The Testament of Bolesław III the Wrymouth from 1138 was a landmark document in medieval Polish history that divided the country among the ruler's five sons and introduced the principle of seniorate. Its provisions led to the period of feudal fragmentation lasting almost 200 years.
The Testament of Bolesław III Wrymouth is one of the most important documents in medieval Polish history that fundamentally changed the fate of the state. This document, issued in 1138, divided the country among the ruler's sons and introduced the principle of seniorate, which was meant to ensure the territorial unity of the state.
Although the testament itself has not survived to modern times, its provisions are known from later chronicle accounts, mainly from the works of Wincenty Kadłubek and Jan Długosz. Wrymouth's decision to divide the state among his descendants had far-reaching consequences, leading to the period of feudal fragmentation that lasted almost 200 years and significantly influenced the shaping of Poland.
Who Was Bolesław III Wrymouth
#Bolesław III Wrymouth was a Prince of Poland from the Piast dynasty, ruling from 1102 to 1138. During his reign, Poland regained its position as a significant state in Central Europe.
Major achievements of Bolesław III:
- Annexation of Pomerelia in 1116
- Conquest of Western Pomerania in 1121-1122
- Victory at the Battle of Hundsfeld in 1109
- Defense of Polish independence against Emperor Henry V
- Christianization of Pomerania
Data about the ruler's life:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Birth | August 20, 1086 |
| Ascension to power | 1102 |
| Death | October 28, 1138 |
| Burial place | Płock Cathedral |
Bolesław III received the nickname "Wrymouth" due to a characteristic facial deformity. The ruler was known for his outstanding military abilities and efficient state management. He conducted active foreign policy through:
- Forming dynastic alliances
- Organizing military campaigns
- Conducting Christianization missions
- Developing diplomatic relations with neighboring states
His marriages to Zbyslava of Kiev and Salomea of Berg brought Poland political benefits and strengthened the country's international position. These unions produced five sons, among whom Bolesław divided the state in his testament.
Circumstances of the Testament's Creation
#Bolesław III Wrymouth's testament was created in 1138 in response to Poland's complex political situation and the ruler's deteriorating health. This document was an attempt to secure the state's future and ensure stable succession of power.
Political Situation in 12th Century Poland
#12th century Poland was characterized by a complicated internal situation related to the rivalry of nobles and external threats. Of significant importance were:
-
Conflicts with the German Empire over supremacy in Pomerania
-
Tensions on the eastern border with Kievan Rus
-
Growing influence of nobility in state affairs
-
Threat from Hungary in the south
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Destabilization caused by Zbigniew's rebellion in 1106
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Numerous wounds sustained during 47 fought battles
-
Progressive illness related to years of military campaigns
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Age of 52 considered advanced in the Middle Ages
-
Physical deterioration caused by an intensive lifestyle
-
Awareness of approaching death confirmed in historical sources
| Health Aspect | Impact on Testament Decision |
|---|---|
| Ruler's age | 52 years |
| Number of battles fought | 47 |
| Year of health deterioration | 1138 |
| Number of sons to secure | 5 |
Date of Testament's Creation
#Bolesław III Wrymouth's testament was written in 1138, in the last months of the ruler's life. This document, although physically not surviving to modern times, represents a key point in medieval Polish history.
Different Historical Theories
#Medieval historians present three main theories regarding the exact date of the testament's creation:
- A group of historians points to early spring 1138, based on documents from the Zwiefalten monastery
- Some researchers date the testament to August 1138, connecting it with the last assembly of nobles in Łęczyca
- Other scholars suggest the document was created between May and July 1138, based on analysis of diplomatic correspondence from that period
Key evidence supporting the summer dating includes:
- The presence of all Bolesław's sons at the Łęczyca assembly
- Preserved documents confirming the ruler's deteriorating health
- Records in the Holy Cross Annals indicating intensive succession preparations during this period
- Contemporary chroniclers' testimonies documenting Krzywousty's last public appearance
Main Provisions of the Testament
#Bolesław Krzywousty's Testament introduced fundamental changes to the power structure of medieval Poland. The document established rules for inheritance and state governance after the ruler's death.
Division of the State Into Provinces
#The testament designated a geographical division of the state into 5 provinces:
- Senior province (principality) including Lesser Poland with Kraków, eastern Greater Poland with Gniezno, eastern Kuyavia was given to Władysław II
- Masovian province with Masovia and Dobrzyń Land was granted to Bolesław IV the Curly
- Greater Poland province with Poznań and Gniezno went to Mieszko III the Old
- Sandomierz province was given to Henry of Sandomierz
- Silesian province with Silesia and Lubusz Land went to Władysław II
| Province | Territory | Ruler |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Lesser Poland, eastern Greater Poland, Kuyavia | Władysław II |
| Masovian | Masovia, Dobrzyń Land | Bolesław IV |
| Greater Poland | Poznań, Gniezno | Mieszko III |
| Sandomierz | Sandomierz Land | Henry |
| Silesian | Silesia, Lubusz Land | Władysław II |
- The eldest of the Piast dynasty received the title of princeps (high duke)
- The princeps maintained control over the senior province with Kraków
- The senior of the dynasty held supremacy over the state's foreign policy
- Junior dukes maintained internal autonomy in their provinces
- The inheritance of supreme power followed seniority in the dynasty
- The system guaranteed state unity while maintaining territorial division
Effects of Bolesław III's Testament
#The testament of Bolesław III Wrymouth from 1138 introduced fundamental changes in the structure of the Polish state. Its provisions led to profound constitutional and territorial transformations that influenced Poland's fate for centuries to come.
Political Consequences
#The testament weakened central ducal authority in Poland. The princeps lost real control over provinces subject to his brothers, retaining only formal supremacy. This led to:
- Limited effectiveness of foreign policy
- Reduced military capabilities of the state
- Increased importance of nobility in individual provinces
- Weakened position of Poland in international arena
- Loss of supremacy over Western Pomerania in 1181
Territorial Changes
#- Progressive territorial disintegration lasting until 1320
- Formation of 8-12 independent duchies in Poland
- Rivalry between dukes for supreme power
- Development of local administrative systems in provinces
- Economic development of individual regions while weakening the state as a whole
| Period | Number of duchies | Main centers of power |
|---|---|---|
| 1138-1146 | 5 | Kraków, Płock, Poznań, Wrocław, Sandomierz |
| 1146-1200 | 8 | + Gniezno, Lublin, Kalisz |
| 1200-1300 | 12 | + Opole, Głogów, Szczecin, Gdańsk |
Summary
#- Bolesław III Wrymouth's Testament was issued in 1138 and was a groundbreaking document that divided Poland into 5 hereditary provinces
- The main purpose of the testament was to introduce the principle of seniorate - the eldest of the Piast dynasty would receive the title of princeps and exercise sovereignty over the other duchies
- Bolesław III Wrymouth made the decision to write the testament in the last months of his life, at age 52, after fighting 47 battles and facing deteriorating health
- Although the original document has not survived to modern times, its provisions are known from later chronicles, mainly the works of Wincenty Kadłubek and Jan Długosz
- The testament led to Poland's feudal fragmentation, which lasted almost 200 years and caused the weakening of central princely authority and the country's international position
Summary
#Bolesław III Wrymouth's Testament of 1138 marked a pivotal moment in medieval Polish history. This key document was shaped by complex political circumstances and the personal situation of the ruler who, at the end of his life, sought to secure the future of the state.
The decision to divide the country among his sons while introducing the principle of seniorate had far-reaching consequences. Although the intention was to maintain state unity, this system paradoxically led to feudal fragmentation lasting nearly two centuries.
Today, Wrymouth's Testament remains one of the most important documents of Polish Middle Ages that fundamentally changed the course of the country's history and influenced its development for centuries to come.