Editing Mieszko I (section)

===Early reign===

Mieszko I took over the rule after his father's death {{Circa|950}}–960, probably closer to the latter date.<ref>K. Jasiński, ''Siemomysł'', Polski Słownik Biograficzny, vol. 37, 1996, pp. 58–59.</ref> Due to the lack of sources it is not possible to determine exactly which lands he inherited. Certainly among them were the areas inhabited by the [[Polans (western)|Polans]] and [[Goplans]],<ref>[[Gerard Labuda]], ''Mieszko I'', pp. 18–22</ref> as well as the [[Sieradz]]-[[Łęczyca]] lands and [[Kuyavia]].<ref name="Jasiński">''Początki Polski w nowym świetle'' (The beginnings of Poland in new perspective) by [[Tomasz Jasiński (historian)|Tomasz Jasiński]], p. 17. The [[Polish Academy of Sciences]], Portal Wiedzy www.portalwiedzy.pan.pl "Nauka", April 2007</ref> It is possible that this state included also [[Masovia]]<ref>G. Labuda, ''Mieszko I'', p. 85; S. Szczur, ''Historia Polski średniowiecze'', pp. 34–35</ref> and [[Gdańsk Pomerania]].<ref>S. Szczur, ''Historia Polski średniowiecze'', p. 34; Henryk Łowmiański, ''Początki Polski'', vol. V, p. 502; G. Labuda, ''Mieszko I'', pp. 121–122</ref> Soon the new ruler faced the task of integrating the relatively large, ethnically and culturally heterogeneous territory. Although the residents of areas controlled by Mieszko spoke mostly one language, had similar beliefs and reached a similar level of economic and general development, they were socially connected primarily by [[tribe|tribal]] structures. It appears that the elders cooperating with the Duke first felt the need for super-tribal unity, as expansion allowed them to broaden their influence.

[[File:Grody w okresie Mieszka I.png|thumb|left|[[Polans (western)|Polan]] strongholds under Mieszko's rule, mid-10th century]]

Mieszko and his people were described around 966 by [[Abraham ben Jacob]], a [[Sephardi Jews|Sephardi Jewish]] traveller, who at that time visited the [[Prague]] court of Duke [[Boleslaus I, Duke of Bohemia|Boleslaus I the Cruel]].<ref>[[Jerzy Wyrozumski]] – ''Dzieje Polski piastowskiej'' (VIII w. – 1370) (History of Piast Poland (8th century – 1370)), Kraków 1999, p. 76</ref> Abraham presented Mieszko I as one of the four [[Slavic peoples|Slavic]] "kings",<ref>Jerzy Wyrozumski – ''Dzieje Polski piastowskiej'' (VIII w. – 1370) (History of Piast Poland (8th century – 1370)), Kraków 1999, p. 77</ref> reigning over a vast "northern" area, with a highly regarded and substantial military force at his disposal. More precise contemporary records regarding Mieszko were compiled by [[Widukind of Corvey]], and, half a century later, by Bishop [[Thietmar of Merseburg]].

By the time Mieszko I took over from his father, the [[Polans (western)|Polans]]' tribal federation of [[Greater Poland]] had for some time been actively expanding. Continuing this process, perhaps in the first years of Mieszko's reign, if it had not been done already by his father, Mieszko I conquered [[Masovia]]. Likely also during that period or earlier, at least part of [[Gdańsk Pomerania]] was obtained.<ref name="Jasiński"/> Mieszko's interests were then concentrated mainly on areas occupied by the eastern (''i.e.'', near the [[Oder|Oder River]]) branches of the [[Polabian Slavs]].

In 963 [[Margrave]] [[Gero]] of Meissen conquered territories occupied by the Polabian [[Lusatia]]n and Słupian tribes, and as a result came into direct contact with the Polish state. At the same time (about 960) Mieszko I began his expansion against the [[Velunzani]] and [[Lutici]] tribes. The war was recorded by the traveller [[Abraham ben Jacob]]. According to him, Mieszko I had fought against the Weltaba tribe, commonly identified with the Veleti. [[Wichmann the Younger]], a Saxon nobleman who was then a leader of a band of Polabian Slavs, defeated Mieszko twice, and around 963 a brother of Mieszko, whose name is unknown, was killed in the fighting. The frontiers at the mouth of the [[Oder|Oder River]] were also desired by the German margraves. In addition, the Veleti Bohemia, which at that time possessed [[Silesia]] and [[Lesser Poland]] regions, constituted a danger for the young state of the Polans.