Poznan City Map Poster

About Poznan

Poznań is one of the oldest cities in Poland, with evidence showing settlements there since 20 BC. The city was probably founded by the Polans (Polish tribe) in around AD 80, on a sandy island near two rivers – Warta and Obra. The name "Poznań" comes from Latin ""ad pontem"" ("at the bridge"), referring to its location at a strategic crossing point over the Warta river. In all likelihood Poznań's first non-agricultural activities were connected with trading and transporting goods for merchants from Greater Poland; excavations have revealed several such trade objects dating back to that time period. The earliest written mention of Poznań is dated 23 November 1065, when bishop Jordan granted it certain privileges; however it had already been mentioned as an important town earlier in 1018 by Grzegorz Chrobry's chronicler Lambert of Hersfeld who described it as "oppidum Potentianum".