The paper presents a question of the Piast state formation based on the changes in the network of settlements, in particular the strongholds. The results of archaeological research, enriched by studies performed by historians, show that the processes of forming the Piast state took a relatively short time and it did not entail a period of competition between local tribal leaders. Its character was revolutionary, which determines the uniqueness of the processes occurring in the Polish lands over a thousand years ago.
The article brings about an analysis of major conceptualizations of processes leading to the emergence and development of social complexity and inequality, which have been formulated within major paradigms of contemporary archaeology. The most significant contribution to these issues was offered by archaeologies inspired by functionalism and neoevolutionism. These attempts corresponded with an attempt to turn archaeology into a nomothetic discipline. Of different character were works inspired by Marxism, Neomarxism, and poststructuralism. They offered a valuable contribution to the conceptualization of the means of achieving social goals and performing social roles by different actors.
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