The
history of Poland during the Piast dynasty is the first major stage in the
history of Poland. The Piast period lasted from the late 9th through the 14th century, when
Poland was established as a state and a nation during the
Middle Ages of
European history. The history of the Polish state commences with the founding of the
Piast dynasty by
Siemowit, succeeded by
Lestek and
Siemomysl, and finally
Mieszko I around 960, when his rule began. The indigenous Piast
ruling house was largely responsible for the formation of the Polish state and remained in power until the second half of the 14th century. Mieszko chose to be
baptized in the Western
Latin Rite in 966, which established a major cultural boundary in
Europe. Mieszko completed the unification of the
West Slavic tribal lands fundamental to the existence of the new country of Poland.