The Battle of Legnica took place on 9 April 1241 during the Mongol invasion of Europe. A coalition of Polish, Moravian, and German forces under Duke Henry II the Pious confronted the Mongol army commanded by Baidar, Kadan, and Orda. Although the battle was not as large as others in the Mongol campaigns, its outcome had a lasting impact on Central Europe.
Background
In the early thirteenth century the Mongols pushed west after victories in Russia and Hungary. Their campaign into Poland was intended to draw European forces away from Hungary, where Batu Khan was leading the main army. Legnica was chosen as the defensive stand by Duke Henry II, who sought to unite the Christian lords of the region against the advancing Mongols.
Forces
Leaders
| Side | Commander(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mongol Empire | Baidar, Kadan, Orda | Sub-commanders under Batu Khan |
| European Coalition | Henry II the Pious | Supported by Polish knights, Moravian troops, and Teutonic Knights |
Troop Composition
- Mongol forces
- Estimated between 8,000 and 20,000 troops
- Primarily mounted horse archers supported by heavy cavalry
- Light siege equipment carried for mobility
- European coalition
- Around 2,000–8,000 troops (estimates vary)
- Polish heavy cavalry knights
- Infantry levies from Silesia
- Moravian and German auxiliaries
- Teutonic Knights and Templars in smaller numbers
Arms and Armour
- Mongol Army
- Composite bows with extraordinary range and power
- Sabres and curved swords suitable for slashing attacks from horseback
- Lamellar and leather armour for speed and flexibility
- European Army
- Longswords and arming swords used by knights
- Heavy lances for the initial cavalry charge
- Kite and heater shields
- Chainmail hauberks and iron helmets
- Polearms such as spears and axes used by infantry
Course of the Battle
The Mongols lured Henry’s forces into open ground near Legnica, where their superior manoeuvrability was decisive. Feigned retreats drew the European knights into pursuit, fragmenting their formation. Once separated, the heavy cavalry became easy targets for Mongol archers. When the Polish lines weakened, the Mongols encircled and overwhelmed them.
Henry II the Pious was killed during the fighting. His head was later displayed on a lance as a warning to others resisting Mongol expansion.
Archaeology
Archaeological work near Legnica has uncovered mass graves thought to date from the battle. Examination of skeletons has revealed trauma consistent with arrow wounds and heavy cavalry combat. Metal arrowheads of steppe origin, distinct from European styles, have been identified, supporting historical accounts of Mongol weaponry.
Timeline of Events
- Early April 1241: Mongol forces enter Silesia after raiding through Poland.
- 7–8 April 1241: Duke Henry II gathers his army near Legnica.
- 9 April 1241: Main engagement fought; Mongol feigned retreats split European cavalry.
- Afternoon, 9 April 1241: Encirclement and destruction of Henry’s forces; Duke Henry killed.
- Aftermath: Mongols advance but do not permanently occupy Poland, instead redirecting their forces toward Hungary.
Contemporary Quotes
- Jan Długosz, Polish chronicler, later wrote: “Henry, Duke of Silesia, fell with the flower of his knights, and the land was left defenceless.”
- Giovanni da Pian del Carpine, papal envoy, described Mongol tactics: “They fight not by pressing close but by flight and return, by cunning more than force.”
Seven Swords Takeaway
The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of Mongol tactics against European heavy cavalry. Although the Mongols did not remain in Poland, the defeat left the region vulnerable and shocked Christendom. Henry II’s death weakened Silesian resistance and delayed the unification of Poland under strong leadership. The Mongols soon turned their focus back to Hungary, where the decisive Battle of Mohi followed.
Watch the documentary:
