Boleslaus II, Duke of Bohemia
| Boleslaus II, Duke of Bohemia | |
|---|---|
|
Boleslaus II the Pious | |
| Spouse(s) |
Adiva Emma of Mělník |
| Noble family | Přemyslid dynasty |
| Father | Boleslaus I, Duke of Bohemia |
| Mother | Biagota |
| Born | c. 932 |
| Died | 7 February 999 |
Boleslaus II the Pious (Czech: Boleslav II. Pobožný) (c. 932 - 7 February 999) was a Bohemian nobleman, a member of the Přemyslid dynasty[1] and was the ruling Duke of Bohemia from 972 until his death.
The Reign of Boleslaus II
The son of Boleslaus I[2] and Biagota, Boleslaus II became Duke (or Prince) on his father's death. Boleslaus maintained good relations with the Ottonian German kings, and in 975 supported Otto II during the 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.
Christianity
Boleslaus' reign is most notable for the foundation of the Diocese of Prague in 973,[3] placed at that time within the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Mainz. In 982, Adalbert of Prague (later known as Saint Adalbert) was appointed to head the bishopric until he abandoned his primacy to lead a mission to the Old Prussians in 994. The alliance between Poland and Bohemia was overturned between 977 and 985, and Poland participated in invasions led by the German Emperor against Bohemia. However, in 985 or 990 Poland acquired Silesia at the expense of Bohemia.
Complete Unity
On 28 September 995, Boleslaus and his confederate Vršovci stormed Libice in southern Bohemia and massacred the members of the Slavník dynasty.[4] This clan had been the main rival of Přemyslid power in Bohemia. Boleslaus' brutal triumph ensured the unity of Bohemia under a single ruler.
Marriages and issue
Boleslaus' first wife Adiva, was perhaps the daughter of Edward the Elder, King of England, who married "a prince near the Jupiter mountains", meaning the Alps. His second wife was Emma of Mělník. His sons were:
- Boleslaus III, his eldest son and successor
- Wenceslaus, died as an infant
- Jaromír, later became Duke of Bohemia
- Oldřich, also became Duke of Bohemia
References
- ↑ "The Přemyslids". www.arekkp.pl. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
- ↑ "Genealogy Data". www.redeaglejw.net. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
- ↑ Bohemia to the Extinction of the Premyslids, Kamil Krofta, Cambridge Medieval History:Victory of the Papacy, Vol. VI, ed. J.R. Tanner, C.W. Previte-Orton and Z.N. Brooke, (Cambridge University Press, 1957), 432.
- ↑ "Boleslaus II the Pious". www.kralovskacesta.cz. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
| Boleslaus II, Duke of Bohemia Born: c. 932 Died: 7 February 999 | ||
| Preceded by Boleslaus I |
Duke of Bohemia 972–999 |
Succeeded by Boleslaus III |
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