Port of Our Times: In the Footsteps of Cnut the Great – The Shared Heritage of the Piasts and Scandi
active 6 days, 6 hours agoThe inspiration for developing this project stems from recent scientific findings regarding Płock as the largest known necropolis of the Piast dynasty, making the city a symbolic cradle of Poland’s first royal house. These findings were confirmed by an interdisciplinary team of researchers and presented at the national conference entitled “In Search of Our Roots.” The Cathedral Basilica in Płock is the resting place of many Polish rulers, including Bolesław III Wrymouth and Władysław I Herman. It is from this very Piast dynasty that the mother of Cnut the Great descended — the most powerful Viking in European history, King of England, Denmark, and Norway. He was the grandson of Mieszko I and the nephew of Bolesław the Brave, whose support, according to historical sources, enabled him to conquer England.
Referring to the life of one of the most prominent figures of early medieval Europe, the project aims to explore and jointly promote the historical heritage of Poland and the Scandinavian countries, highlighting their shared dynastic, cultural, and political roots within the context of 11th-century history — a transformative period for shaping European identity.
The year 2025 marks the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of Bolesław the Brave — the first King of Poland — as well as the great expansion of Cnut the Great, whose mother was a Polish princess. The project is based on this unique, shared history, symbolized by an international educational voyage along the route Gdynia – Visby – Helsingborg, tracing ancient Viking and Piast trade and travel routes. Visby and Helsingborg have been chosen as historical points of contact between Nordic and Central European cultures.
The lead partner of the project will be a non-governmental organization from Płock — the Friends of the “Dzieci Płocka” Scout Song and Dance Ensemble Association.
The project aims to create space for reflection and dialogue on shared values, regional history, and the future of the Baltic Sea region. The voyage will become a symbolic “time machine,” connecting the past, present, and future from the perspective of young participants.
The initiative is open to youth from all countries of the Baltic Sea region, encouraging broad international participation and cooperation.
During the voyage, young people will take part in onboard workshops, meetings, and integration activities. Key themes will include peace and cooperation, Baltic cultural heritage, climate change, solidarity, civic engagement, and the role of youth in today’s world.
Project Goals:
Promote the shared cultural and historical heritage of the countries of the Baltic Sea region.
Increase awareness of the common roots of Scandinavians and Slavs through the figure of Cnut the Great.
Foster interregional cooperation through non-formal education and cultural exchange.
Enhance the cultural attractiveness of partner regions by promoting local sites tied to medieval history.
Main Activities:
Educational cruise from Gdynia to Visby and Helsingborg, combined with historical workshops.
Study visits at selected ports.
Joint production of a documentary film.
Public awareness campaign and online exhibition titled “Cnut the Great – King of Three Kingdoms, Grandson of Mieszko I.”
Digital outreach: social media, podcasts, websites.
Publication of a bilingual popular-science book and educational materials for schools and educational institutions.
Target Groups:
Youth and teachers from partner regions.
Expected Results:
Increased historical awareness in the Baltic Sea region.
Development of cultural tourism centered on the legacy of Cnut the Great and the Piasts.
Strengthened European identity and interregional integration.
Lasting educational tools made available online.
Project Idea Admins
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Tadeusz changed the name and description of the project idea
Port of Our Times: In the Footsteps of Cnut the Great – The Shared Heritage of the Piasts and Scandi 2 weeks, 3 days ago -
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