705 years ago today, on January 20, 1320 (December 10, 1319, the lunar calendar), Władysław I became King of Poland and Poland was reunified. On January 20, 1320, Władysław I was crowned King of Poland in Krakow, and Poland was reunified. Władysław I (Shorty)(W? adyslawI? okietek£¬? -1333) The first king of Poland after its restoration of kingdom status (reigned 1320 - 1333). Prior to this, his titles were Duke of Kujavi (1275 - 1305) and Grand Duke of Poland (Władysław V, from 1296). Władysław I was the son of Kazimir I, Duke of Kuyavia. At the time of his birth, Poland was divided into many small independent duchies, but none of the rulers had universal power. Władysław I inherited such a small duchy from his father. In 1296, he was elected Grand Duke of Poland by the aristocrats in Krakow, but they soon turned to support King Wenceslas III of Bohemia. However, in 1305, Wenceslas III was assassinated before his coronation; Władysław I was legitimately elected Grand Duke. He continued his policy of promoting unity and was finally crowned king in Krakow on January 20, 1320, ending two centuries of division in Poland. Władysław I began war against the Teutonic Knights, who occupied large areas of Poland. His successors continued these struggles, eventually forcing the Teutonic Knights to surrender to the Polish king for a short period of time.