Piast

The Piasts were the first historical ruling dynasty of Poland, named in later tradition after the semi-legendary Piast the Wheelwright. From Gniezno, Mieszko I united the Polan lands and accepted Christianity in 966, and his son Bolesław I the Brave was crowned the first king in 1025.

Unity did not last: Bolesław III Wrymouth's 1138 testament split Poland among his sons, and Piast dukes partitioned it for nearly two centuries while Silesian lines gradually became Bohemian vassals. Władysław I the Elbow-high was crowned in 1320 after reuniting the kingdom; his son Casimir III the Great ruled from 1333, strengthened it with towns and laws, dying without a male heir in 1370. The crown passed to his sister's son, the Angevin Louis I of Hungary.

Piast rule nevertheless continued locally: Masovian dukes lasted until 1526, and Silesian Piasts held Legnica, Brzeg and other duchies until the last ruling duke, George William, died in 1675; the final male and female heirs died in 1679 and 1707.