View source for Bolesław I the Brave

{{Short description|Duke and King of Poland (r. 992–1025)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox royalty
| image        = Bolesław I the Brave buys the corpse of Saint Adalbert of Prague from the Prussians, Gniezno Door ca. 1170.png
| caption      = Bolesław I buys the corpse of [[Adalbert of Prague|Saint Adalbert]] for its weight in gold, [[Gniezno Doors]], {{circa|1170}}
| succession   = [[Duke of Poland]]
| reign        = 992–1025
| full name    = 
| predecessor  = [[Mieszko I]]
| succession1  = [[Duke of Bohemia]]
| reign1       = 1003–1004
| predecessor1 = [[Boleslaus III, Duke of Bohemia|Boleslaus III]]
| successor1   = [[Jaromír, Duke of Bohemia|Jaromír]]
| succession2  = [[King of Poland]]
| reign2       = 1025–1025
| successor2   = [[Mieszko II Lambert]]
| spouse 1     = [[#Family|Unknown daughter]] of [[Rikdag]]
| spouse 2     = [[Judith of Hungary]]
| spouse 3     = [[Emnilda of Lusatia]]
| spouse 4     = [[Oda of Meissen]]
| issue        = {{ubl|[[Bezprym]]|[[Regelinda]]|[[Mieszko II Lambert]]|[[Otto Bolesławowic|Otto]]}}
| issue-link   = #Family
| dynasty      = [[Piast dynasty|Piast]]
| father       = [[Mieszko I of Poland]]
| mother       = [[Dobrawa of Bohemia]]
| birth_date   = {{circa|lk=no|967}}
| birth_place  = 
| death_date   = {{death date and age|1025|6|17|967|df=y}}
| death_place  =
| date of burial = 
| place of burial = [[Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Poznań|Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul]], Poznań
| religion     = [[Chalcedonian Christianity]]
}}
'''Bolesław I the Brave'''{{efn|{{langx|pl|Bolesław I Chrobry}} {{Audio|Pl-Bolesław-I-Chrobry.ogg|Polish}}; {{langx|cs|Boleslav Chrabrý}}; {{langx|la|Boleslaus I rex Poloniae}}}} ({{circa|967}}{{snd}}17 June 1025), less often [[List of people known as the Great|known as]] '''Bolesław the Great''',{{efn|{{langx|pl|Bolesław Wielki}}}} was [[Duke of Poland]] from 992 to 1025, and the first [[King of Poland]] in 1025. He was also [[Duke of Bohemia]] between 1003 and 1004 as '''Boleslaus IV'''. A member of the [[Piast dynasty]], Bolesław was a capable monarch and a strong mediator in Central European affairs. He continued to proselytise [[Western Christianity]] among his subjects and raised Poland to the [[Kingdom of Poland|rank of a kingdom]], thus becoming the first Polish ruler to hold the title of ''rex'', [[Latin]] for king.

The son of [[Mieszko I of Poland]] by his first wife [[Dobrawa of Bohemia]], Bolesław ruled [[Lesser Poland]] already during the final years of Mieszko's reign. When the country became divided in 992, he banished his father's widow, [[Oda of Haldensleben]], purged his half-brothers along with their adherents and successfully reunified Poland by 995. As a devout Christian, Bolesław supported the missionary endeavours of [[Adalbert of Prague]] and [[Bruno of Querfurt]]. The martyrdom of Adalbert in 997 and Bolesław's successful attempt to ransom the bishop's remains, paying for their weight in gold, consolidated Poland's autonomy from the [[Holy Roman Empire]].

At the [[Congress of Gniezno]] (11 March 1000), Emperor [[Otto III]] permitted the establishment of a Polish church structure with a [[metropolitan see]] at [[Gniezno]], independent from the [[Archbishopric of Magdeburg]]. [[Bishopric]]s were also established in [[Kraków]], [[Wrocław]], and [[Kołobrzeg]], and Bolesław formally repudiated paying tribute to the Empire. Following Otto's death in 1002, Bolesław fought a series of wars against Otto's cousin and heir, [[Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor|Henry II]], ending in the [[Peace of Bautzen]] (1018). In the summer of 1018, in one of his expeditions, Bolesław I captured [[Kiev]], where he installed his son-in-law [[Sviatopolk I of Kiev|Sviatopolk I]] as ruler. According to legend, Bolesław chipped his blade when striking Kiev's [[Golden Gate (Kiev)|Golden Gate]]. In honour of this legend, the ''[[Szczerbiec]]'' ("Jagged Sword") would later become the [[coronation]] sword of Polish kings.

Bolesław is widely considered one of Poland's most accomplished [[Piast]] monarchs; he was an able [[strategist]] and [[wikt:statesman|statesman]], who transformed Poland into an entity comparable to a [[hereditary monarchy]]. Bolesław conducted successful military campaigns to the west, south and east of his realm, and conquered territories in modern-day [[Slovakia]], [[Moravia]], [[Red Ruthenia]], [[Meissen]], [[Lusatia]], and [[Bohemia]]. He established the "Prince's Law" and sponsored the construction of churches, monasteries, military forts as well as waterway infrastructure. He also introduced the first Polish [[monetary system|monetary unit]], the ''[[Grzywna (unit)|grzywna]]'', divided into 240 [[Denarius|denarii]],<ref name="ReferenceA">A. Czubinski, J. Topolski, ''Historia Polski'', Ossolineum, 1989.{{ISBN?}}{{page?|date=February 2024}}</ref> and minted his own coinage.

== Early life ==
Bolesław was born in 966 or 967,<ref name=PSB248>Tymieniecki Kazimierz, ''Bolesław Chrobry''. In: Konopczyński Władysław (ed): ''Polski słownik biograficzny. T. II: Beyzym Jan – Brownsford Marja.'' Kraków: Nakładem Polskiej Akademii Umiejętności, 1936. {{ISBN|83-04-00148-9}}. p. 248</ref> the first child of [[Mieszko I of Poland]] and his wife, the [[Bohemia]]n princess [[Dobrawa]], known in [[Czech language|Czech]] as Doubravka.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=xliii}}{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=115}} His ''Epitaph'', which was written in the middle of the {{nobr|11th century}}, emphasised that Bolesław had been born to a "faithless" father and a "true-believing" mother, suggesting that he was born before [[Christianization of Poland|his father's baptism]].{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=115}}{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|pp=57, 60}} Bolesław was baptised shortly after his birth.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=63}} He was named after his maternal grandfather, [[Boleslaus I, Duke of Bohemia]].{{sfn|Barford|2001|p=163}} Not much is known about Bolesław's childhood. His ''Epitaph'' recorded that he underwent the [[First haircut#European|traditional hair-cutting ceremony]] at the age of seven and a lock of his hair was sent to [[Rome]].{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=63}} The latter act suggests that Mieszko wanted to place his son under the protection of the [[Holy See]].{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=63}}{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=51}} Historian [[Tadeusz Manteuffel]] says that Bolesław needed that protection because his father had sent him to the court of [[Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor]] in token of his allegiance to the emperor.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=51}} However, historian [[Marek Kazimierz Barański]] notes that the claim that Bolesław was sent as a hostage to the imperial court is disputed.{{sfn|Barański|2008|pp=51, 60–68}}

Bolesław's mother, Dobrawa, died in 977; his widowed father married [[Oda of Haldensleben]] who had already been a nun.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=52}}{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|pp=xliii, 35}} Around that time, Bolesław became the ruler of [[Lesser Poland]], through it is not exactly clear in what circumstances. [[Jerzy Strzelczyk]] says that Bolesław received Lesser Poland from his father; Tadeusz Manteuffel states that he seized the province from his father with the local lords' support; and [[Henryk Łowmiański]] writes that his uncle, [[Boleslav II of Bohemia]], granted the region to him.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|pp=8–9}}

== Accession and consolidation ==

[[File:Duchy of Poland 1000.svg|thumb|right|alt=A map depicting Poland|[[Poland]] in the year 1000]]
[[File:01000 bolizavs - gnezdvn civitas (-1000).jpg|thumb|right|One of the earliest Polish coins featuring the supposed effigy of Bolesław with the inscription ''Bolizavs - [[Gniezno|gnezdvn]] civitas'', {{circa}} 992–1000.]]

Mieszko I died on 25 May 992.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=55}}{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=xlii}} The contemporaneous [[Thietmar of Merseburg]] recorded that Mieszko left "his kingdom to be divided among many claimants", but Bolesław unified the country "with fox-like cunning"<ref name="Chronicon_ch4.58_p192">''The'' Chronicon ''of Thietmar of Merseburg'' (ch. 4.58.), p. 192.</ref> and expelled his stepmother and half-brothers from Poland.{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=417}}{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|pp=56–57}} Two Polish lords Odilien and Przibiwoj,<ref name="Chronicon_ch4.58_p193">''The'' Chronicon ''of Thietmar of Merseburg'' (ch. 4.58.), p. 193.</ref> who had supported Oda and her sons, were blinded on Bolesław's order.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|pp=56–57}} Historian [[Przemysław Wiszewski]] says that Bolesław had already taken control of the whole of Poland by 992;{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=xxxvii}} Pleszczyński writes that this only happened in the last months of 995.{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=417}}

Bolesław's first coins were issued around 995.{{sfn|Berend|Urbańczyk|Wiszewski|2013|p=145}} One of them bore the inscription Vencievlavus, showing that he regarded his mother's uncle Duke [[Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia|Wenceslaus I of Bohemia]] as the patron saint of Poland.{{sfn|Berend|Urbańczyk|Wiszewski|2013|pp=144–145}} Bolesław sent reinforcements to the Holy Roman Empire to fight against the [[Polabian Slavs]] in summer 992.{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=416}}{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=56}} Bolesław personally led a Polish army to assist the imperial troops in invading the land of the [[Abodrites]] or [[Veleti]] in 995.{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=416}}{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=56}}{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=125}} During the campaign, he met the young German monarch, [[Otto III, Holy Roman Emperor|Otto III]].{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|pp=124–125}}

[[Soběslav (died 1004)|Soběslav]], the head of the Bohemian [[Slavník dynasty]], also participated in the 995 campaign.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=57}} Taking advantage of Soběslav's absence, Boleslav II of Bohemia invaded the Slavníks' domains and had most members of the family murdered.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|pp=57–58}} After learning of his kinsmen's fate, Soběslav settled in Poland.{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=417}}{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=58}} Bolesław gave shelter to him "for the sake of [Soběslav's] holy brother",<ref name="Life_of_Saint_Adalbert_ch25_p165">''Life of Saint Adalbert Bishop of Prague and Martyr'' (ch. 25.), p. 165.</ref> Bishop [[Adalbert of Prague]], according to the latter's hagiographies.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=13}} Adalbert (known as Wojciech before his consecration){{sfn|Barford|2001|p=255}} also came to Poland in 996, because Bolesław "was quite amicably disposed towards him".{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=13}}<ref name="Life_of_Saint_Adalbert_ch26_p167">''Life of Saint Adalbert Bishop of Prague and Martyr'' (ch. 26.), p. 167.</ref> Adalbert's hagiographies suggest that the bishop and Bolesław closely cooperated.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=60}} In early 997 Adalbert left Poland to proselytise among the Prussians, who had been invading the eastern borderlands of Bolesław's realm.{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=125}}{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=60}} However, the pagans murdered him on 23 April 997.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=60}} Bolesław ransomed Adalbert's remains, paying its weight in gold, and buried it in [[Gniezno]].{{sfn|Barański|2008|pp=51, 60–68}}{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=60}}{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|pp=104–105}} He sent parts of the martyr bishop's corpse to Emperor Otto III who had been Adalbert's friend.{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|pp=104–105}}

== Congress of Gniezno and its aftermath (999–1002) ==
{{main|Congress of Gniezno}}
[[File:Otton III koronujący Bolesława Chrobrego, drzeworyt z dzieła Macieja z Miechowa Chronica Polonorum, 1521, Śląska Biblioteka Cyfrowa.png|thumb|left|[[Otto III, Holy Roman Emperor]], bestowing a crown upon Bolesław at the [[Congress of Gniezno]]. An imaginary depiction from ''[[Chronica Polonorum (1519)|Chronica Polonorum]]'' by [[Maciej Miechowita]], {{circa}} 1521]]
Emperor Otto III held a synod in Rome where Adalbert was canonised on the emperor's request on 29 June 999.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=60}}{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=105}} Before 2 December 999, Adalbert's brother, [[Radim Gaudentius]], was consecrated "Saint Adalbert's archbishop".{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=105}}{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=61}} Otto III made a pilgrimage to Saint Adalbert's tomb in Gniezno, accompanied by Pope [[Sylvester II]]'s [[papal legate|legate]], Robert, in early 1000.{{sfn|Barford|2001|p=264}}{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|pp=125–126}} Thietmar of Merseburg mentioned that it "would be impossible to believe or describe"<ref name="Chronicon_ch4.45_p183">''The'' Chronicon ''of Thietmar of Merseburg'' (ch. 4.45.), p. 183.</ref> how Bolesław received the emperor and conducted him to Gniezno.{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=419}} A century later, [[Gallus Anonymus]] added that "[m]arvelous and wonderful sights Bolesław set before the emperor when he arrived: the ranks first of the knights in all their variety, and then of the princes, lined up on a spacious plain like choirs, each separate unit set apart by the distinct and varied colors of its apparel, and no garment there was of inferior quality, but of the most precious stuff that might anywhere be found."{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=419}}<ref name="Gallus_Anonymus_ch6_p35">''The Deeds of the Princes of the Poles'' (ch. 6.), p. 35.</ref>

Bolesław took advantage of the emperor's pilgrimage.{{sfn|Thompson|2012|p=21}} After the Emperor's visit in Gniezno, Poland started to develop into a sovereign state, in contrast with Bohemia, which remained a vassal state, incorporated in the [[Kingdom of Germany]].{{sfn|Zamoyski|1987|p=14}} Thietmar of Merseburg condemned Otto III for "making a lord out of a tributary"<ref name="Chronicon_ch5.10_p212">''The'' Chronicon ''of Thietmar of Merseburg'' (ch. 5.10.), p. 212.</ref> in reference to the relationship between the Emperor and Bolesław.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=62}} Gallus Anonymus emphasised that Otto III declared Bolesław "his brother and partner" in the Holy Roman Empire, also calling Bolesław "a friend and ally of the Roman people".{{sfn|Barford|2001|p=264}}{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=419}}<ref name="Gallus_Anonymus_ch6_p37"/> The same chronicler mentioned that Otto III "took the imperial diadem from his own head and laid it upon the head of Bolesław in pledge of friendship"<ref name="Gallus_Anonymus_ch6_p37">''The Deeds of the Princes of the Poles'' (ch. 6.), p. 37.</ref> in Gniezno.{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=419}} Bolesław also received "one of the nails from the [[True Cross|cross of our Lord]] with the lance of [[St. Maurice]]"<ref name="Gallus_Anonymus_ch6_p37"/> from the Emperor.{{sfn|Barford|2001|p=264}}{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=419}}

[[File:Maurycy.jpg|thumb|upright|150px|Bolesław's replica of the [[Holy Lance]], [[Wawel Hill]], [[Kraków]]]]
Gallus Anonymus claimed that Bolesław was "gloriously raised to kingship by the emperor"<ref name="Gallus_Anonymus_ch6_p39">''The Deeds of the Princes of the Poles'' (ch. 6.), p. 39.</ref> through these acts, but the Emperor's acts in Gniezno only symbolised that Bolesław received royal prerogatives, including the control of the Church in his realm.{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=419}} Radim Gaudentius was installed as the archbishop of the newly established [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gniezno]].{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=61}} At the same time, three suffragan bishoprics, subordinated to the see of Gniezno—the dioceses of [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Koszalin-Kołobrzeg|Kołobrzeg]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kraków|Kraków]] and [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Wrocław|Wrocław]]—were set up.{{sfn|Berend|Urbańczyk|Wiszewski|2013|p=121}} Bolesław had promised that Poland would pay [[Peter's Pence]] to the Holy See to obtain the pope's sanction to the establishment of the new archdiocese.{{sfn|Thompson|2012|p=21}} [[Unger (Bishop of Poland)|Unger]], who had been the only prelate in Poland and was opposed to the creation of the archdiocese of Gniezno, was made [[bishop of Poznań]], directly subordinated to the Holy See.{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=420}} However, Polish commoners only slowly adopted Christianity: Thietmar of Merseburg recorded that Bolesław forced his subjects with severe punishments to observe [[Fasting and abstinence in the Roman Catholic Church|fasts]] and to refrain from adultery:{{sfn|Berend|Urbańczyk|Wiszewski|2013|p=122}}

{{Quote|If anyone in this land should presume to abuse a foreign matron and thereby commit [[fornication]], the act is immediately avenged through the following punishment. The guilty party is led on to the market bridge, and his [[scrotum]] is affixed to it with a nail. Then, after a sharp knife has been placed next to him, he is given the harsh choice between death or castration. Furthermore, anyone found to have eaten meat after [[Septuagesima]] is severely punished, by having his teeth knocked out. The law of God, newly introduced in these regions gains more strength from such acts of force than from any fast imposed by the bishops|[[Thietmar of Merseburg]]: ''Chronicon''<ref>''The'' Chronicon ''of Thietmar of Merseburg'' (ch. 8.2), p. 362.</ref>}}

During the time the Emperor spent in Poland, Bolesław also showed off his affluence.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=62}} At the end of the banquets, he "ordered the waiters and the cupbearers to gather the gold and silver vessels ... from all three days' coursis, that is, the cups and goblets, the bowls and plates and the [[drinking-horn]]s, and he presented them to the emperor as a toke of honor ... [h]is servants were likewise told to collect the wall-hangings and the coverlets, the carpets and tablecloths and napkins and everything that had been provided for their needs and take them to the emperor's quarters",<ref name="Gallus_Anonymus_ch6_p39"/> according to Gallus Anonymus.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=62}} Thietmar of Merseburg recorded that Bolesław presented Otto III with a troop of "three hundred armoured warriors".{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=420}}<ref name="Chronicon_ch4.46_p184">''The'' Chronicon ''of Thietmar of Merseburg'' (ch. 4.46.), p. 184.</ref> Bolesław also gave Saint Adalbert's arm to the Emperor.{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=420}}

After the meeting, Bolesław escorted Otto III to [[Magdeburg]] in Germany where "they celebrated Palm Sunday with great festivity"<ref name="Chronicon_ch4.46_p185">''The'' Chronicon ''of Thietmar of Merseburg'' (ch. 4.46.), p. 185.</ref> on 25 March 1000.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=63}} A continuator of the chronicle of [[Adémar de Chabannes]] recorded, decades after the events, that Bolesław also accompanied Emperor Otto from Magdeburg to Aachen where Otto III had [[Charlemagne]]'s tomb reopened and gave Charlemagne's golden throne to Bolesław.{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=420}}{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=127}}{{sfn|Zamoyski|1987|p=13}}

An illustrated Gospel, made for Otto III around 1000, depicted four women symbolising Roma, Gallia, Germania and Sclavinia as doing homage to the Emperor who sat on his throne.{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=127}} Historian [[Alexis P. Vlasto]] writes that "Sclavinia" referred to Poland, proving that it was regarded as one of the Christian realms subjected to the Holy Roman Empire in accordance with Otto III's idea of ''Renovatio imperii''{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=127}}—the renewal of the Roman Empire based on a federal concept.{{sfn|Strzelczyk|2003|p=24}} Within that framework, Poland, along with Hungary, was upgraded to an eastern ''[[foederatus]]'' of the Holy Roman Empire, according to historian [[Jerzy Strzelczyk]].{{sfn|Strzelczyk|2003|p=24}}

Coins struck for Bolesław shortly after his meeting with the emperor bore the inscription Gnezdun Civitas, showing that he regarded Gniezno as his capital.{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=127}} The name of Poland was also recorded on the same coins referring to the Princes Polonie {{sic}}.{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=127}} The title ''princeps'' was almost exclusively used in Italy around that time, suggesting that it also represented the Emperor's idea of the renewal of the Roman Empire.{{sfn|Vlasto|1970|p=127}} However, Otto's premature death on 23 January 1002 put an end to his ambitious plans.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=63}} The contemporaneous [[Bruno of Querfurt]] stated that "nobody lamented" the 22-year-old emperor's "death with greater grief than Bolesław".<ref>''Life of the Five Brethren by Bruno of Querfurt'' (ch. 8.), p. 237.</ref>{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=421}}

In 1000 Bolesław issued a law prohibiting hunting [[beaver]]s<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ciekawostki o bobrze|url=https://puszcza.tv/przyroda/p/11/ciekawostki-o-bobrze|access-date=28 July 2021|website=puszcza.tv|language=pl}}</ref> and created a office called "Bobrowniczy"<ref>{{Cite web|title=bobrowniczy - Encyklopedia Leśna|url=https://www.encyklopedialesna.pl/haslo/bobrowniczy/|access-date=28 July 2021|website=www.encyklopedialesna.pl}}</ref> whose task was to enforce prince's ordinances.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bobry to skryte, ale bardzo ciekawe zwierzęta|url=https://www.lasy.gov.pl/pl/informacje/aktualnosci/bobrowe|access-date=28 July 2021|website=Lasy Państwowe|language=pl}}</ref>

== Expansion (1002–1018) ==
[[File:Polska 992 - 1025.png|thumb|Poland during the reign of Bolesław the Brave]]
Three candidates were competing with each other for the German crown after Otto III's death.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=64}} One of them, Duke [[Henry IV of Bavaria]], promised the [[Margraviate of Meissen]] to Bolesław in exchange for his assistance against [[Eckard I, Margrave of Meissen]] who was the most powerful contender.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=64}} However, Eckard was murdered on 30 April 1002, which enabled Henry of Bavaria to defeat his last opponent, [[Herman II, Duke of Swabia]].{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=64}} Fearing that Henry II would side with elements in the German Church hierarchy which were unfavorable towards Poland,<ref name=PSB250>Tymieniecki Kazimierz, ''Bolesław Chrobry''. In: Konopczyński Władysław (ed): ''Polski słownik biograficzny. T. II: Beyzym Jan – Brownsford Marja.'' Kraków: Nakładem Polskiej Akademii Umiejętności, 1936. {{ISBN|83-04-00148-9}}. p. 250</ref> and taking advantage of the chaos that followed Margrave Eckard's death and Henry of Bavaria's conflict with [[Henry of Schweinfurt]], Bolesław invaded [[Lusatia]] and Meissen.{{sfn|Thompson|2012|p=21}}{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|pp=64–65}} He "seized [[Marca Geronis|Margrave Gero's march]] as far as the river Elbe",<ref name="Chronicon_ch5.9_p211">''The'' Chronicon ''of Thietmar of Merseburg'' (ch. 5.9.), p. 211.</ref> and also [[Bautzen]], [[Strehla]] and [[Meissen]].{{sfn|Thompson|2012|pp=21–22}} At the end of July, he participated at a meeting of the Saxon lords where Henry of Bavaria, who had meanwhile been crowned king of Germany, only confirmed Bolesław's possession of Lusatia, and granted Meissen to Margrave Eckard's brother, [[Gunzelin, Margrave of Meissen|Gunzelin]], and Strehla to Eckard's oldest son, [[Herman I, Margrave of Meissen|Herman]].{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=65}}{{sfn|Reuter|2013|p=260}} The relationship between King Henry and Bolesław became tense after assassins tried to murder Bolesław in Merseburg, because he accused the king of conspiracy against him.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=65}}{{sfn|Reuter|2013|p=260}} In retaliation, he seized and burned Strehla and took the inhabitants of the town into captivity.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=65}}
[[File:Denar rys chrobry1.png|thumb|right|alt=A coin depicting a crowned bird on the one side, and a cross on the other side|Bolesław's [[denarius]] with the inscription [[:pl:Denar Princes Polonie|Princes Polonie]].]]
Duke [[Boleslaus III of Bohemia]] was dethroned and the Bohemian lords made [[Vladivoj, Duke of Bohemia|Vladivoj]], who had earlier fled to Poland, duke in 1002.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=65}} The Czech historian [[Dušan Třeštík]] writes that Vladivoj seized the Bohemian throne with Bolesław's assistance.{{sfn|Třeštík|2011|p=78}} After Vladivoj died in 1003, Bolesław invaded Bohemia and restored Boleslaus III who had many Bohemian noblemen murdered.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=65}}{{sfn|Berend|Urbańczyk|Wiszewski|2013|p=142}} The Bohemian lords who survived the massacre "secretly sent representatives" to Bolesław, asking "him to rescue them from fear of the future",<ref name="Chronicon_ch5.30_p225">''The'' Chronicon ''of Thietmar of Merseburg'' (ch. 5.30.), p. 225.</ref> according to Thietmar of Merseburg.{{sfn|Berend|Urbańczyk|Wiszewski|2013|p=142}} Bolesław invaded Bohemia and had Boleslaus III blinded.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=65}} He entered Prague in March 1003 where the Bohemian lords proclaimed him duke.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=66}}<ref name=PSB251>Tymieniecki Kazimierz, ''Bolesław Chrobry''. In: Konopczyński Władysław (ed): ''Polski słownik biograficzny. T. II: Beyzym Jan – Brownsford Marja.'' Kraków: Nakładem Polskiej Akademii Umiejętności, 1936. {{ISBN|83-04-00148-9}}. p. 251</ref> King Henry sent his envoys to Prague, demanding that Bolesław take an oath of loyalty and pay tribute to him, but Bolesław refused to obey.{{sfn|Reuter|2013|p=260}}{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=66}} He also allied himself with the king's opponents, including Henry of Schweinfurt to whom he sent reinforcements.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|pp=66–67}} King Henry defeated Henry of Schweinfurt, forcing him to flee to Bohemia in August 1003.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=67}} Bolesław invaded the Margraviate of Meissen, but Margrave Gunzelin refused to surrender his capital.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=67}} It is also likely that Polish forces took control of [[Moravia]] and the northern parts of the [[Kingdom of Hungary]] (present-day mostly Slovakia) in 1003 as well. The proper conquest date of the Hungarian territories is 1003 or 1015 and this area stayed a part of Poland until 1018.<ref name='Makk'>{{cite book | last = Makk | first = Ferenc | title = Magyar külpolitika (896–1196) ''("The Hungarian External Politics (896–1196)")''| publisher = Szegedi Középkorász Műhely | year = 1993 | location = Szeged | pages = 48–49 | isbn = 963-04-2913-6}}</ref>

King Henry allied himself with the pagan [[Lutici]],<ref name=PSB251/> and broke into Lusatia in February 1004, but heavy snows forced him to withdraw.{{sfn|Berend|Urbańczyk|Wiszewski|2013|p=142}}{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=67}} He invaded Bohemia in August 1004, taking the oldest brother of the blinded Boleslaus III of Bohemia, [[Jaromír, Duke of Bohemia|Jaromír]], with him.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=67}} The Bohemians rose up in open rebellion and murdered the Polish garrisons in the major towns.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=67}} Bolesław left Prague without resistance, and King Henry made Jaromír duke of Bohemia on 8 September.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=67}} Bolesław's ally [[Soběslav (died 1004)|Soběslav]] died in this campaign.<ref name=PSB251/>

During the next part of the offensive King Henry retook [[Meissen]] and in 1005, his army advanced as far into Poland as the city of [[Poznań]] where [[Peace of Poznań|a peace treaty]] was signed.<ref name="ReferenceC">Thietmar of Merseburg, Thietmari merseburgiensis episcopi chronicon, 1018</ref> According to the peace treaty Bolesław lost [[Lusatia]] and [[Meissen]] and likely gave up his claim to the [[Bohemia]]n [[throne]]. Also in 1005, a pagan rebellion in [[Pomerania]] overturned Bolesław's rule and resulted in the destruction of the [[Bishopric of Kolberg|newly established local bishopric]].<ref>Jan M Piskorski, ''Pommern im Wandel der Zeiten'', 1999, p. 32, {{ISBN|83-906184-8-6}} {{OCLC|43087092}}</ref>

In 1007, after learning about Bolesław's efforts to gain allies among Saxon nobles and giving refuge to the deposed duke of Bohemia, [[Oldřich, Duke of Bohemia|Oldřich]], King Henry denounced the Peace of Poznań, which caused Bolesław's attack on the [[Archbishopric of Magdeburg]] as well as the re-occupation of the marches of Lusatia, though he stopped short of retaking Meissen<!-- including the city of [[Bautzen]]-->.<ref name=PSB251/> The German [[Counteroffensive|counter-offensive]] began three years later (previously, Henry was occupied with rebellion in Flanders), in 1010, but it was of no significant consequence<!--, beyond some pillaging in [[Silesia]]-->.<ref name=PSB251/> In 1012, another ineffective campaign by archbishop [[Walthard]] of Magdeburg was launched, as he died during that campaign and, consequently, his forces returned home. Later that year, Bolesław once again invaded [[Lusatia]]. Bolesław's forces pillaged and burned the city of [[Lubusz]] (Lebus).<ref name="ReferenceC"/> In 1013, a peace accord was signed at [[Merseburg]].<ref name=PSB251/> As part of the treaty, Bolesław paid [[Homage (feudal)|homage]] to King Henry for the [[March of Lusatia]] (including the town of Bautzen) and Sorbian [[Meissen]] as [[fief]]s.<ref name=PSB251/> A marriage of Bolesław's son Mieszko with [[Richeza of Lotharingia]], daughter of the [[Count Palatine]] [[Ezzo, Count Palatine of Lotharingia|Ezzo]] of [[Lotharingia]] and granddaughter of [[Emperor Otto II]], was also performed.<ref name=PSB251/> During the brief period of peace on the western frontier that followed, Bolesław took part in a short campaign in the east, towards the [[Kievan Rus']] territories.<ref name=PSB251/>
[[File:Heinrich II. (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|[[Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor|Henry II]] depicted in the [[Seeon Evangeliary]], {{circa|1014–1024}}]]
In 1014, Bolesław sent his son Mieszko to Bohemia in order to form an alliance with Duke [[Oldrich]] against Henry, by then [[coronation of the Holy Roman Emperor|crowned emperor]].<ref name=PSB251/> Oldrich imprisoned Mieszko and turned him over to Henry, who, however, released him in a gesture of good will after being pressured by Saxon nobles.<ref name=PSB251/> Bolesław nonetheless refused to aid the emperor militarily in his Italian expedition.<ref name=PSB251/> This led to imperial intervention in Poland and so in 1015 a war erupted once again.<ref name=PSB251/> The war started out well for the emperor, as he was able to defeat the Polish forces at the Battle of Ciani.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.udyomedia.pl/def-Bitwa_pod_Ciani.html|title=Bitwa pod Ciani, bo nie chce mi się|access-date=18 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419002800/http://www.udyomedia.pl/def-Bitwa_pod_Ciani.html|archive-date=19 April 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Once the imperial forces crossed the river [[Oder]], Bolesław sent a detachment of [[Moravia]]n [[knights]] in a diversionary attack against the Eastern March of the empire. Soon after, the imperial army, having suffered a defeat near the [[Bóbr]] marshes, retreated from Poland without any permanent gains.<ref name=PSB251/> After this event, Bolesław's forces took the initiative. Margrave [[Gero II]] of Meissen was defeated and killed during a clash with the Polish forces in late 1015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historycy.org/index.php?showtopic=48096|title=historycy.org -> Bolesław Chrobry – 'pan na Morawach'|first=Michał|last=Olszowski|access-date=18 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ciekawostkihistoryczne.pl/2011/02/28/czy-boleslaw-chrobry-podbil-slowacje/|title=Czy Bolesław Chrobry podbił Słowację?|date=28 February 2011 |access-date=18 April 2017}}</ref> In 1015 and 1017, Bolesław I attacked the [[Margraviate of Austria|Eastern March]] and was defeated twice by [[Henry I, Margrave of Austria|Henry the Strong]] and his forces.<ref name="thietmar-19-61">Thietmar 2001, VIII, pp. 19, 61.</ref><ref name="thietmar-9">Thietmar 2001, VIII, p. 9.</ref>

Later that year, Bolesław's son Mieszko was sent to plunder [[Meissen]]. His attempt at conquering the city, however, failed.<ref name="ReferenceC"/> In 1017, Bolesław defeated Duke [[Henry V of Bavaria]]. In that same year, supported by his Slavic allies,<!--with [[Czechs|Czech]] and [[Wends|Wendish]] support--> Emperor Henry once again invaded Poland, albeit once again to very little effect.<ref name=PSB251/> He did besiege the cities of [[Głogów]] and [[Niemcza]], but was unable to conquer them.<ref name=PSB251/> The imperial forces once again were forced to retreat, suffering significant losses.<ref name=PSB251/> Taking advantage of the involvement of [[Czechs|Czech]] troops, Bolesław ordered his son to invade [[Bohemia]], where Mieszko met very little resistance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wlaczpolske.pl/index.php?etap=10&i=889&nomenu=1&oe=UTF-8&q=prettyphoto&iframe=true&width=1000&height=100%25|title=Włącz Polskę- Polska-szkola.pl|first=Grzegorz|last=Zajączkowski|access-date=18 April 2017}}</ref> On 30 January 1018, the [[Peace of Bautzen]] was signed. The Polish ruler was able to keep the contested marches of [[Lusatia]] and [[Sorbian Meissen]] not as [[fiefs]], but as a part of Polish territory,<ref name=PSB251/> and also received military aid in his expedition against [[Kievan Rus'|Rus']].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://portalwiedzy.onet.pl/4869,1581,1605789,3,czasopisma.html|title=Bolesław Chrobry: legalny władca Czech czy uzurpator – Czasopisma – Onet.pl Portal wiedzy|access-date=18 April 2017|archive-date=19 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419004453/http://portalwiedzy.onet.pl/4869,1581,1605789,3,czasopisma.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Also, Bolesław (then a widower) strengthened his dynastic bonds with the German nobility through his marriage with [[Oda of Meissen|Oda]], daughter of Margrave [[Eckard I of Meissen]]. The wedding took place four days later, on 3 February in the [[castle]] of ''Cziczani'' (also ''Sciciani'', at the site of either modern [[Göda|Groß-Seitschen]]<ref>{{cite web|author=Michael Schmidt |url=http://hov.isgv.de/Seitschen,_Gro%C3%9F- |title=Digitales historisches Ortsverzeichnis von Sachsen |publisher=Hov.isgv.de |access-date=12 January 2013}}</ref> or [[Golßen|Zützen]]).<ref>Elke Mehnert, Sandra Kersten, Manfred Frank Schenke, ''Spiegelungen: Entwürfe zu Identität und Alterität ; Festschrift für Elke Mehnert'', Frank & Timme GmbH, 2005, p. 481, {{ISBN|3-86596-015-4}}</ref>

==War in Kiev (1018)==
{{main|Bolesław I's intervention in the Kievan succession crisis}}
Bolesław organised his first expedition east, to support his son-in-law [[Sviatopolk I]] of Kiev, in 1013, but the decisive engagements were to take place in 1018 after the [[Peace of Bautzen]] was already signed.<ref name=PSB252>Tymieniecki Kazimierz, ''Bolesław Chrobry''. In: Konopczyński Władysław (ed): ''Polski słownik biograficzny. T. II: Beyzym Jan – Brownsford Marja.'' Kraków: Nakładem Polskiej Akademii Umiejętności, 1936. {{ISBN|83-04-00148-9}}. p. 252</ref> At the request of Sviatopolk I, in what became known as the [[Kiev Expedition (1018)|Kiev Expedition]] of 1018, the Polish duke sent an expedition to [[Kievan Rus']] with an army of 2,000–5,000 Polish warriors, in addition to [[Thietmar of Merseburg|Thietmar]]'s reported 1,000 [[Pechenegs]], 300 German knights, and 500 [[Hungarian people|Hungarian]] [[mercenaries]].<ref>R.Jaworski,Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego, 2006</ref> After collecting his forces during June, Bolesław led his troops to the border in July and on 23 July at the banks of the [[Bug River]], near [[Gródek, Hrubieszów County|Wołyń]], he defeated the forces of [[Yaroslav the Wise]], Prince of [[Kiev]], in what became known as the [[Battle of the River Bug]]. All [[primary source]]s agree that the Polish prince was victorious in battle.<ref>Cross, Samuel Hazzard; Sherbowitz-Wetzor, Olgerd, eds. The Russian Primary Chronicle: Laurentian Text, 1953</ref><ref>Anonymous Gaul,Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum</ref> Yaroslav retreated north to [[Novgorod]], opening the road to [[Kiev]].<ref name=PSB252/> The city, which suffered from fires caused by the [[Pecheneg]] siege, surrendered upon seeing the main Polish force on 14 August.<ref name="Wyprawa10">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'' Chwała Oręża Polskiego Nr 2. [[Rzeczpospolita (newspaper)|Rzeczpospolita]] and [[Mówią Wieki]]. Primary author [[Rafał Jaworski]]. 5 August 2006. p. 10</ref> The entering army, led by Bolesław, was ceremonially welcomed by the local archbishop and the family of [[Vladimir I of Kiev]].<ref name="Wyprawa11"/> According to popular legend Bolesław notched his sword ([[Szczerbiec]]) hitting [[Golden Gate (Kiev)|the Golden Gate]] of Kiev.<ref name="Wyprawa11">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'' Chwała Oręża Polskiego Nr 2. [[Rzeczpospolita (newspaper)|''Rzeczpospolita'']] and [[Mówią Wieki]]. Primary author [[Rafał Jaworski]]. 5 August 2006. p. 11</ref> Although Sviatopolk lost the throne soon afterwards and lost his life the following year,<ref name="Wyprawa11"/> during this campaign Poland re-annexed the [[Red Strongholds]], later called [[Red Ruthenia]], lost by Bolesław's father in 981.<ref name=PSB252/>

== Last years (1019–1025) ==
{{main|Crown of Bolesław I the Brave}}
[[File:Koronacja pierwszego króla (Koronacja Chrobrego. Jan Matejko).jpg|thumb|''[[Coronation of the First King]]'', as imagined by [[Jan Matejko]]]]
Historians dispute the exact date of Bolesław's [[coronation]].{{sfn|Grabski|1964|p=287}} The year 1025 is most widely accepted by scholars, though the year 1000 is also likely.{{sfn|Urbańczyk|2017|pp=311-313}} According to an [[epitaph]], the crowning took place when Otto bestowed upon Bolesław royal regalia at the [[Congress of Gniezno]].{{sfn|Urbańczyk|2017|pp=311-312}} However, independent German sources confirmed that after Henry II's death in 1024, Bolesław took advantage of the [[interregnum]] in Germany and crowned himself king in 1025.{{sfn|Urbańczyk|2017|pp=308–309}} It is generally assumed that the coronation took place on [[Easter Sunday]]{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=75}} although [[Tadeusz Wojciechowski]] believes that the coronation took place prior to that, on 24 December 1024.<ref>Tadeusz Wojciechowski: ''Szkice historyczne jedynastego wieku'', ed. III. 1951, p. 153.</ref> The basis for this assertion is that the coronations of kings were usually held during religious festivities.{{sfn|Grabski|1964|p=291}} The exact place of the coronation is also highly debated, with the cathedrals of [[Gniezno]] or [[Poznań]] being the most probable locations.{{sfn|Urbańczyk|2017|p=311}} Poland was thereafter raised to the rank of a kingdom before its neighbour, [[Bohemia]].{{sfn|Schwarzenberg|Hucek|1994|p=19}}

[[Wipo of Burgundy]] in his chronicle describes the event:

{{Quote|[In 1025] Boleslaus [of the Slavic nation], duke of the Poles, took for himself in injury to King Conrad the regal insignia and the royal name. Death swiftly killed his temerity.|[[Wipo of Burgundy|Wipo]]: ''The Deeds of Conrad II''<ref>''The Deeds of Conrad II (Wipo)'' (ch. 9.), p. 75.</ref>}}

It is widely believed that Bolesław had to receive permission for his coronation from the newly-elected [[Pope John XIX]].{{sfn|Urbańczyk|2017|pp=309–310}} John was known to be corrupt, and it is likely that consent was or may have been obtained through [[bribery|bribes]].{{sfn|Urbańczyk|2017|p=310}} However, Rome also hoped for a potential alliance to defend itself from Byzantine Emperor [[Basil II]], who launched a military expedition to recover the island of [[Sicily]] and could subsequently threaten the [[Papal States]] from the south.{{sfn|Urbańczyk|2017|p=310}} [[Stanisław Zakrzewski]] put forward the theory that the coronation had the tacit consent of [[Conrad II, Holy Roman Emperor|Conrad II]] and that the pope only confirmed that fact.{{sfn|Sochacki|2003|p=80}} That is corroborated by Conrad's confirmation of the royal title to Mieszko II, his agreement with the [[counts of Tusculum]] and the papal interactions with Conrad and Bolesław.<ref>Wipo: ''Gesta Chuonradi II imperatoris'', p. 34.</ref>

==Death and burial==
[[File:Złota Kaplica. Grobowiec Mieszka I i Bolesława Chrobrego.jpg|thumb|upright|Tomb of Bolesław and his father, Mieszko, inside the Golden Chapel at [[Poznań Cathedral]]]] 
According to [[Cosmas of Prague]], Bolesław I died shortly after his coronation on 17 June 1025.{{sfn|Wolverton|2009|p=104}} Already in advanced age for the time, the true cause of death is unknown and remains a matter of speculation.{{sfn|Urbańczyk|2017|p=312}} Chronicler [[Jan Długosz]] (and followed by modern historians and archaeologists) writes that Bolesław was laid to rest at the [[Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Poznań|Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul]] in Poznań.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|pp=471–472}} In the 14th century, [[Casimir III the Great]] reportedly ordered the construction of a new, presumably [[Gothic art|Gothic]], [[sarcophagus]] to which he transferred Bolesław's remains.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=56}}

The medieval sarcophagus was partially damaged on 30 September 1772 during a fire, and completely destroyed in 1790 due to the collapse of the southern tower.{{sfn|Nungovitch|2019|p=98}} Bolesław's remains were subsequently excavated from the rubble and moved to the cathedral's [[chapter house]].{{sfn|Nungovitch|2019|p=98}} Three bone fragments were donated to [[Tadeusz Czacki]] in 1801, at his request.{{sfn|Nungovitch|2019|p=98}} Czacki, a notable Polish historian, pedagogue, and numismatist, placed one of the bone fragments in his ancestral mausoleum in Poryck (now [[Pavlivka, Volyn Oblast|Pavlivka]]) in the [[Volhynia]] region; the other two were given to Princess [[Izabela Czartoryska|Izabela Flemming Czartoryska]], who placed them in her recently founded [[Czartoryski Museum]] in [[Puławy]]. 

After many historical twists, the burial place of Bolesław I ultimately remained at Poznań Cathedral, in the Golden Chapel.<ref>Michał Rożek, Adam Bujak: ''Nekropolie królów i książąt polskich'', Warsaw 1988, pp. 12–14.</ref> The content of his [[epitaph]] is known to historians. It is Bolesław's epitaph, which, in part, came from the original tombstone, that is one of the first sources (dated to the period immediately after Bolesław's death, probably during the reign of Mieszko II)<ref>Przemysław Wiszewski: ''Domus Bolezlai. W poszukiwaniu tradycji dynastycznej Piastów (do około 1138 roku)'', Wrocław 2008, p. 62.</ref> that gave the King his widely known nickname of "Brave" (Polish: ''Chrobry''). Later, [[Gallus Anonymus]], in Chapter 6 of his {{Lang|la|[[Gesta principum Polonorum]]}}, named the Polish ruler as ''Bolezlavus qui dicebatur Gloriosus seu Chrabri''.

==Family==
[[File:Catedral de Gniezno, Polonia, 2012-04-05, DD 31.JPG|thumb|''Monument to Bolesław the Brave'' in [[Gniezno]], created by [[Marcin Rożek]] in 1925. Destroyed in 1939 and reconstructed in 1985 by Jerzy Sobociński.]]	
[[File:10 zlotych 1925 Bolesław Chrobry.jpg|thumb|10-złotych coin with Bolesław Chrobry (1925)]]
The contemporaneous [[Thietmar of Merseburg]] recorded Bolesław's marriages, also mentioning his children.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=39}} Bolesław's first wife was a daughter of [[Rikdag]], [[Margrave of Meissen]].{{sfn|Barański|2008|pp=51, 60–68}}{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=39}} Historian Manteuffel says that the marriage was arranged in the early 980s by Mieszko I who wanted to strengthen his links with the Saxon lords and to enable his son to succeed Rikdag in Meissen.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|p=53}} Bolesław "later sent her away",<ref name="Chronicon_ch4.58_p193"/> according to [[Thietmar of Merseburg#Thietmar's Chronicle|Thietmar's ''Chronicon'']].{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=39}} Historian [[Marek Kazimierz Barański]] writes that Bolesław repudiated his first wife after her father's death in 985 which left the marriage without any political value.{{sfn|Barański|2008|pp=51, 60–68}}

Bolesław "took a Hungarian woman"<ref name="Chronicon_ch4.58_p193"/> as his second wife.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=39}} Most historians identify her as a daughter of the Hungarian ruler [[Géza, Grand Prince of the Hungarians|Géza]], but this theory has not been universally accepted.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=376}} She gave birth to a son, [[Bezprym]], but Bolesław repudiated her.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=39}}

Bolesław's third wife, [[Emnilda]], was "a daughter of the venerable lord, [[Dobromir (duke)|Dobromir]]".<ref name="Chronicon_ch4.58_p193"/>{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=39}} Her father was a West Slavic or Lechitic prince, either a local ruler from present-day [[Brandenburg]] who was closely related to the imperial [[Liudolfing]] dynasty,{{sfn|Pleszczyński|2001|p=416}} or the last independent prince of the [[Vistulans]], before their incorporation into Poland.{{sfn|Barański|2008|pp=51, 60–68}} Wiszewski dates the marriage of Bolesław and Emnilda to 988.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=xliii}} Emnilda exerted a beneficial influence on Bolesław, reforming "her husband's unstable character",<ref name="Chronicon_ch4.58_p193"/> according to Thietmar of Merseburg's report.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=39}} Bolesław's and Emnilda's oldest (unnamed) daughter "was an abbess"<ref name="Chronicon_ch4.58_p193"/> of an unidentified abbey.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=xliii}} Their second daughter [[Regelinda]], who was born in 989, was given in marriage to [[Herman I, Margrave of Meissen]] in 1002 or 1003.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=xliii}} [[Mieszko II Lambert]] who was born in 990{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=XLIII}} was Bolesław's favorite son and successor.{{sfn|Manteuffel|1982|pp=77–78}} The name of Bolesław's and Emnilda's third daughter, who was born in 995, is unknown; she married [[Sviatopolk I of Kiev]] between 1005 and 1012.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=xliii}} Bolesław's youngest son, [[Otto Bolesławowic|Otto]], was born in 1000.{{sfn|Wiszewski|2010|p=xliii}}

Bolesław's fourth marriage, from 1018 until his death, was to [[Oda of Meissen|Oda]] ({{circa}} 995–1025), daughter of Margrave [[Eckard I of Meissen]]. They had a daughter, Matilda ({{circa}} 1018–1036), betrothed (or married) on 18 May 1035 to [[Otto III, Duke of Swabia|Otto of Schweinfurt]].

Predslava, a daughter of [[Vladimir the Great]] and [[Rogneda]], whom, along with her sister Mstislava, he had taken from Kiev in 1018, was his concubine.

'''Marriages and Issue:'''

Oda/Hunilda?, daughter of [[Rikdag]]

Unknown Hungarian woman (sometimes identified as [[Judith of Hungary]]):

# [[Bezprym]] (c. 986–1032) – became Duke of Poland

[[Emnilda]], daughter of Dobromir:

# Unknown abbess of an unidentified abbey
# Regelinda (c. 989 – 21 March aft. 1014), married [[Herman I, Margrave of Meissen]] becoming Margravine of Meissen
# [[Mieszko II Lambert]] (c. 990 – 10/11 May 1034), became king and subsequent to his dethronement, regained power as duke of Poland
# Unknown daughter, married Grand Prince [[Sviatopolk I of Kiev]] and became Grand Princess of Kiev
# [[Otto Bolesławowic]] (c. 1000–1033)

[[Oda of Meissen]]

# Matilda (c. 1018–1036), betrothed to [[Otto III, Duke of Swabia|Otto of Schweinfurt]] but the marriage was rejected.

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="170px" heights="170px" perrow="5">
File:Bacciarelli - Chrobry.jpeg|''Portrait of Boleslaus I the Brave'' by [[Marcello Baciarelli]], c. 1770
File:Boleslaw I Chrobry (274954).jpg|''Boleslaus I of Poland'', a drawing by [[Jan Matejko]], c. 1890
File:Bolesław Chrobry.PNG|''Boleslaus I the Brave'' by [[Aleksander Lesser]]
File:Karwina1939.jpg|Boleslaus on a postage stamp, 1938
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Bolesław Chrobry Tournament]] – speedway event named after the King
* [[Castle Chrobry in Szprotawa]]
* [[Crown of Bolesław I the Brave]]
* [[History of Poland (966–1385)]]
* [[Siege of Lubusz]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

== Sources ==

=== Primary sources ===
{{Refbegin}}
* "Life of the Five Brethren by Bruno of Querfurt (Translated by Marina Miladinov)" (2013). In ''Saints of the Christianization Age of Central Europe (Tenth-Eleventh Centuries)'' (Edited by Gábor Klaniczay, translated by Cristian Gaşpar and Marina Miladinov, with an introductory essay by Ian Wood) [Central European Medieval Texts, Volume 6.]. Central European University Press. pp.&nbsp;183–314. {{ISBN|978-615-5225-20-8}}.
* "Life of Saint Adalbert Bishop of Prague and Martyr (Translated by Cristian Gaşpar)" (2013). In ''Saints of the Christianization Age of Central Europe (Tenth-Eleventh Centuries)'' (Edited by Gábor Klaniczay, translated by Cristian Gaşpar and Marina Miladinov, with an introductory essay by Ian Wood) [Central European Medieval Texts, Volume 6.]. Central European University Press. pp.&nbsp;77–182. {{ISBN|978-615-5225-20-8}}.
* ''Ottonian Germany: The'' Chronicon ''of Thietmar of Merseburg'' (Translated and annotated by David A. Warner) (2001). Manchester University Press. {{ISBN|0-7190-4926-1}}.
* "The Deeds of Conrad II (Wipo)" (2000). In ''Imperial Lives & Letters of the Eleventh Century'' (Translated by Theodor E. Mommsen and Karl F. Morrison, with a historical introduction and new suggested readings by Karl F. Morrison, edited by Robert L. Benson). Columbia University Press. pp.&nbsp;52–100. {{ISBN|978-0-231-12121-7}}.
* ''The Deeds of the Princes of the Poles'' (Translated and annotated by Paul W. Knoll and Frank Schaer with a preface by Thomas N. Bisson) (2003). CEU Press. {{ISBN|963-9241-40-7}}.
{{Refend}}

=== Secondary sources ===

{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last=Barański |first=Marek Kazimierz |year=2008 |title=Dynastia Piastów w Polsce ''[The Piast Dynasty in Poland]'' |publisher=Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN |isbn=978-83-01-14816-4 |language=pl }}
* {{cite book |last=Barford |first=P. M. |year=2001|title=The Early Slavs: Culture and Society in Early Medieval Eastern Europe |publisher= Cornell University Press |isbn=0-8014-3977-9 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Berend |first1=Nora |last2=Urbańczyk |first2=Przemysław |last3=Wiszewski |first3=Przemysław |year=2013 |title=Central Europe in the High Middle Ages: Bohemia, Hungary and Poland, c. 900–c. 1300 |publisher= Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-78156-5 }}
* {{cite book |last=Davies |first=Norman |year=2005 |title=God's Playground: A History of Poland, Volume I: The Origins to 1795 ''(Revised Edition)'' |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-12817-9 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/godsplaygroundhi00norm_0 }}
* {{cite book |last=Grabski |first=Andrzej Feliks |date=1964 |title=Bolesław Chrobry: zarys dziejów politycznych i wojskowych |location=Warszawa (Warsaw) |publisher=Wyd. Minist. Obrony Narodowej |oclc=313427345 |language=pl }}
* {{cite book |last=Manteuffel |first=Tadeusz |year=1982 |title=The Formation of the Polish State: The Period of Ducal Rule, 963–1194 ''(Translated and with an Introduction by Andrew Gorski)'' |publisher= Wayne State University Press |isbn=0-8143-1682-4 }}
* {{cite book |last=Nungovitch |first=Petro Andreas |date=2019 |title=Here All Is Poland: A Pantheonic History of Wawel, 1787–2010 |location=Lanham |publisher=Lexington Books (Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group) |isbn=978-1-498-56913-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Pleszczyński |first=Andrzej |editor-last=Urbańczyk |editor-first=Przemysław |title=Europe around the Year 1000 |publisher=Wydawnictwo DIG |year=2001 |pages=409–425 |chapter=Poland as an ally of the Holy Ottonian Empire |isbn=83-7181-211-6 }}
* {{cite book |last=Reuter |first=Timothy |year=2013 |title=Germany in the Early Middle Ages, c. 800–1056 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-582-49034-5 }}
* {{cite book |last=Rosik |first=Stanisław |year=2001 |title=Bolesław Chrobry i jego czasy ''[Bolesław the Brave and his Times]'' |publisher=Wydawnictwo Dolnośląskie |isbn=978-83-70-23888-9 |language=pl }}
* {{cite book |last1=Schwarzenberg |first1=Karl |last2=Hucek |first2=Miroslav |date=1994 |title=The Prague Castle and Its Treasures |location=New York |publisher=Vendome Press |isbn=978-0-865-65952-0}}
* {{cite book |last=Sochacki |first=Jarosław |date=2003 |title=Stosunki publicznoprawne między państwem polskim a Cesarstwem Rzymskim w latach 963–1102 |location=Słupsk |publisher=Wydawnictwo Pomorskiej Akademii Pedagogicznej |isbn=978-8-388-73171-6 |language=pl }}
* {{cite book |last=Strzelczyk |first=Jerzy |editor1-last=Lawaty |editor1-first=Andreas |editor2-last=Orłowski |editor2-first=Hubert |title=Deutsche und Polen: Geschichte-Kultur-Politik |publisher=Verlag C. H. Beck |year=2003 |pages=16–25 |chapter=Die Anfänge Polens und Deutschlands |language=de |isbn=978-3-406-49436-9 }}
* {{cite book |last=Thompson |first=James Westfall |editor-last=Berend |editor-first=Nóra | title=The Expansion of Central Europe in the Middle Ages |publisher=Ashgate Variorum |year=2012 |pages=1–38 |chapter=Medieval German expansion in Bohemia and Poland |isbn=978-1-4094-2245-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Třeštík |first=Dušan |editor1-last=Pánek |editor1-first=Jaroslav |editor2-last=Tůma |editor2-first=Oldřich | title=A History of the Czech Lands |publisher=Charles University in Prague |year=2011 |pages=65–79 |chapter=Great Moravia and the beginnings of the stte (9th and 10th centuries) |isbn=978-80-246-1645-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Urbańczyk |first=Przemysław |date=2017 |title=Bolesław Chrobry – lew ryczący |location=Toruń |publisher=Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika |isbn=978-8-323-13886-0 |language=pl }}
* {{cite book |last=Vlasto |first=A. P. |year=1970 |title=The Entry of the Slavs into Christendom: An Introduction to the Medieval History of the Slavs |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-10758-7 }}
* {{Cite book |last=Wiszewski |first=Przemysław |year=2010 |title=Domus Bolezlai: Values and Social Identity in Dynastic Traditions of Medieval Poland (c. 966–1138) |publisher= Brill |isbn=978-90-04-18142-7 }}
* {{cite book |last=Wolverton |first=Lisa |date=2009 |title=The Chronicle of the Czechs |location=Washington D.C. |publisher=Catholic University of America Press |isbn=978-0-813-21713-0}}
* {{cite book |last=Zamoyski |first=Adam |year=1987 |title=The Polish Way: A Thousand-year History of the Poles and their Culture |publisher=Hippocrene Books |isbn=0-7818-0200-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/polishwaythousan00zamo }}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Boleslaus I of Poland}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-hou|Piast Dynasty||966 or 967|17 June|1025|}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Mieszko I]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Duke of the Polans]]|years=992 – 1025}}
{{s-aft|rows=3|after=[[Mieszko II Lambert]]}}
{{s-new}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[King of Poland]]|years=1025}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Odo II, Margrave of the Saxon Ostmark|Odo II]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Margrave of [[Saxon Eastern March]]|years=1002–1025}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Vladivoj of Bohemia|Vladivoj]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Duke of Bohemia]]|years=1003–1004}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Jaromír, Duke of Bohemia|Jaromír]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Monarchs of Bohemia}}
{{Monarchs of Poland}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boleslaw 01 Chrobry}}
[[Category:960s births]]
[[Category:1025 deaths]]
[[Category:10th-century Polish monarchs]]
[[Category:11th-century Polish monarchs]]
[[Category:11th-century monarchs of Bohemia]]
[[Category:Kings of Poland]]
[[Category:Dukes of Poland]]
[[Category:Dukes of Bohemia]]
[[Category:People from Poznań]]
[[Category:Polish Christians]]
[[Category:All articles with unsourced statements]]
[[Category:Piast dynasty]]
[[Category:Burials at Poznań Cathedral]]
[[Category:Christian monarchs]]
[[Category:Bolesław I the Brave]]