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'{{Short description|Military campaign in 1147}} {{Infobox military conflict | conflict = Wendish Crusade | partof = the [[Northern Crusades]] and the [[Second Crusade]] | image = [[File:Wojciech Gerson-Oplakane apostolstwo.jpg|266px|alt=The Wendish Crusade]] | caption = The Capture of the Wends | date = 1147 | place = [[Central Europe]] (Modern day [[Mecklenburg]], in [[Dobin am See]], [[Demmin]] and [[Malchow]]) | territory = March of Brandenburg reconquers [[Havelberg]], County of Holstein expels its Wends | result = Crusader military victory, successful partial conversion of West Slavs and Niklot and Pribislav agreed to accept [[Catholicism]] | combatant1 ={{Collapsible list|title='''[[Crusaders]]'''|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;background:transparent;text-align:left;| *[[Holy Roman Empire]] **[[Bishopric of Havelberg]] **[[March of Meissen]] **[[March of Brandenburg]] **[[Duchy of Saxony]] **[[Archbishopric of Bremen]] **[[Archbishopric of Mainz]] **[[Bishopric of Halberstadt]] **[[County of Holstein]] **[[Bishopric of Münster]] **[[Bishopric of Olomouc|Bishopric of Olmütz]] **[[Bishopric of Brandenburg]] **[[Bishopric of Merseburg]] * Jutland-[[Kingdom of Denmark]] * Zealand/Scania-[[Kingdom of Denmark]] * [[Kingdom of Poland (1025–1385)|Kingdom of Poland]] }} | combatant2 = {{Collapsible list|title='''[[Wends]]'''|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;background:transparent;text-align:left;| *[[Obotrites|Obotrite Confederacy]] **[[Obotrites]] **[[Wagrians]] *[[Lutici|Liutizian Confederacy]] Wendish allies: *[[Duchy of Pomerania]] }} | commander1 = *[[Anselm of Havelberg]] *[[Conrad, Margrave of Meissen]] *[[Albert the Bear]] *[[Henry the Lion]] *[[Canute V of Denmark]] *[[Sweyn III of Denmark]] *[[Adalbert II of Bremen]] *[[Henry I (archbishop of Mainz)|Henry I of Mainz]] *[[Rudolf I of Halberstadt]] *[[Werner of Steußlingen|Werner of Münster]] *[[Reinhard of Querfurt|Reinhard of Merseburg]] *[[Wiggar of Brandenburg]] *[[Henry Zdík|Henry of Olmütz]] *[[Adolf II of Holstein]] *Unknown Polish Captain | commander2 = *[[Niklot]] *[[Pribislav of Wagria]] *[[Ratibor I, Duke of Pomerania|Ratibor I of Pomerania]] | strength1 = Unknown | strength2 = Unknown | strength3 = | casualties1 = Unknown | casualties2 = Unknown | casualties3 = | notes = | campaignbox = {{Crusade}} }} The '''Wendish Crusade''' ({{lang-de|Wendenkreuzzug}}) was a military campaign in 1147, one of the [[Northern Crusades]] and a part of the [[Second Crusade]], led primarily by the [[Kingdom of Germany]] within the [[Holy Roman Empire]] and directed against the [[Polabian Slavs]] (or "[[Wends]]"). The Wends were made up of the Slavic tribes of [[Obotrites|Abrotrites]], [[Rani (Slavic tribe)|Rani]], [[Lutici|Liutizians]], [[Wagri|Wagarians]], and [[Pomeranians (Slavic tribe)|Pomeranians]] who lived east of the [[Elbe|River Elbe]] in present-day northeast Germany and Poland.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Second Crusade: Extending the Frontiers of Christendom|last=Phillips|first=Johnathan|pages=228}}</ref> The lands inhabited by the Wends were rich in resources, which played a factor in the motivations of those who participated in the crusade. The mild climate of the Baltic area allowed for the cultivation of land and livestock. Animals of this region were also thickly furred, supporting the dependence on fur trading. Access to the coastline also developed fishing and trade networks.<ref name=":0" /> The land was attractive for the resources it boasted, and the crusade offered an opportunity for noble families to gain part of it. By the early 12th century, the German archbishoprics of [[Archdiocese of Bremen|Bremen]] and [[Archbishopric of Magdeburg|Magdeburg]] sought the conversion to [[Christianity]] of neighboring pagan [[West Slavs]] through peaceful means. During the preparation of the Second Crusade to the [[Holy Land]], a [[Quantum praedecessores|papal bull]] was issued supporting a crusade against these Slavs. The Slavic leader [[Niklot]] preemptively invaded [[Wagria]] in June 1147, leading to the march of the crusaders later that summer. They achieved an ostensible forced baptism of Slavs at [[Dobin]] but were repulsed from [[Demmin]]. Another crusading army marched on the already Christian city of [[Szczecin]] (Stettin), whereupon the crusaders dispersed upon arrival (see below). The Christian army, composed primarily of [[Saxons]] and [[Danes (Germanic tribe)|Danes]], forced tribute from the [[Slavic paganism|pagan Slavs]] and affirmed German control of Wagria and [[Polabia]] through colonization, but failed to convert the bulk of the population immediately. ==Background== The [[Ottonian dynasty]] supported eastward expansion of the [[Holy Roman Empire]] towards Wendish (West Slavic) lands during the 10th century. The campaigns of King [[Henry I of Germany|Henry the Fowler]] and Emperor [[Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor|Otto the Great]] led to the introduction of [[burgward]]s to protect German conquests in the lands of the [[Sorbs]]. Otto's lieutenants, Margraves [[Gero]] and [[Hermann Billung]], advanced eastward and northward respectively to claim tribute from conquered Slavs. Bishoprics were established at [[Diocese of Dresden-Meissen|Meissen]], [[Bishopric of Brandenburg|Brandenburg]], [[Bishopric of Havelberg|Havelberg]], and [[Oldenburg (Holstein)|Oldenburg]] to administer the territory. A majority of Wendish tribes had been Christianized from the German conquests, but in 983 they returned to paganism when a great Slavic rebellion reversed the initial German gains.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Crusades: An Encyclopedia|last=Murray|pages=1265}}</ref> While the [[burgward]]s allowed the Saxons to retain control of Meissen, they lost Brandenburg and Havelberg. The [[Elbe]] River then became the eastern limit of German-Roman control. By the early 12th century, the Archbishoprics of [[Archbishopric of Hamburg|Bremen]], [[Archbishopric of Magdeburg|Magdeburg]] and [[Archbishopric of Gniezno|Gniezno]] sought the conversion of the pagan Slavs to Christianity through peaceful means: notable missionaries included [[Vicelinus|Vicelin]], [[Norbert of Xanten]], and [[Otto of Bamberg]] (sent to Pomerania by [[Bolesław III Wrymouth]] of Poland). Lacking support from the [[Salian dynasty]] of the [[Holy Roman Empire]], secular Saxon princes seeking Slavic territory found themselves in a military stalemate with their adversaries. Christians, especially Saxons from [[Holstein]], and pagans raided each other across the [[Limes Saxonicus]], usually for [[tribute]]. The idea of a crusade against the Wends first originated in the Magdeburg Letter, originally sent around 1107 to 1110, in which an anonymous author makes an appeal against the Wends.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Divine Vengeance and Human Justice in The Wendish Crusade of 1147|last=Dragnea|pages=51}}</ref> The Magdeburg Letter makes the case that the Wends are pagans and that any fight against them is justified and the land that they inhabit is "our Jerusalem".<ref>{{Cite book|title=Divine Vengeance and Human Justice in The Wendish Crusade of 1147|last=Dragnea|pages=52}}</ref> In the letter no formal spiritual indulgence is offered apart from a general salvation of the soul, but an emphasis is put on acquiring land. The author says, "these gentiles [pagans] are most wicked, but their land is the best, rich in meat, honey, corn, and birds; and if it were well cultivated none could be compared to it for the wealth of its produce. So say those who know it. And so, most renowned Saxon, French, Lorrainers, and Flemings and conquerors of the world, this is an occasion for you to save your souls and, if you wish it, acquire the best land in which to live."<ref>{{Cite book|title=Divine Vengeance and Human Justice in The Wendish Crusade of 1147|last=Dragnea|pages=53}}</ref> The references made to the wealth of resources in the Slavic lands would have been especially appealing to those who were motivated by material gain. The Magdeburg letter established the ideas of a northern crusade and land acquisition that would come to play defining roles of the Wendish Crusade. From 1140–43 Holsatian nobles advanced into [[Wagria]] to permanently settle in the lands of the pagan [[Wagri]]. Count [[Adolf II of Holstein]] and [[Henry of Badewide]] took control of [[Polabians (tribe)|Polabian]] settlements which would later become [[Lübeck]] and [[Ratzeburg]]; Vicelin was subsequently installed as bishop at [[Oldenburg (Holstein)|Oldenburg]]. Adolf sought peace with the chief of the [[Obotrites|Obodrite confederacy]], [[Niklot]], and encouraged German colonization and missionary activity in Wagria.<ref name="Barraclough, p. 263">Barraclough, ''The Origins of Modern Germany'', 263.</ref> The fall of [[County of Edessa|Edessa]] in Syria in 1144 shocked [[Christendom]], causing [[Pope Eugenius III]] and St. [[Bernard of Clairvaux]] to preach a [[Second Crusade]] to reinforce [[Outremer]]. While many [[Southern Germany|south Germans]] volunteered to crusade in the [[Middle East]], the [[Northern Germany|north German]] Saxons were reluctant. They told Bernard of their desire to campaign against the Slavs at a [[Reichstag (Holy Roman Empire)|Reichstag]] meeting in [[Frankfurt]] on 13 March 1147. The Wends were seen as a threat to Christendom as they were apostates, meaning the crusade against them would be justified.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Divine Vengeance and Human Justice in The Wendish Crusade of 1147|last=Dragnea|pages=58–63}}</ref> Approving of the Saxons' plan, Pope Eugenius III issued a [[papal bull]] known as the ''[[Divina dispensatione]]'' on 11 April 1147. As part of the bull, Eugenius III fulfilled and validated a promise made by Bernard that the same indulgences would be offered to those who crusaded against the Wends as those who went to fight in the Middle East. These indulgences offered a complete forgiveness of sin, meaning there was to be no difference between the spiritual rewards of the different crusaders.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Crusades: An Encyclopedia|last=Murray|pages=1266}}</ref> Those who volunteered to crusade against the Slavic pagans were primarily [[Danes (Germanic tribe)|Danes]], [[Saxons]], and [[Poles]],<ref>Davies, ''Europe: A History'', 362.</ref> although there were also some [[Bohemia]]ns.<ref>Herrmann, ''Die Slawen in Deutschland'', 326.</ref> In preaching the Crusade, Bernard feared that those who participated were doing so only for the possible material gain. In an effort to persuade crusaders to focus on spiritual conversion, Bernard said, "We prohibit completely that a truce be made for any reason with these people [Wends] either for money or tribute, until such time as, with the aid of God either their religion or their nation shall be destroyed," which was an condition added to the papal bull.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Divine Vengeance and Human Justice in the Wendish Crusade of 1147|last=Dragnea|pages=62}}</ref> The German monarchy took no part in the crusade, which was led by Saxon families such as the [[House of Ascania|Ascanians]], [[House of Wettin|Wettin]], and [[Counts of Schauenburg and Holstein|Schauenburgers]].<ref>Herrmann, ''Die Slawen in Deutschland'', 328.</ref> [[Papal legate]] [[Anselm of Havelberg]] was placed in overall command. ==Holy war== [[File:Guelf c12.jpg|thumb|Henry's duchies Saxony and Bavaria]] Upset at Adolf's participation in the crusade, Niklot preemptively invaded Wagria in June 1147, and, along with the Wagrians, decimated newly settled [[Flemings|Fleming]] and [[Frisians|Frisian]] villages, leading to the march of the crusaders in late summer 1147. By attacking first, Niklot gave further justification for the Crusade as he legitimized the Wends as a serious threat to [[Christendom]]. After expelling the Obodrites from his territory, Adolf signed a peace treaty with Niklot. The remaining Christian crusaders targeted the Obodrite fort [[Dobin]] and the [[Liutizian]] fort [[Demmin]]. The forces attacking Dobin included those of the Danes [[Canute V of Denmark|Canute V]] and [[Sweyn III of Denmark|Sweyn III]], Archbishop [[Adalbert II of Bremen]], and Duke [[Henry the Lion]] of [[Duchy of Saxony|Saxony]]. Avoiding pitched battles, Niklot ably defended the marshland of Dobin. One army of Danes was defeated by Slavs from Dobin, while another had to defend the Danish fleet from Niklot's allies, the [[Rani (Slavic tribe)|Rani]] of [[Rügen]]. Henry and Adalbert maintained the siege of Dobin after the retreat of the Danes. When some crusaders advocated ravaging the countryside, others objected by asking, "Is not the land we are devastating our land, and the people we are fighting our people?"<ref name=":0">Christiansen, ''The Northern Crusades'', 8.</ref> The Saxon army under Henry the Lion withdrew after Niklot agreed to have Dobin's garrison undergo [[baptism]]. The Saxon army directed against Demmin was led by several bishops, including those of [[Archbishopric of Mainz|Mainz]], [[Bishopric of Halberstadt|Halberstadt]], [[Prince-Bishopric of Münster|Münster]], [[Bishopric of Merseburg|Merseburg]], [[Bishopric of Brandenburg|Brandenburg]], [[Bishopric of Olomouc|Olmütz]], and Bishop Anselm of Havelberg. While their stated goal was to achieve the conversion of the pagans, most also sought additional territory and tithe for their dioceses; [[Abbot]] [[Wibald of Corvey]] went in the hopes of acquiring the island of [[Rügen]]. The Demmin campaign also included the secular margraves [[Conrad I, Margrave of Meissen|Conrad I]] and [[Albert the Bear]], who hoped to expand their [[marches]]. A [[Kingdom of Poland (1025–1385)|Royal Polish]] contingent wanted to add to the [[Bishopric of Lebus]]. Marching from [[Magdeburg]], Albert the Bear recovered [[Havelberg]], lost since the 983 Slavic rebellion. The crusaders then destroyed a pagan temple and castle at [[Malchow]]. After an unsuccessful siege of Demmin, a contingent of crusaders was diverted by the margraves to attack central [[Pomerania]] instead. They reached the already Christian city [[Szczecin]], whereupon the crusaders dispersed after meeting with Bishop [[Adalbert of Pomerania]] and Duke [[Ratibor I|Ratibor I of Pomerania]]. ==Aftermath== The Wendish Crusade achieved mixed results. While the Saxons affirmed their possession of Wagria and Polabia, Niklot retained control of the Obodrite land east of Lübeck. The Saxons also received tribute from Niklot, enabled the colonization of the [[Bishopric of Havelberg]], and freed some Danish prisoners. However, the disparate Christian leaders, mostly Canute and Sweyn, regarded their counterparts with suspicion and accused each other of sabotaging the campaign. According to [[Bernard of Clairvaux]], the goal of the crusade was to battle the pagan Slavs "until such a time as, by God's help, they shall either be converted or deleted".<ref>Christiansen, ''The Northern Crusades,'' 53.</ref> However, the crusade failed to achieve the conversion of most of the Wends. In preaching the Crusade, Bernard had urged to not make truce or accept any form of tribute, but the crusaders did receive tribute from Niklot as mentioned, which contributed to Bernard's perception of the crusade as a failure. The Saxons achieved largely token conversions at Dobin, as the Slavs returned to their pagan beliefs once the Christian armies dispersed; Albert of Pomerania explained, "If they had come to strengthen the Christian faith ... they should have done so by preaching, not by arms".<ref>Christiansen, ''The Northern Crusades,'' 54.</ref> There was no Wendish clergy established nor any Christian literature translated into the language of the Wends.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Barbarian Conversion|last=Fletcher|pages=450}}</ref> Without any institutions in place, the forced conversion of the Wends was not sustainable. The only successful conversions were achieved by the Danes. The Danes recaptured the island of [[Rügen|Rugen]] in 1168 and were able to re-Christianize it through the establishment of churches and by allowing Prince Jaromit of Rugen to remain in power after he fully accepted Christianity.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Barbarian Conversion|last=Fletcher|pages=448–449}}</ref> The Danes were able to be successful through their method of encouraging Christianity rather than focusing solely on controlling the newly acquired land. In this way, the Crusade could be viewed as a success in terms of its successful acquisition of Slavic lands as it encouraged colonization by German peasants. It also began a long-lasting crusade against the Wends that lasted the rest of the twelfth century. By the 1160s, most of the Wends had come under the control of the Saxons or the Danes. However, in 1180 when [[Henry the Lion]] and Emperor [[Frederick I Barbarossa]] had a falling out, the Danes were able to assert political control over a majority of the region.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Crusades: An Encyclopedia|last=Murray|pages=1268}}</ref> The effects of the Wendish Crusade was long-lasting through the impacts it had on extending political and colonial power in the Baltic region. ==See also== * [[Quantum praedecessores]] * [[Northern Crusades]] ==Footnotes== {{Reflist|2}} ==References== *{{cite book|last=Barraclough|first=Geoffrey |author-link=Geoffrey Barraclough |title=The Origins of Modern Germany|year=1984|publisher=W. W. Norton & Company|location=New York|page=481|isbn=0-393-30153-2}} *{{cite book|last=Christiansen|first=Eric|title=The Northern Crusades|year=1997|publisher=Penguin Books|location=London|page=[https://archive.org/details/northerncrusades00eric/page/287 287]|isbn=0-14-026653-4|url=https://archive.org/details/northerncrusades00eric/page/287}} *{{cite book|last=Davies|first=Norman|author-link=Norman Davies|title=Europe: A History|year=1996|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|page=[https://archive.org/details/europehistory00norm/page/1365 1365]|isbn=0-06-097468-0|url=https://archive.org/details/europehistory00norm/page/1365}} *Dragnea, Mihai. ''Divine Vengeance and Human Justice in the Wendish Crusade of 1147.'' Collegium Medievale 2016: Accessed April 20, 2018. [http://ojs.novus.no/index.php/CM/article/view/1366/1351 Divine Vengeance and Human Justice in The Wendish Crusade of 1147] *Fletcher, Richard. ''The Barbarian Conversion''. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1998. *{{cite book|last=Herrmann|first=Joachim|title=Die Slawen in Deutschland|year=1970|publisher=Akademie-Verlag GmbH|location=Berlin|page=530}} *Murray, Alan V., ed. 2006. ''Crusades: An Encyclopedia''. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, Accessed April 22, 2018. *Phillips, Johnathan (2007). ''The Second Crusade: Extending the Frontiers of Christendom''. New Haven, London: Yale University Press. {{Authority control}} [[Category:Wendish Crusade| ]] [[Category:Polabian Slavs]] [[Category:1140s in the Holy Roman Empire]] [[Category:1147 in Europe]]'