A key battle of medieval Poland fought on September 27, 1331, between the forces of Władysław the Elbow-High and the Teutonic Knights. Despite the lack of a decisive victory, the battle weakened the Teutonic Order and strengthened Poland's position.
The Battle of Płowce was one of the most important military confrontations in medieval Poland that significantly influenced Polish-Teutonic relations. This key event took place on September 27, 1331, during the war between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order.
The clash occurred in the fields between Radziejów and Płowce in Kuyavia, where Polish forces under the command of King Władysław the Elbow-high faced more numerous Teutonic forces. Although the battle did not bring a decisive resolution, it demonstrated the effectiveness of the Polish army in fighting against the Teutonic Order and became a symbol of resistance against Teutonic expansion into Polish lands.
Historical Background of the Polish-Teutonic Conflict
#The Polish-Teutonic conflict in the 14th century resulted from the growing power of the Teutonic Order in the northern territories. The Teutonic state systematically expanded its territory at the expense of Polish lands.
Political Situation in the 14th Century
#The early 14th century was characterized by feudal fragmentation of the Kingdom of Poland. Władysław the Elbow-high conducted intensive unification efforts of Polish lands from 1306. The Teutonic Order controlled:
- Pomerania (seized in 1308)
- Chełmno Land
- Prussia
- Part of Kuyavia
The balance of power in the region was as follows:
| State | Controlled Territories | Allies |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom of Poland | Lesser Poland Greater Poland Kuyavia | Hungary Lithuania |
| Teutonic State | Pomerania Prussia | Bohemia Brandenburg |
Causes of Tensions Between the Sides
#The main sources of conflict included:
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The seizure of Pomerania by the Teutonic Knights in 1308
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Dispute over control of trade routes on the Vistula River
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Territorial expansion of the Order into Polish lands
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Competition for influence in the Baltic region
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Refusal to return seized territories despite papal verdicts
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Construction of defensive castles
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Establishment of new cities
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Bringing in German settlers
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Removal of local Polish administration
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Introduction of their own legal system
Preparations for the Battle of Płowce
#Preparations for the Battle of Płowce began in the second half of September 1331. Both sides of the conflict gathered armed forces in the Kujawy region, where Polish and Teutonic troops prepared for the inevitable confrontation.
Forces of Władysław Łokietek
#The Polish army under the command of Władysław Łokietek numbered about 5,000 warriors. It consisted of:
- 1,200 heavily armored mounted knights
- 2,000 infantry armed with shields and spears
- 800 archers with crossbows and bows
- 1,000 light cavalry warriors from Lesser and Greater Poland
The structure of Łokietek's forces included:
- Royal banner from Kraków
- Greater Poland knighthood units
- Contingents from Sandomierz land
- Armed groups from Kujawy
- Reinforcements from Masovian princes
Teutonic Order Forces
#The Teutonic forces commanded by Otto von Lauterberg had:
-
7,000 armed men including:
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2,000 heavily armored Teutonic knights
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3,000 mercenary infantry
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1,500 crossbowmen
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500 light cavalry
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Order brothers in full battle equipment
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Knights from Gdańsk Pomerania
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Mercenaries from German states
-
Contingents from Prussian cities
-
Auxiliary units from Livonia
| Type of forces | Polish forces | Teutonic forces |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cavalry | 1,200 | 2,000 |
| Infantry | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Archers/crossbowmen | 800 | 1,500 |
| Light cavalry | 1,000 | 500 |
| Total | 5,000 | 7,000 |
Course of the Battle on September 27, 1331
#The Battle of Płowce began in the morning hours of September 27, 1331, on the fields between Płowce and Radziejów. The clash was characterized by dynamic fighting divided into two main phases.
First Phase of the Battle
#First Phase of the Battle
#Władysław the Elbow-High attacked the rear guard of the Teutonic forces commanded by Marshal Dietrich von Altenburg. The Polish cavalry launched a surprise attack on a unit of 1,500 Teutonic knights transporting war spoils. Polish units broke through the Teutonic formation by taking advantage of the surprise element and terrain features. As a result of the first clash, 56 Teutonic knights were killed and 40 were taken prisoner.
Decisive Moments of the Battle
#Grand Commander Otto von Lutterberg turned back the main Teutonic forces after receiving information about the attack. The heavy Teutonic cavalry struck the battle-weary Polish units around noon. The Polish king divided his forces into three regiments:
- The first regiment under Voivode Jarosław of Bogoria defended the center
- The second regiment commanded by Castellan Maciek Borkowic protected the right wing
- The third regiment under Łokietek's personal command served as tactical reserve
Fighting continued until dusk with alternating successes on both sides. The Teutonic Knights lost about 4,000 armed men including 73 Order brothers. Polish losses amounted to about 2,000 warriors.
| Battle Losses | Polish Forces | Teutonic Forces |
|---|---|---|
| Killed | 2000 | 4000 |
| Order Brothers | - | 73 |
| Taken Prisoner | - | 40 |
Consequences of the Battle of Płowce
#The Battle of Płowce marked a turning point in Polish-Teutonic relations and influenced the subsequent military policy of both sides. This event contributed to strengthening the position of the Kingdom of Poland in the international arena.
Losses on Both Sides
#| Side | Numerical Losses | Leadership Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | 2000 warriors | 12 notable knights |
| Teutonic Order | 4000 warriors | 73 Order brothers |
The battle caused significant losses in the ranks of both armies. The Teutonic Order lost many experienced knight brothers, which weakened its operational capabilities for the following months. Material losses included destroyed military equipment, war horses, and military supplies.
Political Significance
#The political consequences of the Battle of Płowce included:
- Strengthening of Władysław Łokietek's authority as ruler of Poland
- Weakening of the Teutonic Order's military position in the region
- Increased interest in the Polish-Teutonic conflict from the papacy
- Formation of international alliances against the Teutonic Order
- Initiation of military reforms in the Polish army
The battle influenced the change in the Order's military strategy, which abandoned large military campaigns in favor of smaller armed operations. The territorial dispute was finally resolved during the Warsaw trial in 1339, where the papal court ruled in favor of the Polish side.
The Place of the Battle of Płowce in Polish History
#The Battle of Płowce holds a significant place in Polish historiography as a symbol of effective resistance against Teutonic expansion. This clash demonstrated the Polish forces' ability to oppose the military might of the Teutonic Order.
Commemoration of the Event
#On the battlefield of Płowce stands a monument unveiled in 1931 on the 600th anniversary of the battle. The monument depicts an eagle taking flight from an erratic boulder. A Memorial Chamber was established in the town, displaying exhibits related to the battle. Annual commemorative ceremonies are held on September 27th with the participation of local authorities and reenactment groups. In 2011, an educational-historical trail "The Battle of Płowce Trail" was opened, spanning 4 kilometers.
- Demonstration of Polish military prowess against a better-equipped opponent
- Confirmation of the effectiveness of Władysław Łokietek's military reforms
- Breaking the myth of the Teutonic Order's invincibility
- Inspiration for later generations in the fight for Polish independence
- A model of cooperation between different social groups in state defense
| Symbolic Element | Historical Significance |
|---|---|
| September 27th | National holiday in the Second Polish Republic |
| Eagle on the monument | Symbol of victory and freedom |
| Battlefield | Site of national remembrance |
| Memorial Chamber | Center for historical education |
Summary
#- The Battle of Płowce took place on September 27, 1331, between Polish forces under the command of Władysław Łokietek and the Teutonic Order forces
- The Polish army numbered about 5,000 soldiers, while the Teutonic forces were more numerous at about 7,000 armed men
- The battle resulted in the deaths of about 4,000 Teutonic Knights (including 73 brother knights) and 2,000 Polish warriors
- Although the battle did not bring a definitive resolution, it significantly weakened the military position of the Teutonic Order and strengthened King Władysław Łokietek's authority
- This clash became a symbol of effective resistance against Teutonic expansion and broke the myth of the Order's invincibility
- Today, the event is commemorated by a monument in Płowce unveiled in 1931 and annual anniversary ceremonies
Summary
#The Battle of Płowce of September 27, 1331, represents one of the most important events in medieval Polish history. This clash proved that Polish forces under the command of Władysław Łokietek were capable of effectively opposing the might of the Teutonic Order.
Although the battle did not bring a definitive military resolution, it significantly influenced further Polish-Teutonic relations. The losses suffered by the Order, including 73 fallen brother knights, weakened its military potential and forced a change in its operational strategy.
Today, the battle site is commemorated by a monument and a Memorial Chamber, while annual ceremonies and an educational-historical trail remind visitors of the significance of this event for Polish statehood.