Polish–Lithuanian raid on the Margraviate of Brandenburg in February–March 1326
A papal-backed Polish–Lithuanian incursion into Brandenburg that reached Berlin and Frankfurt, capturing 6,000 prisoners.
Key Facts
- Duration
- February–March 1326 (approximately one month)
- Prisoners taken
- 6,000 persons
- Furthest cities reached
- Frankfurt and Berlin
- Papal authority
- Pope John XXII sanctioned and encouraged the raid
- Teutonic Knights' role
- Observed peace treaties; did not interfere
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Pope John XXII opposed Louis V of Germany's ambitions to become Holy Roman Emperor and pressured the Teutonic Knights to stand aside. King Władysław I of Poland considered Neumark (East Brandenburg) rightful Polish territory, and Gediminas of Lithuania sought plunder, making an alliance politically convenient for all parties.
A combined Polish–Lithuanian army, operating with papal approval, invaded the Margraviate of Brandenburg in February 1326. The raiders swept through the region for roughly a month, penetrating as far as Frankfurt and Berlin, and seized approximately 6,000 prisoners before withdrawing.
The raid demonstrated that papal diplomacy could marshal diverse powers against a single target, and it exposed Brandenburg's vulnerability to coordinated eastern attacks. The capture of 6,000 prisoners represented a significant human and economic loss for the Margraviate and underscored Poland's claim to Neumark.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Władysław I of Poland, Gediminas of Lithuania.
Side B
1 belligerent
Louis V of Germany.