Polans (western)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Polans (also known as Polanes, Polanians or Polians; Polish: Polanie) were a West Slavic tribe inhabiting the Warta river basin. Previously more eastern around the Dnjpr River, by 963 AD they are as far west as the Vurta (Warta) River (see R. Lane Poole Atlas Poles in 963 AD). They were tributary to the Holy Roman Empire and received titles of dukes. Later they managed to subdue most of the Slavic tribes between the Odra (Oder) and Western Bug rivers and between the Carpathians and the Baltic Sea by the 10th century, they also managed to integrate the lands of Masovia, Kuyavia and Great Poland.
Newest archeological findings reveal four major strongholds or gords (Polish gród) in the early Polans' state:
- Giecz - the place from where the Piasts gained control over other groups of Polans
- Poznań - the largest and probably the main stronghold in the state
- Gniezno - probably the religious centre of the state, although archeological findings do not prove this
- Ostrów Lednicki - smaller stronghold halfway between Poznań and Gniezno
The tribal union led by the Piast dynasty developed into the state of Poland, whose name derives from that of the Polans. For more information see Prehistory of Poland and History of Poland (966-1385).
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Poles in 963 AD R. Lane Poole Atlas.
- 992 AD Lechici around Poznan, Gniezno (later socalled Western Polans/Poland). (Eastern) Polanien around Kiew at Dnjpr River.
 |
This Polish history-related article is a stub. You can help by expanding it. |
