Boleslaus II of Bohemia

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Boleslaus II the Pious
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Boleslaus II the Pious

Boleslaus II the Pious (Czech: Boleslav II. Pobožný; ca. 920February 7, 999) was the duke of Bohemia from 972, a member of the Přemyslid dynasty.

Prince Boleslaus II
Reign 967/972 - 999
Born before 935
Died February 7, 999
Predecessor Boleslaus I the Cruel
Successor Boleslaus III the Red-haired
Consort Adiva of England, Queen Emma
Issue Boleslaus III
Wenceslas
Jaromír
Oldřich
Royal House House of Premyslid
Father Boleslaus I
Mother Biagota

The son of Boleslaus I and Anna, Boleslaus II became Duke (or Prince) upon his father's death. Boleslaus maintained good relations with the Ottonian German kings, and in 975 supported Otto II during his civil war against Henry II, Duke of Bavaria. In 977, Boleslaus again attacked Bavaria, but on this occasion was barred from annexing any lands by Otto II.

Boleslaus' reign is most notable for the foundation of the diocese of Prague in 973. It was placed within the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Mainz. In 982, Vojtech (later known as Saint Adalbert) was appointed to this position until he abandoned his primacy to lead a mission to the Old Prussians in 994. War between Poland and Bohemia was continual in this period and by 990 Boleslaus had occupied Silesia.

On September 28, 995, Boleslaus and his confederate Vršovci stormed Libice in southern Bohemia and massacred Slavník's dynasty. This clan had been the main rival of Přemyslid power in Bohemia. Boleslaus' brutal triumph ensured the unity of Bohemia under a single ruler.

Boleslaus was succeeded by, Boleslaus, his eldest son by his first wife, Adiva, daughter of Edward the Elder, King of England. His second son, Wenceslaus, died as an infant, but his two youngest sons, Jaromir and Oldrich, were both later dukes. Boleslaus' second wife was Emma of Melnik.

Preceded by
Boleslaus I
Duke of Bohemia
972999
Succeeded by
Boleslaus III