Bolesław the Forgotten

Who is Bolesław the Forgotten?

Bolesław the Forgotten also Cruel, was a semi-legendary Duke of Poland of the Piast dynasty from 1034 until his death in 1038 or 1039.

He's described in the Wielkopolska Chronicle, written in the 14th century, where he is said to have been given power in Poland after the death of his father, Mieszko II Lambert, as he was the eldest son. According to the chronicle he was killed and deleted from the list of monarchs because of his cruelty.

Bolesław's life is also described in a text written by Wincenty z Kielczy and some other sources. In the annals of Kraków chapter's the date of 1038 is also given as well as information about a "king Bolesław's" death. This date cannot be connected with Bolesław I Chrobry and Bolesław II the Bold so it may refer to the Forgotten.

In other Kraków annals Bolesław II the Bold is given as Bolesław III the Bold.

Bolesław is described in annals from Braunweiler, in Czech chronicle of Kosmas, and in Hungarian chronicle of Chartiritusa Bishop.

In older times Bolesław was widely described as historical monarch of Poland. Many Polish historians were sure about his existence: Tadeusz Wojciechowski, Oswald Balzer, Roman Grodecki, Feliks Koneczny, Stanisław Zakrzewski, and Zygmunt Wojciechowski.