The History of Poland Podcast

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 ---- To learn more check out our website at historyofpolandpodcast.com, get in touch at [email protected], or follow us on Twitter @historyofpoland.

Welcome to the History of Poland Podcast. Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts. Get in touch: [email protected] @historyofpoland Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast

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. Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast As for my special announcement/request at the end, to get in touch email me at [email protected] or tweet at me @historyofpoland. Every one should let me know what they think, one way or the other.

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. Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast To learn more check out our website at historyofpolandpodcast.com, get in touch at [email protected], or follow us on Twitter @historyofpoland.

Bolesław is a mixed bag as far as rulers go, so spend some time with us as we take a minute to evaluate his reputation, how "good" of a ruler he was, and what his legacy is. PS. As I mentioned, I have a new microphone that's quite nice. But, it's also got a lot of settings I'm still figuring out. At one point in the episode I changed a setting (without realizing it) and started recording more background noise. Fortunately, it wasn't a siren or cars, but there is a gentle noise of birds lightly chirping in the background for about a minute. Hopefully it's nice? Who knows! Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast And as I mentioned, check out our new website at historyofpolandpodcast.com, get in touch at [email protected], or follow us on Twitter @historyofpoland.

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. Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast As I mentioned in the show, if you're enjoying the History of Poland podcast I'd love it if you left a nice review on iTunes here. You can also follow us on Twitter here (where you'll see those cool coins), or if you're feeling really adventurous you can send me an email at historyofpolandpodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.

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. Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast Speaking of podcast apps, if you're enjoying the History of Poland podcast there are a few things you can do! First, you can leave a review on iTunes here, or you can follow us on Twitter here, or if you're feeling really adventurous you can send me an email at historyofpolandpodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.

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. Want more History of Poland? Follow us on Twitter! Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast Enjoying the podcast? Rate us on iTunes! Have feedback? historyofpolandpodcast at gmail dot com

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. Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast

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. Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast Twitter: @historyofpoland iTunes: Leave a review here.

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. Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast Twitter: @historyofpoland iTunes: Leave a review here.

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. Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast Twitter: @historyofpoland iTunes: Leave a review here.