The History of Poland Podcast - Episode 1: Rats! 

We start with the legendary beginnings of the Polish state, face down an army of rats intent on exacting justice, and set the stage for entering the historical era.

Episode 1: Rats!

The History of Poland Podcast - Episode 3: The Baptism of Poland 

Mieszko continues to turn Poland from an Eastern Pagan state into a Western Christian state. It won't be perfectly smooth sailing, but by the end of his life Mieszko will have left his mark on both Poland and Europe.&nbsp;

Episode 3: The Baptism of Poland

The History of Poland Podcast - Episode 4: Introducing&nbsp;Bolesław Mieszko is gone and the seat of power in the early Polish state lies vacant, only to be filled by Mieszko's son&nbsp;Bolesław. His reign will feature some of the most daring exploits for a state that has only recently been formed, but before we get to that, let's get to know a little bit more about&nbsp;Bolesław, his early years, and about a friend he made named Adalbert.

Episode 4: Introducing Bolesław

Adalbert sets off towards Prussia where he meets some fellows who are not at all enthusiastic to see him or his companions. Not to spoil anything, but by the end of his trip I'm guessing that he wished he had brought along those guards Bolesław had lent him.&nbsp; Silver lining: The Congress of Gniezno is the result of Adalbert's missionary journey, which we'll also be covering this week. Want more History of Poland? Follow us on Twitter! Enjoying the podcast?  Rate us on iTunes! Have feedback? historyofpolandpodcast at gmail dot com

Episode 5: Adalbert's Demise

Bolesław mourns his old friend Emperor Otto III, tries to intervene in the succession crisis in the Empire, picks the&nbsp;losing side, and then ends up in a two-decade war with the Holy Roman Empire that ends with&nbsp;no clear winner. It's a long slog for Bolesław, but luckily for us we get to enjoy it from the comfort of our favorite podcast app. Speaking of podcast apps, if you're enjoying the History of Poland&nbsp;podcast there are a few things you can do! First, you can leave a review on  iTunes here, or you can follow us on Twitter here, or if you're feeling really adventurous you can send me an email at historyofpolandpodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.

Episode 6: Will No One Rid Me of This Turbulent Duke?

Bolesław takes a break from his on-again, off-again war with the Holy Roman Empire to take up arms and invade the territory of the Kievan Rus. Along with his army, his mercenaries, and his ill-advised son-in-law Sviatapolk, Bolesław conquers the city of Kiev. His reign doesn't last for long, but it's a memorable episode in Bolesław's life. As I mentioned in the show, if you're enjoying the History of Poland&nbsp;podcast I'd love it if you left a nice review on  iTunes here. You can also&nbsp;follow us on Twitter here&nbsp;(where you'll see those cool coins), or if you're feeling really adventurous you can send me an email at historyofpolandpodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.

Episode 7: We Shall Pierce Your Fat Belly With a Pike

Bolesław is a mixed bag as far as rulers go, so spend some time with us as we take a minute to evaluate his reputation, how "good" of a ruler he was, and what his legacy is.&nbsp; PS. As I mentioned, I have a new microphone that's quite nice. But, it's also got a lot of settings I'm still figuring out. At one point in the episode I changed a setting (without realizing it) and started recording more background noise. Fortunately, it wasn't a siren or cars, but there is a gentle noise of birds lightly chirping in the background for about a minute. Hopefully it's nice? Who knows! And as I mentioned, check out our new website at historyofpolandpodcast.com, get in touch at historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com,&nbsp;or follow us on Twitter @historyofpoland.

Episode 8: What Is a Legacy?

After a bit of a hiatus, we are back and diving right into some thorny topics. The Holy Roman Empire, the status of the Polish Kingdom, and a little lesson about how even if you share the name of a great ancestor like Mieszko II did, it doesn't mean you're going to share in their success. To learn more check out our website at&nbsp;historyofpolandpodcast.com, get in touch at&nbsp;historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com,&nbsp;or follow us on Twitter&nbsp;@historyofpoland.

Episode 9: The Many Problems of Mieszko II

It's the 1030s and the Polish realm has collapsed following the death of Mieszko II, with nary a Piast on the throne to keep it knit together. The task of reunification is left to Mieszko's son, Casimir the Restorer. On his list is not only the reunification of a fragmented nation, but the need to crush a pagan uprising, and to take power without offending the foreign rulers that have been riding roughshod over Poland.&nbsp; As for my special announcement/request at the end, to get in touch email me at historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com&nbsp;or tweet at me @historyofpoland. Every one should let me know what they think, one way or the other. &nbsp;

Episode 10: Collapse, Disintegration, and Restoration

Welcome to the History of Poland Podcast. Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts. Get in touch: historyofpolandpodcast@gmail.com @historyofpoland

The History of Poland Podcast

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