Konrad II of Masovia
 | This article or section is in a state of significant expansion or restructuring. You are welcome to assist in its construction by editing it as well. If this article or section has not been edited in several days, please remove this template. If you are the editor who added this template and you are actively editing, please be sure to replace this template with {{in use}} during the active editing session. Click on the link for template parameters to use.
This article was last edited by Daaviiid (talk | contribs) 15 years ago. (Update timer) |
Konrad II of Masovia (1250 - October 11 1294) was the eldest son of Siemowit I of Masovia and his wife Perejesława, daughter of Daniel of Galicia.
He was Duke of Masovia (1264-1294), he was also Duke of Czersk having given up some of his lands to his brother Boleslaus II of Masovia in 1275, he became Duke of Sandomierz in 1289.
Captivity in Lithuania
Konrad appeared in history in 1262, when Lithuanian Grand Duke Treniota launched a major campain against Masovia. He and his father stayed at a small fort in Jazdów. Siemowit I of Masovia was killed during the assault and Konrad was captured by the Lithuanians.
Siemowit died, Conrad was a prisoner of the Lithuanians and his brother Boleslaus was too young to rule, the regency of the duchy of Mazovia was ensured by Boleslaw the Pious and the children's mother Perejesława. After two years of captivity in Lithuania Konrad was released and went back to Masovia to recover his lands left to him by his father.
Duke of Mazovia
In terms of foreign policy, he continued to follow the line of his father, working closely with Bolesław V the Chaste, Leszek II the Black and Boleslaw the Pious. He fought alongside Hungary in a war which opposed Bohemia. In 1271 became part of a coalition against Henry IV Probus, to prevent it from providing support to Bohemia. Two years later, the same coalition attacked Ladislaus of Opole who benefited from the war between Hungary and Bohemia to play his own card, seizing the throne of Krakow.
Duke of Czersk
In 1275 when his brother reached the age of majority, he shared Masovia with him. He gave the Duchy of Płock and retaining only the duchy of Czersk. This division did not satisfiy Boleslaus and a prolonged conflict began between the two brothers.
When Bolesław V the Chaste died on December 7 1279, his heir Leszek II the Black succeeded. The Civil in Masovia helped Konrad claim the throne of Krakow. This did not prevent him from joining the opposition camp to the Duke of Krakow and Sandomierz.
Fighting for the throne of Krakow and Sandomierz
In 1282 Konrad launcheed an attack against Leszek II the Black which ended in a fiasco, the army of Konrad succeeded only briefly seizing Radom and Sandomierz. In 1285 Konrad was better prepared for war. He invaded Lesser Poland, requiring the Duke of Cracow to take refuge in Hungary. However, he failed to seize Wawel, which was defended by followers of Lech. The decisive battle took place on May 3 1285. With the help of the Hungarians, Lech crush opponents. Conrad must flee and find refuge Czersk.
The death of Leszek II the Black, the September 30 1288Offers a new opportunity for Conrad to ascend the throne of Krakow. It stays in RutheniaAmong its ally Vladimir de Galicia he seeks help. He faces other candidates for the throne: Henry IV ProbusThe Duke of WrocławAnd his brother Boleslaw. However, Conrad does not give up. In 1289When the balance seems to lean in favor of Henry IV the Fair, he concluded an agreement with his brother Boleslaw. The exact terms of this agreement we are not known. Probably in exchange for the abdication of the throne of Conrad Krakow Boleslaw accept the partition of Mazovia as was done in 1275 and let Conrad reign over Sandomierz. This agreement does not materialize. Despite the victory of Boleslaw II Henry IV Probus (Battle of Siewierz), Conrad II was removed from the throne by Sandomierz Ladislaus the Short.