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Konrad IV the Elder

Konrad IV the Elder (Polish: Konrad IV Starszy, German: Konrad von Oels) (c. 1384 – 9 August 1447) was Duke of Oels (Oleśnica), Koźle, half of Bytom and half of Ścinawa from 1412 to 1416, sharing rule with his brothers. After 1416 he became the sole ruler of Kąty, Bierutów, Prudnik and Syców. In 1417, he assumed the role of Bishop of Wrocław and also held the title of Duke of Nysa.

Konrad IV the Elder
Duke of Oleśnica, Koźle
Coat of arms
Bornca. 1384
Died9 August 1447
Jelcz
BuriedWrocław Cathedral
Noble familySilesian Piasts of Oleśnica
FatherKonrad III the Old
MotherJudith

The son of Konrad III the Old, Duke of Oleśnica, and his wife Judith, Konrad IV the Elder was the eldest of his siblings. It is worth noting that his four younger brothers also shared the name of Konrad, but historians distinguish them primarily by letters and regnal numbers.

Life Edit

Church career Edit

 
Conrad IV arrests his brother Conrad VII.

Although he was the eldest son and had strong potential to inherit his father's duchy, Konrad IV decided to pursue a religious vocation. He quickly rose through the ranks of the church hierarchy, and by the end of 1399 he had assumed the role of cleric in Wrocław. Within a year, he was elected canon of Wrocław and provost of Domasław/Domslau, although he did not succeed in this position. This setback did not discourage him, however, and in 1410 he was finally elected canon of Wrocław. From 1411 to 1417 he held the position of provost of the chapter. During this time, Konrad IV devoted himself to his candidacy for the bishopric of Warmia and concentrated all his efforts on this goal. He undertook a long journey to Rome in pursuit of this appointment, although the endeavor proved unsuccessful. However, he was awarded a master's degree and appointed a papal notary. In 1412 he also assumed the role of canon of Olomouc.

After the resignation of the bishop of Wrocław, Duke Wenceslaus II of Legnica, on 17 December 1417, Pope Martin V appointed Konrad IV as the new bishop of Wrocław. He received his episcopal consecration on 22 January 1418 from John Tylemann, a suffragent[spelling?] of the Kolegiata of St. Nicholas in Otmuchów.

Beginning of his involvement in politics Edit

In addition to his ecclesiastical duties, Konrad IV took an active part in the politics of his time. In 1402 he joined the newly formed Alliance of Silesian Princes. In 1409, he supported his father at the side of King Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia during the truce negotiations between Poland and the Teutonic Knights. In 1412, Konrad IV served as a mediator in the conflict between the Dukes of Opole, King Wenceslaus IV, and the city of Wrocław. Later, in 1416, he and his brothers allied themselves with the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, Michael Küchmeister von Sternberg, against the Kingdom of Poland.

After the death of his father in 1412, Konrad IV became Duke of Oleśnica, sharing the rule with his younger brother Konrad V Kantner as co-ruler. In 1416, in order to advance his ecclesiastical career, Konrad IV relinquished most of his rule over the duchy in favor of Konrad V and his other younger brothers. However, he retained control over several towns within the duchy, including Kąty (Kanth), Bierutów (Bernstadt), Prudnik, and Syców.

During his tenure as ruler of the Diocese of Wrocław and the Duchy of Nysa-Otmuchów, Konrad IV faced the challenges of the Hussite Wars, a period of significant political upheaval that greatly influenced the duke-bishop's policies.

The Hussite Wars Edit

In the early months of 1420, Konrad IV met with other Silesian princes in the Silesian Sejm in Wrocław and paid homage to Emperor Sigismund. He then accompanied the emperor to Prague, where Sigismund was crowned king of Bohemia. Konrad IV remained loyal to the House of Luxembourg even after the loss of the German Kingdom, retaining authority only over Silesia. He helped organize a campaign against crime in the Silesian lands, which resulted in the occupation of Broumov.

In recognition of his contributions, the Emperor appointed Konrad IV Governor of Silesia with the official responsibility of organizing the fight against the Hussites in 1422.

In January 1423, Konrad IV participated in negotiations for a possible alliance between Emperor Sigismund and the Teutonic Order against King Władysław II of Poland. The agreement provided for territorial gains for the Silesian princes in the event of a Polish defeat. However, the treaty was not honored, as King Władysław II received the Emperor's refusal to join the alliance after their meeting at Kežmarok. Following the example of his sovereign, in April 1424, Konrad IV restored relations with Poland and joined his brother Konrad V in Kalisz.

In 1425, Konrad IV led a new crusade against the Hussites organized by the Kingdom of Bohemia, which was ultimately unsuccessful.

Beginning in 1427, the Hussites retaliated against the allies of Emperor Sigismund with a series of military expeditions. During these campaigns they devastated Lusatia, Złotoryja and Lubań.

To counter the Hussite threat, the Silesian princes and several major cities, including Wrocław and Świdnica, sought mutual aid from the Bishop of Wrocław and offered him leadership of the coalition. The fear of these cities and princes became evident the following year when a Hussite army led by Prokop the Great invaded Silesia. Most of the princes made deals with Prokop, guaranteeing the safety of their estates in exchange for a substantial ransom and unimpeded passage through their territories.

Despite the treachery of some princes, Konrad IV chose to fight, supported by a contingent led by Duke Jan of Ziębice. The Battle of Stary Wielisław near Nysa took place on 27 August 1428. The coalition forces were decisively defeated, resulting in the death of Duke Jan of Ziębice. However, Konrad IV managed to escape.

After the battle, Prokop the Great's army devastated large parts of Lower and Upper Silesia, particularly targeting the possessions of the Bishopric of Wrocław. In search of protection, the duke-bishop forged a closer alliance with Duke Bolko V of Opole, one of the most prominent Hussite leaders among the Silesian princes.

In the following years, despite the defeat of 1428, Konrad IV continued to wage war against the Hussites in Silesia, receiving support from the majority of the Wroclaw nobility.

In 1430, a new Hussite expedition, supported by the Polish mercenary Sigismund Korybut, advanced from the northwest. As a result, Konrad IV lost two important fortresses, Niemcza and Otmuchów, which he regained five years later by buying them from Hussite commanders.

Finally, in 1432, the personal domain of Konrad IV, the Duchy of Oleśnica, suffered severe damage when Oleśnica itself was burned, including the monasteries of Lubiąż and Trzebnica.

In 1433, in order to protect the property of the Church, Konrad IV decided to revive the Union of Silesian Princes (Związek książąt śląskich) and once again assumed the position of its leader.

Civil war in Silesia Edit

In 1437, the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, Sigismund, died, triggering a civil war in Bohemia and Silesia. Before his death, Sigismund named his son-in-law, Albert V of Habsburg, as his successor to all his possessions. However, a faction of the electors chose Casimir, the younger brother of the King of Poland, as their preferred candidate.

On Albert V's side, Konrad IV played a key role in the decisive battle that ensued in 1438. The Polish army attempted to rally the Silesian princes to recognize Casimir as King of Bohemia through a swift attack. However, the duke-bishop, together with his brother Konrad V, convinced the Polish troops to retreat. This retreat was mainly influenced by the unexpected arrival of the formidable Austrian army.

The relative peace in Silesia was short-lived, lasting less than two years. In 1440, another double election of the King of Bohemia took place. This time the candidates were Władysław, the posthumous son of Albert V, and Władysław III, King of Poland and Hungary. The situation became much more complex as both candidates gained considerable support. In particular, Konrad IV remained loyal to the Habsburg cause, while his younger brother, Konrad VII the White, sided with the Polish king.

The ensuing protracted conflict further devastated the Silesian lands and was exacerbated by a new Hussite expedition in 1444.

Financial difficulties and the dispute with the chapter, death Edit

Konrad IV's extensive involvement in political affairs and prolonged wars had a significant impact on the bishopric, resulting in a substantial debt of 8,500 Hungarian guilders at the time of his death. This financial burden created a difficult situation for his successors.

A notable aspect of Konrad IV's financial activities was his encouragement of Pope Eugene IV to condemn simony in Basel. This prompted the chapter to investigate the matter, which revealed that Konrad IV had amassed considerable sums of money from both Western and Orthodox churches within the diocese. As a result, on 1 August 1444, the chapter formally decided to depose the duke-bishop, citing his substantial personal debts and lack of funds to maintain his court. Pope Eugene IV, however, refused to endorse this decision and, by papal bull on 21 July 1445, ordered the reinstatement of Konrad IV as bishop.

It was not until 1446, under pressure from the duke-bishop's military forces, that a final reconciliation took place between Konrad IV and the chapter. This reconciliation allowed him to implement diocesan statutes aimed at reforming ecclesiastical life in Wrocław.

Konrad IV died in Jelcz on the evening of 9 August 1447. He was buried in the Wrocław Cathedral.

References Edit

  • Marek, Miroslav. "Complete Genealogy of the House of Piast". Genealogy.EU.[self-published source][better source needed]
  • This article was translated from his original in Polish Wikipedia.
Preceded by Duke of Oleśnica
with Konrad V

1412–1416
Succeeded by
Duke of Koźle
with Konrad V

1412–1416
Duke of Bytom (1/2)
with Konrad V

1412–1416
Duke of Ścinawa (1/2)
with Konrad V

1412–1416
Preceded by Duke of Nysa
1417–1447
Succeeded by
Piotr II Nowak
Bishop of Wroclaw
1417–1447

konrad, elder, this, article, require, copy, editing, grammar, assist, editing, march, 2023, learn, when, remove, this, template, message, polish, konrad, starszy, german, konrad, oels, 1384, august, 1447, duke, oels, oleśnica, koźle, half, bytom, half, Ścinaw. This article may require copy editing for grammar You can assist by editing it March 2023 Learn how and when to remove this template message Konrad IV the Elder Polish Konrad IV Starszy German Konrad von Oels c 1384 9 August 1447 was Duke of Oels Olesnica Kozle half of Bytom and half of Scinawa from 1412 to 1416 sharing rule with his brothers After 1416 he became the sole ruler of Katy Bierutow Prudnik and Sycow In 1417 he assumed the role of Bishop of Wroclaw and also held the title of Duke of Nysa Konrad IV the ElderDuke of Olesnica KozleCoat of armsBornca 1384Died9 August 1447JelczBuriedWroclaw CathedralNoble familySilesian Piasts of OlesnicaFatherKonrad III the OldMotherJudithThe son of Konrad III the Old Duke of Olesnica and his wife Judith Konrad IV the Elder was the eldest of his siblings It is worth noting that his four younger brothers also shared the name of Konrad but historians distinguish them primarily by letters and regnal numbers Contents 1 Life 1 1 Church career 1 2 Beginning of his involvement in politics 1 3 The Hussite Wars 1 4 Civil war in Silesia 1 5 Financial difficulties and the dispute with the chapter death 2 ReferencesLife EditChurch career Edit nbsp Conrad IV arrests his brother Conrad VII Although he was the eldest son and had strong potential to inherit his father s duchy Konrad IV decided to pursue a religious vocation He quickly rose through the ranks of the church hierarchy and by the end of 1399 he had assumed the role of cleric in Wroclaw Within a year he was elected canon of Wroclaw and provost of Domaslaw Domslau although he did not succeed in this position This setback did not discourage him however and in 1410 he was finally elected canon of Wroclaw From 1411 to 1417 he held the position of provost of the chapter During this time Konrad IV devoted himself to his candidacy for the bishopric of Warmia and concentrated all his efforts on this goal He undertook a long journey to Rome in pursuit of this appointment although the endeavor proved unsuccessful However he was awarded a master s degree and appointed a papal notary In 1412 he also assumed the role of canon of Olomouc After the resignation of the bishop of Wroclaw Duke Wenceslaus II of Legnica on 17 December 1417 Pope Martin V appointed Konrad IV as the new bishop of Wroclaw He received his episcopal consecration on 22 January 1418 from John Tylemann a suffragent spelling of the Kolegiata of St Nicholas in Otmuchow Beginning of his involvement in politics Edit In addition to his ecclesiastical duties Konrad IV took an active part in the politics of his time In 1402 he joined the newly formed Alliance of Silesian Princes In 1409 he supported his father at the side of King Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia during the truce negotiations between Poland and the Teutonic Knights In 1412 Konrad IV served as a mediator in the conflict between the Dukes of Opole King Wenceslaus IV and the city of Wroclaw Later in 1416 he and his brothers allied themselves with the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order Michael Kuchmeister von Sternberg against the Kingdom of Poland After the death of his father in 1412 Konrad IV became Duke of Olesnica sharing the rule with his younger brother Konrad V Kantner as co ruler In 1416 in order to advance his ecclesiastical career Konrad IV relinquished most of his rule over the duchy in favor of Konrad V and his other younger brothers However he retained control over several towns within the duchy including Katy Kanth Bierutow Bernstadt Prudnik and Sycow During his tenure as ruler of the Diocese of Wroclaw and the Duchy of Nysa Otmuchow Konrad IV faced the challenges of the Hussite Wars a period of significant political upheaval that greatly influenced the duke bishop s policies The Hussite Wars Edit In the early months of 1420 Konrad IV met with other Silesian princes in the Silesian Sejm in Wroclaw and paid homage to Emperor Sigismund He then accompanied the emperor to Prague where Sigismund was crowned king of Bohemia Konrad IV remained loyal to the House of Luxembourg even after the loss of the German Kingdom retaining authority only over Silesia He helped organize a campaign against crime in the Silesian lands which resulted in the occupation of Broumov In recognition of his contributions the Emperor appointed Konrad IV Governor of Silesia with the official responsibility of organizing the fight against the Hussites in 1422 In January 1423 Konrad IV participated in negotiations for a possible alliance between Emperor Sigismund and the Teutonic Order against King Wladyslaw II of Poland The agreement provided for territorial gains for the Silesian princes in the event of a Polish defeat However the treaty was not honored as King Wladyslaw II received the Emperor s refusal to join the alliance after their meeting at Kezmarok Following the example of his sovereign in April 1424 Konrad IV restored relations with Poland and joined his brother Konrad V in Kalisz In 1425 Konrad IV led a new crusade against the Hussites organized by the Kingdom of Bohemia which was ultimately unsuccessful Beginning in 1427 the Hussites retaliated against the allies of Emperor Sigismund with a series of military expeditions During these campaigns they devastated Lusatia Zlotoryja and Luban To counter the Hussite threat the Silesian princes and several major cities including Wroclaw and Swidnica sought mutual aid from the Bishop of Wroclaw and offered him leadership of the coalition The fear of these cities and princes became evident the following year when a Hussite army led by Prokop the Great invaded Silesia Most of the princes made deals with Prokop guaranteeing the safety of their estates in exchange for a substantial ransom and unimpeded passage through their territories Despite the treachery of some princes Konrad IV chose to fight supported by a contingent led by Duke Jan of Ziebice The Battle of Stary Wielislaw near Nysa took place on 27 August 1428 The coalition forces were decisively defeated resulting in the death of Duke Jan of Ziebice However Konrad IV managed to escape After the battle Prokop the Great s army devastated large parts of Lower and Upper Silesia particularly targeting the possessions of the Bishopric of Wroclaw In search of protection the duke bishop forged a closer alliance with Duke Bolko V of Opole one of the most prominent Hussite leaders among the Silesian princes In the following years despite the defeat of 1428 Konrad IV continued to wage war against the Hussites in Silesia receiving support from the majority of the Wroclaw nobility In 1430 a new Hussite expedition supported by the Polish mercenary Sigismund Korybut advanced from the northwest As a result Konrad IV lost two important fortresses Niemcza and Otmuchow which he regained five years later by buying them from Hussite commanders Finally in 1432 the personal domain of Konrad IV the Duchy of Olesnica suffered severe damage when Olesnica itself was burned including the monasteries of Lubiaz and Trzebnica In 1433 in order to protect the property of the Church Konrad IV decided to revive the Union of Silesian Princes Zwiazek ksiazat slaskich and once again assumed the position of its leader Civil war in Silesia Edit In 1437 the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia Sigismund died triggering a civil war in Bohemia and Silesia Before his death Sigismund named his son in law Albert V of Habsburg as his successor to all his possessions However a faction of the electors chose Casimir the younger brother of the King of Poland as their preferred candidate On Albert V s side Konrad IV played a key role in the decisive battle that ensued in 1438 The Polish army attempted to rally the Silesian princes to recognize Casimir as King of Bohemia through a swift attack However the duke bishop together with his brother Konrad V convinced the Polish troops to retreat This retreat was mainly influenced by the unexpected arrival of the formidable Austrian army The relative peace in Silesia was short lived lasting less than two years In 1440 another double election of the King of Bohemia took place This time the candidates were Wladyslaw the posthumous son of Albert V and Wladyslaw III King of Poland and Hungary The situation became much more complex as both candidates gained considerable support In particular Konrad IV remained loyal to the Habsburg cause while his younger brother Konrad VII the White sided with the Polish king The ensuing protracted conflict further devastated the Silesian lands and was exacerbated by a new Hussite expedition in 1444 Financial difficulties and the dispute with the chapter death Edit Konrad IV s extensive involvement in political affairs and prolonged wars had a significant impact on the bishopric resulting in a substantial debt of 8 500 Hungarian guilders at the time of his death This financial burden created a difficult situation for his successors A notable aspect of Konrad IV s financial activities was his encouragement of Pope Eugene IV to condemn simony in Basel This prompted the chapter to investigate the matter which revealed that Konrad IV had amassed considerable sums of money from both Western and Orthodox churches within the diocese As a result on 1 August 1444 the chapter formally decided to depose the duke bishop citing his substantial personal debts and lack of funds to maintain his court Pope Eugene IV however refused to endorse this decision and by papal bull on 21 July 1445 ordered the reinstatement of Konrad IV as bishop It was not until 1446 under pressure from the duke bishop s military forces that a final reconciliation took place between Konrad IV and the chapter This reconciliation allowed him to implement diocesan statutes aimed at reforming ecclesiastical life in Wroclaw Konrad IV died in Jelcz on the evening of 9 August 1447 He was buried in the Wroclaw Cathedral References EditMarek Miroslav Complete Genealogy of the House of Piast Genealogy EU self published source better source needed This article was translated from his original in Polish Wikipedia Preceded byKonrad III the Old Duke of Olesnica with Konrad V1412 1416 Succeeded byKonrad V Kantner Konrad VI the Dean Konrad VII the White Konrad VIII the YoungerDuke of Kozle with Konrad V1412 1416Duke of Bytom 1 2 with Konrad V1412 1416Duke of Scinawa 1 2 with Konrad V1412 1416Preceded byWenceslaus II Duke of Nysa1417 1447 Succeeded byPiotr II NowakBishop of Wroclaw1417 1447 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Konrad IV the Elder amp oldid 1177285774, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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