966 - Poland Becomes a Nation

Poland’s first recorded leader, Duke Mieszko I, converted to Christianity after marrying Dabrowka of Bohemia.  This is formally recognized as the birth of the Polish nation.

By accepting Christianity, Poland became an influential participant in the sphere of Western culture. 

Poznan became the Episcopal see, or capital city.  Mieszko allied himself with the German Emperor Otto I and placed his land under the protection of the pope.