Boleslaus II of Bohemia

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Boleslaus II the Pious

For another Boleslaus the Pious, see Boleslaus of Greater Poland.

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

The son of Boleslaus I and Biagota, Boleslaus II became Duke (or Prince) in on 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.