A Prince Who Changed His Country Forever

Mieszko I was a prince in a land called Poland.

He lived a long time ago, about one thousand years.

Poland is a country in Europe.

Mieszko was a strong leader.

He led his people and kept them safe.

His people were called Slavs.

The Slavs had their own old beliefs and gods.

Mieszko wanted to make his country stronger.

He knew that many other countries in Europe were Christian.

He thought it was a good idea to become Christian too.

Mieszko met a princess named Dobrawa.

She was from a place called Bohemia.

Dobrawa was already a Christian.

Mieszko married her in the year 965.

Dobrawa helped Mieszko learn about the Christian faith.

In the year 966, Mieszko made a big decision.

He decided to be baptized.

Baptism is a special ceremony in the Christian religion.

This event is called the Baptism of Poland.

It was a very important moment in Polish history.

After the baptism, many people in Poland became Christian too.

Churches were built all over the land.

Priests came to teach the people about the new religion.

The year 966 is seen as the beginning of the Polish state.

Mieszko also worked to make Poland safe from enemies.

He built a strong army.

He made friends with powerful neighbors.

Mieszko died around the year 992.

People in Poland still remember him today.

He is seen as the father of Poland.