The Polans (also known as Polanes, Polanians Polish: Polanie, derived from Old Slavic pole, "field" or "plain", see polje) were a hypothetical West Slavic tribe, part of the Lechitic group, inhabiting the Warta river basin of the historic Greater Poland region in the 10th century. The tribe were seen as founders of Poland, the country that derived its name from the tribe. Now, the very presence of the tribe in Greater Poland is put in question, as there are no resources that confirms it. It is likely that there were more than one equally important tribes and maybe even no one were called Polans.
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There used to be theories that during the reign of King Svatopluk I of Great Moravia (871–94), who subdued the tribes of the Vistulans and Ślężanie (Silesians), the people settling the adjacent territories in the north united under the Polans, which however were not mentioned by the Bavarian Geographer. Following the decline of the Greater Moravian realm, they were able to gradually gain control over large territories between the Oder (Odra) and Bug River rivers and between the Carpathian Mountains and the Baltic Sea. By the late 10th century they had integrated the Kuyavian lands of the Goplans.
There is no known source claiming Polans were present in Great Poland in 9th century.
Newest archeological findings reveal four major strongholds or gords (Polish gród) in the early Polans' state that are founded around 940 year:
The development is interpreted as response to the challenge of Czech state.
The state led by the Piast dynasty developed into the Kingdom of Poland, whose name derives from that of the Polans. The first documented leader was Mieszko I (960–92), who significantly enlarged the Polish territory of his Civitas Schinesghe by incorporating Masovia and conquering Silesia and the Vistulan lands of Lesser Poland. (To more confusion Mieszko was known as King of Vandals).
For more information, see Prehistory of Poland and History of Poland during the Piast dynasty.
There is theory that the Western Polans are not to be confused with Eastern Polans, a similarly named Slavic tribe. The latter lived near modern-day Kiev and were conquered by Rus. Eastern Polans were present in 9th century. What is interesting, the last remark regarding Polans living on Dniepr river comes from year 944. This coincides with foundation of the fortresses in Greater Poland, allegedly by Polans.
There is new theory that Polans moved from Dniepr river into Great Poland in first half of 10th century.
There is another tribe, called Lendians, present in first half of 9th century in Lesser Poland and Red Ruthenia. Lendians are mentioned as one of the tribes dealing with Bizantium along with Eastern Slavs under the prince with Polish-like name.
Historians claim that names of Lendians and Polans mean the same. It can indicate that Polans are subgroup of Lendians or vice versa.