Events with tag - Poland

April 14, 966

Baptism of Poland

The Baptism of Poland in 966 was a breakthrough event in the history of Poland, which initiated the process of Christianization and incorporated the Polish state into Latin civilization. Duke Mieszko I, by accepting baptism, made a strategic choice that had fundamental significance for Poland's political, cultural, and social development.

April 2, 1000

Establishment of the Gniezno Metropolis

The Gniezno Metropolis was established on April 2, 1000 during the historic Congress of Gniezno, attended by Bolesław the Brave and Emperor Otto III. This event was of fundamental importance for church organization in Poland and strengthening the country's position in medieval Europe. Radzim Gaudentius, the half-brother of St. Adalbert, became the first archbishop.

April 18, 1025

Coronation of Bolesław the Brave

The coronation of Bolesław the Brave as the first King of Poland, which took place on April 18, 1025, at the Gniezno Cathedral, was a pivotal moment in Polish history. This event symbolically marked the birth of Polish statehood and significantly strengthened Poland's position in the international arena. The coronation was the culmination of Bolesław's years-long efforts to strengthen Poland's position and gain independence from the German Empire.

January 1, 1039

Return of Casimir the Restorer to the Polish throne

In 1039, Casimir I the Restorer, son of Mieszko II and Richeza, returned from exile to Poland, beginning the process of rebuilding and unifying the state after a period of deep crisis. Supported by Emperor Henry III and Kievan Rus, he gradually regained control over Lesser Poland, Greater Poland, Masovia, and Silesia. His reign brought stability to the country through administrative, economic, and ecclesiastical reforms.

January 1, 1136

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a unique mining monument with documented history dating back to the 12th century. The first mentions of salt extraction come from a papal bull of 1136, and the site has transformed from a medieval mining center into a world-class tourist attraction.

January 1, 1138

Testament of Bolesław III Wrymouth

Bolesław III Wrymouth's Testament of 1138 introduced the principle of seniority and divided the Polish state among the ruler's sons. This event initiated the period of feudal fragmentation in Poland, which lasted almost 200 years and ended with the coronation of Władysław the Elbow-high in 1320. This decision significantly influenced the fate of medieval Poland.

September 13, 1195

Battle of Mozgawa

The Battle of Mozgawa (September 13, 1195) was one of the most important armed conflicts in medieval Poland. The clash between the forces of Mieszko III the Old and those of young Leszek the White, supported by Roman of Halych, led to significant changes in the political power structure of the Piast state.

December 13, 1270

Henry IV Probus ascends the Wrocław throne

Henry IV Probus, son of Henry III the White, assumed power in the Duchy of Wrocław at the age of 13. This event marked the beginning of a dynamic development period for Wrocław and the entire region. The young duke introduced numerous administrative and economic reforms that transformed Wrocław into one of the most important trading centers in medieval Europe.

June 26, 1295

Coronation of Przemysł II

The coronation of Przemysł II as King of Poland at Gniezno Cathedral on June 26, 1295, was a pivotal moment in Polish history. This event ended the period of feudal fragmentation and initiated the process of unifying Polish lands. The coronation ceremony, conducted by Archbishop Jakub Świnka, restored Poland's status as a kingdom after more than 150 years.

February 8, 1296

Death of Przemysł II

On February 8, 1296, in Rogoźno, King Przemysł II of Poland, the last ruler from the Greater Poland line of the Piast dynasty, was murdered. The assassination was carried out as a result of a conspiracy involving the Margraves of Brandenburg and members of the Nałęcz and Zaremba noble families. This event ended the attempt to unify the Polish state and initiated a long-lasting political crisis.

October 1, 1306

Ladislaus Takes Control of Kraków

In October 1306, Władysław the Short (Ladislaus I of Poland) assumed power in Kraków after the death of the last Přemyslid, Wenceslaus III. This breakthrough event initiated the process of unifying Polish lands, which led to Ladislaus's coronation as King of Poland in 1320.

January 20, 1320

Unification of Poland by Władysław the Elbow-high

The unification of Poland by Władysław the Elbow-high was a turning point in Polish history. After nearly 200 years of feudal fragmentation, this prince managed to unite the fragmented Polish lands into one kingdom. The unification process culminated in the coronation of Władysław the Elbow-high as King of Poland on January 20, 1320, in Wawel Cathedral.

January 20, 1320

Coronation of Władysław I the Elbow-high

The coronation of Władysław I the Elbow-high as King of Poland at Wawel Cathedral on January 20, 1320, was a pivotal event in Polish history. This ceremony ended the period of feudal fragmentation and symbolically united Polish lands under one scepter. This event restored the institution of the Kingdom of Poland after nearly 200 years of interruption.

February 1, 1331

John of Luxembourg's Invasion of Lesser Poland

In February 1331, Czech forces under the command of John of Luxembourg launched an invasion of Lesser Poland. The 20,000-strong Czech army attempted to capture Kraków, but the 3,000-strong garrison under the command of Władysław the Elbow-high successfully defended the city. The invasion ended in failure for the invaders but caused significant damage to the region.

September 27, 1331

Battle of Płowce

A key battle of medieval Poland fought on September 27, 1331, between the forces of Władysław the Elbow-High and the Teutonic Knights. Despite the lack of a decisive victory, the battle weakened the Teutonic Order and strengthened Poland's position.

April 25, 1333

Coronation of Casimir III the Great

On April 25, 1333, Casimir III the Great was crowned King of Poland at Wawel Cathedral in Kraków. This was a turning point in Polish history, marking the beginning of a period of prosperity and development for the country. Casimir III the Great, the last king of the Piast dynasty, assumed the throne after the death of his father, Władysław I the Elbow-high.

November 1, 1335

Polish-Hungarian Alliance

Historic meeting in Visegrád in 1335, during which Hungarian King Charles Robert, Polish King Casimir the Great, and Bohemian ruler John of Luxembourg formed a strategic alliance that shaped the political map of Central Europe for centuries to come.

November 1, 1335

Congress of Visegrád

Historic meeting of three rulers - Casimir the Great, John of Luxembourg and Charles Robert - in Visegrád in 1335. This event led to groundbreaking territorial arrangements and laid the foundations for international cooperation in Central Europe.

July 8, 1343

Treaty of Kalisz

The Treaty of Kalisz, signed on July 8, 1343, was a groundbreaking peace treaty between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order. Under its terms, Poland regained Kuyavia and Dobrzyń Land, while the Teutonic Knights retained Pomerelia (Gdańsk Pomerania). The treaty ended a period of prolonged conflicts and established new principles of coexistence between the two states.

January 1, 1347

The Statute of Wiślica

The Statute of Wiślica - a groundbreaking legal document issued in 1347 by King Casimir the Great, which unified the legal system in Lesser Poland and laid the foundations for the development of Polish legislation.

May 12, 1364

Founding of the Krakow Academy

The Krakow Academy, founded by King Casimir the Great on May 12, 1364, was the second university in Central Europe. The institution was established in response to Poland's growing educational needs and aimed to educate the country's intellectual elite. It consisted of three faculties: Liberal Arts, Law, and Medicine.

September 22, 1364

Congress of Kraków

The Congress of Kraków in 1364 was the largest diplomatic event of medieval Poland, organized by King Casimir the Great. The meeting was attended by the most important monarchs of Central Europe, including Emperor Charles IV and King Louis I of Hungary. The event lasted five days and significantly influenced the balance of power in the region.

January 1, 1366

Annexation of Galicia-Volhynia to Poland

The annexation of Galicia-Volhynia (Ruthenian lands) by Casimir the Great in 1366 was one of the most significant events in medieval Polish history. This strategic move significantly expanded the state's territory, enriched it with new natural resources, and opened new trade routes. This event was the culmination of a long-term process of territorial expansion to the east.

November 5, 1370

Death of Casimir the Great

Casimir III the Great, the last king of Poland from the Piast dynasty, died on November 5, 1370, in Cracow due to injuries sustained from falling off a horse while hunting. His death marked the end of the 400-year reign of the Piast dynasty on the Polish throne.

November 5, 1370

Death of Casimir III the Great

On November 5, 1370, Casimir III the Great, the last Polish king of the Piast dynasty, died in Krakow. His death was caused by injuries sustained from falling off a horse while hunting in Przyszow. This event marked the end of Poland's Golden Age and the Piast dynasty's reign, opening a new chapter in the country's history under the Angevin rule.

November 17, 1370

Coronation of Louis I of Hungary

Louis I of Hungary, son of Charles Robert of Anjou and Elizabeth of Poland, was crowned King of Poland on November 17, 1370, at Wawel Cathedral. This event initiated the personal union between Poland and Hungary and brought significant changes to Poland's political system, including the famous Privilege of Koszyce in 1374.

November 17, 1370

Louis I of Hungary becomes King of Poland

On November 17, 1370, Louis I of Hungary was crowned King of Poland at Wawel Cathedral. This was made possible through succession agreements with Casimir the Great, who had no male heir. This event initiated a personal union between Poland and Hungary, creating the largest state entity in Central Europe at that time.

September 17, 1374

Privilege of Košice

The Privilege of Košice from September 17, 1374, was a landmark document in medieval Polish history, issued by King Louis of Hungary in Košice. This document significantly changed the relationship between the monarch and the nobility, granting the latter numerous privileges, including tax exemptions and legal guarantees. This event laid the foundation for the development of noble democracy and the later political system of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

October 10, 1410

Battle of Koronowo

The Battle of Koronowo was a significant armed clash between Polish forces under the command of Sędziwój of Ostroróg and the Teutonic forces led by Michael Küchmeister von Sternberg. The battle ended in a decisive victory for the Poles, who captured 50 Teutonic knights and seized 26 order banners.

October 2, 1413

Union of Horodło

The Union signed on October 2, 1413, in Horodło between the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Key provisions included equalizing the rights of Lithuanian boyars with Polish nobility and the adoption of Polish coats of arms by Lithuanian families.

March 12, 1434

Establishment of the Ruthenian Voivodeship

On March 12, 1434, King Władysław Jagiełło established the Ruthenian Voivodeship as a new administrative unit of the Kingdom of Poland. The voivodeship was created on the territories of the former Principality of Galicia-Volhynia and encompassed five lands with its capital in Lviv.

December 31, 1435

Treaty of Brześć Kujawski

The Treaty of Brześć Kujawski signed on December 31, 1435, between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order. The treaty ended a two-year armed conflict, bringing significant territorial and economic changes. Poland regained Nieszawa along with surrounding lands and obtained important trade privileges.

May 15, 1440

Coronation of Władysław III as King of Hungary

On May 15, 1440, in Székesfehérvár, Władysław III of Varna was crowned King of Hungary. This event initiated a personal union between Poland and Hungary, creating a powerful alliance against the Ottoman Empire. On the same day, the controversial coronation of the three-month-old Ladislaus the Posthumous also took place.

February 6, 1454

Thirteen Years' War

One of the most important military conflicts in medieval Polish history, lasting from 1454 to 1466. It began with the Act of Incorporation of Prussia into the Polish Crown by Casimir IV Jagiellon and ended with the Second Peace Treaty of Thorn.

September 18, 1454

Battle of Chojnice

Battle of Chojnice (September 18, 1454) - a crucial clash of the Thirteen Years' War between the forces of the Kingdom of Poland under the command of Casimir IV Jagiellon and the Teutonic Order. It ended in a devastating defeat for the Polish forces and forced a reform of the military system.

June 7, 1457

The Siege of Malbork

The Siege of Malbork in 1457 was a crucial event in the Thirteen Years' War. The fortress, which symbolized the power of the Teutonic Order, was captured by Polish forces under the command of Casimir IV Jagiellon by purchasing it from Czech mercenaries for 190,000 Hungarian florins.

October 19, 1466

Second Peace of Thorn

The Second Peace of Thorn was a breakthrough peace treaty concluded on October 19, 1466, between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order. As a result, Poland regained Pomerelia (Gdańsk Pomerania) and other territories, while the Teutonic state became a fief of the Polish Crown. The treaty ended the Thirteen Years' War and significantly changed the balance of power in Central Europe.

January 18, 1493

First General Sejm in Piotrków

The First General Sejm was convened on January 18, 1493, in Piotrków by King John I Albert. This event marked the beginning of Polish parliamentarism, introducing a bicameral parliamentary system consisting of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. During the session, 33 parliamentary constitutions were enacted, which shaped the foundations of the Polish political system.

September 1, 1939

World War II

World War II was the largest armed conflict in human history, which began on September 1, 1939, with Nazi Germany's attack on Poland. The conflict quickly spread worldwide, involving most nations and claiming millions of lives. The war ended in 1945, fundamentally changing the world order.

September 1, 1939

September Campaign

The September Campaign began on September 1, 1939, with Germany's attack on Poland, and on September 17, the Soviet Union joined the invasion. Despite heroic defense, including the symbolic defense of Westerplatte, the military superiority of the aggressors led to Poland's defeat. The campaign ended on October 6, 1939, with the capitulation of the last regular units at Kock.

September 1, 1939

German Attack on Poland

On September 1, 1939, at 4:45 AM, German forces attacked Poland, initiating World War II. The attack began with the bombardment of Westerplatte by the battleship Schleswig-Holstein and air raids on Polish cities. The September Campaign lasted 35 days and ended in Poland's defeat, despite Polish soldiers' heroic defense against overwhelming German forces.

September 17, 1939

Soviet Invasion of Poland

On September 17, 1939, the Soviet Union, breaking existing international treaties, launched a military invasion of Poland. The attack was the implementation of the secret protocol of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact and occurred when Poland was fighting a desperate battle against Nazi Germany. About 600,000 Red Army soldiers, supported by 4,700 tanks and 3,300 aircraft, crossed Poland's eastern border, beginning a period of Soviet occupation and mass repression against civilians.

September 17, 1939

Red Army Invasion of Poland

On September 17, 1939, the Red Army crossed Poland's borders, implementing the secret provisions of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. This event, along with the subsequent Soviet troops' entry in 1944, fundamentally changed Poland's fate, leading to the installation of communist rule and significant territorial changes after World War II.

September 27, 1939

Polish Underground State

The Polish Underground State was established on September 27, 1939, as a secret administrative and military structure in response to the German and Soviet occupation of Poland. It was a unique phenomenon in Europe, encompassing both civilian and military structures that operated in conspiracy throughout World War II.

September 28, 1939

Capitulation of Warsaw

The capitulation of Warsaw on September 28, 1939, ended the heroic 20-day defense of Poland's capital against the German invader. After exhausting combat, facing overwhelming enemy forces, lack of supplies, and a dramatic situation of civilians, the city's defense command decided to surrender. The act of capitulation was signed at 13:15 in Ożarów Mazowiecki.

September 29, 1939

Surrender of Modlin Fortress

The Modlin Fortress, located at the confluence of the Vistula and Narew rivers, was one of the last points of Polish resistance during the September Campaign of 1939. After 19 days of heroic defense led by Gen. Wiktor Thommée, facing depleted supplies and no hope for relief, the fortress surrendered on September 29, 1939. The defense of Modlin became a symbol of Polish soldiers' courage and determination in the face of German aggression.

April 20, 1940

Union of Retaliation

Union of Retaliation - a secret subversive organization established on April 20, 1940, within the Union of Armed Struggle. It conducted sabotage and subversive actions against the German occupier, significantly weakening its military and economic potential. The organization operated until November 1942, when it was incorporated into the structures of the Home Army's Directorate of Diversion.

May 16, 1940

Operation AB

Operation AB (Extraordinary Pacification Operation) was a mass extermination action carried out by the Nazis in occupied Poland from May to July 1940. Its aim was to murder Polish intelligentsia and social elites. As a result of the operation, approximately 6,000 people were arrested, of whom over 3,500 were murdered in mass executions, mainly in Palmiry near Warsaw.

November 16, 1940

Establishment of the Warsaw Ghetto

On November 16, 1940, Nazi Germany officially established the Warsaw Ghetto, the largest Jewish ghetto in occupied Europe. Over 400,000 people of Jewish origin were crowded into an area of 3.4 km², separated from the rest of the city by 3-meter-high walls. This decision was part of the Nazis' broader plan to isolate and exterminate the Jewish population.

May 8, 1945

The End of World War II in Poland

World War II formally ended in Poland on May 8, 1945, however, the liberation of individual territories lasted from January to May 1945. Despite Germany's capitulation, Poland fell under USSR domination, which led to the installation of communist rule and fundamental territorial and social changes.