Little Poland | European Union | ZoomInfo.com European Union + Get 10 Free Contacts a Month Please agree to the terms and conditions I agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . I understand that I will receive a subscription to ZoomInfo Grow at no charge in exchange for downloading and installing the ZoomInfo Contact Contributor utility which, among other features, involves sharing my business contacts as well as headers and signature blocks from emails that I receive. Web References (2 Total References) This historic city is situated on ... polish.aviation.museum.en.wikimiki.org [cached] This historic city is situated on the Vistula (Wisla) River at the foot of Wawel Hill in the southerly region of Little Poland (Malopolska). ... It was once the national capital and is considered by many to still be the heart of Poland, due to its history of more than a thousand years. ... Around this time, it was incorporated into the holdings of the Piast dynasty of Poland. Several brick buildings were also constructed, including a castle, Romanesque churches, a cathedral, a basilica, and the St. Felix and Adaukt Church. ...

The year 1311 saw a rebellion against Poland's King Wladyslaw I. It was organised by Wójt Albert and involved mostly German-speaking citizens of Kraków. ... Kraków rose to new prominence in 1364, when Casimir III of Poland founded the University of Kraków, the second in central Europe after the University of Prague. ... In 1520, Johan Behem made the largest churchbell in Poland, named the Sigismund Bell after king Sigismund I. At the same time Hans Dürer, younger brother of Albrecht Dürer, was Sigismund's court painter. ... The Congress of Vienna (1815) restored the partition of Poland, but gave Kraków independence as the Free City of Kraków. ... As this form of Austrian rule was more benevolent than that exercised by Russia and Prussia, Kraków became a Polish national symbol and a center of culture and art, known frequently as the "Polish Athens" (Polskie Ateny) or "Polish Mecca" to which Poles would flock to revere the symbols and monuments of Kraków's (and Poland's) great past. ...

During the war Kraków Legions led by Jozef Pilsudski set out to fight for the liberation of Poland, in alliance with Austrian and German troops. ... Poland was partitioned again in 1939, at the outset of the Second World War, and Nazi German forces entered Kraków in September of that year. ... Kraków's population has quadrupled since the end of the war, and it is still regarded as the cultural capital of Poland. ... Politechnika Krakowska Politechnika Krakowska Main article: Culture of Kraków Kraków is considered by many to be Poland's capital of culture. ... Some Kraków DJs attained local fame, while club celebrities from other parts of Poland and from abroad spin occasionally in the city. ... The Polish state was formed over 1,000 years ago under the Piast dynasty, and reached its golden age near the end of the 16th century under the Jagiellonian dynasty, when Poland was one of the largest, wealthiest, and most powerful countries in Europe. ...

In 1989 the first partially-free elections in Poland's post-World War II history concluded the Solidarity (Solidarnosc) movement's struggle for freedom and resulted in the defeat of Poland's communist rulers. ... In 1989 the first partially-free elections in Poland's post-World War II history concluded the Solidarity (Solidarnosc) movement's struggle for freedom and resulted in the defeat of Poland's communist rulers. ... In 1999 Poland acceded to NATO, and in 2004 it joined the European Union. ... Poland's official name in Polish is Rzeczpospolita Polska. ... Their name derives from the tribal name Polanie - people living around Lake Goplo - the cradle of Poland mentioned as Glopeani having 400 strongholds circa 845 (Bavarian Geographer). ... In old Latin chronicles the terms terra Poloniae (land of Poland) or Regnum Poloniae (kingdom of Poland) appear. ... Poland began to form into a recognizable unitary and territorial entity around the middle of the 10th century under the Piast dynasty.

Poland's first historically documented ruler, Mieszko I, was baptized in 966, adopting Catholic Christianity as the country's new official religion, to which the bulk of the population converted in the course of the next century. ... Under the Jagiellon dynasty, Poland forged an alliance with its neighbour Lithuania. A golden age occurred in the 16th century during its union (Lublin Union) with Lithuania in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The citizens of Poland took pride in their ancient freedoms and parliamentary system, although the Szlachta monopolised most of the benefits. Since that time Poles have regarded freedom as their most important value. ... The Enlightenment in Poland fostered a growing national movement to repair the state, resulting in the first written constitution in Europe, the Constitution of May 3 in 1791. The process of reforms ceased with the partitions of Poland between Russia, Prussia, and Austria in 1772, 1793 and 1795 which ultimately dissolved the country. ... Napoleon recreated a Polish state, the Duchy of Warsaw, but after the Napoleonic wars, Poland was split again by the Allies at the Congress of Vienna. ...

During World War I all the Allies agreed on the restitution of Poland that United States President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed in point 13 of his Fourteen Points. ... A new threat, Soviet aggression, arose in the 1919 (Polish-Soviet War), but Poland succeeded in defending its independence. Polish-Soviet War The Second Polish Republic lasted until the start of World War II when Germany and the Soviet Unioninvaded Poland. Poland surrendered on September 281939 and suffered greatly in the period that followed as a General Government. Of all the countries involved in the war, Poland lost the highest percentage of its citizens: over 6 million perished, half of them Polish Jews. ... In its conclusion, Poland's borders shifted westwards, pushing the eastern border to the Curzon line and the western border to the Oder-Neisse line. After the shift, Poland emerged 20% smaller by 77,500 km² (29,900 mi²); although the important cities of Gdansk, Szczecin and Wroclaw were all incorporated into its post-war borders. ...

As a result of these events, Poland became, for the first time in history, an ethnically unified country. A Polish minority is still present in neighbouring countries of Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania, as well as in other countries (see Poles article for the population numbers). The largest number of ethnic Poles outside of the country can be found in the United States. The Soviet Union instituted a new communist government in Poland, analogous to much of the rest of the Eastern Bloc. ... Poland was the first post-communist country to regain pre-1989 GDP levels. Poland joined the NATO alliance in 1999 along with the Czech Republic and Hungary. Polish voters then said yes to the EU in a referendum in June 2003. Poland joined the European Union on 1 May2004. Politics Poland is a democratic republic. Its current constitution dates from 1997. The government structure centres on the Council of Ministers, led by a prime minister. ...

judicial branch The Polish landscape consists almost entirely of the lowlands of the North European Plain, at an average height of 173 metres (568 ft), though the Sudetes (including the Karkonosze) and the Carpathian Mountains (including the Tatra mountains, where one also finds Poland's highest point, Rysy, at 2,499 m [8,199 ft]) form the southern border. ... Poland also contains over 9,300 lakes, predominantly in the north of the country. Masuria (Mazury) forms the largest and most-visited lake district in Poland. ... Remains of the ancient forests survive: see list of forests in Poland. Poland enjoys a temperateclimate, with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters and mild summers with frequent showers and thunder showers. ... gmina gmina gmina] Since its return to democracy, Poland has steadfastly pursued a policy of liberalising the economy and today stands out as one of the most successful and open examples of the transition from a partially state-capitalist market economy to a primarily privately owned market economy.

The privatisation of small and medium state-owned companies and a liberal law on establishing new firms have allowed for the rapid development of an aggressive private sector, followed by a development of consumer rights organisations later on. ... Poland has a large agricultural sector of private farms, that could be a leading producer of food in the European Union now that Poland is a member. ... The most notable task on the horizon is the preparation of the economy (through continuing deep structural reforms) to allow Poland to meet the strict economic criteria for entry into the European Single Currency. There is much speculation as to just when Poland might be ready to join the Eurozone, although the best guess estimates put the entry date somewhere between 2009 and 2013. For now, Poland is preparing to make the Euro its official currency (as other countries of the European Union), and the Zloty will eventually be abolished from the modern Polish economy. Since joining the European Union, many young Polish people have left their country to work in other EU countries becouse of high unemployment rate (about 17%).

Poland produces: clothes, electronics, cars, buses ( Autosan, Jelcz SA, Solaris, ) helicopters (PZL Poland Poland is a member of the European Union, NATO and OECD. Warsaw is the capital of Poland. HISTORY:- The written history of Great Poland (north Poland) began in 966 AD, during the reign of Mieszko I.

Little Poland was created in the Southern Poland by some tribes.During the reign of Casimir I the Restorer, Great Poland and Little Poland were unified in 1047.In 1386, Lithuania was merged with Poland.From the 14th century to the 16th century, Knights of the Teutonic Order, the Russians, and the Ottoman Turks were defeated by the Polish-Lithuanian joint forces.The Polish power came to decline and the territory of Poland was divided into Russia, Prussia, and Austria in three partitions in 1772, 1793, and 1795.The traces of Poland were abolished from the world's map.In 1918, Poland bounced back as the Second Polish Republic.During the World War II, Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany and Soviet Union.All of Poland was captured by Germany following the Nazi invasion on USSR in 1941.The Poles established a government in exile, recognized by Soviet Union, in Paris and later in London.In 1944, the Communist-dominated Polish Committee of National Liberation by the Soviet Union replaced the Polish government-in-exile.In 1945, the USSR and Poland delimited Soviet-Polish frontier

.Poland lost some of its eastern regions.In 1952, the People's Republic of Poland was declared.

GEOGRAPHY:- Poland is located at 52 00 N, 20 00 E in Central Europe.The total area of the earth under Polish possession is 312,679 sq km in which 304,459 sq km is covered with land mass and 8,220 sq km is covered with internal waters.The coastline is 440 km long along with the Baltic Sea.The lowest point is near Raczki Elblaskie (-2 m) and the highest point is Rysy (2,499 m).The country is mostly formed of flat plains while the southern border is mountainous.28% is covered with forests.The only desert of Poland is B³êdów Desert, situated in the south. CLIMATE:- The climate of Poland is temperate, with cold, cloudy, moderately chilling winters with frequent precipitation and mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers. GOVERNMENT:- Poland is a republic. ... ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS:- Poland is divided into 16 provinces. ...

Jan Kochanowski, Adam Mickiewicz, Boles³aw Prus, Juliusz S³owacki, Witold Gombrowicz, Stanis³aw Lem and, Ryszard Kapuœciñski are famous writers of Poland while Henryk Sienkiewicz, W³adys³aw Reymont, Czes³aw Mi³osz, Wis³awa Szymborska won the Nobel Prize for Literature. ... ECONOMY:- Poland has one of the richest economies of the post-communist countries.It is transformed from a state-directed economy to a privatized market economy. ... LANGUAGE:- Polish is the official language of Poland spoken by 97.8%. Other and unspecified 2.2% (2002) CITIES:- The capital Warsaw is the largest city of Poland.Other major cities are Lodz, Krakow, Wroclaw, Poznan, Gdansk. POPULATION:- Poland is the 33rd most populous country in the world.The estimated population of Poland is 38,518,241 with an average growth rate of 0.0%. ...

UNICEF:- UNICEF is Poland works on child rights, women rights, child education, basic nutrition etc. Similar Profiles Kingdoms of Central Europe - Poland Poland Poland occupies a large area of Central Europe bordering the southern Baltic Sea. Its history is a long one, covering several Bronze Age and Iron Age cultures, the latter of which saw the settlement of Belgic groups who became collectively known as the Venedi , settling along the east bank of the Vistula. In the last two centuries BC Germanic settlement from Scandinavia formed minor (tribal) states on the southern Baltic coast and west bank of the Vistula. Of these, the Buri and Lugii occupied areas of southern Poland, the Burgundians and Goths were located centrally, while the Gepids and Rugii were on the northern coast. These states were fairly ephemeral, and once outward migration had depleted most of them, they were replaced by Slavic settlements that eventually coalesced into the early Polish states. The movements of the Slavic peoples who became the Poles is highly uncertain.

That they followed the Baltic peoples into the area seems likely, and that they settled alongside some of them also seems likely, as does their assimilation of the Venedi on the Vistula. In the Middle Ages, Slavic peoples came to dominate Poland, and as the West Slavic Polish tribes emerged, they formed petty kingdoms that were unified in the tenth century, when Poland emerged into history at the same time as it accepted Christianity. (Additional information from The History of the Baltic Countries, various authors.) 9000s BC By this date, Estonia , Finland , Latvia , Lithuania , and Prussia are settled by proto-Baltic hunter-gather tribes which all share the same cultural traces. They belong to two groups, one being the regionally-dominant Baltic Kunda culture, which is a development of the earlier Swiderian culture located to the south. The other is the Magdalen-Ahrensburg culture located in north-western Germany and Denmark, which probably enriches the Kunda culture.

The Baltic Ice Lake on Poland's northern border was entirely cut off from the Atlantic Ocean until the ice began to recede and rising water levels broke through around 8200 BC Traditional scholarly belief has these hunter-gatherers migrating from the southern Baltics and further east, but a more recent idea suggests that while this is correct for the Baltics, Finland and northern Scandinavia are also first inhabited via the sweeping grass plains of Doggerland (now under the North Sea). Settlements at Eiguliai and Puvotsiai among others testify to the fact that hunter-gathers are present in Lithuania from as early as the eleventh millennium. c.8200 BC The waters of the ice-damned Baltic Ice Lake penetrate the region of the Billingen Mountains to form a link with the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, the Yoldia Sea drops rapidly, by about thirty metres. This retreat is so sudden, and probably has such a profound effect on the early inhabitants of the Baltic area, that it is known as the Billingen Catastrophe. 8000 - 7100 BC The Preboreal period sees the climate become significantly warmer in the Baltics.

Birch and pine forests start to spread, and elk, bears, beavers, and various species of water birds migrate into the region from the south. 7100 - 5800 BC The Boreal period sees the climate continue to warm and become drier. Pine forests decrease, allowing deciduous trees to gain a firmer foothold and become prevalent. The animal population thrives, with red deer, roe deer, and hares increasing considerably. 5800 - 2800 BC The Atlantic period is characterised by a climate that is warmer than that of the present day. New species migrate into the Baltic region, including Baltic aurochs and wild boar, which inhabit forests of broad-leaved trees. Water chestnuts grow in the many lakes, and the bountiful life draws hunter-gatherers into the area. The warmness fails towards the end of this period, causing the disappearance of aurochs, wild horses, and water chestnuts.

c.3000 BC The Comb Ceramic culture reaches Prussia , Latvia , Estonia and Finland as new peoples arrive from the east, almost certainly the Finno-Ugric tribes who form the later core of Finland and Estonia (Estonians, Finns, Livonians, Karelians, Wots, Weps, and Ingrians). The early Neolithic culture seems to form on the basis of the previous Mesolithic cultures, but uses a greater variety of bone, antler and stone implements, and employs boring, drilling, and abrading skills. The Mesolithic Nemunas culture of southern Lithuania is replaced by the Neolithic Nemunas culture. c.2500 BC The Corded Ware culture (or Boat Axe culture) arrives in southern Finland , along the coastal regions, as well as in Estonia , Latvia , Lithuania , Belarus, western Russia , Poland , northern Germany, Denmark , and southern Sweden . These new, probably early Indo-European , arrivals also have some domesticated animals and bring agriculture with them, although it continues to exist alongside universally-practised hunter-gather activities for some time. Both these people form the proto-Baltic ancestors of the later Latvians and Lithuanians.

Lusatian Culture / Lausitz Culture (Late Bronze Age) c.1300 - 500 BC The Late Bronze Age Lusatian culture incorporated elements of the second millennium Trzciniec culture. It covered all of modern Poland with extensions into modern Czechia and Slovakia, north-western Ukraine , and areas of central eastern Germany and eastern Pomerania . The border with what would later be East Prussia marked its farthest eastwards extent. In broad terms, the Lusatian (sometimes Lausatian) was an eastwards extension of the Urnfield culture, and it shared roughly the same time span of existence, but the Lusatian evolved directly into the subsequent Pomeranian culture. The ethnic composition of the Lusatian people is questionable, but they would have pre-dated the arrival of Germanics into the region (view the map via the link, right, to see the presumed disposition of Germanic groups in relation to the people of the Lusatian). The historical region from which the culture gets its name is Lusatia, situated roughly in the centre of the earlier cultural region.

Today it sits astride the border between Germany and Poland, split down the middle in 1945 by the Soviet conquerors of East Germany. The name derives from a Slavic word to describe swampy land which was coined by the Sorbs, a Slavic minority in eastern Germany. c.900 BC For the earlier phase of the Lusatian, the dead are largely cremated and their remains placed in urns for burial. Now begins a phase of inhumation burials, especially notable in Upper Silesia, which may reflect influence from the Urnfield culture. Cremation burials continue in other Lusatian areas. Cremation urns of the Kashubian Group, part of the Lusatian culture, which was the predominant method of disposing of the dead during the entire culture period Pomeranian Culture / Pomeralian Face Urn Culture (Iron Age) c.650 - 200 BC The Iron Age Pomeranian culture evolved out of the previous Lusatian culture around the middle of the seventh century BC. It occupied much the same territory as the Lusatian, but without the extension into eastern Germany and with a reach that eventually went further southwards.

It is often linked to the Nordic Bronze Age, which appeared late in Scandinavia in comparison to the Continental European Bronze Age. The border with what would later be East Prussia marked its farthest eastwards extent. As its alternative name suggests, the culture's prominent feature was the creation of burial urns with highly naturalistic and individual faces (the central Germany House Urn culture was similar in some respects). These 'face urns' were often deposited in stone cists (small stone 'coffins' or ossuaries). They also had lids made in the shape of a hat and various scenes were incised onto their bodywork, such as chariot races, hunting, or riders. The Pomeranians cultivated cereal crops, with rye being added to their harvests for the first time, but imports from the south were generally lower, even though Greece and Italy both enjoyed blossoming cultures in this period. Warfare seems unlikely as an adequate reason, as the region produced less hill forts now than the preceding Lusatians had done.

Pomeranian culture was probably influenced by the Germanic groups of southern Scandinavia, at least in part, while a theory based on recent DNA evidence suggests the emergence of a pre-Slavic/Germanic mix which culturally influenced the later Western Slavs. c.500 BC The Pomeranian culture begins to spread southwards, entering regions that had formerly been part of the Lusatian culture. It also permeates former Wysoko and Milograd culture regions, and in Masovia and Poland this mixture leads to the development of a group that produces bell-shaped burials, known as the Glockengrï¿½bergruppe. A Pomeranian culture tomb chest constructed at a time of greater metallurgy skills but with weaker ceramic skills when compared to the previous Lusatian culture c.400 BC From around this period, various peoples pass through the region over the next eight hundred years, leaving their mark as they go, from Celtic (in southern Poland, the northern limit of their expansion) to Germanic , to Baltic (who remain mostly in the north-eastern corner of Poland). The Oxhï¿½ft culture develops in northern Poland while the Przeworsk develops in the southern and central areas.

Oxhï¿½ft / Oksywie Culture & Przeworsk Culture (Iron Age) c.200 - 1 BC & c.200 BC - AD 200 The Oxhï¿½ft culture appeared in the first half of the second century BC, succeeding the previous Pomeranian culture in modern northern Poland, mainly around the mouths of the Oder and Vistula. The Polish version of the name is Oksywie after the village in which the first archaeology for this period was discovered. New arrivals in the form of a migration seem to have created the culture, or brought elements of it with them. These people were probably either Scandinavians , or from the western-neighbouring Jastorf culture. The Rugii and Lemovii tribes are both included as contributors to this culture. In central and southern Poland, the Przeworsk culture appeared at the same time. It was in part a continuation of the Pomeranian culture of the north, suggesting some southwards migration during the creation of the Oxhï¿½ft, but it also bore significant influence from the La Tï¿½ne and Jastorf cultures.

The Przeworsk is linked by some scholars to the migration and arrival of the Vandali (and others), although this alone may be too simplistic a way of interpreting the evidence. East Germanic tribes migrated into Eastern Europe from Scandinavia (or more probably the Cimbric Peninsula). This much is known because they were present there over the next few centuries. Precisely when they migrated and from precisely where is open to a good deal of debate, but a period during the second century BC seems most likely. There is no archaeological evidence of a Scandinavian origin for the Przeworsk culture, but there is some evidence of an undetermined connection between north-western Europe (Jutland, Holstein, Mecklenburg) and Central Poland, western Ukraine , and Moldova at the crossover from Early Pre-Roman Iron Age into the late period, during the second half of the third century BC. The nature of this connection is still the subject of study by a good many scholars from many northern and eastern European countries, but it would seem to offer tentative support to a migration of early Germanic tribes from Jutland and surrounding environs.

(Additional information by Jes Martens and Edward Dawson.) c.120 BC Although there is no documentary evidence, it is generally accepted that the Vandali originate in southern Sweden or the Jutland peninsula. Around this time they migrate across the Baltic, arriving on the Pomeranian shores of what later becomes Poland, and soon settle in Silesia. This settlement may well result in the creation of the Przeworsk culture, and this follows them southwards in the third century when they migrate again. The Vandali probably started in southern Scandinavia, before migrating into northern Poland, and then shifting southwards to form, or perhaps found, the Przeworsk culture c.8 - 6 BC Various Germanic tribes can be located within the area of the Przeworsk at this time, including the Lugii and Vandali , along with the Venedi . The Burgundians are also linked to the region prior to their migration. Arguments have existed for some time over whether the Przeworsk is the result of Germanic, proto-Slavic, or Celtic influence. The truth is probably that all three contribute.

The Lugii especially are known to cross the boundary between Germanic and Celtic, while little is known of the proto-Slavs except that they first emerge between southern Poland and western Ukraine . Both Oxhï¿½ft and Przeworsk cultures are replaced by the Willenberg culture. Willenberg / Wielbark Culture (Iron Age) c.AD 50 - 200 The Willenberg culture appeared relatively suddenly in the mid-first century AD. It replaced the previous Oxhï¿½ft culture along the southern Baltic coast, in the regions of eastern Pomeranian and northern Poland around the lower Vistula. This was a Scandinavian culture which followed Germanic tribes as they migrated southwards from their original homelands in southern Sweden and Norway . The Willenberg also eventually absorbed the Przeworsk culture of central and southern Poland. Willenberg (modern Wielbark) was a village in the territory of the Teutonic Knights between its initial conquest from the Old Prussians until 1466. Then it became part of the kingdom of Poland up until the First Partition of Poland in 1772. It was gained by Prussia and remained German until 1945.

Today it is part of Poland again, but during its late German period, in 1873, a cemetery was uncovered by early archaeologists which contained 3,000 burials. These were attributed to the Goths and the Gepids , and they marked a clear break with, and replacement of, the Oxhï¿½ft culture. c.AD 50 - 150 The generally peaceful arrival of Germanic peoples on the southern Baltic shores in the first and second centuries AD has a great impact on the Baltic population there, resulting in them moving towards eastern Lithuania . In all probability, due to the ethnic affinity of these peoples, peaceful relations are established. The appearance of various new groups of pottery testifies to the further merging of these ethnic groupings. The Scandinavian Willenberg culture which follows the line of the Vistula south from Pomerania replaces the native Oxhï¿½ft culture and is the earliest archaeological evidence for the Goths . To the north of the Goths are the Gepids and Scirii , with the Venedi to the east, the Burgundiones and Lugii to the south, and the Suevi and Rugii to the west.

This silver bracelet dates from the Group III burials (of a total of five groups) c.AD 150 - 200 Perhaps due to pressure from the Baltic tribes, the Goths gradually renew their migration, now moving slowly southwards from the Oder and Vistula, heading on a path that will eventually take them into Ukraine . They take Willenberg culture with them, leaving traces along much of the Vistula in the later stages of the culture's existence. By now Willenberg culture has also expanded outwards from its heartland along both banks of the lower Vistula to include first the northern Polish and Pomeranian coast to the west, and then turning southwards just short of the Oder to cover the north-western Polish regions. Elements of the Willenberg remains in these regions, along with many Germanic settlements. Together these form the Vidivarii . Vidivarii / Vidivarian Culture c.AD 200 - 500 According to the sixth century Byzantine historian, Jordanes, the various Germanic tribes that had formed the preceding Willenberg culture, and which migrated southwards during the second century AD, left behind elements who remained in their adopted homeland.

These fragments of tribes included the Gepids , Goths , Rugii , Scirii , and the Belgic (eastern) Venedi , and essentially they banded together. They were named the Vidivarii by Jordanes, who called them a melting pot of tribes who lived around the Vistula. Although they continued the Willenberg culture, differences were apparent, possibly due to outside influences such as the Balts of Lithuania , and Vidivarian culture is sometimes seen as a late continuance of the Willenberg rather than a smooth progression. In support of Jordanes' naming of this culture and his description of them as a melting pot is a breakdown of the name. It is formed of two elements, these being 'wid', meaning 'far' (cognate with the English word 'wide',) and 'var/uar', meaning 'men', the Celtic word 'wiros' borrowed into Germanic. The new tribe or culture was formed from fragments of other tribes and its name seems to mean 'the men from far or wide travel', in the sense of men from all over the place, which makes sense if you look at their history of moving around.

(Additional information by Edward Dawson, and from Getica, Jordanes, from History and Geography in Late Antiquity, Andrew H Merrills (2005), and from Topographies of Power in the Early Middle Ages, Mayke De Jong, Frans Theuws, & Carine van Rhijn (2001).) 400s Under pressure from migrating Slavic groups, Western Balts begin to take over lands vacated by the Vidivarii in the east, up to the mouth of the Vistula. These Balts prosper in the sixth and seventh centuries, based as they are on an important trade route between the Baltic coast and the Black Sea. However, as the Old Prussians , they suffer badly in the thirteenth century. The Szkarpawa and Nogat rivers feed into the Vistula Lagoon, part of Vidivarii territory in the third and fourth centuries AD with Western Balts closing on the eastern side 453 From this point there appears to be a sudden appearance of large amounts of Roman coins in the region closest to the coastline, from Greater Poland to Pomerania , which is where the majority of the remaining East Germanics live.

The suggestion is that with the breakdown of the Hunnic empire which releases its various subject Germanic tribes, elements of those tribes take the opportunity to return to their southern Baltic homeland of three centuries beforehand. To get there they pass through Silesia and Lusatia, regions that have been almost completely abandoned during the Hunnic invasion phase, as people migrated westwards to get away from the threat. From about 400 onwards, these areas are devoid of fresh layers of archaeology where it relates to human habitation. c.500 By this time, West Slavic tribes are migrating into southern and central parts of later Poland, which they gradually dominate, slowly decreasing the land available to the Vidivarii. Nevertheless, the Vidivarii groups survive and retain a distinct cultural identity into the sixth century around the lower Vistula, and even later in Pomerania . To their south, focussed on Greater Poland, the Western Polans begin to migrate into the region, forming tribal settlements that grow into small tribal kingdoms. Western Polans (Slavs) 5th Century AD - AD 962 The Polans were a West Slavic tribe, also known as Polanes, or Polanians.

By the eight century AD they were occupying the Warta river basin in the Greater Poland region. They were neighboured to the east by the Masovians (the later region of Masovia ), to the south-east by the Vistulans (in Lesser Poland) and then the Lendians (in East Lesser Poland (not far from Lviv in Ukraine )), to the south by the Slezans (Silesians), to the west by the Sorbs, and to the north by the Pomeranians . There were also Balts in the north-east, and the Venedi along the Vistula, and all of these were either later incorporated into the Polish state, or retreated to Lithuania . The tribe's name appears to originate with the Slavic word for field, 'polje', which defines a wide flat plain in an area of karst, or soluble bedrock such as limestone. They were part of the Lechtic language group of West Slavs which occupied much of eastern and central Europe, including Poland, eastern Germany, Bohemia and Moravia. They are not to be confused with the Eastern Polans who occupied territory near Kiev and who participated in the creation of the Rus .

Legendarily, the Polans first formed a state in the mid-sixth century, under Lech, brother of the equally legendary Czech and Rus, founders of Bohemia and the Rus respectively. Dates shown for this early duke of Poland and his immediate, unverifiable successors are rough approximations, and their names are given a lilac backing. In general, where events given below are dated they can be treated as historical fact or general estimates worked out from archaeological evidence, while events without dates relate to traditional, legendary storytelling. The 'Lechtic' frame of reference used for the West Slav language group is largely assumed to be based on the legendary Lech mentioned above. Sometimes used in history as a name to describe Poland itself, especially by peoples to the east and south of Poland, Lechia is more likely a remembrance of the Lendian tribe of East Poland. The Old Norse knew this region as Laesir.

Also linked to the Lendian name (or to Lech) is a legendary super-state by the name of the 'Kingdom of Lechia', claimed as existing since at least 700 BC, being in contact with the early Roman emperors, and perhaps extending all the way eastwards to the far edge of Siberia. Unfortunately for its supporters it is a complete fantasy. (Additional information from A History of Poland from its Foundation, M Ross, and from The Earliest Icelandic Chronicle of the Norwegian Kings (1030-1157), Theodore Murdock Andersson & Kari Ellen Gade Morkinskinna.) 5th century Slavs first migrate into Poland towards the later part of the century, filling the void left by the greater part of the departed East Germanic tribes in regions such as Galicia , Lusatia and Silesia. Masuria is also reoccupied, by the West Slavic tribe of the Galindians, after parts of it have been abandoned by the Vidivarii and their preceding Willenberg culture ancestors.

Parts of the Galindians establish the regionally significant Olsztyn group, which includes horse burials along with its dead, and a large array of sophisticated bronze, silver and gold items gained through extensive trade in all directions. These Slav populations are still neighboured to the north by surviving Vidivarii populations. 6th century The West Slavs of Poland gradually subjugate the remaining Germanic populations in the north of the region. It is in the early part of this century that isolated remains from cultures influenced by Rome last appear, mostly the remnants of Germanic tribes that have traded directly or obliquely with the former empire. Germanic populations survive in Pomerania . The legendary brothers, Lech, Czech and Rus, were the eponymous founders of the Polish, Czech and Russian nations, shown here in Viktor Vasnetsov's 'Warriors', 1898 The Polans occupy the central region of Greater Poland, and during this century a dominant kingship appears to emerge. Its early rulers are legendary, probably created by later generations to confirm the royal family's ancient pedigree (these names are shown with a shaded background). The figures from Popiel onwards would seem to represent real rulers.

Lech / Lechus I Eponymous mid-sixth century founder of the Poles. Lech is the legendary mid-sixth century figure to whom the title of duke is first given. From him the country derives the name Lechia, by which it is apparently still known in the tenth century (especially in states to the east and south), and which remains in use much later with the Tartars. His people are called Polechia, or the children of Lech. He is credited with founding Gnesa and Posna. Viscimir Nephew. The legendary Viscimir is the probable successor to Lech, although it is also claimed that Lech's son rules after him, or that the most eligible noble is selected (which could easily be Viscimir himself, perhaps after a successional conflict with Lech's son). Viscimir is credited with conquering vast amounts of territory, including the heart of Denmark , although he is not mentioned at all by Danish chroniclers.

Cracus / Gracus I 1000+ images about KINGDOM OF POLAND on Pinterest | Krakow, The throne and Warsaw Forward Mieszko I ( 960-992) the first historic ruler of Poland, founder of the Piast dynasty. He united several western Slavonic tribes under his sway and consolidated his power by marrying the Bohemian princess, Dobrava, and converting to Christianity in 966. As a result, the Polish state was brought into the European political system and established relations with the greatest powers of that period, the papacy and the empire. After Dobrava's death, Mieszko married Oda. See More Ancient Polish History thread Ancient Polish History thread page 1 of 6: 1 2 3 4 5 6 »» Mala_Elf Activity: 13 / 17 Joined: 2 May 2007 ♀ 27 Sep 2007 / #1 I want to learn Ancient Polish History and all of the Kings, as much as possible. But I don't have time to read a great deal of material. Could anyone start a History Thread which has some kind of order to it?

I would be so grateful =) osiol Activity: 55 / 3,927 Joined: 25 Jul 2007 ♂ 27 Sep 2007 / #2 Perhaps someone could start with the furthest back in time, and try to work forwards from there. Tall order, I know. I was talking to someone about Stonehenge. It got me thinking: what is the oldest surviving relic in Poland? Any standing stones? That sort of thing. Grzegorz_ Activity: 52 / 6,271 27 Sep 2007 / #3 Baptism of Poland The Baptism of Poland (Polish: Chrzest Polski) was the event in 966 that signified the beginning of the Christianization of Poland, commencing with the baptism of Mieszko I, who was the first ruler of the Polish state. Ancient history of Poles... finaly something realy interesting I can try to contribute to this trip into past. Can I? On he first look I noticed this ... I was talking to someone about Stonehenge.

Well, according to genetic foundings, there is possibility that ancestral culture of Stonehenge builders was some ancient culture of central Europe. Which culture that can be question is now? He is the earliest metalworker known from Britain, and his grave contained the earliest gold objects in Britain. Tests on his teeth showed that he came from central Europe. Source: RUSSELL JACKSON //news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=707072004 Biskupin is probably the oldest known settlement and still has ruins there mostly of wood, I believe. It dates from before Christ, so it is quite old. It is near Poznan. Far from that, that Biskupin represent `oldest known settlement` but, you are on the good way to undertstand meaning of Biskupin if you say that it represent remain (was part) of probably oldest culture of old world (Europe). More about ... Biskupin (Poland) archaeology.about.com/od/bterms/g/biskupin.htm The Biskupin site is a fortified settlement in Poland and, belonging to the Lausitz (Late Bronze age) and Hallstatt C (Early Iron age) cultures.

That was a walled settlement of about 800-1000 people in the Warta River Valley about 2700 BC. The site was discovered in the 1930s and excavated by Jozef Kostrzewsk of Poznan University. Grzegorz_ Activity: 52 / 6,271 Joined: 16 Nov 2006 ♂ 27 Sep 2007 / #7 After Baptism Poland became internationally recognized state. It was created in 10th century - some of western Slavic tribes were united by the strongest of them - Polanie (that's why the name Polska). Duke Mieszko I is the first historically known ruler of Poland. Before him there was probably Siemomys�, Leszek and Siemowit but the last two were probably only rulers of a tribal state. They created dynasty of Piasts. The first capital was Gniezno - now a small town near Pozna�. Mieszko I was probably born in 930 and died on 25th May 992. Poland took Christianity from Czechs.

Mieszko got married with a Czech princess Dobrawa. what were they before 966? scattered tribes? what other tribes existed? I truley find this amazing, because if it werent for their preseverance and courage where would we be today? hold your glass high to them.. Ancestors! I dont know exactly about Polish nations, but russian peoples for example, were settled on the present territory approx. at the 7-th cent. and played imortant role in Byzantine politic at 8 cent. But Bulgars even older they settled on Balcans at 5-6 cent and emmideatly orgnized pretty large state, and played huge role not only in this region but in all european's affairs untill Turcic invasion. Lukasz Activity: 49 / 1,753 Joined: 1 Sep 2007 ♂ 28 Sep 2007 / #12 LOL :) I see you have mision. You try to prove that Poles are not so acient as Russians :) no way :) and work on feeling of self-respect ;) where are Russians ?

Poles are noticable in two places (todays Ukraina and Poland) ConstantineK Activity: 26 / 1,259 28 Sep 2007 / #13 Quoting: ConstantineK I dont know exactly about Polish nations, but russian peoples for example, were settled on the present territory approx. at the 7-th cent. and played imortant role in Byzantine politic at 8 cent. But Bulgars even older they settled on Balcans at 5-6 cent and emmideatly orgnized pretty large state, and played huge role not only in this region but in all europe affairs untill Turcic invasion. LOL :) I see you have mision. You try to prove that Poles are not so acient as Russians :) no way :) and work on feeling of self-respect ;) where are Russians ? Poles are noticable in two places (todays Ukraina and Poland) Russians and Ukranians, are the same nation. They deverse only by dialects LOL :) I see you have mision.

You try to prove that Poles are not so acient as Russians :) no way :) and work on feeling of self-respect ;) where are Russians ? Poles are noticable in two places (todays Ukraina and Poland) Moreover it's wrong map, Bulgaria never been a Kingdom, it was Tsardom or Empire. LOL :) I see you have mision. You try to prove that Poles are not so acient as Russians :) no way :) No I hadnt any ideas to present Russians as an eldest brother in Slavic family. Poles and Russians approximetly have one age! osiol Activity: 55 / 3,927 what were they before 966? scattered tribes? what other tribes existed? Yes. Polanie, Mazowszanie, Wi�lanie, Pomorzanie, �l�anie and many smaller tribes. Some of them created their own states like Wi�lanie, who had a quite strong state already in IXth century but later went under infuence of Czechs.

At the beginning of Xth century Polanie started expansion and in the middle of the century except their homeland (Pozna� area now called Wielkopolska - Greater Poland) controlled also Mazowsze (Warsaw area) and Kujawy (Bydgoszcz area). Before the end of Xth century they united (partly willingly , partly by force) other tribes and controlled area similar to modern day Poland (map in post 12). In 967 the Polish ruler defeated German Count Wichman and his allies. In 972 at the Battle of Cedynia, Mieszko defeated Hodo of the Eastern March. Mieszko I died in 992. His successor was his son Boles�aw Chrobry (Boles�aw the brave). Boles�aw I Chrobry Boles�aw I Chrobry was born in 967, died on 17th June 1025. Boleslaw continued the work of his father. At the Congress of Gniezno (1000) he was able to persuade Emperor Otto III to give his permission to create the first Polish archbishopric.

Otto III died two years later. Frustrated in his efforts to form an equal partnership with the Holy Roman Empire, Boleslaw gained some non-Polish territory in a series of wars against his imperial overlord in 1003 and 1004. Boleslaw I conquered the imperial March of Meissen (Polish Mi�nia) and also Lausitz (Latin Lusatia, Polish £u�yce). Boleslaw conquered and made himself duke of Bohemia in 1003, but lost the territory the following year. Then turned eastward. He defeated the Rus' and stormed Kyiv in 1018. Shortly before his death in 1025, Boleslaw won international recognition as the first king of a fully sovereign Poland. Lukasz Activity: 49 / 1,753 what were they before 966? scattered tribes? what other tribes existed? Let`s investigate Polanie, Mazowszanie, Wi�lanie, Pomorzanie, �l�anie and many smaller tribes. Just for comparision...

Sarmatian tribes: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarmatians NOTE: Have in mind that all first chronicles were written by Greek and Roman authors. So, first written data about Proto Slavs went thru Greek/Latin transcription. Still, we can notice names which are obviously Slavic. This can be interesting considering that modern science (on the base of old data and newest scientific results) established connection between ancestors of modern Slavic nations (with that Polish too), old Sarmatians, Scythians, ancient Aryans, etc. See on the same link Geography of Ptolemy, which includes the entire Balto-Slavic territory in Sarmatia, and on the other that this same region was Scythia. By "Sarmatia", Jordanes means only the Aryan territory. The Sarmatians therefore did come from the Scythians.

Then "As Goths advanced near to the Euxine (Black Sea) they encountered a purer race of Sarmatians, the Iazyges, the Alani and the Roxolani." Sarmatian tribes were no doubt Slavic.Jordanes gave the history of interaction between the Sclaveni and the Goths as they moved from Scandinavia circa 200 AD. "Sarmatian tribes were distinguished by Sclavonic language." Source: gog & magog geocities.com/amuse_amenace/gog.htm The ancestors of the Slavs are believed to have included the Sarmatians and Scythians. Moving west from central Asia, they settled in eastern and southeastern Europe during the 2nd and 3rd millennia BC. Source: 29 Sep 2007 / #19 Carbones, Careotae, Cariones, crow, not to poke any fun at any names, but I typed in carbone and it brought up alot of family resturants and businesses...

so the tribes managed to make it to the united states and start their own businesses :))) and they been in business since before 966 :)) Moving west from central Asia, they settled in eastern and southeastern Europe during the 2nd and 3rd millennia BC. this is what I question also.. so Poles , Russian, German etc all came from central Asia? Yes. Polanie, Mazowszanie, Wi�lanie, Pomorzanie, �l�anie and many smaller tribes. why the seperation? if they are all same people? why not be one tribe? Kaczor Duck Activity: 2 / 95 Joined: 20 Jun 2007 ♂ 29 Sep 2007 / #20 my friend gave me a bok on polish history going back to the 900's maybe sooner, i will lookfor it tomorrow and post the info on it, it is good.

dobronoc Joined: 31 Oct 2006 ♀ 29 Sep 2007 / #21 going back to the 900's maybe sooner, i will lookfor it tomorrow and post the info on it, it is good. ty KD.. that will be interesting to read :) thanks Dobranoc Crow Activity: 130 / 5,546 Of, course. Then, what`s the problem with us? this is another thread topic :) Why? Any thread is good for bussines, as any other place. Everything is about bussines, all is economy... Go ask Greeks, Italians, USA Cowboys (many others) ... they make good bussines of history. Even if that history isn`t always their own history but, they managed to sell even fog. Some others can`t sell even truth what are the most sucessful in poland ? I have an idea but, I`m not sure. I am from Serbia. You tell me Why would somebody invest his money in Poland?

Eurola Activity: 4 / 1,912 29 Sep 2007 / #29 Go ask Greeks I think they do better as business people (restaurant owners) in US than in their own country...They should take care of the stray cats and dogs running on the streets of Athens and other tourist places before considering themselves a fully civilized nation and a member of EU. The Acropolis times are over. Lukasz Activity: 49 / 1,753

Question: Mieszko I was the first historically documented ruler of which modern-day European country?
Answer: Poland