Salomea of Berg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Salomea of Berg
19th Century portrait by Teofil Żychowicz, after Michał Stachowicz
High Duchess consort of Poland
Reign	1115 – 28 October 1138
Born	ca. 1093/1101 Berg Castle, Ehingen Holy Roman Empire
Died	27 July 1144 Łęczyca Kingdom of Poland
Spouse	Bolesław III Wrymouth
Issue	Richeza Bolesław IV the Curly Mieszko III the Old Henry of Sandomierz Dobroniega Ludgarda Judith Agnes Casimir II the Just
House	Piast (by marriage)
Father	Henry, Count of Berg
Mother	Adelaide of Mochental

Salomea of Berg was an important noblewoman from Germany. She became the High Duchess of Poland when she married Prince Bolesław III Wrymouth in 1115. She was a powerful figure in Poland until her husband passed away in 1138.

Life of Salomea

Salomea was born around 1099 or 1101. Her father was Count Henry of Berg, from a region in Germany called Swabia. Her family became more important when her sisters also married powerful rulers. For example, her sister Richeza married Duke Vladislav I of Bohemia. Another sister, Sophia, married Duke Otto II of Olomouc. These marriages helped Salomea's family gain influence in Europe.

Marriage to Bolesław III

In 1114, the Polish ruler Bolesław III Wrymouth wanted to improve his relationships with his neighbors, especially Bohemia. He had recently become a widower, meaning his first wife had died. So, a meeting was held where it was decided that Bolesław III should marry Salomea. She was a good choice because her sisters were already married to important dukes in the region.

The wedding happened between March and July of 1115. Salomea quickly became a mother. By the end of that year, she gave birth to her first son, Leszek. Over the years, she and Bolesław III had many children together, a total of thirteen!

Salomea's Role as High Duchess

Salomea was very involved in Polish politics, especially to protect her own children. She worried about her stepson, Władysław II. He was Bolesław III's oldest son from his first marriage. According to the rules of the time, Władysław was expected to become the sole ruler of Poland after his father. Salomea wanted to make sure her own sons would have a good future and not be completely controlled by their older half-brother.

She worked to get people who supported her and her sons into important positions. For example, a powerful Polish official named Piotr Włostowic was removed from his job. Salomea likely played a big part in this decision.

Bolesław III's Will

Bolesław III Wrymouth died on October 28, 1138. Before he died, he made a special will. In this will, he divided Poland among his sons. His oldest son, Władysław II, received the main part of the country, called the Seniorate Province of Kraków.

Salomea also received a special gift in the will. She was given the town of Łęczyca and several other castles and towns. This was called her "dower." A dower was land or property given to a widow for her to use during her lifetime. It was the first time a Polish ruler had given his widow her own land like this. The will stated that Salomea would keep this land unless she remarried or became a nun.

One of Salomea's youngest children, Casimir II, was not given his own land in the will. Some people think he might have been born after his father died.

Later Years and Family Struggles

Even after her husband's death, Salomea continued to be a strong figure. From her lands in Łęczyca, she kept working against her stepson, High Duke Władysław II. In 1141, she tried to divide her lands in Łęczyca among her sons without Władysław's permission. She also tried to arrange a marriage for her youngest daughter, Agnes, to find a strong ally for her sons.

However, Władysław II found out about her plans. He acted quickly to stop them. This led to more conflict between Salomea's sons and Władysław.

Salomea passed away at her home in Łęczyca on July 27, 1144. After her death, her lands in Łęczyca went back to the main Polish state, as her husband's will had stated. Interestingly, Piotr Włostowic, who Salomea had once worked against, later joined forces with her sons against Władysław II. Eventually, Władysław II was defeated and removed from power by his half-brothers. Salomea's oldest surviving son, Bolesław IV the Curly, became the new High Duke of Poland in 1146.

Salomea's Children

Salomea and Bolesław III Wrymouth had many children who became important figures in Polish and European history:

• Leszek (1115–1131)
• Richeza (1116–1156), who became Queen of Sweden.
• Casimir the Older (died 1131)
• Bolesław IV the Curly (around 1122–1173), who became the High Duke of Poland.
• Mieszko III the Old (around 1125–1202), who also became the High Duke of Poland.
• Gertrude (1126/35–1160), who became a nun.
• Henry (1127/32–1166), who was a duke.
• Dobroniega Ludgarda (before 1136–around 1160 or later), who married a margrave.
• Judith of Poland (1130/36–1171/75), who married a margrave.
• Agnes (1137–after 1182), who married a prince.
• Casimir II the Just (1138–1194), who also became the High Duke of Poland.