Battle of Cedynia

Introduction

The Battle of Cedynia (or Zehden) happened on 24 June 972 during the rule of first Christian ruler of Poland - the Duke Mieszko I. There was a war raging over the western border of the young country. Mieszko wanted to capture easily defended and economically important end of river Oder River. It started a conflict between Murgrave Hodon who was the ruler of neighbouring marchy of Lusatia (sometimes said to be Brandenburg). Murgrave wanted to extend his territory and gathered his forces. He received support from another man, Count Sigfried and decided to attack. He was sure of victory and his raid was a private conflict which was against the agreements made by the German emperor. However, the battle was won by Poland.

The Forces

The numbers are unknown, but the military abilities and the rank of opponents indicate that they could not have had more than 4,000 man on each side. It is known, however, that the German forces consisted of heavy cavalry while the Polish consisted of cavalry and infantry.

The Battlefield

The Polish duke wanted to avoid a long campaign on his territory and stop the enemy on the borders. The fight was on one of passes through Oder River. The place was picked carefully. The only way was next to a high hill grown with trees and most of area was swamp-like. Also there was a town of Cedynia a bit deeper.

The battle

When the Germans were going through the river, Mieszko led an attack on them. Then he posed a retreat and the Germans chased him. However then, his brother Czcibor attacked from the forest. The Germans were flanked and fell back to the swampy terrain. There, unable to defend, they were slaughtered.

Aftermath

Not many Germans escaped, however Sigfried and Hodon did. Eventually the son of Mieszko was taken by the German emperor, Otto I. Otto II wanted to have a revenge in 979, but was also defeated.

Sources

Based upon "Słynne bitwy w historii Polski" (Famous battles in Polish history) by Rafał Korbal. Information about this battle is found in the Gall Anonim Chronicle and the Thietmar Chronicle. In the city there is a monument erected after World War II.

972 | Battles of Brandenburg | Battles of Poland | Medieval warfare