The article explores how the comes Piotr Włostowic fits into a set of criteria (such as distinguished descent; a considerable material wealth; participation in royal/ducal power; a disposition over Church offices and/or a special dedication to Church matters) defining high medieval Polish nobility.
Against the background of modern nation-building the article looks at the work of two eminent 19th century historians, the Pole Joachim Lelewel and the Russian Mikhail Pogodin. The text investigates how they tried to shape a modern Slavic Idea by means of historical and political writing.