# Bavarian Geographer lists tribes of the region (845)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/845-bavarian-geographer-lists-tribes-of-the-region
Location: Bavaria

A Latin document known as the Bavarian Geographer enumerated Slavic tribes and their strongholds, including names linked with the Vistulans, Silesians and Lendians. Within the broader Slavic Tribes period: Slavic tribes settled the region from the sixth century, building fortified gords and tribal territories. Legends of Lech, Krakus and Piast preserve memories of this age, which ended with the rise of the Polans around Gniezno. At this point in the timeline (845), the governing authority was Slavic tribal rulers (Tribal chieftains). Early West Slavic tribes such as the Polans, Vistulans, Masovians, Silesians, Lendians and Pomeranians were led by local chiefs and elders before the Piast state united most of them. Bavarian Geographer lists tribes of the region mattered because cultural achievements helped preserve and define Polish identity and influence beyond its borders. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Bavarian Geographer lists tribes of the region mattered because cultural achievements helped preserve and define Polish identity and influence beyond its borders.

Ruler at the time: [Popiel](https://poland-history.com/rulers/popiel)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Bavarian Geographer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavarian_Geographer)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Bavarian Geographer lists tribes of the region](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Bavarian+Geographer+lists+tribes+of+the+region)
- [Wikipedia — Polish tribes (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_tribes)