Editing Bolesław III Wrymouth

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox royalty
| image           = Boleslaw III Wrymouth.jpg
| caption         = A facial reconstruction based on Bolesław's remains, 1972
| succession      = [[Duke of Poland]]
| reign           = 1107–1138
| predecessor     = [[Władysław I Herman]]
| successor       = [[Władysław II the Exile]]
| birth_date      = 20 August 1086
| birth_place     = [[Płock]], [[Poland]]
| death_date      = {{death date and age|1138|10|28|1086|8|20|df=yes}}
| death_place     = [[Sochaczew]], [[Poland]]
| burial_place    = [[Masovian Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral]], [[Płock]], Poland
| spouse 1        = [[Zbyslava of Kiev]]
| spouse 2        = [[Salomea of Berg]]
| issue           = {{plainlist|
** [[Władysław II the Exile]]
** [[Richeza of Poland, Queen of Sweden|Richeza]]
** [[Bolesław IV the Curly]]
** [[Mieszko III the Old]]
** [[Dobroniega Ludgarda]]
** [[Judith of Poland|Judith]]
** [[Henry of Sandomierz|Henry]]
** [[Agnes of Poland|Agnes]]
** [[Casimir II the Just]]
}}
| issue-link=#Family
| issue-pipe = more...
| house     = [[Piast]]
| father          = [[Władysław I Herman]]
| mother          = [[Judith of Bohemia]]
| religion = [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]]
}}

'''Bolesław III Wrymouth''' ({{langx|pl|Bolesław III Krzywousty}}; 20 August 1086<ref>[[Oswald Balzer]] was in favor of 1086 as the year of birth, in bases of the records of the oldest Polish source: ''Roczniki Świętokrzyskie'' and ''Rocznik kapitulny krakowski''; O. Balzer: ''Genealogia Piastów'', p. 119.</ref><ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', Poznań: 2004, pp. 185–187. {{ISBN|83-7063-409-5}}.</ref> – 28 October 1138), also known as '''Boleslaus the Wry-mouthed''', was the duke of [[Lesser Poland]], [[Silesia]] and [[Sandomierz]] between 1102 and 1107 and over the whole of [[Poland]] between 1107 and 1138. He was the only child of Duke [[Władysław I Herman]] and his first wife, [[Judith of Bohemia]].

Bolesław began to rule in the last decade of the 11th century, when the central government in Poland was significantly weakened. Władysław I Herman fell under the political dependence of the [[Count palatine]] [[Sieciech]], who became the ''de facto'' ruler of the country. Backed by their father, Boleslaw and his half-brother [[Zbigniew of Poland|Zbigniew]] finally expelled Sieciech from the country in 1101, after several years of fighting. After the death of Władysław I Herman in 1102, two independent states were created, ruled by Bolesław and Zbigniew.

Bolesław sought to gain [[Pomerania]] which caused an armed conflict between the brothers, and forced Zbigniew to flee the country and seek military help from King [[Henry V of Germany]]. Bolesław punished Zbigniew by blinding him. This action caused outrage among supporters of Zbigniew, resulting in a political crisis in Poland. Bolesław once again gained the favor of his subjects with public penance, and made a pilgrimage to the monastery of his patron, [[Saint Giles]], in [[Hungary]].

Bolesław, like [[Bolesław II the Generous]], based his foreign policy on maintaining good relations with neighboring [[Hungary]] and [[Kievan Rus]], with whom he forged strong links through marriage and military cooperation in order to break Poland's political dependence on Germany and Henry's vassal, the King of Bohemia, who in moments of weakness of Polish policy was forced to pay tribute in Silesia. These alliances had allowed Bolesław to effectively defend the country from invasion in 1109. Several years later, Bolesław skillfully took advantage of the dynastic disputes in Bohemia to ensure peace on the south-west border.

Bolesław devoted the second half of his rule to the conquest of [[Pomerania]]. In 1113 he conquered the northern cities along [[Noteć]], which strengthened the border with the Pomeranians. In subsequent years, he took further steps toward the conquest of Pomerania. The resolution of the conflict with the Holy Roman Empire allowed Bolesław to subordinate [[Western Pomerania]] and incorporate [[Gdańsk Pomerania]]. The expeditions, carried out in three stages, ended in the 1120s with military and political successes. Integration of the newly annexed lands enabled Bolesław to build churches and begin the process of [[conversion of Pomerania|converting Pomerania]]. Bishop [[Otto of Bamberg]] confirmed the Christianization of Pomerania from 1123 onward.

In the 1130s Bolesław participated in the dynastic dispute in Hungary. After an unexpected defeat, he was forced to make an agreement with Germany. The Congress of Merseburg of 1135 addressed the issues of Pomerania, Silesian (probably also Polish) sovereignty and the supremacy of the Archbishopric of Magdeburg over the Polish Church.

Bolesław was married twice. His first marriage, to the Kievan princess [[Zbyslava of Kiev|Zbyslava]], gave him an excuse to intervene militarily in the internal affairs of Rus'. After her death, Bolesław married a German noblewoman, [[Salomea of Berg]], which in some way was the cause of changes in Polish foreign policy: in the second half of his rule, the duke sought to restore diplomatic relations with his western neighbor.<ref>M. Plezia: ''Wstęp'', [in:] Gallus Anonymus: ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'', pp. 27–31.</ref> His last, and perhaps most momentous act, was his will and [[Testament of Bolesław III Krzywousty|testament known as "The Succession Statute"]] in which he divided the country among his sons, leading to almost 200 years of feudal fragmentation of the Polish Kingdom.

Bolesław III Wrymouth has been recognized by historiography as a symbol of Polish political aspirations until well into the 19th century.<ref>M. Spórna, P. Wierzbicki: ''Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego'', p. 65; S. Trawkowski: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'' [in:] A. Garlicki (ed.): ''Poczet królów i książąt polskich'', p. 80; R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 158.</ref> He also upheld the independence of the Polish [[archbishopric of Gniezno]], despite a temporary failure in the 1130s. Although he achieved undoubted successes, he committed serious political errors, most notably against Zbigniew of Poland, his half-brother. The crime against Zbigniew and his penance for it show Bolesław's great ambition as well as his ability to find political compromise.<ref>S. Trawkowski: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'' [in:] A. Garlicki (ed.): ''Poczet królów i książąt polskich'', p. 89.</ref>

==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.

==Youth==

===Division of the country===
In view of his father's disapproval, and after discovering the plans of [[Sieciech]] and Duchess Judith-Sophia to take over the country [[Zbigniew of Poland|Zbigniew]] gained an ally in the young duke  Bolesław. Both brothers demanded that the reins of government be handed over to them. It is difficult to believe, however, that Bolesław was making independent decisions at this point as he was only 12 years of age. It is postulated that at this stage he was merely a pawn in service of the Baron's power struggle. [[Władysław I Herman]], however, agreed to divide the realm between the brothers,<ref>According to K. Maleczyński, Bolesław and Zbigniew received separated districts already in 1093, and the first actual division of the Principality took in a few years later; K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 34–35. In 1093, Władysław I admitted, ''inter alia'', to give [[Kłodzko]] to Bolesław (hypothesis presented by G. Labuda). R. Gładkiewicz (ed.): ''Kłodzko: dzieje miasta''. Kłodzko 1998, p. 34. {{ISBN|83-904888-0-9}}.</ref> each to be granted his own province while the duke – Władysław I himself – kept control of [[Mazovia]] and its capital at [[Płock]]. Władysław also retained control of the most important cities, ''i.e.'', [[Wrocław]], [[Kraków]] and [[Sandomierz]].<ref>S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 119.</ref><ref>Zbigniew he should rule over Mazovia after the death of his father. This district, along with the towns inherited by Bolesław (Wroclaw, Krakow and Sandomierz) had to ensure the future control and full authority over the state. R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, pp. 131–132.</ref> Zbigniew's province encompassed [[Greater Poland]] including [[Gniezno]], [[Kuyavia]], [[Łęczyca]] Land and [[Sieradz]] Land. Bolesław's territory included [[Lesser Poland]], [[Silesia]] and [[Lubusz Land]].<ref>Historians presented different views on the division of the country. R. Grodecki think that first division took place during the reign of Władysław I (in 1097–98) and the second after his death in 1102, under the arbitration of Archbishop Martin I of Gniezno. R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, pp- 131–135. G. Labuda believes that the division occurred around 1097, but only when Bolesław had completed 12 years. G. Labuda: ''Korona i infuła. Od monarchii do poliarchii'', Kraków:1996, pp. 16–69. {{ISBN|83-03-03659-9}}. K. Maleczyński placed the date of the first division around 1099. J. Wyrozumski: ''Historia Polski do roku 1505'', Warszaw 1984, p. 101. {{ISBN|83-01-03732-6}}.</ref>

The division of the country under Bolesław and Zbigniew's co-rule greatly alarmed [[Sieciech]], who then began preparing to dispose of the brothers altogether. Sieciech understood that the division of the country would undermine his position.<ref name="Szczur, p. 120">S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 120.</ref> He initiated a military settlement of the issue and he gained the duke's support for it.<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 184.</ref> The position of Władysław I is seen as ambiguous as he chose to support Sieciech's cause instead of his sons'.<ref>These events are described, inter alia, in the publication of Zdzisław S. Pietras, "''Bolesław Krzywousty''". See Z. S. Pietras: ''Bolesław Krzywousty'', Cieszyn 1978, pp. 45–60.</ref>

===Fight against Sieciech===
In response to Sieciech's preparations Bolesław and Zbigniew entered into an alliance at a popular assembly or [[Wiec]] organized in [[Wrocław]] by a magnate named [[Skarbimir]] of the Awdaniec family. There it was decided to remove the current guardian of Bolesław, a noble named Wojslaw who was a relative of [[Sieciech]], and arrange for an expedition against the Palatine. Subsequently, in 1099, the armies of Sieciech and duke Herman encountered the forces of Zbigniew and Bolesław near [[Żarnowiec, Greater Poland Voivodeship|Żarnowiec]] by the river [[Pilica (river)|Pilica]]. There the forces of Bolesław and Zbigniew defeated Sieciech's army, and [[Władysław I Herman]] was obliged to permanently remove Sieciech from the position of [[Count Palatine]].<ref name="Szczur, p. 120"/> In the same year, at Christmas, Bolesław concluded a short-lived peace with Bohemia in [[Žatec]].<ref>The excuse for this conflict by Władysław I was the absence of regulation in the payment of tribute to Bohemia. For Bretislaus II, was the loss of Kamień and Barda. K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 28.</ref> According to Cosmas, Bolesław was appointed [[Miecznik]] (en: ''Sword-bearer'') of his uncle [[Bretislaus II, Duke of Bohemia]]. In addition, the young duke would be paid the amount of 100 pieces of fine silver and 10 talents of gold annually as a tribute to Bohemia (it was about the land of Silesia, for which he paid tribute to Władysław I).<ref>''Kosmasa Kronika Czechów'', vol. III, cap. IX, p. 97.</ref>

The rebel forces then headed to [[Sieciechów, Masovian Voivodeship|Sieciechów]],<ref>P. Jasienica: ''Polska Piastów'', p. 116.</ref> where the Palatine took refuge. Unexpectedly, duke Władysław came to the aid of his besieged favorite with a small force. At this point, the dukes decided to depose their father. The opposition sent Zbigniew with an armed contingent to [[Masovia]], where he was to take control of [[Płock]], while Bolesław was directed to the South to encircle Władysław's forces. Władysław, however, predicted this maneuver and sent his forces back to Masovia. In the environs of Płock the battle was finally joined and the forces of Władysław I were defeated. The duke was thereafter forced to send Sieciech into exile.<ref>Z. S. Pietras: ''Bolesław Krzywousty'', p. 58.</ref> The Palatine left Poland around 1100/1101<ref name="Szczur, p. 120"/> and spent time in German territory. He eventually returned to Poland but never played a political role again. He may have been blinded.<ref name="Piernikarczyk"/>

==First years of government==

===Struggle for supremacy (1102–06)===
[[Image:Mapa podziału Księstwa Polskiego w 1102.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Division of Poland between Bolesław (red) and Zbigniew (green)]]
Władysław I Herman died on 4 June 1102.<ref name="Jasienica, p. 117">P. Jasienica: ''Polska Piastów'', Warsaw 2007, p. 117.</ref> The country was divided into two provinces, each administered by one of the late duke's sons. The extent of each province closely resembled the provinces that the dukes were granted by their father three years earlier, the only difference being that [[Zbigniew of Poland|Zbigniew]] also controlled [[Mazovia]] with its capital at [[Płock]], effectively ruling the northern part of the kingdom, while his younger half-brother Bolesław ruled its southern portion.<ref>Stanisław Szczur: Historia Polski: Średniowiecze – Krakow, 2008, pp.121</ref> In this way two virtually separate states were created.<ref>K. Maleczyński:Bolesław Krzywousty: Zarys Panowania, Krakow: 1947, pp. 53–56.</ref> According to some historians, Zbigniew tried to play the role of ''princeps'' or overlord,<ref>T. Manteuffel believed that Zbigniew tried to play the role of tutor of his younger half-brother. See T. Manteuffel: ''Polska wśród nowych państw Europy'' [in:] T. Manteuffel (ed.), ''Polska pierwszych Piastów. Państwo, społeczeństwo, kultura.'', p. 34. S. Szczur felt that the issue was a matter of overlordship. S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze.'', p. 121. R. Grodecki thought that the principle of Seniorate was most accepted. The equality of both rulers came only in 1106. R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, pp. 135–136. A different view is presented by G. Labuda, who pointed out that Zbigniew maintained the equality of rule between both districts since the division of 1102. G. Labuda: ''Korona i infuła. Od monarchii do poliarchii'', pp. 16–17.</ref> because at that time Bolesław was only 16 years old. Because he was still too inexperienced to independently direct his domains, the local nobility had great influence over political affairs, including his teacher, [[Skarbimir]], from the [[Abdank coat of arms|Awdaniec family]].<ref name="Barański, p. 193">M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', Warsaw 2008, p. 193.</ref>

They conducted separate policies internally as well as externally. They each sought alliances, and sometimes they were enemies of one another. Such was the case with [[Pomerania]], towards which Bolesław aimed his ambitions. Zbigniew, whose country bordered [[Pomerania]], wished to maintain good relations with his northern neighbor. Bolesław, eager to expand his dominion, organized several raids into Pomerania and [[Prussia]].<ref name="Jasienica, p. 117"/> In Autumn of 1102 Bolesław organized a war party into Pomerania during which his forces sacked [[Białogard]].<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', Warsaw 2008, p. 194.</ref>

The [[Pomeranians (Slavic tribe)|Pomeranians]] sent retaliatory war parties into Polish territory, but as Pomerania bordered Zbigniew's territory these raids ravaged the lands of the duke who was not at fault. Therefore, in order to put pressure on Bolesław, Zbigniew allied himself with [[Bořivoj II, Duke of Bohemia|Bořivoj II]] of Bohemia, to whom he promised to pay tribute in return for his help.<ref name="Barański, p. 193"/> By aligning himself with Bolesław's southern neighbor Zbigniew wished to compel Bolesław to cease his raids into Pomerania. Bolesław, on the other hand, allied himself with [[Kievan Rus]] and [[Hungary]]. His marriage to [[Zbyslava of Kiev|Zbyslava]], the daughter of [[Sviatopolk II]] Iziaslavich in 1103, was to seal the alliance between himself and the prince of [[Kiev]].<ref>S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 121.</ref> However, Bolesław's first diplomatic move was to recognize Pope [[Paschal II]], which put him in strong opposition to the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. A later visit of papal legate Gwalo, Bishop of Beauvais, put church matters into order and increased Bolesław's influence.<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', Warsaw 2008, pp. 193–194.</ref>

Zbigniew declined to attend the marriage of Bolesław and Zbyslava. He saw this union and the alliance with Kiev as a serious threat. He bribed<ref name="Barański, p. 195">M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', Warsaw, 2008, p. 195.</ref> his ally, Bořivoj II of Bohemia, to invade Bolesław's province, ostensibly to claim the Polish crown.<ref>R. Drogi: [http://jaxa.blox.pl/2005/11/PANSTWO-CZESKIE-PRZEMYSLIDOW-historia-Czech-czIII1.html ''Państwo Czeskie Przemyślidów (historia Czech, cap. III, t. 1)'' (in Polish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212045234/http://jaxa.blox.pl/2005/11/PANSTWO-CZESKIE-PRZEMYSLIDOW-historia-Czech-czIII1.html |date=12 February 2010 }} [retrieved 13 July 2014].</ref> Bolesław retaliated with expeditions into Pomerania in 1103 (including the battle of [[Kołobrzeg]], where he was defeated<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', pp. 195–196.</ref>) and Moravia in 1104–05, which brought the young duke not only loot, but also effectively ended the [[Pomeranians (Slavic tribe)|Pomeranian]] alliance.<ref>M. Spórna, P. Wierzbicki: Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego. Krakow, 2003, pp. 62.</ref><ref name="Spórna, p. 62">M. Spórna, P. Wierzbicki: ''Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego'', p. 62.</ref> During the return of the army, one part, commanded by Żelisław, was defeated by the Bohemians. Bolesław, who commanded the other part, couldn't defeat them. Skarbimir bribed Bořivoj II, who returned to his homeland and concluded a short-lived peace with Bolesław. Then Bořivoj II ended his alliance with Zbigniew.<ref name="Barański, p. 195"/>

The intervention of Bolesław in a dynastic dispute in Hungary put him in a difficult political situation. At first, he supported the pretender [[Álmos, Duke of Croatia|Álmos]], and marched to Hungary to help him. However, during the siege of [[Abaújvár]] in 1104, Álmos changed his mind and made peace overtures to his brother and rival King [[Coloman of Hungary|Coloman]], at that point Zbigniew's ally. Bolesław then retired his troops from Hungary and in 1105 made a treaty with Coloman. In addition, the Hungarian King broke his agreements with Bohemia.<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 196.</ref> The dynastic dispute in [[Prague]] between Bořivoj II and his cousin [[Svatopluk, Duke of Bohemia|Svatopluk]] prompted Bolesław and his new ally King Coloman to intervene in support of Svatopluk.<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', pp. 196–197.</ref> However, a new rebellion by Álmos forced Coloman and his army to return to Hungary. Bolesław also decided to retreat. Svatopluk tried to capture the city alone, but suffered a complete defeat and so his attempt to seize power in Bohemia was unsuccessful.<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 197.</ref>

Also in 1105, Bolesław entered into an agreement with his half-brother, similar to that entered just a few years before with their stepmother Judith-Sophia, which, in exchange for abundant [[dower]] lands, secured her neutrality in Bolesław's political contest with Zbigniew.<ref name="Spórna, p. 62"/> The treaty, signed in [[Tyniec]], dealt with foreign policy, albeit with no agreement about Pomerania.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 59–60.</ref> One year later, the treaty ended when Zbigniew refused to help his half-brother in his fight against Pomerania. While hunting, Bolesław was unexpectedly attacked by them{{clarify|date=August 2022}}. In the battle, the young duke almost died. Bohemia, using the involvement of Bolesław in Pomeranian affairs as an excuse, attacked Silesia. The duke tried to re-establish the alliance with his half-brother, but without success,<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', pp. 198–199.</ref> and so reached a rapprochement with Bohemia in 1106. Bolesław managed to bribe Bořivoj II to join his side in the contest against Zbigniew and shortly after formally allied himself with Coloman of Hungary. With the help of his Kievan and Hungarian allies Bolesław attacked Zbigniew's territory, beginning a civil war.<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 199.</ref> The allied forces of Bolesław easily took control of most important cities, including [[Kalisz]], [[Gniezno]], [[Spycimierz]] and [[Łęczyca]],<ref name="Grodecki, p. 137">R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 137.</ref> in effect taking half of Zbigniew's lands. Through the mediation of Baldwin, [[Archbishop of Kraków|Bishop of Kraków]], a peace treaty was signed at [[Łęczyca]],<ref name="Szczur, p. 122">S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 122.</ref> in which Zbigniew officially recognized Bolesław as the Supreme Duke of all Poland. However, he was allowed to retain [[Masovia]] as a fief.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 65.</ref>

===Sole Ruler of Poland===

====First Expedition to Bohemia and exile of Zbigniew====
In 1107 Bolesław III along with his ally King Coloman of Hungary invaded Bohemia in order to aid Svatopluk in gaining the Czech throne and to secure Polish interests to the south.<ref>R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, pp. 136–137.</ref> The expedition was a complete success: on 14 May 1107 Svatopluk was made Duke of Bohemia in [[Prague]].<ref>The date was given by Cosmas of Prague. At the news of the rebellion Bořivoj II (who was in the Congress of Merseburg) complained to Emperor Henry V and request his intervention. Z. S. Pietras: Bolesław Krzywousty. Cieszyn, 1978, pp. 90–91</ref>

In the winter of 1107–08, with the help of Kievan and Hungarian allies, Bolesław undertook a punitive expedition against his brother Zbigniew. One reason for this was that Zbigniew had not followed his orders and had refused to burn down one of the fortresses of [[Kurów]] near [[Puławy]].<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 68.</ref> Another reason was that Zbigniew had not performed his duties as a vassal by failing to provide military aid to Bolesław for a campaign against the Pomeranians.  Bolesław's forces attacked Mazovia and quickly forced Zbigniew to surrender. Following this, Zbigniew was banished from the country and, with his followers, took refuge in Prague, where he gained the support of Svatopluk.<ref name="Barański, p. 201">M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 201.</ref> From then Bolesław was the sole lord of the Polish lands,<ref name="Grodecki, p. 137"/><ref>M. Spórna, P. Wierzbicki: ''Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego'', p. 63.</ref> though in fact his over-lordship began in 1107 when Zbigniew paid him homage as his feudal lord.<ref name="Szczur, p. 122"/>

In 1108 the balance of power in Europe changed. Svatopluk decided to pay homage to Emperor Henry V and in exchange received from him the formal investiture of Bohemia. At the same time King Coloman of Hungary was under attack from the combined forces of the Holy Roman Empire and Bohemia. Svatopluk, joined by Zbigniew and his followers, also attacked Poland. Bolesław avoided a direct confrontation because he was busy fighting Pomerania. The Polish-Hungarian coalition gave aid and shelter to Bořivoj II.<ref name="Barański, p. 201"/> Later that year, Bolesław and Coloman sent a new expedition to Bohemia, prompted by the invasion of Hungary by the German-Bohemian coalition (during which  [[Bratislava Castle|Pozsony Castle]] was put under siege)<ref name="Barański, p. 202">M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 202.</ref> and the fact that Svatopluk, who owed Bolesław his throne, didn't honor his promise to return Silesian cities seized from Poland ([[Racibórz]], Kamieniec, [[Koźle]] among others) by his predecessors.<ref name="Zachorowski, p. 141">R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I , p. 141.</ref> Bolesław then decided to restore Bořivoj II to the Bohemian throne, but was unable to do so<ref name="Szczur, p. 122"/> owing to the need to divert his forces north to thwart a Pomeranian invasion.<ref name="Barański, p. 202"/>

====Polish-German War of 1109====
In response to Bolesław's aggressive foreign policy, the [[Holy Roman Emperor]], [[Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor|Henry V]], undertook a punitive expedition against Poland in 1109,<ref>Wincenty Kadłubek: ''Kronika polska'', vol. III, cap. 18, pp. 133–138. See also K. Kmąk: [http://historia.org.pl/2009/08/28/wojna-polsko-niemiecka-1109/ ''Wojna polsko-niemiecka 1109 (in Polish)''] [retrieved 15 July 2014].</ref> assisted by [[Czech (people)|Czech]] warriors provided by Svatopluk of Bohemia. The alleged ''casus belli'' was to restore Zbigniew to his former position. The Emperor gave Bolesław an ultimatum: he would abandon the expedition only if Bolesław gave Zbigniew half of Poland to rule, formally recognized Henry as overlord and paid 300 pieces of fine silver as a regular tribute.<ref name="Kmąk">K. Kmąk: [http://historia.org.pl/2009/08/28/wojna-polsko-niemiecka-1109/ ''Wojna polsko-niemiecka 1109 (in Polish)''] [retrieved 15 July 2014].</ref> Bolesław rejected Henry's demands. During the negotiations between the Empire and Poland, the Polish ruler was in the middle of a war against Pomerania. On the west side of the [[Oder]] river, Henry V hurriedly gathered knights for his expedition against Poland.<ref name="Kmąk"/> Before the fight ended in Pomerania, the German troops were able to approach [[Głogów]].<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', pp. 203–204.</ref>
[[Image:PsiePole MBielski.png|thumb|right|[[Battle of Hundsfeld]], from ''The Polish Chronicle'' of [[Marcin Bielski]] (1597)]]
The military operations mainly took place in [[Silesia]] in southwestern Poland, where Henry V's army laid siege to the major cities of Głogów, [[Wrocław]] and [[Bytom Odrzański]]. In addition to defending the towns, Bolesław conducted a guerrilla war against the Holy Roman Emperor and his allies. He reportedly defeated the expedition at the [[Battle of Hundsfeld]] on 24 August 1109,<ref name="Kmąk"/><ref>Wincenty Kadłubek describes this battle following the reports of Gallus Anonymus. However, at the end of the 19th century, historians recognized Kadłubek's relate as unreliable, as reflected, inter alia, [in:] [[Samuel Orgelbrand|S. Orgelbrand]]: ''Encyklopedia Powszechna'', vol. XII, ''Od Polska do Rohan'', p. 406.</ref> although the existence of this battle is doubted by historians because it was first recorded about a century later.<ref>''"S. Orgelbranda Encyklopedia Powszechna"'', Warsaw 1902, vol. XII, page 406</ref><ref>M. Kaczmarek, ''"Bitwa na Psim Polu"'', in: Encyklopedia Wrocławia, Wrocław 2000</ref>

====Second Expedition to Bohemia====
In 1110 Bolesław undertook an unsuccessful military expedition against [[Bohemia]]. His intention was to install yet another pretender on the Czech throne, [[Soběslav I, Duke of Bohemia|Soběslav I]],<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 207.</ref> who sought refuge in Poland. During the campaign he won a decisive victory against the Czechs at the [[Battle of Trutina]] on 8 October 1110;<ref>Tomasz Ga̜sowski, Jerzy Ronikier, Zdzisław Zblewski: ''Bitwy polskie. Leksykon'', [[Znak (publisher)|Editorial Znak]], 1999.</ref> however, following this battle he ordered his forces to withdraw. The reason for this is speculated to be the unpopularity of Soběslav I among Czechs as well as Bolesław's unwillingness to further harm his relations with the Holy Roman Empire. In 1111 a truce between Poland and the Empire was signed, stipulating that Soběslav I would be able to return to Bohemia while Zbigniew would be able to return Poland.<ref>This treaty probably stipulated that Zbigniew received Sieradz as a fief. P. Ksyk-Gąsiorowska: ''Zbigniew'', [in:] S. Szczur, K. Ożóg (ed.), ''Piastowie. Leksykon biograficzny'', p. 75.</ref> Bolesław's assent was likely under pressure from the many supporters of the exiled duke in 1108, who, according to the reports of Gallus Anonymus, was surrounded by bad advisers (probably including [[Martin I (archbishop of Gniezno)|Martin I, Archbishop of Gniezno]]<ref>Z. Dalewski: ''Rytuał i polityka. Opowieść Galla Anonima o konflikcie Bolesława Krzywoustego ze Zbigniewem'', p. 25.</ref>). Once in Poland, his advisers persuaded Zbigniew to claim sovereignty over his previous domains. The first step was his presence at the [[Advent]] ceremonial, surrounded by attendants, with a sword carried before him, an exclusive prerogative of the ruler. As he had recognized Bolesław as his overlord in [[Łęczyca]] in 1107,<ref>Z. Dalewski: ''Rytuał i polityka. Opowieść Galla Anonima o konflikcie Bolesława Krzywoustego ze Zbigniewem'', pp. 39–40.</ref> Boleslaw considered this an act of treason,<ref>Z. Dalewski: ''Rytuał i polityka. Opowieść Galla Anonima o konflikcie Bolesława Krzywoustego ze Zbigniewem'', p. 13, 46.</ref> causing a definitive breach in their relationship.<ref>Z. Dalewski: ''Rytuał i polityka. Opowieść Galla Anonima o konflikcie Bolesława Krzywoustego ze Zbigniewem'', p. 38.</ref> Probably for these reasons, Zbigniew was blinded on Bolesław's orders in 1112.<ref>The date of Zbigniew's blinding is disputed. Cosmas of Prague favored the year 1110 (''Kosmasa Kronika Czechów'', vol. III, cap. XXXIV. p. 115); for the year 1111 are in favor L. Giesebrecht: ''Wendische Geschichte aus den Jahren 780–1182'', p. 176 and M. Gumblowicz: ''Zur Geschichte Polens im Mittelalter. Zwei kritische Untersuchunden über die Chronik Baldwin Gallus. Aus dem Nachlass des Verfassers herausgegeben'', p. 94; for the year 1112 are in favor O. Balzer: , p. 117, S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 124 and T. Tyc: ''Zbigniew i Bolesław'' [in:] ''Arcybiskup Marcin i Gniezno'', p. 23; for a time between 1112 and 1113 are in favor R. Grodecki, [in:] Gallus Anonymous: ''Kronika polska'', pp. 28–29, M. Plezia, [in:] Gallus Anonymous: ''Kronika polska'', p. 38; and for the year 1113 is in favor K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 70–75.</ref>

====Excommunication====
The blinding of Zbigniew caused a strong negative reaction among Bolesław's subjects. Unlike in the east, blinding in medieval Poland was accomplished not by burning the eyes out with a red hot iron rod or knife, but employed a much more brutal technique in which the condemned's eyes were pried out using special pliers. The condemned was then made to open his eyes and if he did not do so, his eyelids were also removed.

Contemporary sources don't provide clear information on whether Bolesław was excluded from the community of the Church.<ref>Z. Dalewski: ''Rytuał i polityka. Opowieść Galla Anonima o konflikcie Bolesława Krzywoustego ze Zbigniewem'', p. 144.</ref> It is generally believed that Archbishop Martin I of Gniezno (who was a strong supporter of Zbigniew) [[excommunicated]] Bolesław for blinding his half-brother.<ref>T. Tyc: ''Zbigniew i Bolesław'' [in:] ''Arcybiskup Marcin i Gniezno'', pp. 30–40.</ref> The excommunication exempted all Bolesław's subjects from their oaths of obedience. The duke was faced with a real possibility of an uprising of the sort that deposed Bolesław the Bold. Recognizing his precarious situation, Bolesław sought the customary penance that would reconcile him with the high priesthood. According to [[Gallus Anonymus]], Bolesław first fasted for forty days and made gifts to the poor:

:: (...)''He slept in ashes and sackcloth, among the streams of tears and sobs, as he renounced communion and conversation with people.''<ref>Gallus Anonymus: ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'', vol. III, cap. XXV, p. 158.</ref>

It is possible that Bolesław decided to do this to rebuild his weakened authority and gain the favor of Zbigniew's supporters.<ref>Z. Dalewski: ''Rytuał i polityka. Opowieść Galla Anonima o konflikcie Bolesława Krzywoustego ze Zbigniewem'', p. 145; K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 76–77.</ref> Blinding his half-brother might have been perceived by Polish society as a breach of the principle of solidarity among the members of the ruling dynasty, a key foundation of public order.<ref>Z. Dalewski: ''Rytuał i polityka. Opowieść Galla Anonima o konflikcie Bolesława Krzywoustego ze Zbigniewem'', p. 183.</ref>
[[File:Somogyvar Szent Egyed apatsag.jpg|250px|thumbnail|right|Ruins of the Abbey of Saint Giles in [[Somogyvár]], Hungary.]]
According to Gallus, Bolesław also sought and received forgiveness from his half-brother. In the next part of his penance, the duke made a pilgrimage to [[Hungary]] to the Abbeys of [[Saint Giles]] in [[Somogyvár]] and [[Stephen I of Hungary|Saint Stephen I]] in [[Székesfehérvár]]. The pilgrimage to the Abbey of Saint Giles also had a political goal; Bolesław strengthened his ties of friendship and alliance with the [[Arpad dynasty]].<ref>R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 142. According to Maleczyński, any agreement between Bolesław and King Coloman was signed during this trip. Witnessing this was Bolesław's later pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint [[Adalbert of Prague]], where he gave numerous gifts to the clergy and mint commemorative coins. K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 77.</ref> Following his return to Poland, Bolesław even traveled to [[Gniezno]] to pay further penance at the tomb of [[Adalbert of Prague|Saint Adalbert of Prague]], where poor people and clergy received numerous costly gifts from the duke .<ref name="Gallus, p. 161">Gallus Anonymus: ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'', p. 161.</ref> Only after this was the excommunication finally lifted.<ref>During the Hungarian pilgrimage, according to Gallus Anonymous in his Chronicle: (...)''despite the fact that he ruled over some no principality, but over a great Kingdom'' (in terms of Bolesław III Wrymouth) ''and that he was in uncertain peace, from various hostile Christian and pagan peoples, they entrusted themselves and their Kingdom in defense of the power of God''(...). This piece, which focuses on devotion to the care of the Apostolic See of lands belonging to the duke (following the terms of the previous ''[[Dagome iudex]]''), has not been approved by Polish medievalists. Gallus Anonymus: ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'', p. 159.</ref> Following his repentance the Polish duke made a vague commitment to the Church.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 77.</ref>

No information survives about Zbigniew's death. In the obituary of the Benedictine monastery in [[Lubiń, Kościan County|Lubiń]] dated 8 July 1113 was reported the death of a monk in Tyniec called ''brother Zbigniew''. Historians believed that he could be Bolesław's half-brother. The information marked that his burial place was in the Benedictine monastery of [[Tyniec]].<ref>M. Spórna, P. Wierzbicki: ''Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego'', p. 501; B. Snoch: ''Protoplasta książąt śląskich'', p. 13.</ref>

==Conquest and conversion of Pomerania==
{{main|Pomerania during the High Middle Ages|Duchy of Pomerania|Conversion of Pomerania}}

[[Image:Pomeraniae Ducatus Tabula.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Map of Pomerania including the island of Rugia (17th century).]]

The loss of Pomerania during the reign of [[Casimir I the Restorer]] weakened the Polish state, and, during the second half of the 11th century, subsequent rulers were not able to recover all the lands that once belonged to [[Mieszko I]] and [[Bolesław I the Brave]]. Only after defeating Zbigniew and successfully opposing Bohemian claims against Silesia in 1109 was Bolesław III able to expand to the West.<ref>S. Arnold: ''Historia Polski do połowy XV wieku'', p. 29.</ref>

===Strengthening the Polish-Pomeranian borders===
The conquest of Pomerania had been a lifelong pursuit for Bolesław. His political goals were twofold: strengthen the Polish border on the Noteć river line, and subjugate Pomerania.  He intended to exercise Polish political overlordship but not actually incorporate<ref>Western Pomerania, rich principality ruled by [[Wartislaw I, Duke of Pomerania|Wartislaw I]]. The confluence of the [[Oder]] river and the lands of the lower and  upper areas were also a matter of interest to German and Danish margraves, so Bolesław must be also interested in them. S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 124.</ref> Pomerania with the exception of [[Gdańsk Pomerania]] and a southern belt north of the River [[Noteć]]. By 1113 the northern border had been strengthened, including the fortification of [[Santok]], [[Wieleń]], [[Nakło nad Notecią|Nakło]], [[Czarnków]], [[Ujście]] and [[Wyszogród]]. Some sources report that the border began at the mouth of the rivers Warta and Oder in the west, running along the [[Noteć]] all the way to the [[Vistula]].<ref>R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej,'' vol. I, pp. 143–144.</ref>

Before Bolesław III began to expand in [[Gdańsk Pomerania]] (Pomerelia), he normalized his political relations with Bohemia in 1114 at a great convention on the border of the [[Nysa Kłodzka]] river.<ref name="Zachorowski, p. 141"/> He was assisted by Bohemian princes of the Premyslid line: namely, [[Vladislaus I, Duke of Bohemia|Vladislaus I]], [[Otto II the Black]] and Soběslav I. The pact was sealed by the marriage of Bolesław (a widower since his wife Zbyslava's death<ref>According to O. Balzer, Zbyslava of Kiev died between 1109 and 1112. O. Balzer: ''Genealogia Piastów'', p. 121.</ref>) with Vladislaus I and Otto II's sister-in-law, the German noblewoman [[Salomea of Berg]].<ref>[[Richeza of Berg|Richeza]] and [[Sophia of Berg]], Salomea's sisters, are the wives of Vladislaus I and Otto II the Black, respectively. S. Trawkowski: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'' [in:] A. Garlicki (ed.) ''Poczet królów i książąt polskich'', pp. 80–89.</ref>

===The conquest of Gdańsk Pomerania===
After normalising his relations with Bohemia, Bolesław conducted a successful expedition against Prussia in 1115. This secured Poland's north-east border, which allowed him to invade Gdańsk Pomerania.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 141–142.</ref> The conquest of this part of the Pomeranian lands from 1115 to 1119 achieved a long-time aim of previous Polish rulers: the complete incorporation of the territories on the Vistula River, including the castellany of Nakło, into Poland.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 158.</ref><ref>In 1116 there was another great expedition to Eastern Pomerania. Bolesław had a difficult victory, but didn't join this area to Poland. A. Marzec: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', [in:] S. Szczur, K. Ożóg (ed.), ''Piastowie. Leksykon biograficzny'', p. 81.</ref> The northern borders of the Polish duchy were probably established on the line of the rivers [[Gwda]] and Uniesta (in later times these rivers were the boundary between Pomerania and the Oder Slavic). It is also possible that the border ran along the [[Łeba (river)|Łeba]].

The local rulers of the conquered [[Gdańsk]] and [[Słupsk]] were replaced by Polish nobles. Bolesław also introduced Polish clerical organization, in order to protect his interests in that territory. However, these areas refused to follow the church organization. The incorporation into the Polish Church occurred only during 1125–26 at the time of the visit of the papal legate, [[Gilles de Paris (bishop)|Gilles, Cardinal-Bishop of Tusculum]].

====Rebellion of Skarbimir====
During Bolesław's Pomeranian campaign a rebellion led by Count Palatine [[Skarbimir]] from the [[Abdank coat of arms|Awdaniec family]] began. The rebellion was quelled by the duke in 1117<ref>The ''Rocznik kapituły krakowskiej'' indicates in 1117 that ''voivode Skarbimir rebelled against Bolesław and was blinded''.</ref> and the mutinous nobleman was blinded as punishment. The conflict between Bolesław and the Awdaniec family is difficult to explain due to the lack of sources. The cause was probably the growing influence of the family, Skarbimir's ambition, and his jealousy of Bolesław and his increased popularity.<ref name="Snoch, p. 17">B. Snoch: ''Protoplasta książąt śląskich'', p. 17.</ref> Other probable factors were the desire to establish Władysław II, Bolesław's first-born son, as the sole ruler after his death, or Boleslaw's fears of losing his position, as had happened in the conflict with Sieciech.<ref name="Snoch, p. 17"/> It was also suggested that Skarbimir contacted the Pomeranians and [[Vladimir II Monomakh]], Grand Prince of [[Kievan Rus']].<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 157–158.</ref> Medieval historiography also associated the rebellion with the Law of Succession issued by Boleslaw. The underlying inheritance controversy arose between 1115 and 1116, after the birth of his second son Leszek, first of his second marriage. According to one hypothesis, Skarbimir objected to the adoption of the statute, which changed the traditional Polish succession customs.<ref>This theory is supported, among others, by M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 202; J. Bieniak: ''Polska elita polityczna XII wieku (Część II. Wróżda i zgoda)'', [in:] Kuczyński K. (ed.), ''Społeczeństwo Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. III, pp. 51–52. Others historians, however, believed that the origin of Skarbimir's rebellion as a result of an Act of Succession as only speculative. S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', pp. 127–128. The theory of J. Bieniak is further criticized by M. Dworsatschek: ''Władysław II Wygnaniec'', p. 37.</ref> In the suppression of the rebellion a major role was played by [[Piotr Włostowic]] of the [[Łabędź coat of arms|Labedz]] family, who replaced Skarbimir as Count Palatine.<ref name="Snoch, p. 17"/> On his defeat, Skarbimir received a minor punishment from Bolesław.<ref>M. Spórna, P. Wierzbicki: ''Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego'', p. 64.</ref> The rebellion of Skarbimir also underlined the importance of the conquest of Gdańsk Pomerania.<ref name="Maleczyński, p. 212–214">K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 212–214; A. Jóźwik: [http://www.tyszowce.pl/ciekawe/ ''Grodzisko w Czermnie'' (in Polish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725200619/http://www.tyszowce.pl/ciekawe/ |date=25 July 2014 }} [retrieved 17 July 2014].</ref>

====Intervention of Kievan Rus'====
The Rurikid ruler Vladimir II Monomakh and his sons are believed to have intervened in Skarbimir's rebellion. In 1118 Monomakh incorporated [[Volhynia]] into his domains and expelled the ruler, Yaroslav Sviatopolkovich,<ref name="Maleczyński, p. 212–214"/> who sought refuge first in Hungary,<ref name="Полное, p. 8">''Полное собранiе русскихъ лѣтописей'', vol. 2: ''Ипатiевская лѣтопись'', p. 8.</ref><ref>''Полное собранiе русскихъ лѣтописей'', vol. 7: ''Лѣтопись по Воскресенскому списку'', p. 24.</ref> then in Poland.<ref>''Полное собранiе русскихъ лѣтописей'', vol. 1: ''Лаврентiевская и Троицкая лѣтописи'', p. 128.</ref> In Yaroslav's place, Monomakh made his son Roman ruler of Volhynia, and after Roman's early death in 1119, replaced him with another son, Andrew, who invaded Polish territory in 1120 with the support of the [[Kipchaks]] tribe. A year later, Bolesław, with his brother-in-law, the exiled Yaroslav,<ref>In his second marriage, Yaroslav married with Sophia, Bolesław's half-sister.</ref> organized a retaliatory expedition to [[Czermno, Lublin Voivodeship|Czermno]].<ref name="Полное, p. 8"/><ref name="Полное, p. 25">''Полное собранiе русскихъ лѣтописей'', vol. 7: ''Лѣтопись по Воскресенскому списку'', p. 25.</ref> For several years thereafter Bolesław intervened in the dynastic disputes of the [[Rurik dynasty|House of Rurik]].<ref name="Maleczyński, p. 212–214"/>

During the 1120s the Kievan princes continued their expeditions against Poland. The neutrality of the neighbouring [[Principality of Peremyshl]] was attributed to Count Palatine Piotr Włostowic,<ref>Members of the Rostislavich branch of the Rurikid dynasty, Princes [[Volodar of Peremyshl|Volodar]] and [[Vasilko Rostislavich|Vasilko]] gained political autonomy at the end of the 11th century and beginning of the 12th century and fought for their independence from Kiev, but, unable to stop the combined forces of Grand Prince [[Sviatopolk II of Kiev]] and King [[Coloman of Hungary]], finally were defeated and Vasilko was captured and blinded. J. Ochmański: ''Dzieje Rosji do roku 1861'', p. 50.</ref> who in 1122 captured Prince [[Volodar of Peremyshl|Volodar]].<ref name="Szczur, p. 125">S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 125. Jan Długosz placed this event in 1122 and again in 1134, where his reports about the kidnapping story appears Volodar captured by Piotr Włostowic. The chronicler mistaken the name of the kidnapped Volodar with Yaropolk. 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. 499, 521–523. (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 17 July 2014].</ref> A year later Bolesław intervened again in Volhynia, where he wished to restore Yaroslav. The expedition (aided by Bohemian, Hungarian, Peremyshl and Terebovl forces) failed due to the death of Yaroslav and the stubborn resistance of the besieged [[Volodymyr-Volynskyi]], aided by Skarbimir's supporters. This failed military expedition led to disturbances in the Polish-Hungarian-Halych alliance.<ref name="Maleczyński, p. 212–214"/><ref name="Полное, p. 25"/><ref>''Полное собранiе русскихъ лѣтописей'', vol. 2: ''Ипатiевская лѣтопись'', p. 9.</ref>

===Conquest of Western Pomerania===
In 1121 (or 1119<ref>For this date is in favor J. Spors [in:] J. Spors: ''Studia nad wczesnośredniowiecznymi dziejami Pomorza Zachodniego XII-połowa XIII w.'', p. 119.</ref>) Pomeranian Dukes [[Wartislaw I, Duke of Pomerania|Wartislaw I]] and [[Swietopelk I, Duke of Pomerania|Swietopelk I]] were defeated by Bolesław's army at the battle of [[Niekładź]] near [[Gryfice]].<ref>E. Rymar: ''Rodowód książąt pomorskich'', p. 98.</ref> Polish troops ravaged Pomerania, destroyed native cities, and forced thousands of Pomeranians to resettle deep into Polish territory.<ref>I. Ihnatowicz, A. Mączak, B. Zientara: ''Społeczeństwo polskie od X do XX wieku'', pp. 55–56.</ref> Bolesław's further expansion was directed to [[Szczecin]] (1121–22). He knew that this city was well defended by both the natural barrier of the Oder river and his well-built fortifications, like [[Kołobrzeg]]. The only way to approach the walls was through the frozen waters of a nearby swamp. Taking advantage of the element of surprise, Bolesław launched his assault from precisely that direction, and took control of the city. Much of the population was slaughtered and the survivors were forced to pay homage to the Polish ruler.<ref name="Baranowska, pp. 40–42">O. Baranowska: ''Pomorze Zachodnie – moja mała ojczyzna'', pp. 40–42.</ref>

Bolesław probably fought battles on the western side of the Oder, as well as near Lake Morzyce (now the German ''[[Müritz]]''), which were technically outside of Pomerania. At the same time, [[Lothair II, Holy Roman Emperor|Lothair, Duke of Saxony (and future Holy Roman Emperor)]], also moved against this area. According to contemporary sources, a Saxon army approached from above the [[Elbe]] River in the direction of modern-day [[Rostock]]. They conquered the [[Warini]]s, [[Circipania|Circipanes]], [[Kessinians]] and part of the Tollensers tribes.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 154.</ref> This two-pronged expansion was probably the result of earlier unknown agreements between the rulers. This was the first step for the later Christianization of Pomeranian lands.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 155.</ref>

In 1122 Bolesław finally conquered [[Western Pomerania]], which became a Polish fief. Duke Wartislaw I was forced to pay homage, as well as an annual [[tribute]] of 500 marks of fine silver to the Polish ruler,<ref>One mark of silver was equal to 240 [[denarius|denarii]]. A. Czubinski, J. Topolski: ''Historia Polski'', Ossolineum 1989, p. 39.</ref> and was further obliged to give military aid at Bolesław's request.<ref>R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, pp. 144–145.</ref><ref name="Fabiańczyk, p. 39">L. Fabiańczyk: ''Apostoł Pomorza'', p. 39.</ref> In subsequent years the tribute was reduced to 300 marks.<ref name="Szymański, p. 381">J.W. Szymański: ''Książęcy ród Gryfitów'', p. 381.</ref> This success enabled Bolesław to make further conquests. In 1123 his troops even reached [[Rügen]], but failed to conquer it.<ref name="Baranowska, pp. 40–42"/>

According to modern historiography, Bolesław began to pay tribute to Emperor Henry V, at least from 1135, believed to have been 500 marks of fine silver annually. It is unknown why Bolesław did this, as the sources do not contain any reference to the Polish ruler being tributary to the Holy Roman Empire in the period 1121–35.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 155–156.</ref>

===Christianization of Western Pomerania===
In order to strengthen ties with Pomerania, Bolesław organized a mission to Christianize the newly acquired territory. At the same time he wished to subordinate Pomerania to the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gniezno|Gniezno Archbishopric]]. Unfortunately first attempts made by unknown missionaries did not make the desired progress.<ref>R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 145.</ref> Another attempt, officially sponsored by Bolesław and led by [[Bernard the Spaniard]], who traveled to [[Wolin]] during 1122–23, ended in another failure.<ref>L. Fabiańczyk: ''Apostoł Pomorza'', pp. 34–35.</ref> The next two missions were carried out in 1124–25 and 1128 by Bishop [[Otto of Bamberg]] (called the Apostle of Pomerania). After appropriate consultation with Bolesław, Bishop Otto set out on the first stage of Christianization of the region in 1124. During the [[Mission (Christianity)|mission]] Otto stayed first at Bolesław's court, where he was provided with appropriate equipment, fire and several clergymen for his trip to Pomerania.

The Bishop was accompanied throughout his mission by the Pomeranian ruler Wartislaw I, who greeted him on the border of his domains, in the environs of the city of [[Sanok]].<ref>L. Fabiańczyk: ''Apostoł Pomorza'', p. 38.</ref> In [[Stargard Szczeciński|Stargard]] the pagan prince promised Otto his assistance in the Pomeranian cities as well as help during the journey. He also assigned 500 armored knights to act as guards for the bishop's protection,<ref name="Fabiańczyk, p. 39"/> and obtain the baptism of the elders tribal leaders.<ref name="Kłoczowski, p. 35">J. Kłoczowski: ''Młodsza Europa. Europa Środkowo-Wschodnia w kręgu cywilizacji chrześcijańskiej średniowiecza'', p. 35.</ref> Primary missionary activities were directed to [[Pyrzyce]],<ref name="Fabiańczyk, p. 39"/> then the towns of [[Kamień Pomorski|Kamień]], [[Wolin]], [[Szczecin]] and once again Wolin.<ref name="Baranowska, pp. 40–42"/><ref>According to sources Otto christianized even the towns of [[Gartz]], [[Niekładz]], [[Kłodkowo]], [[Kołobrzeg]] and [[Białogard]]. K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 176.</ref> In the first two towns the Christianization went without resistance. In Kamień the task was facilitated by the intercession of Wartislaw I's own wife and dignitaries.<ref name="Kłoczowski, p. 35"/> At [[Szczecin]] and [[Wolin]], which were important centers of [[Slavic paganism]], opposition to conversion was particularly strong among the pagan priests and local population. The conversion was finally accepted only after Bolesław lowered the annual tribute imposed on the [[Pomeranians (Slavic tribe)|Pomeranians]].<ref name="Szymański, p. 381"/> Four great pagan temples were torn down and churches were built in their places.<ref name="Baranowska, pp. 40–42"/> Otto's mission of 1124 ended with the erection of bishoprics in [[Lebus|Lubusz]] for Western Pomerania and in Kruszwica for Eastern Pomerania (Gdańsk), which was subordinated to the Archbishopric of Gniezno.<ref>M. Spórna, P. Wierzbicki: ''Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego'', p. 64; J. Krzyżaniakowa: ''Rola kulturalna Piastów w Wielkopolsce'' [in:] R. Heck (ed.), ''Piastowie w dziejach Polski'', p. 181.</ref>

In 1127 the first pagan rebellions began to take place. These were due to both the large tribute imposed by Poland as well as a plague that descended on Pomerania, which was blamed on Christianity.<ref name="Szymański, p. 381"/> The rebellions were largely instigated by the old pagan priests, who had not come to terms with their new circumstances. Wartislaw I confronted these uprisings with some success, but was unable to prevent several insurgent raids into Polish territory. Because of this Bolesław prepared a massive punitive expedition that may have spoiled all the earlier accomplishments of the missionary work by Bishop Otto.<ref>R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 147.</ref> Thanks to Otto's diplomacy, direct confrontation was avoided and in 1128 he embarked on another mission to Pomerania. Wartislaw I greeted Otto at [[Demmin]] with some Polish knights. This time more pressure was applied to the territories west of the Oder River, i.e. [[Usedom (town)|Usedom]], [[Wolgast]] and [[Gützkow]],<ref>L. Fabiańczyk: ''Apostoł Pomorza'', pp. 52–54.</ref> which weren't under Polish suzerainty.<ref name=Inachim17/><ref name="Buske11"/> The final stage of the mission returned to Szczecin, Wolin and Kamień.<ref name="Baranowska, pp. 40–42"/> The [[Conversion of Pomerania|Christianization of Pomerania]] is considered one of the greatest accomplishments of Bolesław's Pomeranian policy.

In 1129 Bolesław concluded with [[Niels, King of Denmark]] an alliance directed against Wartislaw I and the attempts of Lothair III, King of Germany to subordinate Western Pomerania. In retaliation for the sack of Płock by Wartislaw I in 1128, Polish-Danish troops took the Western Pomeranian islands of [[Wolin]] and [[Usedom]].<ref>The Polish-Danish expedition to the island of Wolin and Usedom is mentioned by [[Saxo Grammaticus]]. E. Rymar: ''Rodowód książąt pomorskich'', p. 98.</ref>

At end of the 1120s Bolesław began to implement an ecclesiastical organization of Pomerania. [[Gdańsk Pomerania]] was added to the [[Diocese of Włocławek]], known at the time as the Kujavian Diocese. A strip of borderland north of Noteć was split between the [[Diocese of Gniezno]] and [[Diocese of Poznan]]. The bulk of Pomerania was, however, made an independent [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Kammin|Pomeranian bishopric]] (whose first bishop, [[Adalbert of Pomerania|Adalbert]], was one of the participants in the missionary expedition and former Polish royal chaplain<ref>R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, pp. 148–149.</ref><ref>On 14 October 1140 [[Pope Innocent II]] formally invested Adalbert as Bishop of Pomerania in Wolin. The Bishopric was erected in 1124 in Wolin by Wartislaw I and Otto of Bamberg. E. Rymar: ''Rodowód książąt pomorskich'', pp. 102–103.</ref>), set up in the territory of the [[Duchy of Pomerania]] in 1140, and, after Bolesław died in 1138, the duchy became independent of Poland.<ref name="Inachim17"/>

===The project of Archbishop Norbert of Magdeburg===
During the 1130s, [[Norbert of Xanten|Norbert, Archbishop of Magdeburg]] undertook a project under which Pomerania would be divided between two dioceses subordinated to his archbishopric. At the same time, he revived the old claims of Magdeburg's ecclesiastical sovereignty over all Poland. A first Bull was prepared by 1131, but never entered into force.<ref>Archbishop Norbert tried to take over the Bishopric of Poznań and incorporated under the suzerainty of the Archbishopric of Magdeburg. K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 301.</ref> Despite this setback, Norbert continued to attempt to subdue the Polish Church during 1132–33. A call was made in the [[Curia (Catholic Church)|Curia]] on behalf of the Polish bishops.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 303.</ref>

The Polish bishops didn't appear before [[Pope Innocent II]], which resulted in the issuing of the [[Papal bull|Bull]] ''Sacrosancta Romana''<ref>Ph. Jaffé: ''Regesta pontificum Romanorum ab condita Ecclesia ad annum post Christum natum MCXCVIII'', cap. I, p. 860, nr 7629. Text of the Bull Sacrosancta Romana was published [in:] [http://www.wbc.poznan.pl/dlibra/doccontent?id=20061&dirids=1 ''Codex diplomaticus majoris Polonia, vol. 1, nr 6'' (in Latin)] [retrieved 19 July 2014].</ref> in 1133, which confirmed the sovereignty of the Archbishopric of Magdeburg over the Polish Church and the projected Pomeranian dioceses. The formal ''privilegium maius'' was the culmination of Norbert's efforts.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 303–304.</ref> Bolesław, trying to save his past efforts in Pomeranian politics, submitted at Merseburg in 1135.<ref>R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, pp. 151–153.</ref>

===Conquest of Rügen and alliance with Wartislaw I===
To consolidate his power over Pomerania Bolesław conducted an expedition to the island of [[Rügen]] in 1130. For this purpose, he concluded an alliance with the Danish duke [[Magnus I of Sweden|Magnus Nilsson]] (his son-in-law<ref>Around 1127, Magnus married [[Richeza of Poland, Queen of Sweden|Ryksa]], Bolesław's eldest daughter</ref>) who provided him with a fleet in exchange for support in his efforts to obtain the Swedish throne. The fleet transported Polish troops to Rügen, but the intended battle on the island never happened, because, at the sight of the Polish-Danish combined forces, the defending [[Rani (Slavic tribe)|Rani]] recognized Bolesław's overlordship.<ref>E. Kosiarz: ''Wojny na Bałtyku X-XIX w.'', p. 38.</ref>

After the successful invasion of the Danish capital, [[Roskilde]], in 1134, Bolesław formed an alliance with Wartislaw I of Pomerania against King [[Eric II of Denmark]], an ally of Emperor Lothair III. The role of the Polish duke was limited to aiding the [[House of Pomerania|House of Griffins]], not due while the real interest in Danish affairs. The Danish, after repelling the first attack, led a successful retaliatory expedition and expansion into Pomerania.

==Congress of Merseburg==

===Political Background===
In 1125 [[Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor]] and [[King of Germany]], died. His successor, [[Lothair II, Holy Roman Emperor|Lothair of Supplinburg]], was embroiled in disputes over his inheritance, and became involved in papal politics. In 1130 there was a double election to the Apostolic See. Lothair supported [[Pope Innocent II]], hoping in this way to secure his own coronation.<ref name="Czapliński, p. 138">W. Czapliński, A. Galos, W. Korta: ''Historia Niemiec'', p. 138.</ref> Contrary to expectations, Lothair's Imperial coronation didn't end his disputes against the contenders for the German throne.<ref>W. Czapliński, A. Galos, W. Korta: ''Historia Niemiec'', p. 137.</ref>

In 1130 Bolesław controlled the areas situated on the left bank of the Oder river on the island of Rügen. Germany had designs on these lands, but its internal political situation and its involvement in a civil war in Hungary, made an armed conflict impractical. The death of King [[Stephen II of Hungary]] in 1131 had led to war between two claimants to the throne: [[Béla II of Hungary|Béla the Blind]] (son of [[Álmos, Duke of Croatia]]) and [[Boris Kalamanos|Boris]] (the alleged son of [[Coloman, King of Hungary|King Coloman]]). Boris sought the help of the Polish ruler, who hoped for a closer alliance with Hungary and cooperation with the Kievan princes (Boris was a son of a daughter of [[Vladimir II Monomakh]]). However, Bolesław overestimated his strength against Béla, who had the support of almost all his country. The Polish army faced the combined forces of Hungary, Bohemia, Austria and Germany in the Battle of the [[Sajó]] River (22 July 1132), where the coalition achieved complete victory over the Polish duke, who was forced to retreat.<ref name="Czapliński, p. 138"/>

The success in Hungary was used by the Bohemian ruler [[Soběslav I, Duke of Bohemia|Soběslav I]], an Imperial vassal, who during 1132–34, repeatedly invaded Silesia.<ref name="Szczur, p. 125"/> The question of Silesia's property was left to Lothair III. Around the same time, the bull ''Sacrosancta Romana'' of 1133 gave the Archbishopric of Magdeburg sovereign rights over the Pomeranian dioceses instituted by Bolesław.

===Preparations for the Congress===
In February 1134 Soběslav I of Bohemia and dignitaries of King Béla II of Hungary, together with [[Peter, Bishop of Transylvania (fl. 1134)|Peter, Bishop of Transylvania]], went to [[Altenburg]], where they presented their allegations against the Polish ruler. They again, as they had two years before, requested the intervention of the Holy Roman Empire. Lothair III agreed to arbitrate the various dynastic disputes.<ref>L. Fabiańczyk: ''Apostoł Pomorza'', p. 68.</ref>

At the same time Béla II and Prince [[Volodymyrko Volodarovych|Volodymyrko of Peremyshl]] undertook a military expedition against Poland. The combined forces occupied [[Lesser Poland]], reaching to [[Wiślica]]. Shortly after, Bolesław received a summons to the Imperial court at [[Magdeburg]] on 26 June 1135. He sent deputies in his stead in order to play for time. The emperor sent another delegation and requested his personal appearance on 15 August 1135, this time in [[Merseburg]].<ref>L. Fabiańczyk: ''Apostoł Pomorza'', p. 69.</ref> Bolesław realized that without an agreement with Lothair III he couldn't maintain control over the newly conquered lands on the west side of the Oder and the island of Rügen.<ref name="Czapliński, p. 138"/>

Even before the Congress of Merseburg took place, Bolesław persuaded one of ruling dukes of Western Pomerania, [[Ratibor I, Duke of Pomerania|Ratibor I]], to make an expedition against Denmark, a clear provocation to Emperor Lothair III, as the King of Denmark was a German vassal. A Pomeranian fleet of 650 boats (with 44 knights and 2 horses) attacked the rich Norwegian port city of Kungahälla (now [[Kungälv]] in [[Sweden]]).<ref name="Fabiańczyk, p. 70">L. Fabiańczyk: ''Apostoł Pomorza'', p. 70.</ref>

===Provisions of the Congress===
The Congress took place on 15 August 1135. During the ceremony, Emperor Lothair III recognized the rights of the Polish ruler over Pomerania. In return, Bolesław agreed to pay homage for the Pomeranian lands and the [[Principality of Rügen]],<ref>The hypothesis about the Polish ruler paying homage to Germany was undermines by K. Maleczyński, who pointed that in this way Bolesław retained the sovereignty over his Pomeranian lands. The ''Annals of Magdeburg'', which reported this information, added a note with the year 1113 (Congress in Merseburg), who is considers reliable. It shall give the fact that any other German or Bohemian sources doesn't mention this event. K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 239–246. On the other hand S. Szczur, referring to the ''Annals'', indicates that the Polish prince acknowledged the sovereignty of the Emperor not only for Western Pomerania and Rügen, but also for Poland. S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski - średniowiecze'', p. 126.</ref> with the payment of 6,000 pieces of fine silver from these lands to the Holy Roman Empire; however, he remained fully independent ruler of his main realm, Poland. With Bolesław's death in 1138, Polish authority over Pomerania ended,<ref>[[Kyra T. Inachin]]: ''Die Geschichte Pommerns, Hinstorff Rostock'', 2008, p. 17, {{ISBN|978-3-356-01044-2}}: "Mit dem Tod Kaiser Lothars 1137 endete der sächsische Druck auf Wartislaw I., und mit dem Ableben Boleslaw III. auch die polnische Oberhoheit."</ref> triggering competition of the [[Holy Roman Empire]] and [[Denmark]] for the area.<ref name="Inachim17"/> The conflict with Hungary also ended, with Bolesław recognizing Béla II's rule. The agreement was sealed with the betrothal of Bolesław's daughter [[Judith of Poland|Judith]] with Béla II's [[Géza II of Hungary|Géza]] (this marriage never took place). In the case of the Bohemian-Polish dispute the Imperial mediation failed. Bolesław argued he must be treated as a sovereign ruler, which wasn't the case of Soběslav I, an imperial vassal. Lothair III, unable to come to an agreement with the Polish ruler, proposed to discuss the matter in subsequent negotiations.

The Congress ended with church ceremonies, during which Bolesław carried the imperial sword. This was an honor granted only to sovereign rulers.<ref name="Fabiańczyk, p. 70"/> An indirect goal of Polish diplomacy was the successful invalidation of the Papal Bull of 1133 and the recognition of metropolitan rights of the [[Archbishopric of Gniezno]] at the [[Council of Pisa (1135)|Synod of Pisa]] in 1135. On 7 July 1136, Pope Innocent II issued the protectionist Bull<ref>The authenticity of the only known copy of this Bull is disputed. According to K. Maleczyński this was a forgery made after 1139. He believes that the 7 July 1136 issued document for the Archbishopric of Gniezno indeed was only a privilege, as evidenced by not only by the names of the Cardinals signed there, but also by the fact that the Bull bears the stamp who originally belonged to Pope Innocent II. This document, however, later widened at the law firm of Gniezno new church property as collateral against greed lay people, hence the current text can even deviate significantly from the original 1136 text. K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 309–310, 311. Compare [with]: K. Maleczyński: ''W kwestii autentyczności bulli gnieźnieńskiej z r. 1136.'', reprint, [in:] K. Maleczyński: ''Studia nad dokumentem polskim'', pp. 170–188. The authenticity of the Bull, in turn, was defended by H. Łowmiański: ''Początki Polski: polityczne i społeczne procesy kształtowania się narodu do początku wieku XIV'', vol. VI, cap. 1, pp. 337–343; There is also a summary of the sources of the years 1937–1975.</ref> ''[[Bull of Gniezno|Ex commisso nobis a Deo]]''<ref>Ph. Jaffé: Regesta pontificum Romanorum ab condita Ecclesia ad annum post Christum natum MCXCVIII.. Cz. I. s. 872, nr 7785. Tekst bulli Ex commisso nobis a Deo opublikowany został, [w:] Codex diplomaticus majoris Polonia, T. 1, nr 7 (łac.). [dostęp 16 grudnia 2009].</ref> under which the unquestioned sovereignty of the Archbishopric of Gniezno over the Polish dioceses was confirmed.<ref>L. Fabiańczyk: ''Apostoł Pomorza'', p. 71.</ref><ref>At the same time fell a plan to appoint two other Pomeranian dioceses. R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 152.</ref>

==Last years and death==

===Normalization of relations with his neighbors===
After coming under the imperial sphere of influence, Poland normalized its relations with Bohemia at the Congress of [[Kłodzko]] on 30 May 1137 (the so-called ''Peace of Kłodzko''), but the details of this agreement are unknown.<ref name="Szczur, p. 127">S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 127.</ref> This treaty was confirmed in the town of [[Niemcza]], where Władysław, the eldest son of Bolesław, stood as godfather in the baptism of [[Wenceslaus II, Duke of Bohemia|Wenceslaus]], Soběslav I's son.<ref>R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 154.</ref>
[[Image:Tomb of Wladislaus I Herman of Poland, Płock, Poland, April 2019 (1).jpg|thumb|right|180px|Sarcophagus of Bolesław III in [[Płock Cathedral]].]]
In the last years of his life, Bolesław's main concern was to arrange political marriages for his children in order to strengthen his relations with neighboring countries. In 1137 Bolesław reinforced his relations with the Kievan Rus' with the marriage of his son [[Bolesław IV the Curly|Bolesław]] with Princess [[Viacheslava of Novgorod|Viacheslava]], daughter of [[Vsevolod of Pskov|Vsevolod, Prince of Pskov]]. In the year of his death, he finally normalized his relations with Hungary through the marriage of his son [[Mieszko III the Old|Mieszko]] with Princess [[Elizabeth of Hungary, Duchess of Greater Poland|Elizabeth]], daughter of King [[Béla II of Hungary|Béla II]].<ref name="Szczur, p. 127"/>

===Death===
{{Further|History of Poland during the Piast dynasty#Fragmentation of the realm (1138–1320)}}
Bolesław III Wrymouth died on 28 October 1138, probably in the town of [[Sochaczew]].<ref>L. Fabiańczyk: , p. 74.</ref> There are no records about the circumstances of his death, and twelfth-century sources don't provide information about his place of burial. It was only in the 15th century that [[Jan Długosz]] recorded that the duke's tomb was in the [[Masovian Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral]] in [[Płock]]. He didn't reveal the source of this information, but it was presumably from the lost ''Rocznik mazowiecki''. Wawrzyniec Wszerecz, Canon of Płock during the 16th–17th centuries, wrote that Bolesław was in a common coffin at the cathedral, where the remains of his father Władysław I Herman and several other Piast Masovian rulers were also placed.<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', pp. 187–188.</ref>  In his testament he divided his lands among his sons into five principalities.<ref name="Dabrowski 2014">{{Cite book |last=Dabrowski |first=Patrice M. |url={{GBurl|id=X__-DwAAQBAJ}} |title=Poland. The First Thousand Years |date=2014 |publisher=Cornell University Press |isbn=978-1-5017-5740-2 |location=New York}}</ref>

==Family==
===First marriage===
[[Zbyslava of Kiev]] (c. 1085/90 – c. 1114<ref>A wide scientific discussion over the death of Zbyslava was presented in the work of K. Kollinger. See K. Kollinger: [http://www.history.org.ua/JournALL/ruthenica/7/3.pdf ''The problem of food in 1109, Zbyslava's death and the Polish-Kievan alliance in 1102–1114, pp. 42–46'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 13 September 2009].</ref>), his first wife, was a member of the [[Rurikid dynasty]]. She was the daughter of Grand Prince [[Sviatopolk II of Kiev]]. The marriage was probably concluded in 1103<ref>O. Balzer: ''Genealogia Piastów'', p. 121; K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', p. 189.</ref> in order to obtain future military help from Kiev in the fight against Zbigniew. This union also notoriously limited the attacks of the princes of Galicia and [[Principality of Terebovlia|Terebovlia]] against Poland. Until Zbyslava's death, relations between Poland and the [[Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia|Principality of Galicia–Volhynia]] remained friendly.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 312.</ref> The children born from this marriage were:
# [[Władysław II the Exile]] (1105 – 30 May 1159), the only son of Bolesław and Zbyslava, was Prince of [[Kraków]], [[Dukes of Silesia|Silesia]], [[Sandomierz]], eastern [[Greater Poland]], [[Kuyavia]], [[Western Pomerania]] and [[Gdańsk Pomerania]] (1138–46).<ref>P. Jasienica: ''Polska Piastów'', p. 127; A. Marzec: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', [in:] S. Szczur, K. Ożóg (ed.), ''Piastowie. Leksykon biograficzny'', p. 84; S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 132.</ref> Gallus Anonymous wrote that the heir of the Polish throne was born in the winter of 1107–08, but omitted the gender and name of the child. The ''Rocznik świętokrzyski'' and ''Rocznik kapitulny'' recorded Władysław's birth in 1105.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 314.</ref><ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód Piastów śląskich'', cap. I, pp. 57–58.</ref> 
# A daughter [Judith?]<ref>According to ''Latopis hipacki'' (the only reliable early source who mentioned her), doesn't give her name. In older literature, however, was assumed that her name was Judith, for example J. Żylińska: '' Piastówny i żony Piastów''. pp. 99, 113. M. Spórna and P. Wierzbicki, however, confirmed the existence of this daughter but her name is unknown; see M. Spórna and P. Wierzbicki: ''Słownik władców Polski i pretendentów do tronu polskiego'', pp. 501–502.</ref> (c. 1112 – after 1124), married in 1124 to Vsevolod Davidovich, Prince of [[Murom]]. Her filiation is doubtful, because Russian chronicles only noted that Vsevolod's wife came from Poland;<ref>''Полное собранiе русскихъ лѣтописей'', vol. 2: ''Ипатiевская лѣтопись'', p. 10.</ref><ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', p. 207.</ref> she could be either Bolesław and Zbyslava's daughter or a member of the [[Abdank coat of arms|Awdaniec family]] as daughter of [[Skarbimir]].<ref>This hypothesis was formulated by J. Bieniak and supported by K. Jasiński. K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', p. 207.</ref>

Older historiography referred to an unnamed second son born from the marriage of Bolesław and Zbyslava. Gallus Anonymous wrote that this son was born around 1107–08.<ref>Gallus Anonymus: ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'', vol. II, cap. 40, p. 108.</ref> According to Oswald Balzer, he died shortly after birth.<ref>O. Balzer: ''Genealogia Piastów'', pp. 135–136.</ref> However, Karol Maleczyński believed that he never existed, noting that the sources who provided the year of 1105 as Władysław II's date of birth (''Rocznik świętokrzyski'' and ''Rocznik kapitulny'') were probably mistaken.<ref name="Maleczyński, pp. 315–316">K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 315–316.</ref>

===Second marriage===
[[Salomea of Berg]] (c. 1093/1101 – 27 July 1144), his second wife, was [[Germans|German]], the daughter of Count Henry of Berg-Schelklingen. The marriage took place in January or February 1115.<ref>O. Balzer indicates that marriage of Bolesław and Salomea was concluded in 1113. O. Balzer: ''Genealogia Piastów'', pp. 122–123. K. Maleczyński, however, believes that this marriage took place in late March–July 1115. K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 313. K. Jasiński was in favor of J. Bieniak, who indicates that the marriage occurred in the first two months of 1115. K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', pp. 190–191.</ref> This union was connected with the signing of a peace treaty between Poland and Bohemia. Salomea came from a powerful family, who, having supported the opposition after the death of Emperor Henry V in 1125, lost its political influence at the court of Lothair III.<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 313–314.</ref>

# Leszek (1115/16 – 26 August before 1131), the eldest son of Bolesław and Salomea. He probably died in infancy.<ref name="Maleczyński, pp. 315–316"/><ref name="Jasiński, p. 209">K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', p. 209.</ref>
# [[Richeza of Poland, Queen of Sweden|Ryksa]] (1116 – after 25 December 1156), eldest daughter of Bolesław and Salomea, in 1127 she married Danish prince [[Magnus the Strong|Magnus Nilsson]], future King of [[Västergötland]], in order to obtain Danish support in the war against Germany, but in 1134 Denmark sided with Germany regardless. After Magnus' death in 1134, Ryksa returned to Poland. Later she married [[Volodar Glebovich]], Prince of [[Minsk]] and [[Hrodno]]; this marriage was concluded in order to cement an alliance against Hungary. Her third marriage was with King [[Sverker I of Sweden]].<ref name="Maleczyński, p. 316">K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 316.</ref><ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', p. 211, 214.</ref>
# A daughter (before 1117/22 – after 1131),<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', pp. 217–218; O. Balzer, ''Genealogia Piastów'', 2nd edition, Kraków 2005, p. 270, placed her birth around 1118.</ref> betrothed or married<ref>It is possible that there was no actual marriage -The Annalista Saxo uses the phrase "was married to" (in Latin ''desponsata fuit'' in the sentence: ''Huic desponsata fuit filia ducis Polanorum''); GH Pertz: ''Annalista Saxon in [http://www.dmgh.de/de/fs2/object/goToPage/bsb00001094.html?pageNo=768&sortIndex=010%3A050%3A0006%3A010%3A00%3A00 Chronica et annales Aevi Salici (Monumenta Historica Germaniae)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925072723/http://www.dmgh.de/de/fs2/object/goToPage/bsb00001094.html?pageNo=768&sortIndex=010%3A050%3A0006%3A010%3A00%3A00 |date=25 September 2017 }}'' (in Latin), vol. VI. p. 768. [retrieved 19 May 2014].</ref> in 1131 to Conrad, Count of [[Plötzkau]] and Margrave of [[Nordmark]].<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', pp. 217–218.</ref>
# Casimir, known in historiography as ''the Older'' (9 August 1122 – 19 October 1131), according to sources (like ''Rocznik kapituły krakowskiej''), he died aged 9.<ref name="Maleczyński, p. 316"/><ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', p. 222.</ref> Jan Długosz in his chronicle wrote that he was born from the marriage of Bolesław and Adelaide,<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. 499 (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 21 July 2014].</ref> the Prince's supposed second wife.
# Gertruda (1123/24 – 7 May 1160), a nun at [[Zwiefalten]] (1139).<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', p. 246.</ref>
# [[Bolesław IV the Curly]] (c. 1125 – 5 January 1173), Prince of Masovia and Kuyavia (1138–46), of Kraków, Gniezno and Kalisz (1146–73), of Sandomierz (1166–73),<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', pp. 224–228.</ref> married aged 12 with Viacheslava, daughter of [[Vsevolod of Pskov|Vsevolod, Prince of Pskov]].<ref>''Полное собранiе русскихъ лѣтописей'', vol. 2: ''Ипатiевская лѣтопись'', p. 14.</ref><ref name="Maleczyński, p. 317">K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 317.</ref> Jan Długosz reported his birth in 1127 as the second son born from Bolesław and Adelaide.<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, pp. 509–510 (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 21 July 2014].</ref>
# [[Mieszko III the Old]] (1126/27 – Kalisz, 13 March 1202), Duke of [[Greater Poland]] (1138–1202), of Kraków (1173–77, 1190, 1199–1202), of Kalisz (1173–1202), of Upper Gdańsk Pomerania (1173–1202) and Kuyavia (1195–98),<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', pp. 234–235.</ref> around 1136 married to Elizabeth, daughter of King [[Béla II of Hungary]]. The marriage was concluded as one of the provisions of the Congress of Merseburg.<ref name="Maleczyński, p. 317"/>
# [[Dobroniega Ludgarda]] (1129 – by 1160), after her father's death she was married by her mother Salomea<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 334.</ref> around 1146–48 to [[Theodoric I, Margrave of Lusatia]],<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', pp. 251–253.</ref> who later repudiated her.<ref name="Maleczyński, p. 317"/>
# [[Judith of Poland|Judith]] (1130 – 8 July 1175), betrothed in 1136 to Prince [[Géza II of Hungary|Géza]], son of King Béla II of Hungary; however, the marriage never took place and in 1148 she married [[Otto I, Margrave of Brandenburg]].<ref name="Maleczyński, p. 318">K. Maleczyński: Bolesław III Krzywousty, p. 318.</ref><ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', pp. 255–258.</ref>
# [[Henry of Sandomierz|Henry]] (1131 – 18 October 1166), Duke of Sandomierz (1146–66),<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', pp. 248–249.</ref> according to Jan Długosz he was born in 1132. Further mention of him was made in his chronicle by 1139, describing the division of the country in districts.<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. 509, 535–536 (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 21 July 2014].</ref> Karol Maleczyński placed his birth between 1127 and 1131. During his father's lifetime Henry didn't play an important political role. He died in 1166 in battle against the Prussians, unmarried and childless.<ref name="Maleczyński, p. 317"/>
# [[Agnes of Poland|Agnes]] (1137 – after 1182), around 1140–41 she was a proposed bride to one of the sons of Grand Prince [[Vsevolod II of Kiev]]. This union was to ensure the support of Kiev in the dispute between Salomea's sons and Władysław II, their half-brother.<ref>K. Maleczyński says she was engaged to Yaroslav Vsevolodovich. K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 318.</ref> At the end, the marriage never took place and she married around 1149–51 to [[Mstislav II of Kiev|Mstislav II]], Prince of [[Pereiaslav|Pereyaslavl]] and Grand Prince of [[Kiev]] since 1168.<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', pp. 261–263.</ref><ref>D. Dąbrowski: ''Genealogia Mścisławowiczów'', pp. 225–228.</ref>
# [[Casimir II the Just]] (1138 – 5 May 1194), Duke of Wiślica (1166–73), of Sandomierz (1173–94) of Kraków (1177–94), of Masovia and Kuyavia (1186–94),<ref>K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', p. 265.</ref> for a long time considered a posthumous child, and for this reason not included in his father's testament.<ref name="Maleczyński, p. 318"/>

Older historiography attributed another two daughters from the marriage of Bolesław and Salomea: Adelaide and Sophia.<ref>O. Balzer: ''Genealogia Piastów'', p. 123, 138–143, 152–153.</ref> Adelaide (c. 1114 - 25 March before 1132), was the first wife of Adalbert II the Pious, eldest son of [[Leopold III, Margrave of Austria]]. Modern historians deny that she was a daughter of Bolesław.<ref name="Jasiński, p. 209"/><ref>Among historians who refuted her Piast origin are [[Stanisław Kętrzyński]], Karol Maleczyński and Gerard Labuda. See: K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', p. 208.</ref><ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 315.</ref> Sophia (d. 10 October 1136), was probably the mother of Mateusz, [[Archbishop of Kraków|Bishop of Kraków]].<ref>This view was formulated by J. Bieniak. He also pointed that Sophia and Bishop Mateusz would belonged to the Leszczyców family. See also K. Jasiński: ''Rodowód pierwszych Piastów'', p. 223.</ref><ref>K. Maleczyński points out that there is no way to resolve the issue of Sophia's parentage. The ''Rocznik świętokrzyski dawny'' reported Sophia's death on 10 October 1136, while the Obituary of Zwiefalten from the manuscript of Cividale recorded her death on 11 October 1136, naming her a Polish princess. Thus, Sophia could be Bolesław's daughter, or a close relative. K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 316.</ref>

In older historiography Adelaide, a supposed daughter of [[Emperor Henry IV]], was erroneously considered to be another wife of Bolesław. The information about this stated that after the death of Zbyslava, Bolesław married her in [[Bamberg]] in 1110. This report is provided by [[Jan Długosz]] and Archdeacon Sulger. This view was challenged by [[Oswald Balzer]].<ref>O. Balzer: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', pp. 122–123.</ref>

==Succession provisions==

===Senioral principle===
{{main|Bolesław Wrymouth's testament}}
Bolesław's experiences during his youth probably motivated him to make a division of his domains among his surviving sons. The loyal Count Palatine [[Piotr Włostowic]] was appointed to execute the provisions. In his testament, also known as the "Statute of Succession", Bolesław introduced the "senioral principle" in Poland in an effort to preserve the unity of the state and to prevent a power struggle among his sons.<ref name="Szczur, p. 128">S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 128.</ref> This regulation about the succession came into force after Bolesław's death, although is unknown the exact date of his establishment.<ref>G. Labuda: ''Testament Bolesława Krzywoustego'' [in:] A. Horst. (ed.), ''Opuscula Casimiro Tymieniecki septuagenario dedicata'', p. 178; J. Bieniak: ''Polska elita polityczna XII wieku (Część II. Wróżda i zgoda)'', [in:] Kuczyński K. (ed.), ''Społeczeństwo Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. III, p. 52.</ref> It is believed that its creation may have occurred in 1115 or 1116, after the birth of his son Leszek, or after the suppression of the rebellion of Skarbimir (in 1117).<ref>S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 127. According to J. Bienak the Testament was drawn up during the Christmas celebrations of 1117. J. Bieniak: ''Polska elita polityczna XII wieku (Część II. Wróżda i zgoda)'', [in:] K. Kuczyński (ed.), ''Społeczeństwo Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. III, pp. 51–52. The theory of Bienak was criticized by M. Dworsatschek. M. Dworsatschek: ''Władysław II Wygnaniec'', p. 37.</ref> Sources indicate that the original document about the succession was drawn up in 1137. The Statute was nullified in 1180 but restored by [[Pope Innocent III]] in 1210 after a petition of the Silesian rulers;<ref>K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 302. The abolition of the Seniorate Principle occurred during the Congress of Łęczyca in 1180. In that meeting, the Lesser Poland domains were given to Casimir II as hereditary fief. R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 183. The decisions of the Congress were further approved by [[Pope Alexander III]] on 28 March 1181. A. Bielowski (ed.): [http://kpbc.umk.pl/dlibra/publication?id=9073 ''Monumenta Poloniae Historica'' (in Polish)], p. 401, compare editor 1, p. 401.</ref> however, historians challenge this account in the absence of any other information.<ref name="Szczur, p. 128"/>

The senioral principle established that the eldest member of the dynasty was to have supreme power over the rest and was also to control an indivisible "senioral part": a vast strip of land running north–south down the middle of Poland, with [[Kraków]] its chief city.<ref name="Śmiech">A. Śmiech: [http://www.jednodniowka.pl/readarticle.php?article_id=68 ''Testament Bolesława Krzywoustego''] (in Polish) [retrieved 22 July 2014].</ref> The senior duke's prerogatives also included control over Pomerania, a fief of the Holy Roman Empire. Sources showed a discrepancy in terms of the power exercised by the senior duke. Pope Innocent III wrote about [[primogeniture]], while [[Wincenty Kadłubek]] refers to both seniority and primogeniture. Kadłubek combined in one sentence the two systems, ''i.e.'', inheritance of supreme power in individual districts, where primogeniture was in force. Among historians, there is a view that what Bolesław established was not seniority, but primogeniture that belongs exclusively to Władysław II and his descendants.<ref>E. Rymar: ''Primogenitura zasadą regulującą następstwo w pryncypat w ustawie sukcesyjnej Bolesława Krzywoustego'', "Śląski Kwartalnik Historyczny Sobótka", no 1 (48), pp. 10–15, 1993.</ref> The coverage and nature of power exercised by Bolesław IV the Curly in 1146 supports this hypothesis.<ref>Issues about the principate-seniority rules after Bolesław's death were further revised in the publication of A. Śmiecha, ''Testament Bolesława Krzywoustego''. In ''Statut o sukcesji władzy w Polsce'' the author presents the views of Polish medieval studies. A. Śmiech: [http://www.jednodniowka.pl/readarticle.php?article_id=68 ''Testament Bolesława Krzywoustego''] (in Polish) [retrieved 22 July 2014]. See also [in:] S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 128.</ref>

===Division of the Polish state===
[[File:Ustawa sukcesyjna Bolesława Krzywoustego.jpg|thumb|Fragmentation of Poland in 1138 (in accordance with [[Testament of Bolesław III Wrymouth]]){{legend|crimson|The [[Seniorate Province]] (Eastern [[Greater Poland]], Western [[Kuyavia]], [[Wieluń Land]], [[Lesser Poland]]) under Władysław II the Exile}}{{legend|indigo|Silesian Province of [[Władysław II the Exile]]}}{{legend|darkslategray|Masovian Province of [[Bolesław IV the Curly]] composed of [[Masovia]] and Eastern [[Kuyavia]]}}{{legend|seagreen|Greater Poland Province of [[Mieszko III the Old]] composed of Western [[Great Poland]]}}{{legend|palegreen|Sandomierz Province of [[Henry of Sandomierz]], split off from the Seniorate Province}}{{legend|lightpink|Łęczyca Province ([[Łęczyca Land]] and [[Sieradz Land]]) as [[Salomea of Berg]]'s [[dower]]}}{{legend|sandybrown|Pomerania, fiefdom of Poland under the control of the princely superior of Poland (princeps)}}]]
Bolesław divided his domains into the following provinces:

The [[Seniorate Province]] (with his capital [[Kraków]]) was supposed to be non-inherited and indivisible.<ref name="Śmiech"/><ref>M. Kantecki argued that Bolesław described the heritability of the Seniorate Province. This view was supported by W. Kętrzyński. The arguments of M. Kantecki met with criticism between contemporary medieval studies. E. Rymar: ''Primogenitura zasadą regulującą następstwo w pryncypat w ustawie sukcesyjnej Bolesława Krzywoustego'', "Śląski Kwartalnik Historyczny Sobótka", no 1 (48), pp. 4–5, 1993.</ref> It consisted of [[Lesser Poland]], [[Sieradz]] and [[Łęczyca]], the western part of [[Kruszwica]] and [[Kuyavia]],<ref>P. Jasienica: ''Polska Piastów'', p. 127.</ref><ref>Modern medievalist historians pointed that Sieradz and Łęczyca were not included in the territorial district of the Seniorate Province. A. Śmiech: [http://www.jednodniowka.pl/readarticle.php?article_id=68 ''Testament Bolesława Krzywoustego''] (in Polish) [retrieved 22 July 2014].</ref> the eastern part of [[Greater Poland]], [[Kalisz]], [[Gniezno]] and [[Gdańsk Pomerania]].<ref>A. Marzec: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', [in:] S. Szczur, K. Ożóg (ed.), ''Piastowie. Leksykon biograficzny'', p. 84; K. Maleczyński: ''Bolesław III Krzywousty'', p. 328.</ref> [[Western Pomerania]] as a fief would remain under the control of the senior duke.<ref>S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 132.</ref>

* Władysław II received the [[Duchy of Silesia|Silesian Province]], comprising [[Silesia]], with his capital [[Wrocław]] and the [[Lebus|Lubusz]] land.<ref name="Grodecki, p. 155">R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 155.</ref> He probably received this domain by 1124 or 1125 after his marriage with [[Agnes of Babenberg]].<ref>G. Labuda: ''Korona i infuła. Od monarchii do poliarchii'', p. 18.</ref> As the eldest son, he became the first senior duke (or ''[[princeps]]'').<ref>G. Labuda believes that Bolesław established the Seniorate Province, which had in turn passed to all his sons, according to seniority, along with a senior district. G. Labuda: ''Testament Bolesława Krzywoustego'' [in:] A. Horst (ed.), ''Opuscula Casimiro Tymieniecki septuagenario dedicata'', p. 193.</ref>
* Bolesław IV received the [[Duchy of Masovia|Masovian Province]], with his capital in [[Płock]] and eastern [[Kuyavia]].
* Mieszko III received the [[Duchy of Greater Poland|Greater Poland Province]], composed of the remaining western parts of Greater Poland, with his capital in [[Poznań]].
* Henry received the [[Sandomierz Province]], composed of eastern Lesser Polish territories centered around the city of [[Sandomierz]] and the [[Bug River]] to the north, with his capital in [[Lublin]].<ref name="Grodecki, p. 155"/><ref>According to modern medievalist historians, Henry would receive his domains only in 1146. A. Śmiech: [http://www.jednodniowka.pl/readarticle.php?article_id=68 ''Testament Bolesława Krzywoustego''] (in Polish) [retrieved 22 July 2014]. G. Labuda believed that Bolesław divided the country between three and not four sons: Władysław II, Bolesław IV and Mieszko III. G. Labuda: ''Testament Bolesława Krzywoustego'' [in:] A. Horst (ed.), ''Opuscula Casimiro Tymieniecki septuagenario dedicata'', p. 193.</ref>
* Salomea, Bolesław's widow, received [[Łęczyca]] or [[Sieradz]]-Łęczyca<ref>K. Buczek: ''Jeszcze o testamencie Bolesława Krzywoustego'', "Przegląd Historyczny", no 60, pp. 621–639; G. Labuda: ''Testament Bolesława Krzywoustego'' [in:] A. Horst (ed.), ''Opuscula Casimiro Tymieniecki septuagenario dedicata'', p. 193.</ref> as her [[dower]]. After her death, these lands were to be included in the Seniorate Province.

Casimir II, Bolesław's youngest son, was not included in the testament, because he was born after his father's death or shortly before.<ref name="Grodecki, p. 155"/>

Among medievalists there is a view that the Statute only provide the inheritance of Bolesław's descendants in the first generation (''i.e.'', his sons). After their deaths, their lands were to be included in the Seniorate Province. However, the later fights between them transformed the provinces into hereditary domains.<ref>S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 130.</ref>

===Feudal division of Poland===
{{main|Fragmentation of Poland}}
The "Senioral Principle" was soon broken, leading to a period of nearly 200 years of Polish disintegration,<ref>With this view is disagreed E. Rymar. See E. Rymar: ''Primogenitura zasadą regulującą następstwo w pryncypat w ustawie sukcesyjnej Bolesława Krzywoustego'', "Śląski Kwartalnik Historyczny Sobótka", no 1 (48), pp. 9–10, 1993.</ref> also known as feudal fragmentation, a phenomenon common in medieval Europe.<ref>S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 131.</ref> Among other countries affected by this were [[Russia]], [[Hungary]], and [[Germany]]. This was a time of internal struggles that caused the weakening of the Polish state and the enormous growth of internal development, culture, and improvement of the situation of the broader population. Distribution of the then-princely rights by contemporary historiography also had benefits, which include: the reconstruction of the political system in the new economic fundamentals and placement of greater responsibility for the fate of the country upon its upper echelons.<ref>B. Zientara: ''Władysław II Wygnaniec'', [in:] ''Poczet królów i książąt polskich'', p. 90.</ref>

==Organization of state==
A detailed knowledge of the internal organization of the 12th century Polish state is impossible. There are no documents from this period and the reports of chroniclers reflect a lack of real knowledge of the principality's management.

Bolesław divided his domains into provinces, districts and [[Gord (archaeology)|gords]] (Polish: {{lang|pl|gród}}; a type of fortified village or [[castellan]]y). The [[Opole (administrative)|''Opole'']] remained within this structure.<ref>The division within the provinces on castellanies and opole as smaller territorial units, presented by R. Grodecki. R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 199.</ref> The territorial scope of the province corresponded to the later ''[[Dzielnica]]''. It is believed that 6–7 provinces were created: Masovia, Silesia, Greater Poland, Kraków, Sandomierz, Kalisz-Łęczyca<ref name="Szczur, p. 150">S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 150.</ref> and Pomerania (from the lands of [[Gdańsk Pomerania]]).<ref name="Topolski, pp. 141–142">J. Topolski (ed.): ''Dzieje Polski do roku 1501'', pp. 141–142.</ref> During Bolesław's reign attempts were made to organize the border areas into [[March (territory)|marches]] following the German model. Among the marches corroborated in the available sources are: Głogów, Gdańsk and probably Lubusz.<ref name="Szczur, p. 151">S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 151.</ref> Bolesław likely had a number of well-maintained castles that served political, economic and administrative roles.

The state's nature during the [[Piast dynasty]] was patrimonial. The ducal court (Latin: ''curia ducis'') was a center of power, which belonged to the reigning family (along with a separate court for the duchess); after them came the secular and Church dignitaries and subjects, then lower officials, knights, courtiers, and chaplains.<ref>T. Lalik: ''Społeczne gwarancje bytu'' [in:] J. Dowiat (ed.), ''Kultura Polski średniowiecznej X-XIII w'', p. 145.</ref> The most important office at the court of Władysław I Herman and Bolesław was the [[count palatine]], also known as [[voivode]].<ref>S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', pp. 149–150.</ref> The duties of the count palatine (Latin: ''comes palatinus'') included major command of the military expeditions in place of the ruler, defense of the State, supervision of the administration as head of the ducal court, control and appointment of the heads of the castellanies, and the administration of the courts. The office of count palatine was abolished in 1180.<ref name="Szczur, p. 150"/> The Polish bureaucracy developed as early as the reign of [[Mieszko II Lambert]]. The collector (Latin: ''camerarius'') managed the economy of the ducal court. Among other offices in the ducal court were the [[cześnik]] (''cup-bearer''), the [[stolnik]] (esquire), the strażnik (guard), the [[miecznik]] (''Sword-bearer''), the Koniuszy (''[[Master of the Horse]]'') and the [[Łowczy]] (''Master of the Hunt''). During Bolesław's reign appeared the office of the [[chancellor]], who directed the work of the court offices and the ducal chapel<ref>T. Lalik: ''Społeczne gwarancje bytu'' [in:] J. Dowiat (ed.), ''Kultura Polski średniowiecznej X-XIII w'', p. 146.</ref> (Latin: ''capella''), which consisted of a bunch of secular and religious duties.<ref name="Grodecki, p. 197">R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 197.</ref> [[Michał Awdaniec]] was a chancellor at this time. Also under the central government were the [[treasurer]], the [[Münzmeister|Mint Master]], and others.<ref name="Topolski, pp. 141–142"/> During the rule of Bolesław the structure of the state was closely linked to the organization of the Polish Church, given that the church was subject to the ruler, who had the right of [[Investiture]].<ref>T. Lalik: ''Społeczne gwarancje bytu'' [in:] J. Dowiat (ed.), ''Kultura Polski średniowiecznej X-XIII w'', p. 147.</ref>

The ducal court was in contact with the subjects via the castellanies, who were managed by the ''Naczelnik'' or Town Chief (Latin: ''princeps terrae''). He had sovereignty over the castellanies or gords (Latin: ''comes''),<ref name="Szczur, p. 150"/> while the castellans (grod rulers) should exercise the local civil authority, getting benefits from the public, organizing the defense and probably exercising the courts. Under the direct obligation of the ruler are the [[bailiff]], the źupan ([[gastald]]), the minters, the celnik (tax collector) and collectors.<ref name="Topolski, pp. 141–142"/> All important functions in the principality are held by the nobility.<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', pp. 240–250.</ref> The castellan belonged to the group of nobles, officials and ministerialis. Some had served directly to the ruler, others held the offices, while the role of others are of food shortages.<ref name="Grodecki, p. 197"/> The Margraves (who are in charge of the border areas) were directly subordinate to the Polish ruler and had greater power than the provincial chiefs.<ref name="Szczur, p. 151"/>

At the end of the 11th century waned this princely organization. Was replaced with the Western European model of troops consisting of chivalry. The Latin term ''milites'', which had been used to determine the soldiers came to be called the category of knights and warriors who could afford to keep a horse.<ref>I. Ihnatowicz, A. Mączak, B. Zientara: ''Społeczeństwo polskie od X do XX wieku'', p. 65.</ref> Polish armed forces in Bolesław's times are composed of three types of forces: the princely army (''Oddziału nadwornego''), the lord's army (''Drużyny możnowładców'') and the militia (''[[Pospolite ruszenie]]''), composed of branches of small feudal lords and peasants<ref>Sources didn't provide the amount of this different groups. T. M. Nowak, J. Wimmer: ''Historia oręża polskiego 963–1795'', p. 67.</ref> (according to other views the militia adjutant troops were powerful and also composed by clergy and laity<ref name="Ratajczyk, p. 351">L. Ratajczyk (ed.): ''Historyczny rodowód polskiego ceremoniału wojskowego'', p. 351.</ref>).

The princely army consisting of his nobles—at the end of the 11th century, the so-called "New People" (pl: ''Nowi Ludzie''): tribal chiefs, local leaders and opolne rulers who aspired to participate in government, sent their sons to the duke's court, where he was accompanied the ruler.<ref>I. Ihnatowicz, A. Mączak, B. Zientara: ''Społeczeństwo polskie od X do XX wieku'', p. 47.</ref> Bolesław's personal guard was probably chosen by himself, using an [[invocation]] which was written in the Chronicles of Gallus Anonymous:
	
:: A young people, with great manners and high birth, by at my side constantly in battle, with me accustomed to hardships!<ref>Gallus Anonymus: ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'', vol. III, cap. 23, p. 149.</ref>

The nobles maintained their own army, which consisted of poor knights supported by peasants. They also are responsible for their armament. Among the equipment used by them was a wooden weapons (like [[spear]]), blunt weapons (like [[Club (weapon)|club]]), cutting weapons (like [[sword]]) and belching weapons (like [[crossbow]], [[bow and arrow]], [[Sling (weapon)|sling]]), and the so-called protective equipment ([[shield]], [[Combat helmet|helmet]], [[armor]]).<ref>T. M. Nowak, J. Wimmer: ''Historia oręża polskiego 963–1795'', p. 20, 22.</ref> These armies over time become larger than the princely one, the most notorious example from this was Sieciech.<ref>T. M. Nowak, J. Wimmer: ''Historia oręża polskiego 963–1795'', p. 66.</ref> During the constant conflicts at the beginning of the 12th century, the nobles invoked the militia, particularly of endangered lands. The whole militia was divided into branches, which were given the names of their native districts (for example, the ''Kruszwiczan hordes''<ref>Gallus Anonymus: ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'', vol. II, cap. 5, p. 69.</ref>). In the case of an armed conflict to a greater weapon are invoked independent branches composed by peasants (for example, during 1109).<ref name="Ratajczyk, p. 351"/>

In addition to the nobles (who were tied to the ruler and his court) and warriors the Polish society in Bolesław's times also consisted of free peasants and servants (attached to his place of residence). A distinct social group were the free people, the so-called guests (Latin: ''hospites'') -who do not own property-, the warriors (Latin: ''milites gregarii'') who had farms and are counted into the common people. At the end of the social scale are the slaves (brańcy of war, or their descendants). There are little difference between them and the free peasants, but their duty to their master was higher.<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', pp. 250–256.</ref> Non-free population was also used for personal services or to work on the land in favor of the ruler.<ref>S. Arnold: ''Historia Polski do połowy XV wieku'', p. 37.</ref>

All aspects of life in the state were regulated by the ducal judge (Latin: ''ius ducale''). He covered all the rights of the duke, in relation to the subjects or property, the enforcement of a variety of benefits, dues and ministries.<ref name="Szczur, pp. 152–154">S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze.'', pp. 152–154.</ref> The expanded state apparatus and the church maintained by benefits from the population producing material goods. The main burden of the tax rests on the lowest social class: the peasantry (Latin: ''heredes, rustici ducis, possesores'').<ref>M. K. Barański: ''Dynastia Piastów w Polsce'', p. 251.</ref> Up to them to submit certain levies, [[tithe]]s, and other forms of taxes like the ''podworowe'' (in the form of a cow, which consisted of the entire village), ''podymne'' (for every house), ''poradlne'' (for each piece of land), ''narzazu'' (for grazing pigs in the woods), the ''stacji'' or ''stanu'' (who allow the maintenance of the duke's court) and the ''posług komunikacyjnych'', who regulated the transport ways in the country and was divided in three main taxes: ''przewód'' ("the cable"), ''powóz'' ("the carriage") and ''podwód'' ("the wagon"). Other minor taxes involved hunting, military, guards (who had custody the gords), taxes on regalia and criminal penalties. In addition, subjects were required to repair roads, bridges, construction and maintenance of castles.<ref name="Topolski, pp. 141–142"/><ref name="Szczur, pp. 152–154"/>

==Seals and coinage==
[[File:Bulla Krzywoustego.jpg|thumbnail|right|Bulla discovered in Ostrów Tumski (2005)]]
Of the five oldest preserved [[Seal (emblem)|seals]] from Polish rulers four were discovered in various places during 2002–06, while one of more than 100 years ago.<ref>The first seal, on basis of detailed research, was assigned to Władysław I Herman. M. Andrałojć, W. Andrałojć: [http://www.bulla.archeo.edu.pl/index.htm ''Nie śniło się historykom'' (in Polish)]. [retrieved 26 July 2014]; F. Piekosiński: ''Najdawniejszy dokument polski, Wiadomości Numizmatyczno-Archeologiczne'', vol. IV, 1899–1902. p. 493.</ref> Polish archaeologists made further discoveries in [[Głębokie, Gniezno County|Głębokie]] (2002), in [[Ostrów Tumski, Poznań|Ostrów Tumski]] (2005), in [[Gniezno]] (2005) and in an undisclosed location in the village of Susk near [[Sierpc]], 32&nbsp;km. from Płock (2006).<ref name="Suchodolski, p. 1">S. Suchodolski: [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:063x5WX-1M4J:pau.krakow.pl/Streszczenie.pdf+Badania+nad+Boles%C5%82awem+Krzywoustym&hl=pl&gl=pl&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj_4D6JmLNcStqSOKyFLi4DpoRF-QxXuPzql9VuUXp3FSStaD15mCoe0On9bHNixSlkS8YYevCgChcvFu6WpXddvc_5Cf4dNYPp8opkMLyz_1jfoqfkAVa09gQD9t6pyj3ECnMK&sig=AHIEtbSfNNq3FbdJ9Ivkkru_NUEtQsfcbw ''Nowe (mazowieckie) znalezisko bulli Bolesława Krzywoustego i problemy ołowianych pieczęci we wczesnośredniowiecznej Polsce, p. 1'' (in Polish).] [retrieved 26 July 2014].</ref><ref name="Andrałojć">M. Andrałojć, W. Andrałojć: [http://www.bulla.archeo.edu.pl/bulle.htm ''Bulle księcia Bolesława Krzywoustego'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 26 July 2014].</ref> The first preliminary studies suggested that the seals could belonged to Bolesław III Wrymouth. They are made of [[lead]], a durable material, with a diameter of 36–40&nbsp;mm.<ref name="Suchodolski, p. 1"/> The lead seals are used at that time in European courts and are from the ''[[Bulla (seal)|Bulla]]'' tipe.<ref>The Bulla is the seal of the highest rank. Originally from ancient Rome, in the Middle Ages was commonly used in offices and in the zones with Byzantine cultural influence, including the Principalities of Kievan Rus': the oldest preserved Bulla from this area are dated already from the second half of the 10th century, including the Bulla of Duke Sviatoslav. M. Andrałojć, W. Andrałojć: [http://www.bulla.archeo.edu.pl/index.htm ''Nie śniło się historykom'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 26 July 2014].</ref> Seals are known in municipal and military orders. Occasionally, in the most important documents (acts) were used [[golden bull]]as.<ref name="M. Andrałojć">M. Andrałojć, W. Andrałojć: [http://www.bulla.archeo.edu.pl/index.htm ''Nie śniło się historykom''] (in Polish) [retrieved 26 July 2014].</ref>

The discovered bullas from Bolesław's reign fall into two major types, differing in the form of writing:

* Type I: extended stored on the obverse in the genitive, with the Latin word ''sigillum''. 
* Type II: short and around the bulla.

One example from both type of seals came from the relationship with [[Adalbert of Prague|St. Adalbert]], where he emphasizes his pontifical recognition (in type I) and in the crosier, with the gesture of the imposition of hands, clearly visible in the seals after [[Antiques restoration|restoration]] (in type II).<ref name="Andrałojć"/> The use of the genitive seals in Poland came from the 12th century, a phenomenon (unprecedented), with its only then monetary equivalent in the denarius with the Latin legend: ''Denarivs ducis Bolezlai''.<ref>S. Suchodolski: ''Denar w kalecie'', ill. nr 16.</ref><ref>S. Suchodolski: [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:063x5WX-1M4J:pau.krakow.pl/Streszczenie.pdf+Badania+nad+Boles%C5%82awem+Krzywoustym&hl=pl&gl=pl&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj_4D6JmLNcStqSOKyFLi4DpoRF-QxXuPzql9VuUXp3FSStaD15mCoe0On9bHNixSlkS8YYevCgChcvFu6WpXddvc_5Cf4dNYPp8opkMLyz_1jfoqfkAVa09gQD9t6pyj3ECnMK&sig=AHIEtbSfNNq3FbdJ9Ivkkru_NUEtQsfcbw ''Nowe (mazowieckie) znalezisko bulli Bolesława Krzywoustego i problemy ołowianych pieczęci we wczesnośredniowiecznej Polsce, p. 2'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 26 July 2014].</ref> At the end of Bolesław's reign returned to the staid mold inscriptions with the Latin legend: ''Dvx Bolezlavus''. According to S. Suchodolski the bullas were used for the authentication of princely documents like letters, privileges, judgments, etc.,<ref>S. Suchodolski: [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:063x5WX-1M4J:pau.krakow.pl/Streszczenie.pdf+Badania+nad+Boles%C5%82awem+Krzywoustym&hl=pl&gl=pl&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj_4D6JmLNcStqSOKyFLi4DpoRF-QxXuPzql9VuUXp3FSStaD15mCoe0On9bHNixSlkS8YYevCgChcvFu6WpXddvc_5Cf4dNYPp8opkMLyz_1jfoqfkAVa09gQD9t6pyj3ECnMK&sig=AHIEtbSfNNq3FbdJ9Ivkkru_NUEtQsfcbw ''Nowe (mazowieckie) znalezisko bulli Bolesława Krzywoustego i problemy ołowianych pieczęci we wczesnośredniowiecznej Polsce, p. 3'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 26 July 2014].</ref> and by T. Jurek, they could also be used to secure the business arrangements (like buy of doors, chests, reliquaries).<ref name="Andrałojć"/>

In October 2006, the [[Poznań Society of Friends of Learning]] has confirmed that the discovered bullas during 2002–05 belonged to Bolesław III Wrymouth.<ref name="M. Andrałojć"/>
[[File:Denar rys krzywousty3.png|thumbnail|right|Denarius with the legend ''ADALBIBVS'']]
[[File:Denar rys sieciech1.png|thumbnail|right|Denarius with "cavalry" cross of Sieciech]]
During Bolesław's reign appeared a two-sided [[denarius]], which was denominated the foreign coin (Polish: ''monetą obcą''). The first known denarius from this time bears the Latin legend ''Bolezlav''. For the others most commonly used coins bears the Latin inscription ''Bolezlavs, denarivus, dicis Bolezlai'' with St. Adalbert in the reverse. Another type of coins didn't have legends. They differ mostly came from the weight: they were much lighter, punched for purely economic purposes.<ref name="Garbaczewski">W. Garbaczewski: [http://www.nbportal.pl/pl/np/numizmatyka/historia-monet/sredniowiecze/polska-epoka-denarowa-w-mennictwie-polskim ''Polska: Epoka denarowa w mennictwie polskim'' (in Polish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202003848/http://www.nbportal.pl/pl/np/numizmatyka/historia-monet/sredniowiecze/polska-epoka-denarowa-w-mennictwie-polskim |date=2 February 2012 }} [retrieved 26 July 2014].</ref>

[[File:Denar rys krzywousty2.png|thumbnail|Boleslaw's ''protective'' bracteate]]
In this time was also modeled mainly on the Magdeburg technique a [[bracteate]], who was one of the oldest in Europe. There are two types of bracteates who dated from Bolesław's reign:

* The type II shows in both sides before Bolesław and St. Adalbert, who put his hand over the ruler in a gesture of protection. The legend shows the Latin inscription ''Bolezlaus Adalbertus''. This bracteate initially was considered a way of penance from Bolesław for Zbigniew's blinding.<ref>In older literature, there was a view that classified this bracteate with the name of ''penitential''. W. Garbaczewski: [http://www.nbportal.pl/dyskm/numizmatyka/materialy_papierowe/plakaty_ulotki/Polskie_monety_kruszcowe_od_X_wieku___Wystawa_w_Muzeum_Numizmatycznym_NBP___folder.pdf ''Polskie monety kruszcowe od X wieku, p. 6''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823213913/http://www.nbportal.pl/dyskm/numizmatyka/materialy_papierowe/plakaty_ulotki/Polskie_monety_kruszcowe_od_X_wieku___Wystawa_w_Muzeum_Numizmatycznym_NBP___folder.pdf |date=23 August 2013 }} (in Polish) [retrieved 26 July 2014]; M. Gumowski: ''Podręcznik numizmatyki polskiej'', p. 25.</ref> Was probably minted in Kraków around 1127.<ref>According to  A. Mikołajczyk this bracteate was minted only in 1135. M. Folwarniak: [http://www.poszukiwanieskarbow.com/numizmatyka/brakt-krzywousty2.html ''Pierwsze polskie brakteaty. Poglądy na ich temat w ujęciu historycznym'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 26 July 2014].</ref>
* The type I is less frequent. Showed St. Adalbert in episcopal robes, holding a crozier and Gospel. Legend of the coin determines the form of the Archbishop of Gniezno.<ref>W. Garbaczewski: [http://www.nbportal.pl/dyskm/numizmatyka/materialy_papierowe/plakaty_ulotki/Polskie_monety_kruszcowe_od_X_wieku___Wystawa_w_Muzeum_Numizmatycznym_NBP___folder.pdf ''Polskie monety kruszcowe od X wieku, p. 6''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823213913/http://www.nbportal.pl/dyskm/numizmatyka/materialy_papierowe/plakaty_ulotki/Polskie_monety_kruszcowe_od_X_wieku___Wystawa_w_Muzeum_Numizmatycznym_NBP___folder.pdf |date=23 August 2013 }} (in Polish) [retrieved 26 July 2014]</ref> Further studies have shown that the coin was minted between the period of the Congress of Merseburg (1135) and Bolesław's death (1138). It is now called the ''protective'', since illustrates the protection of St. Adalbert to the Polish ruler, who after his homage to the Holy Roman Empire in 1135 only recognizes the saint as his protector. It is one of the few examples of political propaganda in the coin's legend.<ref name="Folwarniak">M. Folwarniak: [http://www.poszukiwanieskarbow.com/numizmatyka/brakt-krzywousty2.html ''Pierwsze polskie brakteaty. Poglądy na ich temat w ujęciu historycznym'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 26 July 2014].</ref> According to A. Schmidt this was an Archbishop's coin which was minted in Gniezno, probably in 1135.<ref name="Folwarniak"/>

In addition to the two presented bracteates from Bolesław's there is one, which is now counted among the oldest known in [[numismatics]]. This bracteate was found in [[Brzeg, Poddębice County|Brzeg]] (in [[Gmina Pęczniew]]) and preserved almost the 2/3 part of the whole weight of 0.61 g and a diameter of 27&nbsp;mm. The coin shows the figure of the ruler with crown, sword in hand and an outstretched hand. Initially, was believed that showed Władysław II the Exile. Further studies, included by A. Mikolajczyk, identified this image with Bolesław III Wrymouth. Among researchers, however, today, there are discrepancies about what ruler showed the coin, because the inscription preserved is incomplete.<ref name="Folwarniak"/>

Princely [[Mint (coin)|mints]] are mostly located in Wrocław, Płock, Gniezno and Kraków. In that time also existed private mints, such as Palatine Sieciech, who placed them in Sieciechów and near Kraków.<ref name="Garbaczewski"/>

==Church foundations==
It was customary during the 12th-century for ruling families to engage in wide-ranging religious activities like donations in the benefit of the Church. The main objective was to spread Christianity. This was to legitimize religious rulers in the face of God, church hierarchs, clergy and society. Bolesław was not the exception, and he was not only a predatory warrior, a cunning politician and a diplomat; he was also a patron of cultural developments in his realm.

Like most medieval monarchs, he founded several churches and monasteries. Among the most important of which are: 
* The [[Benedictine]] [[Łysa Góra|monastery of Holy Cross]] atop the [[Łysa Góra]] which was founded in place of an ancient pagan temple. The first Abbot of this monastery, Boguchwał, wrote about the foundation and the Duke:

:: ''The pious Duke Bolesław founded in Łysa Góra an Abbey dedicated to the Holy Trinity with monks of the Order of St. Benedict''.

Stored documents from about 1427 (called the ''świętokrzyskie dokumenty pergaminowe'') confirm the history of the Bishop, adding that the co-founder of the monastery was the knight Wojsław.<ref>K. Micorek: [http://www.wgorach.com/?id=43183&location=f&msg=1&lang_id=PL ''Świętokrzyskie Millenium'' (in Polish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919054220/http://www.wgorach.com/?id=43183&location=f&msg=1&lang_id=PL |date=19 September 2016 }} [retrieved 27 July 2014].</ref>
* The [[St. Giles-Church in Inowłódz]] was built in the Romanesque style. According to a modern plate inscription (presumably from the 17th century) this temple was built in 1082 by Władysław I Herman. However, modern research revealed that the foundation of the Church was probably during the 12th century (at the latest from 1138) and the founder was Bolesław.<ref>[http://miasteria.pl/miejsce/kosciol-sw.-idziego-w-inowlodzu.html ''Kościół św. Idziego w Inowłodzu'' (in Polish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808130655/http://miasteria.pl/miejsce/kosciol-sw.-idziego-w-inowlodzu.html |date=8 August 2014 }} [retrieved 27 July 2014]</ref>
* The Collegiate Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ostrów Tumski was founded thanks to the donations of [[Haymo (Bishop of Wrocław)|Haymo, Bishop of Wrocław]] and ''comes'' Wojsław in 1120, following the reports of the 15th-century ''Rocznika głogowskiego''.<ref>Modern research debated the time of the foundation during 1120–26. The first known source who mentioned the Collegiate was from 1218 (13th century), where mentioned the first [[Provost (religion)|Provost]], Peter. H. Podolińska: [http://www.glogow.pl/tzg/nowosci/2009/1109_kosciol/kosciol_grodowy.htm ''Kościół grodowy (I) na Ostrowie Tumskim - historyczny świadek Obrony Głogowa'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 27 July 2014].</ref> Modern scholars believed that the founder was Bolesław (T. Lalik), or the foundation was made by Bishop Haymo and Wojsław with the consent of the Duke (H. Gerlic) or was a foundation made by Bishop Haymo and Bolesław (T. Jurek). In earlier studies of the history of Silesia existed the opinion that Bolesław founded the Collegiate as a gesture of gratitude for the loyalty and bravery of the people of Głogów and also as a way of penance for Zbigniew's blinding.<ref>H. Podolińska: [http://www.glogow.pl/tzg/nowosci/2009/1109_kosciol/kosciol_grodowy.htm ''Kościół grodowy (I) na Ostrowie Tumskim - historyczny świadek Obrony Głogowa'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 27 July 2014].</ref>
* The Benedictine Abbey in [[Tyniec]] according to some hypotheses was also founded by Bolesław. In 1124 the Papal legate issued the confirmation of the goods received from the Abbey's estates.<ref>M. Gronowski: [http://www.tyniec.benedyktyni.pl/pl/historia/tyniec/Zalozenie-klasztoru/ ''Opactwo Benedyktynów w Tyńcu. Założenie klasztoru. Spór o fundatora Opactwa'' (in Polish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323233407/http://www.tyniec.benedyktyni.pl/pl/historia/tyniec/Zalozenie-klasztoru/ |date=23 March 2014 }} [retrieved 27 July 2014].</ref>
* The Abbey of [[Lubiń, Kościan County|Lubiń]] was restored during 1137–38 by Bolesław and the [[Abdank coat of arms|Awdaniec family]].<ref>S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', p. 183.</ref>
* The [[Wawel Cathedral]] was completed during Bolesław's reign. In 1118 Bishop Maurus was buried there.<ref>Z. Świechowski, E. Gawlikowska-Świechowska: ''Sztuka polska, Romanizm'', p. 64.</ref>
* The [[Canons regular of St. Augustine]] in [[Trzemeszno]] was probably founded by Bolesław. Evidence of this was in a document issued by Mieszko III the Old in 1145.<ref>Z. Świechowski, E. Gawlikowska-Świechowska: ''Sztuka polska, Romanizm'', p. 93.</ref>
The connection of Bolesław and his second wife Salomea with the [[Swabia]]n monastery of [[Zwiefalten]] was well known. The detailed description of [[Berthold of Zwiefalten]] was the only evidence of the cultural, artistic and religious development of the 12th-century Polish court:<ref>J. Żylińska: ''Piastówny i żony Piastów'', pp. 100–101; B. Snoch: ''Protoplasta książąt śląskich'', p. 41.</ref>

:: The Polish Duke Bolesław sent the black cover choirs black, sewn white oxen [...] the gold, the silver, and the tablecloths, and especially in the most numerous of any kind of valuable furs to this monastery more than seventy [[Grzywna (unit)|grzywna]]. Salomea, his wife, sent gold woven stole, two alb knitted silk and silver pitcher with four grzywna on the box of ivory studded with gold, to draw up the choir covers his red coat decorated with gold stripes, and another coat on for the Mass all interwoven gold, dissuaded gold stripes and bottom trimmed with red frames, which according to the custom of the people is decorated with golden stars, curtain wall, one with a silk frames, the other adorned with white lions and the third red in the white list, [...] a hand from Saint Stephen the Martyr [...], a large piece of the Holy Cross, a tooth from Saint John the Baptist, a tooth from Saint Pancras, a tooth of Saint Cecilia, some of the blood of Christ, milk of the Virgin Mary and a chain of Saint Peter. In addition, one hundred pounds of silver, one gold appliqué alb, a cross gold weighing more than four fine gold, a silver gilt chalice, a silver plated pitcher of nearly six fines, a stole embroidered with gold, together with a scarf, a belt, a dalmatic all woven of gold, with the value of fifty and more brands, one black tunic with gold appliqué, a scarf and a cloth interwoven with gold, which together can have a value of twenty grzywna, a curtain wall, knitted silk, one box of ivory, one beautiful crystal vessel, three horses, two ounces of gold, two coats, one of which [...] ermine, a bishop's miter with gloves, on four fine and three coats of other goodies.

The same source mentioned that the golden cross donated to the monastery was made by master Leopard, who worked for the Polish ruler during 1129–37.<ref>Z. Świechowski, E. Gawlikowska-Świechowska: ''Sztuka polska, Romanizm'', p. 328.</ref>

The Reliquary of 1113 is an example of the artistic development during Bolesław's rule; was made during the penitential journey to the tomb of Saint Adalbert in [[Gniezno Cathedral]] after the blinding of Zbigniew, according to the reports the Gallus Anonymous:<ref name="Gallus, p. 161"/>

:: The evidence of the great work of goldsmiths, Bolesław had made on a relic of the Saint, as a testimony to his devotion and penance. Half coffin contains in itself 80 grzywna, the purest gold, not counting the pearls and precious stones that probably matched the value of the gold.

The Reliquary contained the head of Saint Adalbert. At the end of the 15th century it was melted in order to make a new one. According to the notes of 1494, it had the form of an octagonal shrine. The side walls have the shape of squares and were separated by small columns, which were based on the figures of saints or prophets. The monument was decorated with 8 pearls and 40 sapphires.<ref>Z. Świechowski, E. Gawlikowska-Świechowska: ''Sztuka polska, Romanizm'', pp. 327–328.</ref>

==Polish historiography during Bolesław's reign==
[[File:Gall Anonin-kamien1.JPG|200px|thumbnail|right|Stone in honor of Gallus Anonymous in Wrocław.]]
During his rule, Bolesław wanted the history of the [[Piast dynasty]] to be chronicled. This task was assigned to an unnamed Benedictine monk (Historians have coined the name [[Gallus Anonymus|Gallus Anonymous f]]<nowiki/>or the chronicler<ref>16th century Bishop and historian [[Marcin Kromer]] believed that the author was Gallus due to the assumption that the monk came from Provence, France.</ref><ref>M. Plezia: ''Nowe studia nad Gallem-Anonimem'', [in:] H. Chłopocka (ed.): ''Mente et litteris. O kulturze i społeczeństwie wieków średnich'', pp. 111–120.</ref>). Research has suggested multiple hypotheses for the monk's origin, finding connections to Venetian, French, Hungarian, etc.<ref>D. Borawska: ''Gallus Anonim czy Italus Anonim'', "Przegląd Historyczny", no 56, pp. 111–119; T. Jasiński: ''Czy Gall Anonim to Monachus Littorensis?'', "Kwartalnik Historyczny". no. 112, cap. 3, pp. 69–89.</ref><ref>See also R. Sidorski: [http://histmag.org/Kierunek-Wenecja-383 ''Kierunek: Wenecja!. Wywiad z Tomaszem Jasińskim'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 27 July 2014]. An extensive discussion on the origin of Gallus Anonymous was concluded by Polish medievalists. See W. Mischke and others: [http://www.mediewistyka.pl/forum/printview.php?t=156&start=0&sid=ce0910d6b4bcb86add11fb211be3b6a7 ''Kronika życia naukowego'' (in Polish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809181157/http://www.mediewistyka.pl/forum/printview.php?t=156&start=0&sid=ce0910d6b4bcb86add11fb211be3b6a7 |date=9 August 2014 }} [retrieved 27 July 2014].</ref><ref>Gerard Labuda: Zamiana Galla-Anonima, autora pierwszej „Kroniki dziejów Polski”, na Anonima-Wenecjanina. W: ''Studia Źródłoznawcze T. 44''. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo DiG, 2006.</ref><ref>Dorota Gacka: Przegląd koncepcji dotyczących pochodzenia Galla Anonima. Od Kromera do badaczy współczesnych. W: ''Nobis operique favete. Studia nad Gallem Anonimem''. Andrzej Dąbrówka, Edward Skibiński, Witold Wojtowicz (red.). Warszawa: Instytut Badań Literackich Polskiej Akademii Nauk, 2017, s. 23–58. </ref>

The [[Gesta principum Polonorum|''Gesta Chronica Polonorum'']], written in Latin, was made between 1112 and 1116.<ref>This dates are suggested by M. Plezia in the introduction to her 2003 book. According to the author, the work is probably developed between 1112 and 1116. Gallus Anonymus: ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'', p. 14.</ref> The history of the State (Latin: ''gesta ducum'') was made describing the fate of the rulers. The Chronicle covers the history from legendary times until 1114.<ref>M. Plezia in the introduction to the Chronicles of Gallus suggested that the work stopped in 1113. Gallus Anonymus: ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'', p. 20. Contemporary medievalists assumes that the Chronicle of Gallus Anonymous has been brought to 1114. Behind that advocated, among others, K. Jasiński, which dates back to Zbyslava's death in 1114. K. Kollinger: ''Ruskie posiłki dla Bolesława III Krzywoustego w 1109, śmierć Zbysławy i trwałość sojuszu polsko-ruskiego w latach 1102–1114''.</ref> Composed of three parts, this unfinished literary work justified the right of the Piasts to rule over Poland. The Chronicle also explain many controversial events that were placed under the responsibility of the rulers, and give a full explanation about their policy.<ref>S. Szczur: ''Historia Polski – średniowiecze'', pp. 199–200.</ref><ref>P. Jasienica: ''Polska Piastów'', pp 133–136.</ref>

==See also==
* [[Piast dynasty]]
* [[History of Poland (966–1385)]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|2|refs=
<ref name="RGrodecki128">R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 128.</ref>

<ref name="RGrodecki129">R. Grodecki, S. Zachorowski, J. Dąbrowski: ''Dzieje Polski średniowiecznej'', vol. I, p. 129.</ref>

<ref name="Buske11">Norbert Buske: ''Pommern'', Helms Schwerin 1997, p. 11, {{ISBN|3-931185-07-9}}</ref>

<ref name="Inachim17">Kyra Inachim: ''Die Geschichte Pommerns'', Hinstorff Rostock, 2008, p. 17, {{ISBN|978-3-356-01044-2}}</ref>
}}

==References==

===Sources===
* [[Gallus Anonymous]]: ''Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum'', Kraków 1923.
* [[Wincenty Kadłubek]]: ''Kronika polska'', Wrocław 2003.
* [[Cosmas of Prague]]: ''Kosmasa Kronika Czechów'', Warsaw 1968.
* Jan Wikarjak (ed.): ''Pomorze Zachodnie w żywotach Ottona'', Warsaw 1979.
* ''Полное собранiе русскихъ лѣтописей, изданное по Высочайшему повелѣнiю Археографическою Коммиссiею'', vol. 1, ''Лаврентiевская и Троицкая лѣтописи'', Санктпетербургъ 1846.
* ''Полное собранiе русскихъ лѣтописей, изданное по Высочайшему повелѣнiю Археографическою Коммиссiею'', vol. 2, ''Ипатiевская лѣтопись'', Санктпетербургъ 1843.
* ''Полное собранiе русскихъ лѣтописей, изданное по Высочайшему повелѣнiю Археографическою Коммиссiею'', vol. 7, ''Летопись по Воскресенскому списку'', Санктпетербургъ 1856.

===Online sources===
* [[Marcin Bielski]]: [https://web.archive.org/web/20130127151258/http://www.pbi.edu.pl/book_reader.php?p=33261&s=1 ''Kronika polska'' (in Polish)], Kraków 1597, [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* August Bielowski (ed), [http://kpbc.umk.pl/dlibra/publication?id=9073 ''Monumenta Poloniae Historica'' (in Polish)], vol. II, Lwów 1872, [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* [[Papal Bull]] [http://www.wbc.poznan.pl/dlibra/doccontent?id=20061&dirids=1 ''Ex commisso nobis a Deo'' in: ''Codex diplomaticus majoris Polonia'' (in Latin)], vol. 1, nr 7, [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* Papal Bull [http://www.wbc.poznan.pl/dlibra/doccontent?id=20061&dirids=1 ''Sacrosancta Romana'' in: ''Codex diplomaticus majoris Polonia'' (in Latin)], vol. 1, nr 6, [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* Gallus Anonymous: [https://web.archive.org/web/20130520025617/http://www.zswsucha.iap.pl/STREFA_N/WiLeHi/lektury/kronika/index.htm ''Kronika polska'' (in Polish)], Wrocław 2003, [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* [[Jan Długosz]]: [https://web.archive.org/web/20120416082343/http://www.pbi.edu.pl/book_reader.php?p=43577&s=1 ''Jana Długosza kanonika krakowskiego Dziejów polskich ksiąg dwanaście'' (in Polish)], vol. I, Kraków 1867, [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* G. H. Pertz: [https://web.archive.org/web/20120109214353/http://bsbdmgh.bsb.lrz-muenchen.de/de/fs2/object/display/bsb00000943_00195.html?sortIndex=010%3A050%3A0016%3A010%3A00%3A00&sort=score&order=desc&context=Annales+Magdeburgenses+xvi&hl=false&fulltext=Annales+Magdeburgenses+xvi ''Annales Magdeburgenses (Monumenta Germaniae Historica) (Monumenta Germaniae Historica)'' (in Latin)], vol. XVI, Hannover 1859, [retrieved 1 July 2011].
* G. H. Pertz: [https://web.archive.org/web/20170925072723/http://www.dmgh.de/de/fs2/object/goToPage/bsb00001094.html?pageNo=768&sortIndex=010%3A050%3A0006%3A010%3A00%3A00 ''Annalista Saxo w: Chronica et annales aevi Salici (Monumenta Germaniae Historica)'' (in Latin)], vol. VI, Hannover 1844, [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* Collective work: [http://kpbc.umk.pl/dlibra/docmetadata?id=17255&from=latest ''Monumenta Poloniae Historica'' (in Polish)] (Polish historical monuments), vol. III, Lwów 1878, [retrieved 28 July 2014].

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===Online bibliography===
* M. Andrałojć, W. Andrałojć: [http://www.bulla.archeo.edu.pl/bulle.htm ''Bulle księcia Bolesława Krzywoustego'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* M. Andrałojć, W. Andrałojć: [http://www.bulla.archeo.edu.pl/index.htm ''Nie śniło się historykom'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* [[Oswald Balzer|O. Balzer]]: [http://www.wbc.poznan.pl/dlibra/docmetadata?id=47901 ''Genealogia Piastów'' (in Polish)], Kraków 1895 [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* R. Drogi: [http://jaxa.blox.pl/2005/11/PANSTWO-CZESKIE-PRZEMYSLIDOW-historia-Czech-czIII1.html ''Państwo Czeskie Przemyślidów'' (historia Czech, cz. III. 1) (in Polish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212045234/http://jaxa.blox.pl/2005/11/PANSTWO-CZESKIE-PRZEMYSLIDOW-historia-Czech-czIII1.html |date=12 February 2010 }} [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* M. Folwarniak: [http://www.poszukiwanieskarbow.com/numizmatyka/brakt-krzywousty2.html ''Pierwsze polskie brakteaty. Poglądy na ich temat w ujęciu historycznym'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* W. Garbaczewski: [https://web.archive.org/web/20120202003848/http://www.nbportal.pl/pl/np/numizmatyka/historia-monet/sredniowiecze/polska-epoka-denarowa-w-mennictwie-polskim ''Polska: Epoka denarowa w mennictwie polskim'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* W. Garbaczewski: [https://web.archive.org/web/20130823213913/http://www.nbportal.pl/dyskm/numizmatyka/materialy_papierowe/plakaty_ulotki/Polskie_monety_kruszcowe_od_X_wieku___Wystawa_w_Muzeum_Numizmatycznym_NBP___folder.pdf ''Polskie monety kruszcowe od X wieku'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* M. Gronowski: [https://web.archive.org/web/20140323233407/http://www.tyniec.benedyktyni.pl/pl/historia/tyniec/Zalozenie-klasztoru/ ''Opactwo Benedyktynów w Tyńcu. Założenie klasztoru. Spór o fundatora Opactwa'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* K. Kmąk: [http://historia.org.pl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=402:wojna-polsko-niemiecka-1109-r&catid=164:bitwy-wojny-i-kampanie&Itemid=593 ''Wojna polsko-niemiecka 1109'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* K. Kollinger: [http://www.history.org.ua/JournALL/ruthenica/7/3.pdf ''Ruskie posiłki dla Bolesława III Krzywoustego w 1109, śmierć Zbysławy i trwałość sojuszu polsko-ruskiego w latach 1102–1114'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 13 September 2009].
* B. Kozłowski: [https://web.archive.org/web/20120411063439/http://kalendarium.polska.pl/wydarzenia/article.htm?id=244408 ''Śmierć księcia Zbigniewa, oślepionego przez Bolesława Krzywoustego'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 2 September 2009].
* W. Mischke and others: [https://web.archive.org/web/20140809181157/http://www.mediewistyka.pl/forum/printview.php?t=156&start=0&sid=ce0910d6b4bcb86add11fb211be3b6a7 ''Kronika życia naukowego'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* W. Mischke: [http://www.mediewistyka.pl/wihoda.pdf ''Polska korona królów czeskich'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* Ł. Piernikarczyk: [http://polskiedzieje.pl/slawni-polacy/palatyn-sieciech.html ''Palatyn Sieciech (1080–1100)'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* H. Podolińska: [http://www.glogow.pl/tzg/nowosci/2009/1109_kosciol/kosciol_grodowy.htm ''Kościół grodowy (I) na Ostrowie Tumskim – historyczny świadek Obrony Głogowa'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* J. Prajzner: [http://www.monetyobiegowe.pl/ ''Numizmatyka: Katalog polskich monet obiegowych. Monety 1916–2010'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* [http://cybra.lodz.pl/dlibra/publication?id=721&from=&dirids=1&tab=1 ''S. Orgelbranda encyklopedja powszechna'' (in Polish)], vol. 12, ''Od Polska do Rohan'', Warsaw 1902, [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* J. Serafin: [http://www.glogow.pl/tzg/bibioteka_mulimedialna/pomniki_glogowa.pdf ''Pomniki Głogowa'' (in Polish)] [in:] J. Sadowski (ed.): ''Encyklopedia Ziemi Głogowskiej'', vol. XLIII, Głogów 2001, [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* R. Sidorski: [http://histmag.org/Kierunek-Wenecja-383 ''Kierunek: Wenecja!. Wywiad z Tomaszem Jasińskim'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* S. Suchodolski: [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:063x5WX-1M4J:pau.krakow.pl/Streszczenie.pdf+Badania+nad+Boles%C5%82awem+Krzywoustym&hl=pl&gl=pl&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj_4D6JmLNcStqSOKyFLi4DpoRF-QxXuPzql9VuUXp3FSStaD15mCoe0On9bHNixSlkS8YYevCgChcvFu6WpXddvc_5Cf4dNYPp8opkMLyz_1jfoqfkAVa09gQD9t6pyj3ECnMK&sig=AHIEtbSfNNq3FbdJ9Ivkkru_NUEtQsfcbw ''Nowe (mazowieckie) znalezisko bulli Bolesława Krzywoustego i problemy ołowianych pieczęci we wczesnośredniowiecznej Polsce'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].
* A. Śmiech: [http://www.jednodniowka.pl/readarticle.php?article_id=68 ''Testament Bolesława Krzywoustego'' (in Polish)] [retrieved 28 July 2014].

==External links==
{{Commons category|Boleslaus III of Poland|Bolesław III Wrymouth}}
* [http://www.wiw.pl/historia/atlas/mapa33.asp Map of the feudal dissolution]

{{s-start}}
{{s-hou|[[Piast Dynasty]]|20 August|1086|28 October|1138|}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Władysław I Herman]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Rulers of Poland|Duke of Poland]]<br/>''with Zbigniew until 1107''|years=1102–1138}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Władysław II the Exile]]<br/> [[Bolesław IV the Curly]]<br/> [[Mieszko III the Old]]<br/> [[Henry of Sandomierz|Henry]]}}  
{{s-end}}

{{Monarchs of Poland}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boleslaw 3 Wrymouth}}
[[Category:1086 births]]
[[Category:1138 deaths]]
[[Category:12th-century Polish monarchs]]
[[Category:11th-century Polish people]]
[[Category:12th-century Polish people]]
[[Category:Piast dynasty]]
[[Category:People excommunicated by the Catholic Church]]
[[Category:Burials at Płock Cathedral]]
[[Category:People of Byzantine descent]]
[[Category:People from Płock]]