Polabian Slavs is a collective term applied to a number of Slavic tribes living along the Labe River, between the Baltic Sea to the north, Solau to the west and Sudetes to the south. The tribes settled the area in late 1st millenium.

The Polabian Slavs were grouped in three basic tribal groups:

• Ranes
• Wieletes (Redars and Czrezpienians)
• Obodrites (Obodrites and Wagrs)

Sometimes the Northern Serbs are incorrectly classified as "Polabians" but in reality they were a separate group.

Two latter groups were in 7th century subjugated by Franks and their lands were soon afterwards conquered by German bishops and nobles. They liberated themselves in the effect of a pagan uprising in 983, but were again subdued by the Germans in mid-12th century. Despite the forcible christianisation, the Slavic language was spoken by the descendants of Drewlians in the area of lower Labe until early 18th century.

In turn, the Lusatian Sorbs remained independent to a large extent. They were temporarily subdued by Carolus Magnus, but upon his death the links with the Francs were broken. In a series of bloody wars between 929 and 963 their lands were conquered by Henry the Fowler and his son Otto the Great and were incorporated into German domain. By 14th century the majority of Slavs living there were germanised. However, the lands of Milczans and Lusatians remained in the sphere of influence of Poland and Bohemia and the Slavic presence there prevailed into 21st century.

Currently Polabian proper is extinct. However, both Lusatian languages are spoken by approximately 100,000 inhabitants of the region and the languages are regarded by the government of Germany as official languages of the region.

See also

• Wends
• Slavs

External link

• Map of the lands inhabitated by Polabian Slavs