# Baptism of Poland (966)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/966-baptism-of-poland
Location: Gniezno or Poznań
Categories: main-event

Mieszko I received baptism, traditionally dated to Holy Saturday, 14 April 966. The conversion brought his state into Latin Christendom, strengthened its position against the Empire and opened it to written culture. 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 (14 April 966), 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. Baptism of Poland mattered because religion shaped Polish identity, culture and the country's place in Europe. 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
Baptism of Poland mattered because religion shaped Polish identity, culture and the country's place in Europe.

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

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