Siemowit
Duke of the Polans
About Siemowit
Lived 845 – 900. Siemowit was a Polish traditional leader or chief.
Siemowit (Polish pronunciation: [ɕɛˈmɔvit], also Ziemowit [ʑɛˈmɔvit]) was, according to the chronicles of Gallus Anonymus, the son of Piast the Wheelwright and Rzepicha. He is considered to be the first ruler of the Piast dynasty.
He became the Duke of the Polans in the 9th century after his father, Piast the Wheelwright, son of Chościsko, refused to take the place of legendary Duke Popiel. Siemowit was elected as new duke by the wiec. According to a popular legend, Popiel was then eaten by mice in his tower on Gopło lake.
The only mention of Siemowit, along with his son, Lestek, and grandson, Siemomysł, comes in the medieval chronicle of Gallus Anonymus.
Siemowit's great-grandson, Mieszko I, was the first Christian ruler of Poland.
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Important facts
Family & relationships
Related people
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Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Siemowit's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Siemowit?
duke of the Polans
When was Siemowit born?
Siemowit was born in 845.
When did Siemowit die?
Siemowit died in 900.
What was Siemowit's occupation?
Siemowit was a traditional leader or chief.
What nationality was Siemowit?
Siemowit was Polish.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Siemowit. https://biography.guide/siemowit/
MLA: "Siemowit." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/siemowit/.
Chicago: "Siemowit." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/siemowit/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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