# Blinding of Zbigniew (1112)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1112-blinding-of-zbigniew
Location: Poland

Bolesław had his returning brother blinded, then performed public penance, a scandal recorded by Gallus Anonymus. Within the broader Piast Monarchy period: Under Mieszko I and his successors the Piast state accepted Christianity, gained its own church province and royal crown, and fought to hold its place between the Holy Roman Empire, Bohemia and Kievan Rus'. At this point in the timeline (1112), the governing authority was Bolesław III Wrymouth (Duke of Poland). Defended Poland against the Emperor Henry V, conquered Pomerania and left a testament dividing the country among his sons. Blinding of Zbigniew mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Blinding of Zbigniew mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood.

Ruler at the time: [Bolesław III Wrymouth](https://poland-history.com/rulers/boleslaw-iii-wrymouth)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Zbigniew (duke of Poland)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zbigniew_(duke_of_Poland))
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Blinding of Zbigniew](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Blinding+of+Zbigniew)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland during the Piast dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_during_the_Piast_dynasty)