Mieszko I of Poland - Accomplishments

Accomplishments

• Unification of Polish lands. Mieszko's state was the first state that could be called Poland. He is often considered the founder, the principal creator and builder of the Polish state.

• Acceptance of Christianity and therefore inclusion of his country in the mainstream civilization and political structures of Christian Europe.

• Erection of churches. The Gniezno Cathedral was constructed during Mieszko's rule. Very likely the Duke also founded the church at Ostrów Tumski and the Poznań Cathedral.

• Possibly during Mieszko I's reign Poland began minting its own coin, the denarius.

• At the end of his rule, Mieszko I left to his sons a territory at least twice as large as what he inherited from his father. The most significant were the additions of Silesia, Western Pomerania, and probably Lesser Poland including Kraków.

• The first ruler conducted efficient foreign policy, which included agreements with Germany, Bohemia and Sweden, and prudently used his military resources.