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The eldest son of Boleslav II. Boleslav III was a weak ruler in whose chaotic reign, Bohemia became a pawn in the long war between the German King Henry II and Boleslaw the Brave, King of Poland. Boleslav became 'knize' of Bohemia in 999. Within just two years a revolt forced Boleslav to flee to Poland whilst his kinsman Vladivoj took the Czech throne. In 1003 Boleslav was restored to authority with either German or Polish assistance, however he immediately undermined his position by ordereing a massacre of leading nobles at Visehrad. Boleslav's brothers Jaromir and Oldrich -possibly fearing for their own lives -fled to Germany and placed themselves under the protection of Henry II. At the same time Boleslaw the Brave, claiming the ducal throne for himself, invaded Bohemia and took Prague without any serious opposition. Bolelsav III was blinded and imprisoned, probably dying in captivity some thirty years later.