A Prussian tactical victory during the Great Prussian Uprising that encircled Teutonic Knights and nearly captured Christburg castle.
Key Facts
- Year
- 1271
- Knights and men killed
- 512 (12 knights + 500 men)
- Conflict
- Great Prussian Uprising (1260–1274)
- Key Prussian leaders
- Diwanus (Bartians) and Linka (Pogesanians)
- Tactical method
- Two-pronged river crossing to encircle enemy camp
- Castle targeted
- Christburg (Dzierzgoń)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Prussian defeat at the Battle of Durbe in 1260, Old Prussian clans rose in the Great Prussian Uprising against Teutonic Knights attempting to Christianize them. By 1271 the Knights held the upper hand, prompting Diwanus of the Bartians and Linka of the Pogesanians to organize a coordinated offensive into Chełmno Land to stretch Teutonic defenses.
Bartian infantry and Pogesanians besieged a border castle but were repulsed by Knights from Christburg. The retreating Prussians regrouped and, finding Knights camped across the Dzierzgoń River blocking their retreat, split their force: half crossed the river directly while the other half forded at a distance to attack from the rear, encircling the Knights and killing twelve knights and 500 men.
After the victory the Prussians assaulted Christburg and nearly seized it, but cavalry from Elbing arrived and killed much of the Prussian infantry, allowing only the cavalry to escape. Despite heavy losses, Diwanus soon returned to blockade roads to Christburg in an attempt to starve the garrison, demonstrating the uprising's continued resilience.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Diwanus, Linka.
Side B
1 belligerent