Leczyca, one of the oldest Polish cities,…

Leczyca, one of the oldest Polish cities, is the place of the first recorded meeting of Sejm, the Polish parliament, in 1182.

"Sejm" stems from an Old Slavic word meaning "gathering".

Its origin is the King's Councils (wiece), which gain power during the time of Poland's fragmentation.

The Sejm in 1182 in Leczyca is the most notable of these councils, in that for the first time in Poland's history it establishes laws constraining the power of the ruler.

It forbids arbitrary sequestration of supplies in the countryside and takeover of bishopric lands after the death of a bishop.

However, these early Sejms are not a regular event and are formed only at the King's behest.