The Polans, a West Slavic and Lechitic tribe, were foundational in the development of early Polish statehood, establishing themselves in the Warta River basin of what is now the Greater Poland region from the 6th century. Closely related to other Slavic groups like the Vistulans and Masovians, as well as the Czechs and Slovaks, they played a crucial role in the tribal dynamics of Central Europe.

By the 9th century, under the emerging leadership of the Piast dynasty, the Polans had unified several West Slavic groups north of Great Moravia, forming the nucleus of what would become the Duchy of Poland. This entity later evolved into a more formalized state under the first historically verified ruler, Mieszko I (reigned 960–992), who expanded the territory to include regions like Masovia, Silesia, and the Vistulan lands of Lesser Poland. The name "Poland" itself derives from the Polans, highlighting their central role in the nation's early history.

Archaeological findings have identified major strongholds of the early Polan state, including:

Giecz: from where the Piast dynasty extended their control

Poznań: likely the main political stronghold

Gniezno: presumed to be the religious center

Ostrów Lednicki: a smaller fortification strategically located between Poznań and Gniezno.

These sites underscore the administrative and ceremonial importance of these locations in early Polish state formation.

The Dagome iudex document, dating from Mieszko's reign, offers a glimpse into the extent of Poland during the late 10th century, describing a state that stretched between the Oder River and Rus, and between Lesser Poland and the Baltic Sea. This period marked the beginning of Poland's historical trajectory, influenced significantly by the strategic and cultural developments initiated by the Polans.