Mieszko I
Mieszko I (c. 935–992) was the first historical ruler of Poland and founder of the Piast dynasty state. He unified the Polanian tribes and expanded his realm across much of present-day Poland. His conversion to Christianity in 966, accepting baptism in the Latin rite, was the defining act of his reign — it brought Poland into the Western Christian world, allied him with the Holy Roman Empire, and gave his state ecclesiastical legitimacy. The Dagome iudex document (c. 990) placed his realm under papal protection.
- Lived: 935 CE – 992 CE
- Nationality: polish
- Roles: ruler
