Editing Bolesław III Wrymouth (section)

==Childhood==
===Situation of Poland during the 1080s===
In 1086 the coronation of [[Vratislaus II of Bohemia|Vratislav II]] as King of [[Bohemia]], and his alignment with [[Ladislaus I of Hungary|László I]], King of [[Hungary]], threatened the position of the Polish ruler, duke [[Władysław I Herman]].<ref name="Balzer, p. 108">O. Balzer's genealogy doesn't mention the coronation of Vratislav II, but he places the traditional date given by the chronicles of [[Cosmas of Prague]] (15 June 1086) to the coronation of the first King of Bohemia; O. Balzer: ''Genealogia Piastów'', p. 108. V. Novotny indicates that the Synod of Mainz took place in late April or May 1085; V. Novotny: ''Ceske dejiny. Diiu I cast 2. Od Bretislava I do Premysla I'', Prague 1912, p. 245. He believes that Vratislav II's coronation as King of Bohemia and Poland took place on 15 June 1085, after the synod, and not in 1086, as reported by O. Balzer and Cosmas of Prague. Compare to W. Mischke: [http://www.mediewistyka.net/wihoda.pdf Poland Czech kings crown] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808135237/http://www.mediewistyka.net/wihoda.pdf |date=8 August 2008 }} (in Polish) [available 24 August 2009], pp. 11–12, 27–29.</ref><ref name="Labuda, p. 13">Cosmas of Prague affirmation about the coronation of Prince Vratislav II as King of Poland is disputed by many historians. Medievalists consider it a mistake of the chronicler; G. Labuda: ''Korona i infuła. Od monarchii do poliarchii'', Kraków: 1996, p. 13. {{ISBN|83-03-03659-9}}. A detailed argument over the supposed coronation of Vratislav II was presented by W. Mischke: [http://www.mediewistyka.net/wihoda.pdf Poland Czech kings crown] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808135237/http://www.mediewistyka.net/wihoda.pdf |date=8 August 2008 }} (in Polish) [available 24 August 2009], pp. 11–29. M. Spórna and P. Wierzbicki believe that message of Cosmas is authentic. As King of Poland, Vratislav II stemmed from the emperor's claim to sovereignty over the Polish homage (fief indirect, second-degree); M. Spórna, P. Wierzbicki: ''Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego'', p.496.</ref> Therefore, that same year Władysław I was forced to recall from Hungarian banishment the only son of [[Bolesław II the Bold]] and a rightful heir to the Polish throne, [[Mieszko Bolesławowic]]. Upon his return young Bolesławowic accepted the over-lordship of his uncle and gave up his hereditary claim to the crown of Poland in exchange for becoming first in line to succeed him.<ref>R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, pp. 127–128.</ref> In return, Władysław I Herman granted his nephew the district of [[Kraków]].<ref>M. Spórna, P. Wierzbicki: ''Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego'', p. 353; M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 175.</ref> The situation was further complicated for Władysław I Herman by a lack of a legitimate male heir, as his first-born son [[Zbigniew of Poland|Zbigniew]] came from a union not recognized by the church.<ref>[[Roman Grodecki|R. Grodecki]], S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 130.</ref><ref>O. Blazer didn't include the mother of Zbigniew in the list of Władysław I Herman's wives. Jan Wagilewicz named her Krystyna; O. Balzer: ''Genealogia Piastów'', p. 107. T. Grudziński believes that by 1080, Władysław I Herman was still unmarried. In contrast, many historians stated the Zbigniew's mother was the first wife of duke Władysław I; K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', Poznań 2004, p. 164. {{ISBN|83-7063-409-5}}. Today it is widely accepted that the mother of Zbigniew was Przecława, a member of the Prawdzic family; see A. Nawrot (ed.): ''Encyklopedia Historia'', Kraków 2007, p. 738. {{ISBN|978-83-7327-782-3}}.</ref> With the return of [[Mieszko Bolesławowic]] to Poland, Władysław I normalized his relations with the kingdom of Hungary as well as Kievan Rus (the marriage of Mieszko Bolesławowic to a Kievan princess was arranged in 1088).<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 178.</ref> These actions allowed Herman to strengthen his authority and alleviate further tensions in international affairs.<ref>Strengthening the Polish situation in the first years of the rule of Władysław I, he could refuse to pay tribute to Bohemia for [[Silesia]]. M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 179.</ref>

===Birth and naming===
The lack of a legitimate heir, however, remained a concern for Władysław I and in 1085 he and his wife [[Judith of Bohemia]] sent rich gifts, among which was a life size statue of a child made of gold, to the [[Benedictine]] Sanctuary of [[Saint Giles]]<ref>The cult of Saint Giles began to expand rapidly in Europe during the first half of the 11th century. Polish lands went through the clergy, or pilgrims going to Saint-Gilles and Santiago de Compostella; K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 14–15.</ref> in [[Saint-Gilles, Gard|Saint-Gilles]], [[Provence]] begging for offspring.<ref>''Władysław, by the grace of God Duke of the Polans, and Judith, his legitimate wife, send to Odilon, the venerable Abbot of Saint Giles, and all his brothers humble words of profound reverence. Learned that Saint Giles was superior to others in dignity, devotion, and that willingly assisted [the faithful] with power from heaven, we offer it with devotion these gifts for the intentions of had children and humbly beg for your holy prayers for our request''. Gallus Anonymus: ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'', vol. I, cap. XXX, pp. 57–58.</ref><ref>12th century chronicles mentions that at the coffin of St. Giles was a golden image of some form. J. ed. Vielard: ''La guide du pèlerin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, XII-wieczny przewodnik pielgrzymów ST. Gilles'', St. Giles 1938; M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 179.</ref> The Polish envoys were led by the personal chaplain of Duchess Judith, Piotr.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 13.</ref>

The date of birth of Bolesław is closely linked with the death of his mother Judith. This fact is evidenced by contemporary sources:

* [[Gallus Anonymus]] in the ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'' reported that Duchess Judith gave birth to Bolesław on the day of [[Stephen I of Hungary|Saint Stephen, King of Hungary]]<ref name="Gallus Anonymus, p. 62">Gallus Anonymus: ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'', vol. II. cap. I. p. 62.</ref> (whose feast since the 11th century was celebrated on 20 August). However, the Duchess's health never recovered from childbirth and she died on "the night of Nativity"<ref name="Gallus Anonymus, p. 62"/> (''i.e.'', 24–25 December). Gallus did not note the year in his chronicle.
* [[Cosmas of Prague]] wrote in Latin in his ''Chronica Boëmorum'' ("Chronicle of Bohemians") that Bolesław was born three days before the death of Judith, who died in VIII [[Calends]] of January (25 December) of 1085.<ref name="Kosmasa, p.77–78">''Kosmasa Kronika Czechów.'', vol. II, cap. XXXVI, pp. 77–78.</ref>
* The ''Kalendarz krakowski'' said that Duchess Judith died on 24 December 1086,<ref>In 1637, on the tombstone of Judith at Kraków Cathedral was placed the date of her death as 24 December 1082, in clear contradiction to all known sources. O. Balzer: ''Genealogia Piastów.'', p. 104.</ref> and only indicated that the birth of Bolesław was in the same year.<ref name="Balzer, p. 119">O. Balzer: ''Genealogia Piastów.'', p. 119.</ref>
* The Obituary of the Abbey of Saint-Gilles reported the death of Judith on 24 December 1086.<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów.'', p. 165, footnote 59, p. 172.</ref>
* The ''Rocznik kapituły krakowskiej'' (closely related to the ''Kalendarz krakowski'') placed the death of Judith on 24 December 1086.<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów.'', p. 167.</ref>

Historian August Bielowski established Bolesław's birth on 26 December 1085 and the death of his mother two days later, on 28 December. According to him Gallus Anonymus committed two errors. First, instead of "the Sunday after the Nativity of the Lord", he wrote incorrectly "in the Sunday of the Nativity". Secondly, he mistook the day of [[Saint Stephen]] (26 December) for the festivities of King Stephen of Hungary (20 August). Both corrections lead to the birth date of Bolesław on 26 December. This theory was supported by the fact that, in 1085, 28 December fell on a Sunday.<ref name="Jasiński, p. 166">K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów.'', p. 166.</ref>

[[Oswald Balzer]] refuted Bielowski's theory, arguing that Judith's death was on the night of 24/25 December 1086, and the birth of Bolesław was four months before, on 20 August. According to him, this timing of Judith's death gives rise to possible discrepancies in determining the exact date of Bolesław's birth, but corroborates all known sources who placed the death of Judith. Gallus wrote that Judith died shortly after giving birth to a son. Later sources interpret this as a death in childbirth and Cosmas of Prague followed this fact, though he didn't receive the information firsthand. Hence, his mistake would result in this point. In contrast, the correct date of birth of Bolesław would be 20 August, as indicated by Gallus. In the medieval tradition the year began on 25 December. In that case, the reports of Cosmas allow us to conclude that Bolesław was born in 1085. This information, however, was contradicted by the ''Kalendarz krakowski'', which gave the year as 1086. Judith was styled by the authors of the ''Kalendarz'' as "regina Polonia" (''Queen of Poland'' in Latin), and this title could be associated with her father's coronation as King of Bohemia and Poland on 15 June 1086 (according to Cosmas).<ref>O. Balzer: ''Genealogia Piastów.'', p. 103.</ref><ref>Wincenty Kadłubek in his writings gave to Judith and Władysław I Herman the titles of Queen and King. W. Kadłubek: ''Kronika polska.'', vol. II, cap 22, pp. 81–82.</ref> Karol Maleczyński refuted Balzer's date for the coronation of Vratislav II, the one given by Cosmas.<ref name="Kosmasa, p.77–78"/> However, most researchers indicate that the coronation took place on 15 June 1085, so Judith could have been called Queen a year earlier.<ref name="Balzer, p. 108"/><ref name="Labuda, p. 13"/>

Karol Maleczyński determined that the death of Judith took place on the night between 24 and 25 December 1085, and Bolesław was born four months before, on 20 August. Researchers found that the date given by the ''Rocznik kapituły krakowskiej'' (24 December 1086) was the same established by Cosmas (25 December 1085). The difference in the year could be explained in the different style of dating followed by Cosmas, who began the year according to the [[Julian calendar]] on 1 January and Christmas (''Nativitate'' in Latin) on 25 December. According to Maleczyński, Kazimierz Jasiński failed to consider this calendar difference, which occurs only during the period of 25–31 December.<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów.'', p. 166. Compared with K. Maleczyński: ''W sprawie daty urodzin Bolesława Krzywoustego.'', "Kwartalnik Historyczny", nº50, pp. 442–445.</ref>

Archaeologist Wojciech Szafrański reassumed the theory of Bielowski: Judith of Bohemia died on 28 December 1085, and Bolesław was born two days before, on 26 December. According to Szafrański Cosmas used the term ''VIII Calends of January'', with no specific date. However, in the Chronicle of Gallus should read that Judith died ''on Christmas Day'', but ''on Sunday in the Octave of Christmas''.<ref name="Jasiński, p. 166"/> Using such a broadened range of days, the investigator determined the birth of Boleslaw in the feast of Saint Stephen (26 December).<ref>The date was widely supported by the investigator, for which he advocated to A. Bielowski against K. Jasiński. Pros: K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów.'', p. 166.</ref> For this reasons, the date of 1085 given by Bielowski is correct according to him. However, Jasiński pointed the weaknesses of the argument of Szafrański because Gallus has written about the Octave, but specifically about Christmas night, but the investigator didn't consider all other sources, as well as the achievements of research in genealogy.<ref name="Jasiński, p. 166"/>

[[Marian Plezia]] argued that Bolesław was born on 2 September 1085 or 1086.<ref name="Jasiński, p. 186">K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów.'', p. 186.</ref> According to Gallus, the day of King Stephen of Hungary was also celebrated on 2 September.<ref>From 1686 to 1939 the day of King Stephen of Hungary was celebrated on 2 Septemberafter which was transferred on 16 August. Official website of the Parish of St. Stephen in Warsaw: [http://www.swstefan.pl/ ''Święty Stefan, Król, 969–1038'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 13 July 2014].</ref> Jasiński considered this theory unfounded. In Poland the feast of King Stephen of Hungary is pointed by the ''Kalendarz krakowski'' and the ''kalendarz Kodeksu Gertrudy'' on 20 August. Besides, if Bolesław was born on 2 September, Gallus probably would be noted that this was the day after the celebration of [[Saint Giles]] (1 September), which was attributed to be the intercessor of his birth.<ref name="Jasiński, p. 186"/>

Kazimierz Jasiński placed the death of Judith in the night between 24 and 25 December 1086<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów.'', pp. 164–165, 168.</ref> and the birth of Bolesław four months before, on 20 August.<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów.'', pp. 185–187.</ref> In this point he agrees with the findings of Balzer. He supported his views with additional arguments: All sources are based in the missing ''Rocznika kapituły krakowskiej'', and the next known text of this source refers to events in 1086.<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów.'', p. 167, 185.</ref> Cosmas, writing his chronicle a few decades later, probably benefited from oral tradition and could make a mistake when he placed the year. His reports who placed the birth of Bolesław three days before the death of his mother denoted a quite short time.<ref>Cosmas often uses the Latin term ''tertio die'' to determine a short period. K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów.'', pp. 186–187.</ref>

Today is widely recognized the view of both Jasiński and Balzer, that Bolesław most likely was born in the day of King Stephen of Hungary, 20 August 1086.<ref>O. Balzer: ''Genealogia Piastów.'', p. 119; K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów.'', pp. 185–187.</ref> According to Cosmas of Prague, Bolesław was named after his uncle, [[Bolesław II the Generous]]. Władysław I Herman had no reason to named his first-born legitimate son after his brother, but probably in this way tried to placate the former allies of his predecessor.<ref name="Jasiński, p. 184">K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', p. 184.</ref>

Bolesław's nickname "Wrymouth" (pl: ''Krzywousty'') appeared in Polish and Latin sources of the 13th century: ''Genealogia płocka (Criwousti)''<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Przydomek Bolesława Krzywoustego'' [in:] ''Genealogia. Studia i materiały historyczne'', vol. VI, p. 143.</ref> and the ''Rocznik świętokrzyski młodszy (Crzyvousti)''. Probably the origin of this nickname dates back on the 12th century and is related with some physical characteristics of the Polish ruler, who were noticed at the time of his reign.<ref name="Jasiński, p. 184"/> Probably he began to be named in this way after 1114, because Gallus Anonymus in his ''Chronicle'' never mentioned it.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 342–343.</ref> In the ''Kronika książąt polskich'' and ''Kronika polsko-śląska'' Bolesław was qualified by the Latin adjective ''curvus'', whose significance remains unclear. According to the 14th-century ''Kronika o Piotrze Włostowicu'' the duke was hunchbacked (Latin: ''gibbosus'') or had a crooked mouth.<ref name="Jasiński, p. 184"/><ref>''Monumenta Poloniae Historica (Pomniki dziejowe Polski)'', vol. III, p. 68, 457, 626, 765.</ref> The 15th-century chronicler [[Jan Długosz]] wrote:

:: He had a mouth on one side slightly bent, and for this he was called Wrymouth; however, this is not marred his face, and even added to him some charm.<ref name="Długosz, p. 422">Jan Długosz: [http://www.pbi.edu.pl/book_reader.php?p=43577&s=1 ''Jana Długosza kanonika krakowskiego Dziejów polskich ksiąg dwanaście'', vol I, p. 422. (in Polish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416082343/http://www.pbi.edu.pl/book_reader.php?p=43577&s=1 |date=16 April 2012 }} [retrieved 23 July 2014].</ref>

In March 1972, in the [[Masovian Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral]] of [[Płock]], where according to tradition Bolesław was buried, an archaeological research project was conducted.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bibliotekanauki.pl/articles/970784.pdf |title=Szczątki kostne Bolesława Krzywoustego w katedrze płockiej |last=Szafrański |first=Włodzimierz |date=1985 |website=Biblioteka Nauki |publisher=Instytut Historii Kultury Materialnej PAN |access-date=12 September 2023}}</ref> A coffin was discovered containing the bones of 16 men and women. One of the skulls, of a man who died aged 50, had a deformed mandible.<ref>According to the researchers there was a pathological malformation, called [http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dental_disorders/temporomandibular_disorders/mandibular_condylar_hyperplasia.html Mandibular Condylar Hyperplasia]. M. Spórna, P. Wierzbicki: ''Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego'', p. 66.</ref> There is a hypothesis that these remains belonged to Bolesław. Opponents of this theory suggest that the duke was named in this way many years after his death, and his contemporary Gallus did not mention any physical defect in the hero of his Chronicles. The defenders of the hypothesis argue that the work of Gallus has the characteristics of a [[panegyric]] in honor of Bolesław, because the chronicler did not mention his physical infirmities. It is also speculated that the bone damage occurred as a result of childbirth complications, which led to the death of his mother a few months later.<ref>R. Jaworski: ''Bolesław Krzywousty, w: Władcy Polski (dodatek do Rzeczpospolitej)'', p. 11.</ref>

The nickname of Boleslaw was also explained in other ways. According to a legend, Boleslaw slammed his face against a wall after watching his father's subservience towards the Germans and Czechs.<ref>J. Machnicki: ''Przewrotna historia Polski - do 1795 roku'', p. 30.</ref> According to Jan Długosz, the duke in his youth had an ulcer, which caused the deformity of his face.<ref>Jan Długosz: [http://www.pbi.edu.pl/book_reader.php?p=43577&s=1 ''Jana Długosza kanonika krakowskiego Dziejów polskich ksiąg dwanaście'', vol I, p. 537. (in Polish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416082343/http://www.pbi.edu.pl/book_reader.php?p=43577&s=1 |date=16 April 2012 }} [retrieved 23 July 2014].</ref> According to older historiography, he received the nickname Wrymouth for his perjury.<ref>E. Kowalczyk: ''Krzywousty - skaza moralna czy fizyczna'', "Kwartalnik Historyczny", nr 101, pp. 3–14.</ref><ref>Another view is shown by K. Jasiński, who argued that is more likely he received this nickname for a physical defects than inmoral conduct. K. Jasiński: ''Przydomek Bolesława Krzywoustego'' [in:] ''Genealogia. Studia i materiały historyczne'', vol. VI, pp. 138–146.</ref>

===Early years===
Following Bolesław's birth the political climate in the country changed. The position of Bolesław as an heir to the throne was threatened by the presence of [[Mieszko Bolesławowic]], who was already seventeen at the time and was furthermore, by agreement with Władysław I Herman himself, the first in line to succeed. In all likelihood it was this situation that precipitated the young duke Mieszko's demise in 1089.<ref>The poisoning of Miesko Bolesławowic is attributed to Sieciech. M. Spórna, P. Wierzbicki: ''Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego'', p. 353; Ł. Piernikarczyk: [http://polskiedzieje.pl/slawni-polacy/palatyn-sieciech.html ''Palatyn Sieciech (1080–1100)'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 13 July 2014].</ref> In that same year Wladyslaw I Herman's first-born son Zbigniew was sent to a monastery in [[Quedlinburg]], [[Saxony]].<ref>Zbigniew, after the birth of Bolesław, was sent to learning for a future clerical post in Kraków Cathedral. Behind his removal from court was probably Duchess Judith, mother of Bolesław. K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty.'', pp. 22–23.</ref> This suggests that Wladyslaw I Herman intended to be rid of [[Zbigniew of Poland|Zbigniew]] by making him a monk, and therefore depriving him of any chance of succession.<ref>P. Ksyk-Gąsiorowska: ''Zbigniew'', [in]: ''Piastowie. Leksykon biograficzny'', Kraków 1999, p. 72. {{ISBN|83-08-02829-2}}.</ref><ref>R. Grodecki believes that the banishment of Zbigniew to Quedlinburg Abbey was thanks to Count Palatine Sieciech and Duchess Judith-Sophia; R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: D''zieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 129.</ref> This eliminated two pretenders to the Polish throne, secured young Bolesław's inheritance as well as diminished the growing opposition to Wladyslaw I Herman among the nobility.<ref>The opposition, who supported the rights of Mieszko Bolesławowic and Zbigniew, demanded the legal recognition of the two princes as pretenders to the throne. S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 117.</ref> Shortly after his ascension, however, [[Władysław I Herman]] was forced by the barons to give up the ''de facto'' reins of government to Count Palatine [[Sieciech]]. This turn of events was likely due to the fact that Herman owed the throne to the barons, the most powerful of whom was [[Sieciech]].<ref name="RGrodecki128"/><ref name="Piernikarczyk">Ł. Piernikarczyk: [http://polskiedzieje.pl/slawni-polacy/palatyn-sieciech.html ''Palatyn Sieciech (1080–1100)'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 13 July 2014].</ref>

Around this time Władysław I Herman married again. The chosen bride was [[Judith of Swabia|Judith-Maria]], daughter of Emperor [[Henry III, Holy Roman Emperor|Henry III]] and widow of King [[Solomon of Hungary]], who after her wedding took the name ''Sophia'' in order to distinguish herself from Władysław I Herman's first wife. Through this marriage Bolesław gained three or four half-sisters, and as a consequence he remained the only legitimate son and heir. It is believed that the new Duchess was actively aiding [[Sieciech]] in his schemes to take over the country and that she became his mistress.<ref name="RGrodecki128"/><ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 30.</ref>

===Position of Sieciech in Poland===
In 1090 Polish forces under Sieciech's command managed to gain control of [[Gdańsk Pomerania]], albeit for a short time. Major towns were garrisoned by Polish troops, and the rest were burned in order to thwart future resistance. Several months later, however, a rebellion of native elites led to the restoration of the region's independence from Poland.<ref>S. Szczur believes that the plans of Sieciech to impose the Polish administration by force allowed the rapid integration with Poland; S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', pp. 117–118.</ref> The following year a punitive expedition was organized, in order to recover Gdańsk Pomerania. The campaign was decided at the battle of the [[Wda River]], where the Polish knights suffered a defeat despite the assistance of Bohemian troops.<ref>M. Spórna, P. Wierzbicki: ''Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego'', p. 445.</ref>

[[Image:Reception of Jews in Poland 1096.jpg|thumb|right|Reception of Jews in Poland in 1096, Painting by Jan Matejko.]]

Duke Bolesław's childhood happened at a time when a massive emigration from Poland was taking place<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 182.</ref> due to Sieciech's political repression.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 26.</ref><ref name="RGrodecki129"/> Most of the elites who became political refugees found safe haven in Bohemia. Another consequence of Sieciech's political persecution was the kidnapping of Zbigniew by Sieciech's enemies and his return from abroad in 1093.<ref name="RGrodecki129"/> Zbigniew took refuge in [[Silesia]], a stronghold of negative sentiment for both Sieciech and his nominal patron Władysław I Herman.<ref name="RGrodecki129"/><ref>In the return of Zbigniew to Poland also involved [[Bretislaus II, Duke of Bohemia]]; M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', pp. 182–183.</ref> In the absence of Sieciech and Bolesław, who were captured by Hungarians, duke Władysław I then undertook a penal expedition to Silesia, which was unsuccessful and subsequently obliged him to recognize Zbigniew as a legitimate heir.<ref name="RGrodecki129"/> In 1093 Władysław I signed an Act of Legitimization which granted Zbigniew the rights of descent from his line. Zbigniew was also granted 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. Its aim was to nullify the Act of Legitimization. The contestants met at the [[battle of Gopło]] in 1096, where Sieciech's forces annihilated the supporters of Zbigniew. Zbigniew himself was taken prisoner, but regained his freedom a year later, in May 1097, due to the intervention of the bishops.<ref>L. Korczak: ''Władysław I Herman'' [in]: ''Piastowie. Leksykon biograficzny'', Kraków 1999, p. 65. {{ISBN|83-08-02829-2}}.</ref><ref>The release of Zbigniew took place during the consecration of [[Gniezno Cathedral]]; M. K. Barański:'' Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 183.</ref> At the same time his rights, guaranteed by the Act of Legitimization, were reinstated.<ref>R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 131.</ref>

Simultaneously a great migration of [[Jews]] from Western Europe to Poland began circa 1096, around the time of the [[First Crusade]]. The tolerant rule of [[Władysław I Herman]] attracted the Jews who were permitted to settle throughout the entire kingdom without restrictions. The Polish duke took great care of the Hebrew Diaspora, as he understood its positive influence on the growth of the country's economy.<ref>M. Bałaban: ''Historia i literatura żydowska ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem historii Żydów w Polsce'', vol. I-III, Lwów 1925, p. 72.</ref> The new Jewish citizens soon gained the trust of the gentiles during the rule of Bolesław III.