Battle of Cedynia (Polans Wars) war movies

Battle of Cedynia 24 June 972

First major battle between Poland and Germany. Soon after catholicization of his land king Mieszko I of Poland begun to establish normal relationships with the German Empire and thus stop the raids on his lands. Nevertheless some of the nobles, including Margrave Odo I, refused to accept the fact that the land behind the river of Oder was assigned by the emperor to Mieszko.

Odo I challenged Mieszko and attacked his land in June 972, but Polans were well prepared for the battle. The forces of both sides were almost equal, but Germans had the advantage of more sophisticated weapons (including heavy armours). Mieszko decided to attack the German forces while they were crossing the Oder River.

Brother of king Mieszko, Czcibor, attacked the Germans in a spot, where after crossing Oder, they had very little chance of defence. Forces of Odon broke through the Polish lines and chased the running away warriors towards the stronghold of Cedynia, which was a trap set by Mieszko, who with his main forces attacked the invaders while they were certain of their victory. The casualties among Germans were heavy and Odo I was forced to withdraw behind Oder. This battle set for many years a border between future Poland and Germany on the Oder River. Since 972 the border was changed many times, but after World War 2 it was reset to Oder River again.

The Nest 1974

Mieszko, ruler of local Polans tribes, against the will of his father prepares for the clash against German Empire. But in order to save his people he has to find the way to baptise the whole nation.