The History of Poland Podcast
Summary: For many episodes to come, we'll be exploring the rich history of Poland. From it's humble beginnings, we'll follow the people of Poland as they form their own unique cultural identity, rise into a great European power, cross paths with the Mongol Horde, save Europe from an Ottoman invasion, and do their best to keep their independence firm from one generation to the next.
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- Artist: Trevor Gilbert
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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. To get in touch about future plans email me at historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com.
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. To learn more check out our website at historyofpolandpodcast.com, get in touch at historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com, or follow us on Twitter @historyofpoland.
Episode 8: What Is a Legacy?
Bolesław takes a break from his on-again, off-again war with the Holy Roman Empire to take up arms and invade the territory of the Kievan Rus. Along with his army, his mercenaries, and his ill-advised son-in-law Sviatapolk, Bolesław conquers the city of Kiev. His reign doesn't last for long, but it's a memorable episode in Bolesław's life.
Bolesław mourns his old friend Emperor Otto III, tries to intervene in the succession crisis in the Empire, picks the losing side, and then ends up in a two-decade war with the Holy Roman Empire that ends with no clear winner. It's a long slog for Bolesław, but luckily for us we get to enjoy it from the comfort of our favorite podcast app.
Adalbert sets off towards Prussia where he meets some fellows who are not at all enthusiastic to see him or his companions. Not to spoil anything, but by the end of his trip I'm guessing that he wished he had brought along those guards Bolesław had lent him. Silver lining: The Congress of Gniezno is the result of Adalbert's missionary journey, which we'll also be covering this week.
Mieszko is gone and the seat of power in the early Polish state lies vacant, only to be filled by Mieszko's son Bolesław. His reign will feature some of the most daring exploits for a state that has only recently been formed, but before we get to that, let's get to know a little bit more about Bolesław, his early years, and about a friend he made named Adalbert.
Mieszko continues to turn Poland from an Eastern Pagan state into a Western Christian state. It won't be perfectly smooth sailing, but by the end of his life Mieszko will have left his mark on both Poland and Europe.
We jump from the legendary past into the era of recorded Polish history and meet up with a man named Mieszko, the first historical ruler of Poland. We'll join him as he establishes the original state of Poland, fights against the rascally nobleman Wichmann, and begins the process of converting Poland to Latin Christianity.
We start with the legendary beginnings of the Polish state, face down an army of rats intent on exacting justice, and set the stage for entering the historical era.
