Poznań – central place in the Middle Ages

Abstract

The Poznań stronghold, founded on an island within the Warta River backwaters,  from the beginning belonged to hubs of the first Piasts state, which were characterized by serving various functions. In the second half of the 10th century Poznań was already a powerful fortress defending access to the state interior, seat of duke and his court, stronghold with administrative, economic and religious functions, constituting for the ruler a main point in the management of the state. Taking into account the might of its fortifications, size and multi-segment nature of the Poznań stronghold, as well as the manner of its building, it can be assumed that it was organized on the model of Carolingian-Ottonian residences. In the 1240s this main stronghold of Greater Poland was covered by urbanization processes. Initially, Duke Przemysł I planned to incorporate the city in Śródka, designating for this purpose a settlement located to the east of the stronghold, in its immediate vicinity. However, the city was organized in 1253 in more convenient area, situated on the left bank of the Warta River. Its shape and structure, including the presence of mortared ducal castle, surrounded by its own fortifications, clearly indicate that Poznań maintained its position as a central place throughout the Middle Ages.