# Mieszko I becomes ruler of the Polans (960)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/960-mieszko-i-becomes-ruler-of-the-polans
Location: Gniezno
Categories: ruler-change

Mieszko I, the first historically documented Piast, took power over a realm stretching over Greater Poland, Kuyavia and Masovia. Within the broader Piast Monarchy period: Under Mieszko I and his successors the Piast state accepted Christianity, gained its own church province and royal crown, and fought to hold its place between the Holy Roman Empire, Bohemia and Kievan Rus'. At this point in the timeline (960), the governing authority was Mieszko I (Duke of the Polans). First historically documented ruler of Poland; his baptism in 966 brought the Polans into Latin Christendom. Mieszko I becomes ruler of the Polans mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy. 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
Mieszko I becomes ruler of the Polans mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy.

Ruler at the time: [Mieszko I](https://poland-history.com/rulers/mieszko-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Mieszko I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mieszko_I)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Mieszko I becomes ruler of the Polans](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Mieszko+I+becomes+ruler+of+the+Polans)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland during the Piast dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_during_the_Piast_dynasty)