Boleslaus the Brave

Boleslaus the Brave was the first king of Poland and a member of the Piast dynasty. He was a capable monarch and a strong mediator in Central European affairs. He continued to proselytise among his subjects and raised Poland to the rank of a kingdom, thus becoming the first Polish ruler to hold the title of rex (king). He also created a Polish church independent of German control and minted his own coinage. He conducted successful military campaigns to the west, south and east of his realm, and conquered territories in modern-day Red Ruthenia, Lusatia, Meissen, and Bohemia. He supported the missionary endeavours of Adalbert of Prague and Bruno of Querfurt, and ransomed the relics of Adalbert from the pagan Prussians. He also hosted the Congress of Gniezno in 1000, where he met with Emperor Otto III and established a Polish archdiocese with Gniezno as its seat. He was a devout Christian, but also a fierce warrior who did not hesitate to use violence against his enemies. He died in 1025, shortly after being crowned king, and was succeeded by his son Mieszko II Lambert.