Constance, Duchess of Wodzisław
Encyclopedia
Constance (died 1351) was a Polish princess member of the House of Piast and sovereign Duchess of Wodzisław Śląski from 1324 until her death.
Her name appears twice in contemporary sources: firstly, in a letter of Pope John XXII
dated 22 September 1321, where she is named "Duchess of Racibórz", and secondly in the Chronicle of Racibórz, who give her the title of "Duchess of Wodzisław" (księżną wodzisławską) and mentions her death in 1351. None of these sources showed Constance's parentage. Historians and sources are agreed that she was a member of the Piast dynasty; however, the difficult of establishing who was her father, caused two theories to emerge about her origins.
The first hypothesis states that Constance was the daughter of Duke Władysław of Opole and wife of Henry IV Probus, Duke of Wrocław, who repudiated her after several years of marriage. She moved to Racibórz
at the court of her brothers Mieszko I and Przemysław
, who given to her the district of Wodzisław as her own Duchy, where she remained until her death. Historians who dispute this theory alleged that Władysław of Opole had a daughter of unknown name, who died shortly after her marriage with Henry IV, or between her repudiation and Henry IV's subsequent marriage.
According to the second hypothesis, based on Constance's titles showed in sources: Duchess of Racibórz and Duchess of Wodzisław, she was the daughter of Duke Przemysław of Racibórz
. Certainly she remained unmarried and settled in Wodzisław (which probably was her own independent Duchy) until her death.
, daughter of Władysław Odonic, Duke of Greater Poland
, and Władysław, Duke of Opole, was born a daughter who married Henry IV Probus, Duke of Wrocław. No source directly specified her name, and therefore the historiography is divided about this fact and her correct identification in the Piast dynasty. Some historians share the view that she was Constance of Wodzisław, but the opponents of this idea argue that her name remains unknown. Also, not gaining universal approval are the hypotheses argueing that Władysław of Opole's daughter was named either Margareta or Grzymisława. In the absence of proper sources who could clarify this matter, all the information and theories only created more difficulties in resconstructing her life.
, the capital of her father's Duchy, or in Racibórz
. By convention, among the offspring of Władysław of Opole and Euphemia of Greater Poland she is placed as the fifth and last child, although she could be older than Przemysław of Racibórz. If her name was Constance, she probably was named after her cousin Constance, daughter of Przemysł I of Greater Poland.
Władysław of Opole's daughter was married with Henry IV Probus, Duke of Wrocław. Historians placed the wedding between the second half of 1277 and March 1280, this is, between the six-months of captivity of Henry IV by his uncle Bolesław II the Bald (since 22 July 1277) and the Congress of Vienna
. The wedding couldn't take place prior to 1277, because in the description of the events of Henry IV's imprisonment in the Polish-Silesian Chronicle, the Duke of Wrocław is identified as a boy, which would be impossible if he was then married. In the Congress of Vienna was settled the dispute between the Dukes of Wrocław and Opole, proved in a document were Władysław called Henry IV his son-in-law. It's possible that the consolidation of the agreement was just the wedding between Henry IV and Władysław's daughter.
According to one hypothesis, the marriage between the daughter of Władysław of Opole and Henry IV Probus only could took place between 1277-1278. This is based on the following considerations:
In a letter of King Ottokar II of Bohemia
to Bruno of Schauenburg, Bishop of Olomouc dated 15 August 1277, the King referred to his allies the Opole Dukes. Since they wanted to arranged a meeting in Racibórz, he requests the presence of Duchess Euphemia of Opole and her daughter, calling a Congress to discuss matters relating to the wedding of Władysław's daughter and Henry IV. The treatments of King Ottokar II were explained in his desire to obtain the support of Henry IV and Władysław of Opole in the war against Rudolf I of Habsburg, King of Germany. According to this hypothesis, there is a proof that in the second half of 1277, there was an alliance between the Dukes of Wrocław and Opole. Among the documents issued by Władysław of Opole and his sons, was found an act who provide support for all the plans of Henry IV. This document was issued after the marriage, because there Duke of Opole called Henry IV his son-in-law, and later in 1278, was added a clause that guarantees the obligations of the Duke of Opole with King Ottokar II of Bohemia, who fell on 26 August 1278 in the Battle on the Marchfeld. It's believed that the marriage took place in 1277 after Henry IV regaining his freedom at the cost of gave Bolesław II the third part of his lands, included Środa Śląska
and Strzegom
(both inherited by Henry IV from his uncle Władysław); at that time, the conclusion of an alliance with the Dukes of Opole was the most favorable for Henry IV. The complains presented to the Pope supported the hypothesis that the wedding took place in Opole
, and was chaired by the Bishop of Wrocław, Thomas II Zaremba. Władysław's daughter probably reunited with her husband in Wrocław after she had the proper age to consummated the marriage.
After settling the dispute with Henry IV at the Congress in Vienna
in March 1280 Władysław of Opole issued a document, in which he promised to the Duke of Wrocław, his son-in-law, assistance in obtaining the Polish royal crown. This support would be provided with the condition that her daughter (and Henry IV's wife) was also crowned Queen with her husband. Giving into question the credibility of the complains to the Pope, this document suggests the possibility that the marriage between Henry IV and the princess of Opole took place in Vienna in 1280. In 1281 or 1282, Władysław of Opole died. Since then, the relations of Henry IV with the sons of the deceased Duke were completely different. At that time, the disputes with his brothers-in-law, his efforts to obtain the royal crown and the apparent barrenness of his wife added further problems to Henry IV's political aspirations.
, daughter of Otto V the Long, Margrave of Brandenburg-Salzwedel
.
A detonant for the decision of repudiated his wife, was Henry IV's dispute with Bishop Thomas II Zaremba. Expelled from his dominions, the Bishop took refuge in Racibórz
at the side of Dukes Mieszko I and Przemysław
, Henry IV's brothers-in-law. On 18 April 1287 Henry IV formally asked Mieszko I to refuse his help to Bishop Thomas II, under the threat of rupture of their good relations. He said no, but instead offering as a mediator in the dispute. Despite the adoption of this proposal, Henry IV decided to divorce his wife. Although this move clearly was made against his alliance with the Opole Dukes, the apparent reason for the repudiation was the infertility of his wife, however this fact could be unfounded, because Henry IV's second marriage with Matilda of Brandenburg was also childless. The Dukes of Opole sent to the Pope two complaints requesting the reinstalation of their sister as Henry IV's wife. The waited response never come, certainly because the complaints were sent during the Sede vacante
who took place between the death of Pope Honorius IV
(on 3 April 1287) and the election of Pope Nicholas IV
(on 22 February 1288).
The first hypothesis states that the Opole princess died probably in 1287 or 1288, shortly before the conclusion of Henry IV's second marriage. One fact who supported this view was in any contemporary source was read anything about the Duke of Wrocław's ventures seeking the annulment of his marriage with Wladysław of Opole's daughter or any other obstacles, with the exception of a close relationship before marrying Matilda of Brandenburg. In addition, sources not showed any problems for Henry IV about an irregular marital status during his efforts to obtain the royal crown. This hypothesis has been challenged by historians. Is noted that the marriage of Henry IV with the daughter of Wladysław of Opole was invalid without a dispensation from the Pope because of a close affinity between husband and wife (the mother of Henry IV, Judith of Masovia, married with Henry III the White as the widow of Mieszko II the Fat
, paternal uncle of the Opole princess). Moreover, in these times, there was still the custom which allowed the dismissal of infertile wives. Thus, an annulment for Henry IV's marriage wasn't needed.
According to another hypothesis, the daughter of Wladysław of Opole wasn't repudiated by her husband, but died shortly after her marriage. This is supported by the fact that as the wife of Henry IV, she is not mentioned in the Genealogy of St. Hedwig, which happened on several occasions with spouses of short-term childless marriages. By contrast, the only reference about the repudiation of Henry IV's wife were two complaints sent to the Pope by two brothers, identified as Wladysław of Opole's sons; in both documents, are described the dismissal of their sister and the exile of the Bishop. Modern historians believed that the complaints are forgeries, based on the following considerations:
The second complaint related that at the time of Henry IV's marriage with the Opole princess, her brothers are minors, a fact who is proved to be false. The first complaint was addressed to Pope Gregory: the only Pope who bears that name during the second half of the 13th century was Pope Gregory X
, who died in 1276, before the events reported in the complaints. The contents of both documents shows that the man who dismissed his wife, was the ruler of a foreign language, but both spouses came from the same diocese. Finally, the repudiation of Henry IV's wife wasn't mentioned during his long dispute with Bishop Thomas II Zaremba, who constantly enumerated the Duke's vices.
and his wife Anna
, daughter of Duke Konrad II of Czersk
. Probably born before 1307, is understood that she was the youngest child of Ducal couple. She probably named after Constance, Abbess of Trzebnica
and daughter of Duke Ziemomysł of Inowroclaw
, while her brother, Leszek
, was named after Leszek II the Black
(Ziemomysł's brother). Constance probably never married. Until her death in 1351 she lived in Wodzisław Śląski, which certainly represented her personal fief.
Assuming that this hypothesis were true, it's easier to explain the title given to Constance in the Papal letter: Duchess of Racibórz. According to some historians, if Constance was the daughter of Wladysław of Opole, the appropriate title for her in this document would be Duchess of Opole. In addition, is hard to believe that Constance, daughter of Wladysław of Opole, could live almost 86 years. Another point in favor of the hypothesis about the origin of Constance, is the fact that after the death of Anna of Czersk, Duke Leszek of Racibórz give the district of Wodzisław (Anna's Oprawa wdowia) to Constance, which is more understandable if she was his sister rather than an old paternal aunt. Another argument who supported this view was provided by the archaeological research in the Dominican
monastery of Racibórz
. The experts founded that in the first half of the 14th century, was buried there an approximately 40-year-old woman who died as result of a disease. If this remains belonged to Constance, they proved that her father could be Przemysław of Racibórz.
and his wife Euphrosyne of Płock received the right to choose their own confessor. The issue is determined how long Constance stayed in Racibórz. According to one theory, shortly after her arrival, Mieszko I gave to Constance the district of Wodzisław as her own Duchy during her lifetime. Another hypothesis assumes that Constance resided in Racibórz until the death of Anna of Czersk (aft. 13 July 1324), Przemysław's widow, who received Wodzisław as her Oprawa wdowia. Then Duke Leszek of Racibórz (son of Przemysław and Anna) gave Constance the domain over Wodzisław, a fact who is easier to explain, if Constance was his sister and not his aunt.
During the reign of Constance, in Wodzisław occurred two significant events. The first of them was the invasion of Casimir III the Great in Silesia
from June 1345 during the Polish-Czech War. Polish troops gained the towns of Pszczyna
, Rybnik
and Żory
, all adjacent to Wodzisław. Only the presence of the Bohemian King John of Luxembourg in Fryštát
could stop the imminent attack to Constance's duchy. The second event was the epidemic of plague (commonly known as Black Death
), by which perhaps the Duchess Constance had died.
Constance ruled over Wodzisław until her death in 1351, according to the message of the Chronicle of Racibórz. Then the heir of the Duchy of Racibórz as husband of Princess Anna
, Duke Nicholas II of Opawa, reunited the land to Racibórz.
.
In 1992 during excavations in the church of the former Dominican monastery (now a museum) in Racibórz was a tomb from the first half of the 14th century. Inside were the remains of a woman who died aged about 40 years. Next to them were discovered numerous traces of lime, a fact who proved that the person who resting in the grave died as result of a infectious disease. It's known that during 1349-1351 the Duchy of Wodzisław was affected by a plague epidemic. Therefore, if during the excavations uncovered the remains of Constance, it could be inferred that she was the daughter of Przemyslaw of Racibórz.
In Wodzisław are signs which commemorate Duchess Constance. Her name was given to one street (Duchess Constance Street), a school (The Duchess Constance Gimnazjum No 4), and one of the monumental oak trees on the beach near Balaton lake (Constance). Also, in a niche of the corners of the market town was placed a statue of her.
Her name appears twice in contemporary sources: firstly, in a letter of Pope John XXII
Pope John XXII
Pope John XXII , born Jacques Duèze , was pope from 1316 to 1334. He was the second Pope of the Avignon Papacy , elected by a conclave in Lyon assembled by Philip V of France...
dated 22 September 1321, where she is named "Duchess of Racibórz", and secondly in the Chronicle of Racibórz, who give her the title of "Duchess of Wodzisław" (księżną wodzisławską) and mentions her death in 1351. None of these sources showed Constance's parentage. Historians and sources are agreed that she was a member of the Piast dynasty; however, the difficult of establishing who was her father, caused two theories to emerge about her origins.
The first hypothesis states that Constance was the daughter of Duke Władysław of Opole and wife of Henry IV Probus, Duke of Wrocław, who repudiated her after several years of marriage. She moved to Racibórz
Racibórz
Racibórz is a town in southern Poland with 60,218 inhabitants situated in the Silesian Voivodeship , previously in Katowice Voivodeship...
at the court of her brothers Mieszko I and Przemysław
Przemysław of Racibórz
Przemysław of Racibórz was a Duke of Racibórz since 1282 until his death ....
, who given to her the district of Wodzisław as her own Duchy, where she remained until her death. Historians who dispute this theory alleged that Władysław of Opole had a daughter of unknown name, who died shortly after her marriage with Henry IV, or between her repudiation and Henry IV's subsequent marriage.
According to the second hypothesis, based on Constance's titles showed in sources: Duchess of Racibórz and Duchess of Wodzisław, she was the daughter of Duke Przemysław of Racibórz
Przemysław of Racibórz
Przemysław of Racibórz was a Duke of Racibórz since 1282 until his death ....
. Certainly she remained unmarried and settled in Wodzisław (which probably was her own independent Duchy) until her death.
Daughter of Władysław of Opole
Problems about her identification
In medieval sources it is only known that from the marriage between EuphemiaEuphemia of Greater Poland
Euphemia of Greater Poland , was a Polish princess member of the House of Piast from the Greater Poland branch and by marriage was Duchess of Kalisz, Wieluń and Opole-Racibórz....
, daughter of Władysław Odonic, Duke of Greater Poland
Greater Poland
Greater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history...
, and Władysław, Duke of Opole, was born a daughter who married Henry IV Probus, Duke of Wrocław. No source directly specified her name, and therefore the historiography is divided about this fact and her correct identification in the Piast dynasty. Some historians share the view that she was Constance of Wodzisław, but the opponents of this idea argue that her name remains unknown. Also, not gaining universal approval are the hypotheses argueing that Władysław of Opole's daughter was named either Margareta or Grzymisława. In the absence of proper sources who could clarify this matter, all the information and theories only created more difficulties in resconstructing her life.
Birth
The exact birth date of the daughter of Władysław of Opole is unknown. The approximate year of birth was established on the basis of one of the two supplications addressed to the Pope, whose credibility are now called into question. In this documents her brothers (considered by historians as the authors of the two complaints) requested an adjournment of their sister's wedding with Henry IV, since they felt that her age wasn't appropriate for a bride. Since the marriage's date was established between 1277–1280, she could be born about 1265. Her birth probably took place in OpoleOpole
Opole is a city in southern Poland on the Oder River . It has a population of 125,992 and is the capital of the Upper Silesia, Opole Voivodeship and, also the seat of Opole County...
, the capital of her father's Duchy, or in Racibórz
Racibórz
Racibórz is a town in southern Poland with 60,218 inhabitants situated in the Silesian Voivodeship , previously in Katowice Voivodeship...
. By convention, among the offspring of Władysław of Opole and Euphemia of Greater Poland she is placed as the fifth and last child, although she could be older than Przemysław of Racibórz. If her name was Constance, she probably was named after her cousin Constance, daughter of Przemysł I of Greater Poland.
Marriage with Henry IV Probus
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
. The wedding couldn't take place prior to 1277, because in the description of the events of Henry IV's imprisonment in the Polish-Silesian Chronicle, the Duke of Wrocław is identified as a boy, which would be impossible if he was then married. In the Congress of Vienna was settled the dispute between the Dukes of Wrocław and Opole, proved in a document were Władysław called Henry IV his son-in-law. It's possible that the consolidation of the agreement was just the wedding between Henry IV and Władysław's daughter.
According to one hypothesis, the marriage between the daughter of Władysław of Opole and Henry IV Probus only could took place between 1277-1278. This is based on the following considerations:
In a letter of King Ottokar II of Bohemia
Ottokar II of Bohemia
Ottokar II , called The Iron and Golden King, was the King of Bohemia from 1253 until 1278. He was the Duke of Austria , Styria , Carinthia and Carniola also....
to Bruno of Schauenburg, Bishop of Olomouc dated 15 August 1277, the King referred to his allies the Opole Dukes. Since they wanted to arranged a meeting in Racibórz, he requests the presence of Duchess Euphemia of Opole and her daughter, calling a Congress to discuss matters relating to the wedding of Władysław's daughter and Henry IV. The treatments of King Ottokar II were explained in his desire to obtain the support of Henry IV and Władysław of Opole in the war against Rudolf I of Habsburg, King of Germany. According to this hypothesis, there is a proof that in the second half of 1277, there was an alliance between the Dukes of Wrocław and Opole. Among the documents issued by Władysław of Opole and his sons, was found an act who provide support for all the plans of Henry IV. This document was issued after the marriage, because there Duke of Opole called Henry IV his son-in-law, and later in 1278, was added a clause that guarantees the obligations of the Duke of Opole with King Ottokar II of Bohemia, who fell on 26 August 1278 in the Battle on the Marchfeld. It's believed that the marriage took place in 1277 after Henry IV regaining his freedom at the cost of gave Bolesław II the third part of his lands, included Środa Śląska
Sroda Slaska
Środa Śląska is a town in Lower Silesian Voivodeship, in south-western Poland. It is the seat of Środa Śląska County, and of the smaller administrative district called Gmina Środa Śląska. Prior to 1945 it was in Germany...
and Strzegom
Strzegom
Strzegom is a town in Świdnica County, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, in south-western Poland. It is the seat of the administrative district called Gmina Strzegom. It lies approximately north-west of Świdnica, and west of the regional capital Wrocław...
(both inherited by Henry IV from his uncle Władysław); at that time, the conclusion of an alliance with the Dukes of Opole was the most favorable for Henry IV. The complains presented to the Pope supported the hypothesis that the wedding took place in Opole
Opole
Opole is a city in southern Poland on the Oder River . It has a population of 125,992 and is the capital of the Upper Silesia, Opole Voivodeship and, also the seat of Opole County...
, and was chaired by the Bishop of Wrocław, Thomas II Zaremba. Władysław's daughter probably reunited with her husband in Wrocław after she had the proper age to consummated the marriage.
After settling the dispute with Henry IV at the Congress in Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
in March 1280 Władysław of Opole issued a document, in which he promised to the Duke of Wrocław, his son-in-law, assistance in obtaining the Polish royal crown. This support would be provided with the condition that her daughter (and Henry IV's wife) was also crowned Queen with her husband. Giving into question the credibility of the complains to the Pope, this document suggests the possibility that the marriage between Henry IV and the princess of Opole took place in Vienna in 1280. In 1281 or 1282, Władysław of Opole died. Since then, the relations of Henry IV with the sons of the deceased Duke were completely different. At that time, the disputes with his brothers-in-law, his efforts to obtain the royal crown and the apparent barrenness of his wife added further problems to Henry IV's political aspirations.
Repudiation of Henry IV's wife
Almost all the modern historiography universally accepted the view that Henry IV Probus repudiated Władysław of Opole's daughter. It is based on the conclusion that the complainants to the Pope against the Duke of Wrocław's conduct, are the Dukes of Opole, Henry IV's brothers-in-law. According to this hypothesis, the princess of Opole was repudiated by her husband in 1287 at the latest, because between 1287–1288, the Duke of Wrocław married with MatildaMatilda of Brandenburg (d. 1298)
Matilda of Brandenburg , was a German princess member of House of Ascania and by marriage Duchess of Wrocław and High Duchess of Poland.She was the second daughter of Otto V the Long, Margrave of Brandenburg-Salzwedel, by his wife Judith of Henneberg, daughter of Count Herman I of Henneberg and...
, daughter of Otto V the Long, Margrave of Brandenburg-Salzwedel
Salzwedel
Salzwedel of Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, and has a population of approximately 21,500. Salzwedel is located on the German Framework Road.-Geography:...
.
A detonant for the decision of repudiated his wife, was Henry IV's dispute with Bishop Thomas II Zaremba. Expelled from his dominions, the Bishop took refuge in Racibórz
Racibórz
Racibórz is a town in southern Poland with 60,218 inhabitants situated in the Silesian Voivodeship , previously in Katowice Voivodeship...
at the side of Dukes Mieszko I and Przemysław
Przemysław of Racibórz
Przemysław of Racibórz was a Duke of Racibórz since 1282 until his death ....
, Henry IV's brothers-in-law. On 18 April 1287 Henry IV formally asked Mieszko I to refuse his help to Bishop Thomas II, under the threat of rupture of their good relations. He said no, but instead offering as a mediator in the dispute. Despite the adoption of this proposal, Henry IV decided to divorce his wife. Although this move clearly was made against his alliance with the Opole Dukes, the apparent reason for the repudiation was the infertility of his wife, however this fact could be unfounded, because Henry IV's second marriage with Matilda of Brandenburg was also childless. The Dukes of Opole sent to the Pope two complaints requesting the reinstalation of their sister as Henry IV's wife. The waited response never come, certainly because the complaints were sent during the Sede vacante
Sede vacante
Sede vacante is an expression, used in the Canon Law of the Catholic Church, that refers to the vacancy of the episcopal see of a particular church...
who took place between the death of Pope Honorius IV
Pope Honorius IV
Pope Honorius IV , born Giacomo Savelli, was Pope for two years from 1285 to 1287. During his unremarkable pontificate he largely continued to pursue the pro-French policy of his predecessor, Pope Martin IV...
(on 3 April 1287) and the election of Pope Nicholas IV
Pope Nicholas IV
Pope Nicholas IV , born Girolamo Masci, was Pope from February 22, 1288 to April 4, 1292. A Franciscan friar, he had been legate to the Greeks under Pope Gregory X in 1272, succeeded Bonaventure as Minister General of his religious order in 1274, was made Cardinal Priest of Santa Prassede and...
(on 22 February 1288).
Theories about her death during the 1280s
In modern historiography were found two views, according to which Henry IV's first wife died during the 1280s, before the conclusion of his subsequent marriage with Matilda of Brandenburg. Both hypotheses are opposed to the identification of Wladysław of Opole's daughter as Duchess Constance of Wodzisław.The first hypothesis states that the Opole princess died probably in 1287 or 1288, shortly before the conclusion of Henry IV's second marriage. One fact who supported this view was in any contemporary source was read anything about the Duke of Wrocław's ventures seeking the annulment of his marriage with Wladysław of Opole's daughter or any other obstacles, with the exception of a close relationship before marrying Matilda of Brandenburg. In addition, sources not showed any problems for Henry IV about an irregular marital status during his efforts to obtain the royal crown. This hypothesis has been challenged by historians. Is noted that the marriage of Henry IV with the daughter of Wladysław of Opole was invalid without a dispensation from the Pope because of a close affinity between husband and wife (the mother of Henry IV, Judith of Masovia, married with Henry III the White as the widow of Mieszko II the Fat
Mieszko II the Fat
Mieszko II the Fat was a Duke of Opole-Racibórz since 1230 until his death, and Duke of Kalisz-Wieluń during 1234–1239 ....
, paternal uncle of the Opole princess). Moreover, in these times, there was still the custom which allowed the dismissal of infertile wives. Thus, an annulment for Henry IV's marriage wasn't needed.
According to another hypothesis, the daughter of Wladysław of Opole wasn't repudiated by her husband, but died shortly after her marriage. This is supported by the fact that as the wife of Henry IV, she is not mentioned in the Genealogy of St. Hedwig, which happened on several occasions with spouses of short-term childless marriages. By contrast, the only reference about the repudiation of Henry IV's wife were two complaints sent to the Pope by two brothers, identified as Wladysław of Opole's sons; in both documents, are described the dismissal of their sister and the exile of the Bishop. Modern historians believed that the complaints are forgeries, based on the following considerations:
The second complaint related that at the time of Henry IV's marriage with the Opole princess, her brothers are minors, a fact who is proved to be false. The first complaint was addressed to Pope Gregory: the only Pope who bears that name during the second half of the 13th century was Pope Gregory X
Pope Gregory X
Pope Blessed Gregory X , born Tebaldo Visconti, was Pope from 1271 to 1276. He was elected by the papal election, 1268–1271, the longest papal election in the history of the Roman Catholic Church....
, who died in 1276, before the events reported in the complaints. The contents of both documents shows that the man who dismissed his wife, was the ruler of a foreign language, but both spouses came from the same diocese. Finally, the repudiation of Henry IV's wife wasn't mentioned during his long dispute with Bishop Thomas II Zaremba, who constantly enumerated the Duke's vices.
Daughter of Przemysław of Racibórz
According to another theory, Constance was the daughter of Duke Przemysław of RacibórzPrzemysław of Racibórz
Przemysław of Racibórz was a Duke of Racibórz since 1282 until his death ....
and his wife Anna
Anna of Masovia (b.1270)
Anna of Masovia was a Princess of Masovia and was a member of the House of Piast.She was the daughter and only child of Konrad II of Masovia and Hedwig, daughter of Bolesław II the Bald. Between 1289 and 1290 Anna married Przemysław of Racibórz. Anna was Duchess of Racibórz along with her unnamed...
, daughter of Duke Konrad II of Czersk
Konrad II of Masovia
Konrad II of Masovia was the eldest son of Siemowit I of Masovia and his wife Perejesława, daughter of Daniel of Galicia....
. Probably born before 1307, is understood that she was the youngest child of Ducal couple. She probably named after Constance, Abbess of Trzebnica
Trzebnica
Trzebnica is a town in Lower Silesian Voivodeship in south-western Poland. It is the seat of Trzebnica County, and of the smaller administrative district called Gmina Trzebnica. Prior to 1945 it was in Germany...
and daughter of Duke Ziemomysł of Inowroclaw
Ziemomysł of Kuyavia
Ziemomysł of Kuyavia was Prince of Kuyavia from 1267-1271 and 1278-1287. He was a member of the large House of Piast- Early life :...
, while her brother, Leszek
Leszek of Racibórz
Leszek of Racibórz was a Duke of Racibórz since 1306 and Duke of Koźle from 1334 until his death.He was the eldest child and only son of Duke Przemysław of Racibórz by his wife Anna, daughter of Duke Konrad II of Masovia.-Life:...
, was named after Leszek II the Black
Leszek II the Black
Leszek the Black , named after his black hair, was one of the High Dukes of the fragmented Kingdom of Poland. He ruled from 1279 to 1288, and was married to Agrippina of Slavonia with no children.- Life :...
(Ziemomysł's brother). Constance probably never married. Until her death in 1351 she lived in Wodzisław Śląski, which certainly represented her personal fief.
Assuming that this hypothesis were true, it's easier to explain the title given to Constance in the Papal letter: Duchess of Racibórz. According to some historians, if Constance was the daughter of Wladysław of Opole, the appropriate title for her in this document would be Duchess of Opole. In addition, is hard to believe that Constance, daughter of Wladysław of Opole, could live almost 86 years. Another point in favor of the hypothesis about the origin of Constance, is the fact that after the death of Anna of Czersk, Duke Leszek of Racibórz give the district of Wodzisław (Anna's Oprawa wdowia) to Constance, which is more understandable if she was his sister rather than an old paternal aunt. Another argument who supported this view was provided by the archaeological research in the Dominican
Dominican Order
The Order of Preachers , after the 15th century more commonly known as the Dominican Order or Dominicans, is a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Dominic and approved by Pope Honorius III on 22 December 1216 in France...
monastery of Racibórz
Racibórz
Racibórz is a town in southern Poland with 60,218 inhabitants situated in the Silesian Voivodeship , previously in Katowice Voivodeship...
. The experts founded that in the first half of the 14th century, was buried there an approximately 40-year-old woman who died as result of a disease. If this remains belonged to Constance, they proved that her father could be Przemysław of Racibórz.
Rule of Constance in Wodzisław
Following the hypothesis who identified Constance as the daughter of Wladysław of Opole, after she was repudiated by her husband came to Racibórz at the side of her brothers Mieszko I and Przemysław. Probably because she lived in that district was called Duchess of Racibórz in the Papal letter of 22 September 1321, in which Duke Władysław of OświęcimWładysław of Oświęcim
Władysław of Oświęcim , was a Duke of Oświęcim from 1315 until his death.He was the eldest son of Mieszko I, Duke of Cieszyn by his wife, probably called Grzymisława.-Life:...
and his wife Euphrosyne of Płock received the right to choose their own confessor. The issue is determined how long Constance stayed in Racibórz. According to one theory, shortly after her arrival, Mieszko I gave to Constance the district of Wodzisław as her own Duchy during her lifetime. Another hypothesis assumes that Constance resided in Racibórz until the death of Anna of Czersk (aft. 13 July 1324), Przemysław's widow, who received Wodzisław as her Oprawa wdowia. Then Duke Leszek of Racibórz (son of Przemysław and Anna) gave Constance the domain over Wodzisław, a fact who is easier to explain, if Constance was his sister and not his aunt.
During the reign of Constance, in Wodzisław occurred two significant events. The first of them was the invasion of Casimir III the Great in Silesia
Silesia
Silesia is a historical region of Central Europe located mostly in Poland, with smaller parts also in the Czech Republic, and Germany.Silesia is rich in mineral and natural resources, and includes several important industrial areas. Silesia's largest city and historical capital is Wrocław...
from June 1345 during the Polish-Czech War. Polish troops gained the towns of Pszczyna
Pszczyna
Pszczyna is a town in southern Poland with 26,827 inhabitants within the immediate gmina rising to 50,121 inhabitants in the powiat, which includes the town of Pszczyna, itself, Brzeźce , Czarków , Ćwiklice , Jankowice , Łąka , Piasek , Poręba , Rudołtowice , Studzionka , Studzienice , Wisła...
, Rybnik
Rybnik
Rybnik is a city in southern Poland, in the Silesian Voivodeship. Rybnik is located close to the border with the Czech Republic and just outside the southern border of the largest urban area in Poland, the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Union...
and Żory
Zory
Żory is a town and city county in Silesian Voivodeship, Poland with 62,625 inhabitants . Previously it was in Katowice Voivodeship . It is located in the historic Upper Silesia region about southwest of Katowice.- History :...
, all adjacent to Wodzisław. Only the presence of the Bohemian King John of Luxembourg in Fryštát
Fryštát
is a town in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic, now administratively a part of the city of Karviná. Until 1948 it was a separate town. It lies on the Olza River, in the historical region of Cieszyn Silesia....
could stop the imminent attack to Constance's duchy. The second event was the epidemic of plague (commonly known as Black Death
Black Death
The Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, peaking in Europe between 1348 and 1350. Of several competing theories, the dominant explanation for the Black Death is the plague theory, which attributes the outbreak to the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Thought to have...
), by which perhaps the Duchess Constance had died.
Constance ruled over Wodzisław until her death in 1351, according to the message of the Chronicle of Racibórz. Then the heir of the Duchy of Racibórz as husband of Princess Anna
Anna of Racibórz
Anna of Racibórz , was a Polish princess member of the House of Piast in the Racibórz branch and by marriage Duchess of Opawa and Racibórz.She was the second child but eldest daughter of Duke Przemysław of Racibórz by his wife Anna, daughter of Duke Konrad II of Masovia.-Life:In 1318 Anna married...
, Duke Nicholas II of Opawa, reunited the land to Racibórz.
Place of Burial
Constance's burial place is unknown. It's believed that she was buried either in the parish church or a Minorite monastery in Wodzisław Śląski or -more likely- in the Dominican monastery in RacibórzRacibórz
Racibórz is a town in southern Poland with 60,218 inhabitants situated in the Silesian Voivodeship , previously in Katowice Voivodeship...
.
In 1992 during excavations in the church of the former Dominican monastery (now a museum) in Racibórz was a tomb from the first half of the 14th century. Inside were the remains of a woman who died aged about 40 years. Next to them were discovered numerous traces of lime, a fact who proved that the person who resting in the grave died as result of a infectious disease. It's known that during 1349-1351 the Duchy of Wodzisław was affected by a plague epidemic. Therefore, if during the excavations uncovered the remains of Constance, it could be inferred that she was the daughter of Przemyslaw of Racibórz.
Constance in art and culture
The nickname "preclarissima" (the brightest), given to Constance in the Chronicle of Racibórz, indicates that as a ruler, she gained wide respect from her subjects. This is proved by the local legends, where she is named the Gray Lady or Lady of Wodzisław.In Wodzisław are signs which commemorate Duchess Constance. Her name was given to one street (Duchess Constance Street), a school (The Duchess Constance Gimnazjum No 4), and one of the monumental oak trees on the beach near Balaton lake (Constance). Also, in a niche of the corners of the market town was placed a statue of her.