The History of Poland Podcast

Farewell Zbigniew. Yes, in this episode we say goodbye to our old friend Zbigniew. But! Not before he undergoes some brutal treatment at the hands of his half-brother. Eastern European history is never boring! Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast Follow along on Twitter: @historyofpoland Follow along on Facebook: History of Poland Podcast

We learn quite a few lessons in this episode. Bohemians go up and down like a wheel, sure. But chiefly we learn that in a fight of bread versus political willpower, bread always wins. And yes, of course, some lessons about the Piast dynasty. But I know you really come for bread-related quotes. Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast Follow along on Twitter: @historyofpoland Follow along on Facebook: History of Poland Podcast

As we return to the ongoing struggle for supremacy in Poland, we see battle lines drawn between Polish forces and their German and Bohemian counterparts. Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast Follow along on Twitter: @historyofpoland Follow along on Facebook: History of Poland Podcast Special sound effects courtesy of Tristan Lohengrin and Yap Audio Production.

Hello everyone! This is just a quick update to let you know what's going on with the show.

Bolesław and Zbigniew's ongoing struggle for supremacy crosses borders, as Bolesław takes the fight into Pomerania. In the process, Zbigniew finds himself exiled from Poland.  Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast Follow along on Twitter: @historyofpoland Follow along on Facebook: History of Poland Podcast

Are you looking to expand your knowledge of the world in which Medieval Poland lived? Well, that means understanding the Holy Roman Empire and where it came from. In a new mini-series, we'll dive into the origin story for the Holy Roman Empire that existed concurrently with the beginning of the Piast dynasty in Poland. This series is available exclusively to supports on Patreon.  Become a supporter: https://www.patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast

The rift between Zbigniew and Bolesław continues to grow, ultimately leading to open hostilities. But! Not before the two sides dance the dance of diplomacy and the chess match that is foreign entanglements. We'll meet the current king of Hungary, see what happens when you decide to invade Pomerania (again), and the impact that betrayal has on familial relations. If you're interested in supporting the show visit our Patreon page here: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast

Bolesław and Zbigniew do not get along, that much is clear. We'll follow along as they try to find a way to peacefully coexist and then very quickly thereafter decide that it's not worth the effort. We've also got a special treat this time: music made especially for this podcast. We've taken one of the songs Gallus records for us, added a melody, and had it performed — by none other than some members of the Gilbert Family. Thanks family!

We'll finally say goodbye to both Władysław and his Count Palatine Sieciech in this episode, which as far as I'm concerned isn't soon enough. Let's just say they weren't the most inspired or capable rulers. But what of Władysław's sons? Well, we'll see the very earliest signs that while they are capable of cooperating, they are likely more interested in consolidating power and edging out the other. Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast Website: historyofpolandpodcast.com

The Piast family has had a rough time of it lately. Władysław is an imperfect ruler (to say the least), Sieciech is undermining the entire dynasty, and the issue of succession is really making a mess of things. Yet, of the entire cast I feel most sorry for Zbigniew. He didn't ask to be shipped off to a convent, put in charge of a rebellion, and cast aside like an unwanted child. Yet he was.  Maybe things will improve for him this time? We'll see.

After meeting Władysław last time, we're going to continue with his life and times and examine what his rule looked like. Spoiler alert! It's not stable, peaceful, or idyllic. We'll meet up with his sons, Zbigniew and Bolesław III, his Count Palatine Sieciech, and his wives, Judith and Judith. If you're interested in supporting the show or finding out more about the upcoming mini-series visit our Patreon page here: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast

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! Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast Twitter: @historyofpoland Email: historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com

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. Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast Twitter: @historyofpoland Website: historyofpolandpodcast.com

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

Welcome to the History of Poland Podcast. Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts. Get in touch: historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com @historyofpoland