Władysław Odonic's wars with Władysław Laskonogi between 1228 and 1231 Cover Image

Wojny Władysława Odonica z Władysławem Laskonogim w latach 1228-1231
Władysław Odonic's wars with Władysław Laskonogi between 1228 and 1231

Author(s): Sławomir Pelczar
Subject(s): History
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego

Summary/Abstract: The very article reconstructs the course of the battle for Wielkopolska conducted by Władysław Odonic and his uncle Władysław Laskonogi between 1228 and 1231 in the light of the political situation that appeared in Poland after a tragic death of Leszek Bia³y, a duke of Kraków in 1227. The results of the latest research on the history of the first half of the 13th century, including, above all, a bit different perspective of the case of crime in Gąsawa (T. Jurek, B. Śliwiński) incline for a reinvestigation of the last stage of the attempts of both Piasts in their battle for the power in the Wielkopolska district. The next war between Odonic and Laskonogi broke as early as at the beginning of 1228. It finished with the failure of the first duke who, under unknown circumstances found himself in his uncle’s prison. 1229 turned out to be a turning point in the course of the battles for Wielkopolska. It was when Odonic managed to not only to regain freedom, but also defeat Laskonogi, make him get rid of the duchy and expel from Wielkopolska. The very success would not be possible if there was no beneficial political agreement the very Piast agreed on with Konrad Mazowiecki, which has not been explained enough in the literature of the subject so far. Meanwhile, the existence of such an agreement is proved by many source assumptions. What linked both dukes was a common opponent - Wladyslaw Laskonogi who, on the one hand, was an obstacle for Odonic heading for his homeland and, on the other, made it difficult for Konrad to gain power in Kraków. Their common interest was also interfered with by a political agreement signed up by Leszek Bialy and Laskonogi depriving both dukes of the right to legacy against the binding principles of heritage. It seems though that the conclusion of the very agreement would not be possible if Konrad Mazowiecki had a reason to accuse Odonic of a direct contribution to death of Leszek Bialy. A military cooperation of both Piasts against Laskonogi dating back to 1229 gave results again in 1231 when most probably, the message of reinforcements for Odonic coming from Mazowsze made his uncle resign from further siege of Gniezno and withdraw from Wielkopolska. Afterwards, in the very same year, he died in Silesia under circumstances that were infamous for him.

  • Issue Year: 2009
  • Issue No: 5
  • Page Range: 100-126
  • Page Count: 27
  • Language: Polish