Christianization

=== Poland ===
{{Main|Christianization of Poland}} 
{{See also|Pagan reaction in Poland}}
[[File:Matejko Christianization of Poland.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Introduction of Christianity in Poland]]'', by [[Jan Matejko]], 1888–89, [[National Museum, Warsaw]]|alt=photo of a late nineteenth century painting by Jan Matejko depicting the introduction of Christianity to Poland through symbols such as a cross and a plow, baptism and reading]]
According to historians Franciszek Longchamps de Bérier and Rafael Domingo: "A pre-Christian [[Poland]] never existed. Poland entered history suddenly when some western lands inhabited by the Slavs embraced Christianity".{{sfn|de Bérier|Domingo|2022|p=3}} The dynastic interests of the [[Piast dynasty|Piasts]] produced the establishment of both church and state in Great Poland ([[Greater Poland]], also known as  ''"Wielkopolska"'' in Polish, is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief and largest city is Poznań.).{{sfn|Bukowska|2012|p=467}} The [[Christianization of Poland|"Baptism of Poland"]] ({{lang-pl|Chrzest Polski}}) in 966, refers to the baptism of [[Mieszko I of Poland|Mieszko I]], the first ruler.{{sfn|Bukowska|2012|p=467}} Mieszko's baptism was followed by the building of churches and the establishment of an ecclesiastical hierarchy. Mieszko saw baptism as a way of strengthening his hold on power, with the active support he could expect from the bishops, as well as a unifying force for the [[Polish people]].{{sfn|Bukowska|2012|p=467}}