Mieszko II

When Mieszko II, Boleslaus I's son, assumed the throne, Poland was already a vast country, with an efficient administrative system and a developed Church structure with a metropolitan see in Gniezno, and dioceses in Cracow, Poznañ, Wroc³aw, and Ko³obrzeg. Unfortunately, the civil wars which ravaged the country in the following century severely undermined Poland's position. Neighbouring states joined in the conflict (Gniezno was plundered by the Czechs in 1038), which led not only to the loss of the crown but also part of the domains, temporary submission to the Empire, and internal disorder (an attempted secession by Mazovia, and a pagan rebellion after Mieszko's death).