Battle of Saule
1236 · Saule (near modern Šiauliai, Lithuania) · World · Medieval
The crusaders were ambushed in marshland; Master Volkwin and about fifty knights were killed in battle
Belligerents
Samogitians and Semigallians
- Commanders
- Vykintas (reputed)
- Strength
- Several thousand
Livonian Brothers of the Sword and Crusaders
- Commanders
- Volkwin (Master)
- Strength
- About 3,000 men, including reinforcements from Pskov
Background
Having conquered Livonia and Estonia, the Livonian Brothers of the Sword turned to attack Samogitia to the south. In the autumn of 1236, the Order, together with German crusaders and reinforcements from Pskov, advanced deep into Lithuanian territory to plunder.
Course of the battle
- Deep raidThe crusaders plundered Samogitia and headed home laden with spoils
- Ambush in the marshesOn the way back they were intercepted by the Samogitians in the marshes near Saule
- Cavalry bogged downThe heavy knights could not deploy in the mud, and the lightly armed local warriors attacked them from all sides
- Total routMaster Volkwin was killed, and the Order was almost entirely annihilated
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1236 |
|---|---|
| Place | Saule (near present-day Siauliai, Lithuania) |
| Result | The crusaders were ambushed in marshland; Master Volkwin and about fifty knights were killed in battle |
| Winner | Samogitians |
| Casualties | The Order suffered heavy losses, with about 48–60 knights killed in battle |
| Territorial change | The remnants of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword were merged into the Teutonic Order the following year |
Impact
The Battle of Saule wiped the Livonian Brothers of the Sword off the map. The victory is regarded as an important step in the formation of the Lithuanian state, and September 22 is today celebrated in Lithuania and Latvia as the "Day of Baltic Unity."
See the world in 1236 on the map →