Poland developed into a territorial state during the 10th century under Mieszko I, the first ruler of Poland. Under the dynastic rule of Mieszko I during the Piast dynasty, Christianity became widespread in Poland. The Polish language began its development during this historical period with the establishment of the Polish state. Under Mieszko I, many Slavonic tribes and communities began uniting and thus sharing and developing the early Polish language. Mieszko accepted the Latin alphabet to be used to write the Polish language, whereas prior to this period was only a spoken language.
