Henry IV Probus, son of Henry III the White, assumed power in the Duchy of Wrocław at the age of 13. This event marked the beginning of a dynamic development period for Wrocław and the entire region. The young duke introduced numerous administrative and economic reforms that transformed Wrocław into one of the most important trading centers in medieval Europe.

Henry IV Probus is one of the most intriguing figures in the history of medieval Silesia. His first reign in Wrocław constitutes a fascinating chapter in the history of this city and the entire region. This duke went down in history not only as a ruler but also as a poet and patron of culture.

The young Henry IV's assumption of power in the capital of Lower Silesia occurred in the complex political circumstances of the 13th century. It was during this period that Wrocław experienced intensive economic and cultural development, becoming one of the most important urban centers in this part of Europe. The beginnings of his rule are closely connected with the turbulent events that shaped the later history of the region.

Silesia in the 13th century was characterized by a complex political structure associated with the progressing feudal fragmentation. The power dynamics of the time determined the region's development and influenced relations between individual duchies.

The feudal fragmentation in Silesia reached its peak in 1230-1290. The region was divided into several main duchies:

• The Duchy of Wrocław under the rule of Silesian Piasts
• The Duchy of Opole-Racibórz managed by the Opole line
• The Duchy of Głogów controlled by Konrad I
• The Duchy of Legnica under the reign of Bolesław II the Horned

Year	Event
1241	Mongol invasion of Silesia
1248	Division of the Duchy of Wrocław
1266	Creation of the Duchy of Głogów
1273	Separation of the Duchy of Legnica

The Duchy of Wrocław held a dominant economic position in Silesia for the following reasons:

• Control of trade routes connecting Eastern and Western Europe

• Development of crafts in the duchy's capital

• Presence of a strong administrative center

• Strategic geographical location

• Seat of the Wrocław bishop

• Location of the main Silesian mint

• Extensive system of city fortifications

• Concentration of legal and administrative institutions

Henry IV Probus was born in 1257 as the son of Henry III the White, Duke of Wrocław, and Judith of Masovia. His royal descent and early life experiences shaped the future ruler of Wrocław.

Henry IV came from the Silesian line of the Piast dynasty, being the great-grandson of Henry I the Bearded. His grandfather was Henry II the Pious, who fell at the Battle of Legnica in 1241. His mother Judith came from the Masovian line of the Piasts, which strengthened his dynastic position. Family connections included:

• Father: Henry III the White (1227/30-1266) - Duke of Wrocław
• Mother: Judith (1222/26-1257/63) - daughter of Konrad I of Masovia
• Grandparents: Henry II the Pious and Anna of Bohemia
• Siblings: sister Hedwig (wife of Henry V the Fat)

Young Henry experienced difficult events in his childhood:

• Orphaned at age 9 after his father's death in 1266

• Regency assumed by his uncle Władysław, Archbishop of Salzburg

• Education at the Wrocław court under the care of nobles

• First political experiences during disputes over the duchy's guardianship

• Beginning of independent rule in 1270 at age 13

• Development of administrative skills

• Learning languages: Latin, German, Czech

• Interest in poetry and court culture

• Formation of political alliances with other Piast princes

Henry IV Probus's first reign in Wrocław began in 1270 after reaching the age of majority to assume power. The path to the Wrocław throne led through dramatic events related to the death of previous rulers and the complicated political situation in Silesia.

Władysław of Salzburg, uncle of Henry IV Probus, served as regent over the Duchy of Wrocław from 1266-1270. His sudden death on April 27, 1270, in Salzburg paved the way for young Henry to take power. Władysław, as Archbishop of Salzburg, governed the Duchy of Wrocław for 4 years, ensuring regional stability and preparing his nephew to assume power.

Henry IV Probus ascended to the Wrocław throne on December 13, 1270, at the age of 13. The enthronement ceremony took place in Wrocław Cathedral with the participation of Silesian nobles and town representatives. The young duke received support from:

• Bishop Thomas II of Wrocław
• Representatives of powerful Silesian families
• Wrocław's urban patriciate
• Knights of the Duchy of Wrocław

Year	Event
1266	Beginning of Władysław of Salzburg's regency
1270 (April)	Death of Władysław of Salzburg
1270 (December)	Henry IV's assumption of power

• Maintaining administrative continuity
• Retaining existing officials
• Continuing the economic policies of predecessors

Henry IV Probus began his reign by implementing comprehensive administrative and economic reforms. The duke's first actions focused on strengthening central authority and modernizing the duchy's management system.

The duke reorganized the administrative structure of the Duchy of Wrocław in 1271. He introduced a new system of central offices with clear division of competencies between the ducal chancellery and territorial administration. Key changes included:

• Establishment of a ducal council consisting of 12 experienced advisors

• Appointment of new land officials in 5 administrative districts

• Introduction of the treasurer position responsible for duchy finances

• Reorganization of the judicial system with the creation of land courts

• Granting of trade privileges to Wrocław in 1272

• Establishment of 3 new weekly markets

• Reform of the monetary system with the introduction of new silver coins

• Modernization of urban infrastructure through construction of:

• 2 new bridges over the Oder River

• Expansion of city walls

• Creation of 4 new market squares

Reform	Year Introduced	Result
Monetary reform	1272	Introduction of new Wrocław groat
Trade privileges	1272	30% increase in trade turnover
Judicial reform	1271	Establishment of 5 new land courts
Customs system	1273	Unification of customs rates in the duchy

Henry IV Probus conducted an active foreign policy, establishing strategic alliances with neighboring states. His diplomatic activities focused mainly on relations with the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Duchy of Greater Poland.

Henry IV's relations with Bohemia were based on close cooperation with King Przemysł Ottokar II. In 1276, Henry IV formed an alliance with the Bohemian ruler, receiving military support of 500 armed men. The Duke of Wrocław paid feudal homage to Przemysł Ottokar II in Prague in 1277, which brought the following benefits:

• Guaranteed protection of Wrocław duchy borders

• Access to Bohemian trade routes

• Financial support of 3000 marks of silver

• Assistance in the conflict with the Bishop of Wrocław

• The Battle of Stolec in 1277 ending in defeat of Henry IV's forces

• Imprisonment by Bolesław Rogatka lasting 6 months

• Dispute over Wieluń land in 1281

• Peace treaty of Kępno in 1282, resulting in the loss of some territories to Przemysł II

Year	Event	Result
1277	Battle of Stolec	Military defeat
1278	Duke's imprisonment	Loss of 1000 silver marks
1281	Wieluń dispute	Territorial conflict
1282	Peace of Kępno	Cession of territories

During the reign of Henry IV Probus (1270-1290), Wrocław experienced a period of intensive urban and economic development. The duke initiated numerous reforms that transformed the city into one of the most important trading centers in Central Europe.

Henry IV implemented a comprehensive program of urban infrastructure development in Wrocław. In 1273, he began modernizing the fortification system, expanding the city walls by an additional 3 kilometers. New city gates were built:

• Nicholas Gate with a double wall system
• Świdnica Gate equipped with a drawbridge
• Oława Gate with a watchtower

The duke also initiated architectural projects:

• Expansion of the Castle on Cathedral Island
• Construction of a new city hall
• Modernization of 6 stone bridges connecting the Oder islands

Under Probus's rule, Wrocław became a key trading center. The implemented economic reforms brought measurable results:

Development Area	Growth 1270-1290
Number of merchants	+45%
Customs revenue	+60%
Export value	+75%
Number of craft guilds	from 12 to 28

• Storage rights for transit goods
• Tax exemptions for Wrocław merchants
• Trading license system for foreign merchants
• Establishment of a commodity exchange at the Main Market Square

• Henry IV Probus began his first reign in Wrocław in December 1270, at just 13 years old, following the death of his uncle and regent Władysław of Salzburg.
• The prince came from the Silesian line of the Piast dynasty - he was the son of Henry III the White, Duke of Wrocław, and Judith of Masovia, which gave him a strong dynastic position.
• At the beginning of his reign, he introduced several administrative and economic reforms, including reorganization of offices, monetary reform, and a new judicial system.
• Under his rule, Wrocław experienced intensive urban and economic development, becoming one of the most important trading centers in Central Europe.
• Henry IV conducted active foreign policy, particularly in relations with Bohemia, forming a strategic alliance with King Ottokar II in 1276.

The first reign of Henry IV Probus in Wrocław marks a crucial moment in the history of medieval Silesia. The assumption of power in December 1270 by the merely thirteen-year-old duke initiated a period of significant economic and cultural transformations.

The young ruler proved to be a capable administrator by introducing a series of reforms that contributed to Wrocław's development. Under his rule, the city transformed into one of Central Europe's most important trading centers, experiencing significant economic growth.

The legacy of Henry IV Probus's first reign in Wrocław remains visible today in the city's architecture and its significance as a regional center of trade and culture.