Poznan History, Poland

Poznan is one of the oldest cities in Poland and the name of the city is derived from the word “poznac” meaning “get to know”. Poznan has a long and fascinating history. It was Poland’s capital in the middle of 10th century. Settlement in Poznan began at the end of 8th century AD. Poznan and Gniezno, which is the first capital, were the centers of development.

The Diocese of Poznan was found under the jurisdiction of archbishop of Gniezno in 999. Both Poznan and Gniezno were destroyed during the invasion of Bohemian Czech of Bretislaus I in 1038 and the capital of Poland became Cracow under Casimir I, the Restorer. Poznan was rebuilt by King Boleslaus II but its status as a capital was lost forever.

It later became the capital of the division of Greater Poland when Poland was divided into feudal districts in 1138. The city developed quickly in 12th century and it became the center of trade and crafts. Poznan became a major political, cultural, economic and academic centre after the unification of Poland. The 16th century was the “Golden Age” of Poznan because of the development of trade, culture, education and religion.

In 1655, the Swedish armies invaded Poznan and a series of wars, epidemics and catastrophes killed many and slowed down the economic and cultural development of the city. Poznan retained its prosperity at the end of 18th century. In 1793 Poznan fell under the Kingdom of Prussia and became South Prussia’s capital during the partition of Poland. At the time of the First World War Poznan was militarized and after the war Poznan became a Polish city again.

Now the city is enjoying economic prosperity, artistic expression and cultural renewal.

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