The most famous archeological find from Poland’s prehistory is dated from the early Iron Age, around 700 BC. Poland began to form into a recognizable unitary and territorial entity around the middle of the 10th century under the Piast dynasty. Casimir III the Great, is remembered as one of the greatest Polish kings and is particularly famous for extending royal protection to Jews and providing the original impetus for the establishment of Poland’s first university.
Under the rules of the Jagiellonian dynasty kingdom was united with neighbouring Grand Dutchy of Lithuania, creating one the largest states in Europe. The golden era of so called The Republic od Both Nations lasted till the end of XVIII century with Constitution of 3rd of May, 2nd modern constitution in the World created by unique, diverse, multicultural society, at the peak of its existence. Located on the crossroads of Europe, Polish and Lithuanian Commonweath was wealthy state, where the West was meeting East, with merchants from all over the World and travelers from distant lands crossing its borders and visiting thriving cities.
But agreement of neighbouring Austria, Prussia and Russia led in 1792 to partation of Poland’s territory. After 126 years of struggle for independence, modern State of Poland emerged again on the maps of Europe in 1918 as The IInd Republic under the rules of Marshall Józef Piłsudski and his party.
The rise of the III Reich and Soviet Union brought young and developing country to the brink of destuction during 2nd World War, which started in Poland,on 1st of September 1939, when german battleship attacked Westerplatte,an army depot located in Gdańsk, on the Baltic cost. Society orginized itself in resistance movement, establishining the largest underground army in the entire Europe called the Home Army. Incurring heavy loses during occupation, Poland lost great number of citizens, including 95% of polish Jews community killed by Nazis in concentration camps during, the Holocaust.
The end of the war didn’t bring freedom to the nation. Liberated by the Red Army, was included to the communist block and society was pressed into new boundries named The People’s Republic of Poland. Rulled by Polish Communist Party, Poles found themselfes struggling for 45 years behind the Iron Curtain.
Regaining full independence after colapse of communist regime, in 1989 in form of The IIIrd Republic, Poland is again on the path of growth and stability. Today Republic of Poland is a member of European Union and NATO aliance, home of modern, european society, well known for its hospitality!
We invite you to discover Poland!
