The History of Poland Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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  

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

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.

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 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 historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com, or follow us on Twitter @historyofpoland.

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 historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com, or follow us on Twitter @historyofpoland.

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 historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at me @historyofpoland. Every one should let me know what they think, one way or the other.  

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

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 historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com, or follow us on Twitter @historyofpoland.

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. 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 historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com, or follow us on Twitter @historyofpoland.

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! 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 historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com, or follow us on Twitter @historyofpoland.

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

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. In the meantime, sign up for the newsletter here: historyofpolandpodcast.com ---- Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/historyofpolandpodcast   ---- To learn more check out our website at historyofpolandpodcast.com, get in touch at historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com, or follow us on Twitter @historyofpoland.

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

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

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

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