# Polans build a state around Gniezno and Poznań (920)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/920-polans-build-a-state-around-gniezno-and-poznan
Location: Greater Poland

The Polans constructed a network of powerful strongholds at Gniezno, Poznań, Giecz, Ostrów Lednicki and Kruszwica, the core of the future Polish state. 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 (920), the governing authority was Lestek (Duke of the Polans (semi-legendary)). Second Piast duke in Gallus Anonymus's genealogy, remembered for continuing the expansion of the Polans' territory. This ruler is known only from legend or from a later chronicle tradition, so the dating is approximate. Polans build a state around Gniezno and Poznań mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood. 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
Polans build a state around Gniezno and Poznań mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood.

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

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Polans (western)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polans_(western))
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Polans build a state around Gniezno and Poznań](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Polans+build+a+state+around+Gniezno+and+Pozna%C5%84)
- [Wikipedia — Polish tribes (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_tribes)