A minor engagement of the Thirteen Years' War in which Teutonic Knights crushed a Masurian peasant uprising near Ryn, killing approximately 500 rebels.
Key Facts
- Date
- January 30, 1456
- Location
- Near Ryn (Rhein), State of the Teutonic Order
- Peasants killed
- approximately 500
- Peasants captured
- 19
- Conflict context
- Thirteen Years' War
- Cause of rebellion
- High taxes imposed by Teutonic Knights
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
In late 1455, peasants from eastern Masuria rose in rebellion against heavy taxes levied by the Teutonic Knights. They besieged and captured Ryn castle, killing most of its Teutonic defenders in the process.
In response to the fall of Ryn castle, the Teutonic Knights dispatched a military detachment from Olsztyn and Barczewo. On January 30, 1456, this force engaged the Masurian peasants near Ryn and decisively defeated them in open battle.
The Teutonic Knights exacted severe retribution: approximately 500 peasants were killed and 19 captured. The skirmish suppressed the local uprising, though the broader Thirteen Years' War continued to challenge Teutonic authority in the region.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent