Boleslaw I of Poland facts for kids

Jan Matejko's portrait of Bolesław I

Bolesław I the Brave (in Polish: Bolesław I Chrobry) was a very important ruler of Poland. He was born around 967 and died on June 17, 1025. Bolesław was the duke of Poland from 992 until 1025. He became the first King of Poland on April 18, 1025, just before he died.

Bolesław was also the duke of Bohemia (which is now part of the Czech Republic) for a short time, from 1003 to 1004. His father was Mieszko I, who was the first known ruler of Poland. Bolesław helped make Poland a stronger and more recognized country in Europe.

Expanding Poland's Borders

Bolesław was a powerful leader who wanted to make Poland bigger and stronger. When his friend, the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, died in 1002, Bolesław saw a chance to expand his lands.

Gaining New Territories

During a time of trouble in the Holy Roman Empire, Bolesław took control of some border areas. These included Lusatia and Meissen. When Henry II became the new German Emperor, he agreed that Bolesław could keep Lusatia. However, Meissen was given to another ruler.

Conflicts with Neighbors

In 1003, the duke of Bohemia died. Bolesław stepped in and helped put a duke named Boleslav III back on the throne in Bohemia. Soon after, Bolesław himself became the Duke of Bohemia. He did not want to pay tribute (a kind of payment) to the German Emperor, which was something Bohemian dukes usually did. This disagreement led to a long war between Poland and Germany, which lasted from 1003 to 1018.

Bolesław I had several children. Two of his sons, Mieszko II Lambert and Bezprym, became rulers of Poland after his death.

Interesting Facts

• The image of Bolesław the Brave can be seen on the 20 zlotys paper money in Poland.

Images for kids

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  Poland and parts of Pomerania temporarily conquered at the beginning of Bolesław's reign

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  Bolesław's replica of the Holy Lance, Wawel Hill, Cracow

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  Poland during the reign of Bolesław the Brave

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  Bolesław's denarius coin with the inscription Princes Polonie.

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  King Henry II in a sacramentary from around 1002–1014

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  Bolesław at Kiev, in a legendary moment of hitting the Golden Gate with the Szczerbiec sword. Painting by Jan Matejko.

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  Coronation of the First King, as imagined by Jan Matejko

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  10-złotych coin with Bolesław Chrobry (1925)

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  Monument to Bolesław the Brave in Gniezno, created by Marcin Rożek in 1925. Destroyed in 1939 and rebuilt in 1985 by Jerzy Sobociński.

See also

In Spanish: Boleslao I de Polonia para niños