The Polans (also known as Polanes, Polanians or Polians; Polish: Polanie) were a West Slavic tribe inhabiting the Warta river basin in the 8th century. In the late 9th century the Polans managed to subdue most of the Slavic tribes between the Odra (Oder) and Western Bug rivers and between the Carpathians and the Baltic Sea. By the 10th century they also managed to integrate the lands of Masovia, Kuyavia and Great Poland.
Newest archeological findings reveal four major strongholds or gords (Polish gród) in the early Polans' state:
- Giecz - the place from where the Piasts gained control over other groups of Polans
- Poznań - the largest and probably the main stronghold in the state
- Gniezno - probably the religious centre of the state, although archeological findings do not prove this
- Ostrów Lednicki - smaller stronghold halfway between Poznań and Gniezno
The tribal union led by the Piast dynasty developed into the state of Poland, whose name derives from that of the Polans. For more information see Prehistory of Poland and History of Poland (966-1385).
See also
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