THE FIRST POLISH-CZECH WAR OF THE LATE 1080s AND ITS POLITICAL AND DIPLOMATIC CONSEQUENCES FOR CENTRAL EUROPE

Abstract

The article examines the preconditions, traces the course, and clarifies the political and diplomatic consequences for Central Europe of the First Polish-Czech War, which broke out in the late 1080s. Until that time, for almost two decades, the rulers of the Czech Principality from the Prshemyslovych dynasty had maintained friendly relations with the Polish ruler Meshko I Piastovych, with whom they were related. In the context of the active advancement in the international arena of the German king Otto I, who in 962 acquired the title of emperor and proclaimed the formation of the Roman (German) Empire, the young Slavic states were looking for ways to bring them closer together. Emphasizing the imperial status, Otto I and his successors pursued a purposeful policy of establishing suzerain-vassal relations with the rulers of the Czech and Polish principalities. Over time, Meshko I, expanding the borders of his state, began to encroach on the possessions of Bolesłav II the Pious, which, in addition to Bohemia, covered the territory of Moravia, Lesser Poland and Silesia. The Polish prince regulated relations with the Roman Empire and seized part of the territories belonging to Bolesłav II. That was probably Silesia. The Czech ruler turned for help to the Vilts-Lyutyches (a tribal union of Polabian Slavs), with whom the empire was waging a fierce struggle. That step testified to the diplomatic shortsightedness of Bolesłav II the Pious. In return, Meshko I asked for support from the empire. During that  war, Bolesłav II the Pious lost control over Silesia and part of Lesser Poland. His defeat initiated an external and internal crisis for the Czech state. At the same time, it sharply increased the political authority of Meshko I and raised the prestige of the Polish principality, which for some time began to play a leading role in Central Europe.