Bolesà Âaw the Elder ( – ) was a Silesian duke. He was the duke of Wieluà  during 1313âÂÂ1326, duke of Niemodlin from 1313 and ruler of Prudnik from 1336 until his death.
He was the eldest son of Duke Bolko I of Opole by his wife Agnes, probably a daughter of Margrave Otto III of Brandenburg. Bolesà Âaw was nicknamed "the Elder" or "First-born" (Pierworodny) in order to distinguish him from his younger brother, who, for unknown reasons, was also named Bolesà Âaw (Bolko).
After his father's death in 1313, Bolesà Âaw inherited the duchies of Wieluà  and Niemodlin. Until 1323, he exercised the guardianship on behalf of his younger brothers, then too youngs for rule by their own. His political career was strongly connected with the House of Luxembourg, rulers of Bohemia. This alliance with the Bohemian Kingdom caused a war between him and Wà Âadysà Âaw I the Elbow-high, which ended with the loss of Wieluà  in 1326.
On 18 February 1327, together with the other Silesian dukes, Bolesà Âaw paid homage to King John of Bohemia in Opawa. One year later (in 1328) in order to fulfill his new responsibilities as vassal of Bohemia, he took part in the crusade against the pagan Lithuania. After returning from this expedition, Bolesà Âaw followed his sovereign to Prague, where he spent much time.
In 1336, as a reward for his faithful services, the king authorized Bolesà Âaw to buy the town of Prudnik with the surroundings villages by the amount of 2,000 fines.
In 1355 Bolesà Âaw took part in the trip of King Charles I of Bohemia to Rome, where the latter was crowned Holy Roman emperor.
Bolesà Âaw died between 1362 and 1365. His place of burial is unknown.
By 29 November 1325, Bolesà Âaw married with Euphemia (b. ca. 1312 â d. 21 March aft. 1384), daughter of Duke Henry VI the Good of Wrocà Âaw. They had eight children:
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