Jarosław, Duke of Opole

He was the oldest son of Bolesław I the Tall, by his first wife Zvenislava, daughter of Vsevolod II Olgovich, Grand Prince of Kiev.

It is unknown whether he was born already in Silesia or in exile, but he was brought up in Altenburg in the Holy Roman Empire and spent his childhood in the court of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

However, Jarosław wasn't content with being removed from power (because, as the firstborn son he should have inherited Bolesław the Tall's part of the Duchy of Silesia) and began to intrigue his uncle Mieszko Tanglefoot.

Fortunately for him, Frederick Barbarossa decided to intervene, and through his mediation Bolesław could regain the power in Lower Silesia, but was forced to create the Duchies of Racibórz (to Mieszko) and Opole (to Jarosław).

Ultimately, however, Opole was taken by Mieszko Tanglefoot at the beginning of the next year (1202), after a surprise attack on Henry I the Bearded, Bolesław the Tall's youngest son and successor.

1172–1177. Fragmentation of the Duchy of Silesia begins, divided between: first son of Władysław, Bolesław I the Tall (orange); second son of Władyslaw, Mieszko I Plątonogi (yellow); son of Bolesław, Jarosław Opolski (green)