Henry II the Pious was Duke of Silesia and High Duke of Poland as well as Duke of South-Greater Poland from 1238 until his death. Between 1238 and 1239 he also served as regent of Sandomierz and Opole–Racibórz. He was the son of Henry the Bearded and a member of the Silesian Piast dynasty. In October 2015, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Legnica opened up his cause for beatification, obtaining him the title of Servant of God.
Henry II (center) holding a shield with the crest of Silesia, Hedwig Codex, c. 1353
Henry II's reach of power at its greatest extent, 1239
The Mongols carrying the head of Henry II before Legnica, Hedwig Codex, c. 1353
Original tomb effigy of Henry stomping on a Mongol, drawing from 1733
The Duke of Silesia was the title of sons and descendants of the Polish Duke Bolesław III Wrymouth. In accordance with the last will and testament of Bolesław, upon his death his lands were divided into four or five hereditary provinces distributed among his sons, and a royal province of Kraków reserved for the eldest, who was to be High Duke of all Poland. This was known as the fragmentation of Poland. Subsequent developments lead to further splintering of the duchies.
Image: Silesia 1172 1177
Image: Silesia 1248 1249
Image: Jan Matejko, Władysław II Wygnaniec
Image: Jan Matejko, Bolesław IV Kędzierzawy
