The Vistulans (also known as the Vislanes), have from the first century and possibly earlier been part of the Carpian Tribe, which got its name from the area that they lived in, which was beside the Carpathian Mountain Range.

Vistulans in the ninth century have created a tribal state, with major centers in Kraków, Wiślica, Sandomierz, and Stradów.

They are subjugated by Svatopluk, probably around 874, and the Vistulan duke is forced to accept baptism.