We're back to talk about Bolesław II’s domestic policies, infrastructure projects, unique fall from grace, excommunication, and talk through some of the myths and legends that surround the eventual fate of this former King of Poland. It'll be the last King we deal with for awhile, as Poland is going to go through some rough times. Enjoy it while it lasts!
We're going to take a short break from following the life and times of Bolesław II the Generous and focus on what's happening in Europe in general. That means the Investiture Controversy between Emperor Henry IV of the Holy Roman Empire and Pope Gregory VII. It's not strictly related to Poland, but it does impact what's going to happen in Poland's near future.
As part one of our series on the life and tempestuous times of Bolesław II, we'll dive into his ascent to power as the head of the Piast family in its continued rule over the Polish state, explore some Hungarian history, and see yet another Polish leader invade Kiev.
Also, if you're interested in supporting the show or finding out more about the upcoming mini-series on the origins of the Holy Roman Empire, visit our Patreon page here: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast
It's the 1030s and the Polish realm has collapsed following the death of Mieszko II, with nary a Piast on the throne to keep it knit together. The task of reunification is left to Mieszko's son, Casimir the Restorer. On his list is not only the reunification of a fragmented nation, but the need to crush a pagan uprising, and to take power without offending the foreign rulers that have been riding roughshod over Poland.
As for the special announcement and request, here are the details:
I’ve been thinking about starting a number of additional podcast mini-series.
There are two reasons for this.
Reason #1: Financial
While I’ve been trying to release these episodes more regularly, I’m having trouble finding the time what with my other work. Not only does it take quite a bit of time to research the material for this show, but the books and manuscripts are costly on their own.
Reason #2: Coolness of Other Stories
There are just some cool stories out there to tell that don’t fit in to the normal story we’ve been going through. Things that are related, but not really a driver of events in Poland.
My idea right now is to create a Patreon page, where you can give a small amount of money periodically in support of the podcasts I’ve been creating. You choose the amount.
If enough people join in, I’d not only be able to spend more time on this show and get it published more regularly, but I’d also be able to release more episodes on other topics.
The goal is eventually to have this podcast published weekly, with other series being released in batches. These would be mini-series of 10 or 15 episodes focused on topics that are related to Poland, but not necessarily about Poland.
For example, topics like (each would get their own mini-series):
- The Founding of the Holy Roman Empire
- The Mongol Invasion of Europe
- The Investiture Dispute between the Emperor and the Pope
- The formation of Feudal Europe
- Ottomans at the Gates
- Myths of Eastern Europe
- The Rise of the Kievan Rus
That’s the general idea. If it works, I’d start to roll out way more podcast episodes, each as deeply research as the ones I’ve been doing now, but on a broader range of topics. This podcast would continue to be free for everyone, while the mini-series would be available to those who support the show financially, as a reward for their support.
So my question is this: is this something you’d like to happen? Do you want more episodes, on lots of different topics, in addition to more Polish episodes, and a more regular schedule?
If so let me know. This isn’t a huge show right now, so I’d love to hear from each and every one of you. Every dollar would count.
So, to let me know your thoughts send an email to historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com, or tweet at me @historyofpoland, or get in touch some other way. I’m open ears!
After a bit of a hiatus, we are back and diving right into some thorny topics. The Holy Roman Empire, the status of the Polish Kingdom, and a little lesson about how even if you share the name of a great ancestor like Mieszko II did, it doesn't mean you're going to share in their success.
For those of you who are curious, one of the ways we know about Conrad II's titles is that he had them emblazoned onto his crown. Which crown is that? Well, it's this one:
