Prince Boleslaw’s childhood had occurred at a…

Prince Boleslaw’s childhood had occurred at a time when a massive political migration out of Poland was taking place, due to Sieciech’s political repressions.

Most of the elites who has become political refugees had found safe haven in Bohemia.

Another consequence of Sieciech’s political persecution had ben the kidnapping of Zbigniew by Sieciech’s enemies and his return from abroad in 1093.

Zbigniew had taken refuge in Silesia, a stronghold of negative sentiment for both Sieciech as well as his nominal patron Wladyslaw I Herman.

In the absence of Sieciech and Boleslaw, who had been captured by Hungarians and kept captive, Prince Wladyslaw I had then undertaken a punitive expedition to Silesia, which was unsuccessful and subsequently obliged him to recognize Zbigniew as a legitimate heir.

In 1093, Wladyslaw had I signed an Act of Legitimization that had granted Zbigniew the rights of descent from his line.

Zbigniew had also been granted the right to succeed to the throne.

Following Sieciech and Boleslaw’s escape from Hungary, an expedition against Zbigniew had been mounted by the Count Palatine, its aim the nullification of the Act of Legitimization.

The contestants had met at the battle of Goplo in 1096, where Sieciech’s forces had annihilated the supporters of Zbigniew.

Zbigniew himself had been taken prisoner, but regains his freedom a year later, in May 1097, due to the intervention of the bishops.

At the same time his rights, guaranteed by the Act of Legitimization, are reinstated.

Simultaneously a great migration of Jews from Western Europe to Poland has begun, coincident with the First Crusade.

The tolerant rule of Wladyslaw I Herman attracts the Jews, who are permitted to settle throughout the entire kingdom without restrictions.

The Polish prince takes great care of the Hebrew Diaspora, as he understands its positive influence on the growth of the country’s economy.

The new Jewish citizens will soon gain trust of the gentiles during the subsequent rule of Boleslaw III.