EN
The purpose of this article is the most many-sided multidimensional possible definition of the notion of power which is frequently applied in the historical literature. Then the work is aimed at the application of basic social theories relating to power to the general research on the Early Middle Ages in Poland. Interpretation of the architectural layout on Ostrów Lednicki (Lednica Holm) is its more specific example. The article is divided into three parts. First one deals with various contemporary models of power. The author’s attention is paid to the three-dimensional theories of power which claim that the power can be understood not only as an institution but also as the network of relations in the society as well as the influence of some people on others, enabling to modify their attitude and conduct. So broad a definition of the notion of power offers an opportunity to single out several planes on which the power may be analysed. These are: authority over society, control over space, control of body or control of memory. Second and third parts of the article present individual concepts of power referring to the source material available – both to the written records and to the archaeological findings. This makes it possible to disregard the limitations connected with the objectification of power – i.e. the concept of political power under which such notions as: authority, control, influence, manipulation, violence are meant. Such model is most often applied in the humanities.