1210 - see below.)

1163 - 1201

Son of Wladyslaw II. Duke of Wroclaw & Silesia.

1163 - 1210

Brother. Co-duke of Silesia, Racibórz (1173), & Opole (1202).

1168

With the death in battle of Henryk and the abject failure of the Prussian Crusade, Bolesław has seized Henryk's territory for himself, rather than giving it to his youngest - and landless - brother, Kazimierz II Sprawiedliwy 'the Just'.

The gods of the Old Prussians were Patrimps, Parkuns and Patolls (sounding like modern Latvian names in the compulsory 's' at the end of each name) who were related to the principle cycles of human life - birth and growth, maturity, and ageing and death

The other brothers side with Kazimierz, proclaiming the next eldest, Mieszko III, as high duke of Poland. Bolesław avoids the consequences of this rebellion by assigning part of the Sandomierz domain to Mieszko and part to Kazimierz, while keeping the rest for himself.

1172 - 1173

A more serious rebellion against Bolesław IV starts when he blocks Jarosław, son of Bolesław I the Tall, from assuming his rightful place as duke of Silesia. Mieszko Tanglefoot rebels, while the German emperor forces Bolesław to acknowledge the rights of the Silesian Piasts.

When Bolesław IV dies of natural causes in 1173, it is Mieszko who succeeds him. Jarosław becomes duke of Opole (part of Silesia) while Mieszko Tanglefoot receives another duchy of his own in Racibórz, another Silesian splinter state.

1173 - 1177

Senior prince. Duke of Greater Poland.

1173 - 1177

Provincial gov for Mieszko III. Later archbishop of Gniezno.

1177

Yet another rebellion, this time by Bolesław 'the Tall', sees more changes in rule across Poland. Bolesław is defeated by his own brother and son, Mieszko Tanglefoot and Jarosław of Opole respectively, allied to Mieszko III. The situation allows Kazimierz II Sprawiedliwy to be decided upon as the next senior prince and high duke.

A son of Wladyslaw II, Bolesław 'the Tall' had just about as good a claim to the title and position of senior prince of Poland as any of his many rivals, but their constant battles destabilised the state

1177 - 1191

Brother. Senior prince. Duke of Mazovia (1186).

1181

The authority of Kazimierz begins to crumble. In the first half of the year Mieszko 'the Old', with the assistance of Mestwin I of Pomerelia, conquers the eastern Greater Polish lands of Gniezno and Kalisz.

He also manages to persuade his son, Odon, to submit. At the same time, the young Duke Leszek of Mazovia decides to remove himself from the influence of Kazimierz. He names Mieszko 'the Younger', son of Mieszko 'the Old, as governor of Mazovia and Kuyavia.

1191

Restored after deposing Kazimierz II.

1191

A governor for Mieszko.

1191 - 1194

Upon his return from some involvement in the affairs of the Kievan Rus, Kazimierz regains full control without a fight. The last notable act of his life is to conduct a successful campaign against the Yotvingian Balts before he dies somewhat unexpectedly.

Whether this is from natural causes or, perhaps, poison is unknown, but it paves the way for the young Leszek the White to gain the position of senior prince.

The death of Yaroslav 'the Wise' in 1054 saw the end of the descent of Rurikid power via agnatic seniority. His division of the succession weakened Kyiv by creating what soon turned out to be rival principalities for each of his sons (click or tap on map to view full sized)

1191 - 1194

Restored. Died unexpectedly.

1194 - 1198

Son. Aged 9 or 10. Senior prince. Prince of Sandomierz.

1194 - 1198

Regent and mother.

1194 - 1198

Regent. Voivode of Kraków.

1194 - 1198

Regent. Bishop of Kraków.

1195

Almost as soon as his nephew, Leszek the White, has been acclaimed as senior prince, Mieszko Stary has decided to oppose him. Supporting Leszek is the Polish nobility of Kraków and Sandomierz, along with the Rus Prince Roman Mstislavich the Great, rival for control of Halych-Volynia.

Mieszko has the power of Silesia behind him, including that of Mieszko Tanglefoot of Racibórz and Jarosław of Opole. The great battle which decides this phase of the conflict is at Mozgawa, near Jędrzejów, on 13 September 1195. Casualties are great on both sides, but the forces of Leszek hold firm.

Halych town costume was largely invented by twentieth century urbanites of the Polish period of Ukrainian history post-1918, but it harked back to peasant costume of the principality of Halychyna

1198 - 1199

Mieszko Stary agrees to recognise Leszek's rights over Lesser Poland and Mazovia and to hand over Kujavia in exchange for a peaceful handover of the 'seniorate'. Leszek remains a candidate for his eventual replacement however.

Some historical references appear to paint Leszek and his regents as direct (hostile?) opponents of Mieszko during 1198 and/or 1199 while others claim that Mieszko rules uninterrupted until his death in 1202.

1198 - 1202

Restored for a second time. Duke of Greater Poland. Died.

1201 - 1202

Mieszko Stary is briefly expelled from his capital before being restored (for a third or even fourth time). His death in 1202 temporarily ends the contested struggle for dominance, with Leszek 'the White' again becoming senior prince.

1202

Restored at the death of Mieszko.

1202

Mikołaj Gryfita, Leszek's former co-regent, fears his own loss of influence to Leszek's close ally, Voivode Goworek, who had briefly been a captive of Mieszko following the battle of 1195. He demands Goworek be dismissed.

Leszek I Bialy 'the White' excused his refusal to take part in the Crusades by putting it down to the lack of beer and honey in the Holy Lands, both of which were vital to his well-being

When the request is refused, he invites Wladyslaw Laskonogi to become senior prince. Details concerning Wladyslaw as senior prince are confused, with him possibly only in place for a few months, although a span of few years seems to be more widely accepted.

1202 - 1206?

Son of Mieszko III. Duke of Greater Poland.

1202 or 1206

The death of Mikołaj Gryfita in 1202 has removed a core pillar of support from Wladyslaw Laskonogi. Kraków's nobility invites Leszek to become senior prince (for at least the third time).

1206 - 1210

Restored for a second or third time. Deposed by the Pope.

1209 - 1222

Under Prince Konrad I of Mazovia, various attempts to conquer the Prussians are intensified, with large battles and crusades taking place in 1209, 1219, 1220, and 1222.

1210

On 9 June 1210 a papal bull is decreed by Pope Innocent III. All of Poland's 'seniorate' rulers up to and including Leszek 'the White' are deposed and excommunicated for not maintaining the testament of Bolesław III Wrymouth in ensuring that the most senior of the Piast dukes is the ruler in the 'seniorate'. Only the duke of Silesia is excluded from the ban.

Prince Konrad of Mazovia challenged continually for control of Poland, finally achieving his purpose in 1241, and also being responsible for inviting the Teutonic Knights into Prussia

Mieszko IV takes full advantage of the lack of a recognised ruler to march his army into Kraków, taking control without having to shed any blood. He is the senior price by right of arms, although he dies the following year. This allows Leszek to regain his hold on the position of senior prince.

1210 - 1211

Former duke of Silesia (1163). Died.

1211 - 1227

Restored again. Assassinated. Last senior prince.

1227

The position of senior prince is abandoned upon the murder of Leszek the White, while the troublesome Świętopełk II of Pomerelia uses the opportunity to declare his independence from Polish overlordship. The prince of Kraków, constant seat of the senior prince, now holds nominal control of Poland, but various princes contest this until 1232.

1227 - 1228

Son of Leszek I. Aged 1 year.

1227 - 1228

Mother and regent. Died 1258?

1228 - 1231

Agreed successor to Leszek. Now prince of Greater Poland.

1228 - 1229

Duke of Silesia. Governor of Kraków for Wladyslaw III.

1228

While continuing to oppose Wladyslaw Laskonogi, Prince Konrad of Mazovia invites the Teutonic Knights to settle the Lower Vistula. This is on the border with the Prussians who have been ravaging Mazovia, which straddles the Vistula between the heartland of Poland and Prussia (and occasionally includes the Prussian region of Chełmno).

Already veteran soldiers from their time in the Holy Land, the Teutonic Knights would have presented a fearsome spectacle to the Prussians - and a deadly opponent

The Order attempts to Christianise the pagan Prussians and form its own military-religious state (known as the Ordenstaat) which it governs for the next three hundred years.

1229 - 1241

Prince of Mazovia. In opposition to Wladyslaw III & Henryk.

1229 - 1230/31

Governor of Kraków for Wladyslaw III.

1229 - 1241

Prince Konrad of Mazovia continues to opposes Wladyslaw III, with open warfare breaking out in 1229 and 1231. Despite not having the strength or alliances necessary to complete the task, he continues to oppose Wladyslaw's successor, Henryk Brodaty, in 1233. Only in 1241 is he finally successful in becoming the senior ruler in Poland.

1230/1231

Governor of Kraków for Wladyslaw III.

1231 - 1238

Previously a provincial governor (1228).

1238 - 1241

Son. Duke of Silesia. Killed in battle.

1241 - 1242

The Mongols of Batu Khan's Golden Horde, aided by Subedei, turn their attention to Poland and Hungary. Both are conquered, with European defeats at Liegnitz and the River Sajo (the Battle of Mohi). The former results in the death of Henryk II at the head of a scratch force of Poles, Bohemians, and the Knights Templar.

Batu Khan extended the borders of Mongol power into the lands of the Rus, bringing them under the domination of the Golden Horde for a century

Austria, Dalmatia, and Moravia also fall under Mongol domination, and the tide seems unstoppable. However, the death of Ogedei Khan causes the Mongols to withdraw, with Batu Khan intent on securing his conquests in the lands of the Rus. Silesian integrity crumbles as a result of Henryk's death, with Bohemia coming to dominate there.

1241

Son. Duke of Silesia. High duke between Apr-Jul only.

1241

Provincial governor for Bolesław II.

1241

Prince Konrad of Mazovia is finally strong enough to force the nobles to accept him as prince in Kraków. Bolesław Rogatka does not particularly oppose him, returning instead to Silesia.

1241 - 1243

Prince of Mazovia. High duke of Poland. Forced to yield.

1243 - 1279

Restored under a better claim to the throne. Died.

1279 - 1288

Piast duke of Sieradz, Łęczyca, Inowrocław, & Sandomierz.

1282/1285

Pretender.

1288 - 1289

The death of Leszek Czarny results in an eruption of further warfare between the Polish duchies as the various Piast houses vie for supremacy. Bolesław II of Płock in Mazovia initially seems to be successful, but then the nobles refuse to recognise him and he is quickly superseded by Henryk Prawy.

Bolesław II Płocki managed to become sole ruler in 1294 over a divided Mazovia, and then founded the stronghold of Warsaw in the early 1300s

1288 - 1288/89

Duke of Mazovia. High duke, Oct 1288 to end 1288/start 1289.

1288 - 1289

Duke of Wrocław in Silesia. Overcame Bolesław Płocki.

1289

With Bolesław stepping back from his kingdom-building ambitions, Wladyslaw restores the fragmented Polish monarchy. As such he is often numbered as the first Wladyslaw by later historians, ignoring the first three, while others include them by numbering this Wladyslaw as the fourth. Both sets of numberings are shown here from this point onwards.

In 1289, Wladyslaw gains power for the first time, albeit briefly. Between April and 13 October 1292 he is a pretender, and is styled 'Heir of Kraków' from January 1293. From 10 March 1296, this changes to 'Duke of the Polish Kingdom'.

He is pretender to Kraków until 18 November 1297 and in 1305 gains the throne again, for just two months. Two further periods of rule follow, in 1306-1311 and 1312-1320, until finally, in 1320, he is proclaimed king.

The first royal castle in Mazovia was built as a wooden fortress in the fourteenth century but this was replaced by the present building by later kings of Poland

1289

Half-brother of Leszek II. Feb-Oct only. Lost Kraków.

1289 - 1290

Senior prince again after seizing Kraków. Died suddenly.

1290 - 1296

The capital is moved briefly back to Płock in Mazovia until 1296, when Poznan takes over. Wenceslas II of Bohemia conquers Kraków in 1291, neutralising the claim of the duke of Płock to be senior prince of Poland. His own claim, though, is strong enough as he is a member of the Greater Poland branch of the Piasts through his late father.

1291 - 1305

Wenceslas II of Bohemia (1283-1305). King from 1300.

1292 - 1296

Pretender, styled 'Heir of Kraków'.

1293 - 1294

Pretender, styled 'Heir of Kraków'.

1294

Upon the death of the heirless Konrad II, Czersk is probably merged into other Mazovian territories, with Mazovia as a whole now being dominated by Bolesław II of Płock.

Wladyslaw I (IV) Lokietek 'the Short', opposed as heir to the senior position in the Polish duchy but a regional duke himself, did end up holding supreme power on three occasions, the last leading to him becoming king in 1320

1296 - 1297

Pretender, styled 'Duke of the Polish Kingdom'.

1301 - 1309

Pretender, styled 'Heir to the Polish Kingdom'.

1305

Restored, Jun-Jul only following the death of Waclaw II.

1305 - 1306

Son of Waclaw II. Briefly reclaimed Poland. Assassinated.

1306 - 1311

Restored again upon the murder of Waclaw.

1312

Rebelled, Apr-Jun only. Died 1313.

1312 - 1333

Restored for a third time. Crowned king (1320).

1320

On 20 January, all of Poland (except for Silesia, Polish areas of Pomerania, and Mazovia) is reunited as a single Polish kingdom with the coronation of Wladyslaw.

The coronation takes place with the support and cooperation of Pope John XXII at Avignon, who also needs to placate Jean of Luxembourg, known as 'the Blind', king of Bohemia and son of Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII. Jean (or John) has his own claims to Poland.

Modern Luxembourg, and the City of Luxembourg pictured here, is a wealthy, peaceful state which serves as a significant financial and service centre

1323

The brothers Andrei and Lev, rulers of Halych-Volynia, die together in battle against the Mongols of the Golden Horde, leaving no heir. Their sister, Maria, becomes the heiress of Galicia-Lvov.

As she is already married to Trojden I of Mazovian Czersk, the duchy is drawn closer to the Polish crown. The boyars invite her son, the Polish prince of Mazovia, Bolesław, to rule Halych-Volynia. He converts to Orthodoxy and assumes the name Yuri II.

1333 - 1370

Son. King of Poland. The last senior Piast.

1335

Kasimierz renounces all claims to Silesian lands which now remain under the direct control of the Silesian Piasts until 1675. Kasimierz has inherited Lesser Poland, Sandomierz, Greater Poland, Kuyavia, Łęczyca, and Sieradz but does not presently control Lubusz Land to the west, or Gdańsk Pomerania, Western Pomerania, and Mazovia.

1349

Halych-Volynia (and all of Red Ruthenia) is finally reclaimed by Kasimierz III when the kingdom is partitioned by him and Lithuania. 'Ruthenia' is a Latinisation of 'Rus', the Lithuanian-controlled Slavic lands to its south, which now form parts of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine, with minor extensions into Poland and Slovakia.

The Dniester in Galicia was where the city of Halych was founded (now in Ukraine), gaining its name from the region as a whole and therefore preserving the memory and probable integration of Celtic people into the later Slavic population

'Black Ruthenia' is used for lands which are inhabited by Balts, and 'White Ruthenia' for the Slavs of Belarus ('belaya' or 'white' Rus). Much of Ruthenia is otherwise contained within the weakening state of Halych-Volynia. The region remains tied to the Polish crown until 1772.

1370

Kasimierz dies leaving only female issue and a grandson: Louis 'the Great' of Hungary. The succession has already been agreed in advance so, while Płock and Czersk are released from their suzerainty, Louis is able to claim the throne to initiate the Anjou-Hungary dynasty.