Mieszko I and the beginnings of the state: between history and genetics

This article is a fascinating journey into the roots of Polish statehood, where traditional historiography meets modern science. The author analyzes the approach of Professor Przemysław Urbańczyk, who deconstructs founding myths, revealing Mieszko I as a figure rife with mystery. A key element of the text is a discussion of the results of archaeogenomics research, including analysis of the Y chromosome and haplogroup R1b in members of the Piast dynasty. The reader will learn how fossil genetics verifies the biological continuity of the first rulers and the geostrategic significance of Poland's baptism in 966. This interdisciplinary perspective allows for a better understanding of the process of forming an imagined community and national identity, combining historical facts with hard biological data into a coherent narrative of the nation's origins.