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ZbigniewSon of the Polish prince Vladislav Herman
Date of Birth: 01.01.1070
Country:  Poland |
Content:
- Early Life
- Rise and Fall in Silesia
- Alliance with Brother
- Treachery and Downfall
- Imprisonment and Blinding
Early Life
Zbigniew was born as the illegitimate son of Polish Duke Władysław Herman and his mistress, Krystyna Prawdzicówna.
Rise and Fall in Silesia
In 1095, Zbigniew led an army to Wrocław, forcing his father to grant him the Duchy of Silesia. However, a dispute with the powerful lord Sieciech led to Zbigniew losing his duchy and being imprisoned with his father's consent.
Alliance with Brother
Released with the intercession of bishops and nobles, Zbigniew joined forces with his brother, Bolesław. Together, they besieged their father in Płock, forcing the expulsion of Sieciech and dividing the country between themselves, leaving Władysław only with Masovia.
Treachery and Downfall
After Władysław's death in 1102, Zbigniew's envy of Bolesław's popularity and power led him to incite foreign enemies against him. He allied with Emperor Henry V of Germany and the Czechs, attacking Poland alongside them.
Imprisonment and Blinding
In 1111, Bolesław finally ordered Zbigniew's arrest and blinding. From this point forward, Zbigniew disappears from historical records.
