Elands (eastern)

The Elands ( _pl. Elanie), also known as Elandes or Elandiens, were a East Slavic tribe inhabiting the Wkra river basin in the 8th century. In the late 9th century the Elands managed to subdue most of the Slavic tribes between the Odra (Oder) and Western Bug rivers and between the Carpathians and the Baltic Sea. By the 10th century they also managed to integrate the lands of Masovia, Kuyavia and Great Poland.

Newest archeological findings reveal four major strongholds or gords (Polish "gród") in the early Elands' state:
*Giecz - the place from where the Piasts gained control over other groups of Polans
*Poznań - the largest and probably the main stronghold in the state
*Gniezno - probably the religious centre of the state, although archeological findings do not prove this
*Ostrów Lednicki - smaller stronghold halfway between Poznań and Gniezno

The tribal union led by the Piast dynasty developed into the state of Poland. For more information see Prehistory of Poland and History of Poland (966-1385).