Christianization of Pomerania

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Medieval Pomerania was converted from Slavic paganism to Christianity under Bolesław III Wrymouth, by bishop Otto of Bamberg in 1124 and 1128 (Duchy of Pomerania), and in 1168 by Absalon (Principality of Rügen).

Earlier attempts at Christianization, undertaken since the 10th century, failed or were short-lived. The new religion stabilized when the Pomeranian dukes founded several monasteries and called in Christian, primarily German settlers during the Ostsiedlung. The first Pomeranian abbey was founded in 1153 at the site where the first Christian duke of Pomerania, Wartislaw I, was slain by a pagan. The Duchy of Pomerania was organized by the Roman Catholic Church in the Bishopric of Cammin in 1140. Pomeranian areas not belonging to the duchy at this time were attached to the dioceses of Włocławek (East), Roskilde (Rügen) and Schwerin (West).

== Bishopric of Havelberg (948-983) == When the Bishopric of Havelberg was founded in 948, the constitution document mentions the area between Peene and Oder among the bishopric's belongings.<ref name="Heitz156">{{Cite book |title=Geschichte in Daten. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern |first1=Gerhard |last1=Heitz |first2=Henning |last2=Rischer |publisher=Koehler&Amelang |location=Münster-Berlin |year=1995 |isbn=3-7338-0195-4 |language=de |page=156}}</ref> In 983, the Holy Roman Empire lost control over the region due to a Slavic uprising.<ref name="Heitz156"/>

== Diocese of Kolobrzeg (Kolberg, 1000–1005) == The first Polish duke Mieszko I invaded Pomerania and subdued the gard of Kołobrzeg (Kolberg) and the adjacent areas in the 960s.<ref name="Piskorski32">Jan M Piskorski, Pommern im Wandel der Zeiten, 1999, p. 32, {{ISBN|83-906184-8-6}} {{OCLC|43087092}}</ref> He also fought the Wolinians, but despite a won battle in 967, he did not succeed in the town of Wolin itself.<ref name="Piskorski31">Jan M Piskorski, Pommern im Wandel der Zeiten, 1999, p. 31, {{ISBN|83-906184-8-6}} {{OCLC|43087092}}</ref> His son and successor Boleslaw I continued to campaign in Pomerania, but also failed to subdue the Wolinians and the lower Oder areas.<ref>Jan M Piskorski, Pommern im Wandel der Zeiten, 1999, pp. 31–32, {{ISBN|83-906184-8-6}} {{OCLC|43087092}}: "Zweifellos waren die Wolliner eine lokale Macht, die zuerst im Veletenbund und später im Liutizenbund eine bedeutende Rolle spielten. Obwohl sie 967 im Kampf gegen Mieszko unterlagen, gelang es den polnischen Herrschern sicherlich nicht, Wollin und die Odermündung zu unterwerfen. Dies läßt sich mittelbar dadurch nachweisen, daß das im Jahr 1000 auf Initiative Otto III. und Boleslaw des Tapferen gegründete Bistum Pommern, das Gnesen unterstand, nicht [pagebreak] in Wollin, sondern weiter östlich in Kolberg seinenSitz hatte. Kolberg gehörte spätestens seit den 60er Jahren des 10. Jahrhunderts zu Polen [...] Anscheinend kam den Wollinern auch eine bedeutende Rolle bei der heidnischen Reaktion in Pommern zu, was vermutlich schon 1005 zur Vertreibung Bischof Reinberns aus seinem [...] [pagebreak] [...] Bistum führte. Die Wolliner waren einer der liutizischen Stämme, die am stärksten auf die Fortsetzung der deutsch-polnischen Kriege in den Jahren 1002 bis 1018 drangen. Sie befürchteten, daß jede Unterbrechungen der Kämpfe Boleslaw auf die Idee bringen könne, den alten polnischen Besitzstand an der Ostsee wiederherzustellen. Sie erreichten ihr Ziel. Alles deutet darauf hin, daß Polen seine Herrschaft über Pommern für mehr als hundert Jahre verlor."</ref>

During the Congress of Gniezno in 1000, Boleslaw created the first, yet short-lived, bishopric in Pomerania Diocese of Kołobrzeg, subordinate to the Archdiocese of Gniezno, headed by Saxon bishop Reinbern, which was destroyed when Pomeranians revolted in 1005.<ref>Jan M Piskorski, Pommern im Wandel der Zeiten, 1999, p. 32, {{ISBN|83-906184-8-6}} {{OCLC|43087092}}:pagan reaction of 1005</ref><ref>Werner Buchholz, ''Pommern'', Siedler, 1999, p. 25, {{ISBN|3-88680-272-8}}: pagan uprising that also ended the Polish suzerainty in 1005</ref><ref>Jürgen Petersohn, ''Der südliche Ostseeraum im kirchlich-politischen Kräftespiel des Reichs, Polens und Dänemarks vom 10. bis 13. Jahrhundert: Mission, Kirchenorganisation, Kultpolitik'', Böhlau, 1979, p. 43, {{ISBN|3-412-04577-2}}, 1005/13</ref><ref>Oskar Eggert, ''Geschichte Pommerns'', Pommerscher Buchversand, 1974: 1005-1009</ref><ref>Roderich Schmidt, ''Das historische Pommern: Personen, Orte, Ereignisse'', Böhlau, 2007, p. 101, {{ISBN|3-412-27805-X}}, 1005/1013</ref><ref>A. P. Vlasto, ''Entry of Slavs Christendom'', CUP Archive, 1970, p. 129, {{ISBN|0-521-07459-2}}: abandoned 1004–1005 in face of violent opposition</ref><ref name="Berend">Nora Berend, ''Christianization and the Rise of Christian Monarchy: Scandinavia, Central Europe and Rus' c. 900–1200'', Cambridge University Press, 2007, p. 293, {{ISBN|978-0-521-87616-2}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=May 2011}}<ref name="Warner">David Warner, ''Ottonian Germany: The Chronicon of Thietmar of Merseburg'', Manchester University Press, 2001, p. 358, {{ISBN|978-0-7190-4926-2}}</ref><ref name="Borgolte">Michael Borgolte, Benjamin Scheller, ''Polen und Deutschland vor 1000 Jahren: Die Berliner Tagung über den"akt von Gnesen"'', Akademie Verlag, 2002, p. 282, {{ISBN|978-3-05-003749-3}}</ref><ref name="Wille">Michael Müller-Wille, ''Rom und Byzanz im Norden: Mission und Glaubenswechsel im Ostseeraum während des 8–14. Jahrhunderts: internationale Fachkonferenz der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft in Verbindung mit der Akademie der Wissenschaften und der Literatur, Mainz: Kiel, 18–25.9.1994'', 1997, p. 105, {{ISBN|978-3-515-07498-8}}</ref> Of all Lutici, the Wolinians were especially devoted to participation in the wars between the Holy Roman Empire and Poland from 1002 to 1018 to prevent Bolesław I the Brave from reinstating his rule in Pomerania.<ref name="Piskorski33">Jan M Piskorski, Pommern im Wandel der Zeiten, 1999, p. 33, {{ISBN|83-906184-8-6}} {{OCLC|43087092}}</ref>

== Failed mission of Günther (1017) == In 1017, a priest called Günther tried to convert the inhabitants of Vorpommern; the mission was not successful.<ref name="Heitz157">{{Cite book |title=Geschichte in Daten. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern |first1=Gerhard |last1=Heitz |first2=Henning |last2=Rischer |publisher=Koehler&Amelang |location=Münster-Berlin |year=1995 |isbn=3-7338-0195-4 |language=de |page=157}}</ref>

== Failed mission of Bernard (1122) == [[File:Wrymouth expedition pomerania lutici.png|thumb|300px|The expedition of Boleslaw III of Poland to Szczecin and west of the Oder to subjugate the Slavic Lutici, in 1121. The conquest paved the way for the Christianization of Pomerania by Otto of Bramberg, sent by Boleslaw.<ref name="Michalek">{{Cite book |title=Słowianie Zachodni. Monarchie wczesnofeudalne |publisher=Bellona |author=Andrzej Michałek |year=2007 |page=102 |isbn=978-83-11-10737-3}}</ref>]]

Another attempt was made following the subjugation of Pomerania by Boleslaw III of Poland. In 1122, Spanish monk Bernard (also Bernhard) traveled to Jumne (Wolin), accompanied only by his chaplain and an interpreter. The Pomeranians, however, were not impressed by his missionary efforts and finally threw him out of town.<ref>George Frederick Maclear, ''Apostles of Mediaeval Europe'', Ayer Publishing, 1969, pp. 218ff, {{ISBN|978-0-8369-2803-7}}</ref><ref name="Buchholz p.25">Werner Buchholz, ''Pommern'', Siedler, 1999, p. 25, {{ISBN|3-88680-272-8}}</ref><ref name="Piskorski36">Jan M Piskorski, Pommern im Wandel der Zeiten, 1999, p. 36, {{ISBN|83-906184-8-6}} {{OCLC|43087092}}</ref>

Bernard was later made bishop of Lebus.<ref name="Buchholz p.25"/>

== Otto of Bamberg (1124/1128) == {{Main|Otto von Bamberg}} [[File:Stolpe Wartislawkirche 03.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Conversion of Pomerania, depicted in Stolpe's Wartislaw Memorial Church]]

After Bernard's failure, Boleslaw III asked Otto of Bamberg<ref>D. J. Medley, ''The church and the empire'', Kessinger Publishing, 2004, p. 152, {{ISBN|1-4191-5673-X}}</ref> to convert Pomerania to Christianity, which he accomplished in his first visit in 1124/25.<ref name="Realenzyklopedie p.40ff">Gerhard Krause, Horst Robert Balz, Gerhard Müller, ''Theologische Realenzyklopädie'', De Gruyter, 1997, p. 40ff, {{ISBN|3-11-015435-8}}</ref> Otto's strategy differed markedly from the one Bernard used: While Bernard traveled alone and as a poor and unknown priest, Otto, a wealthy and famous man, was accompanied by 20 clergy of his own diocese, numerous servants, and 60 warriors supplied to him by Boleslaw, and carried with him numerous supplies and gifts. Otto arrived in Pyritz, and the fact that he was already wealthy assured the Pomeranians that his aim was only to convert them to Christianity, not to become wealthy at the expense of the Pomeranian people. He persuaded the Pomeranians that their conversion would protect them from further punishment by his God, which was how the devastating Polish conquest was depicted. This approach turned out to be successful, and was backed by parts of the Pomeranian nobility who had already been raised as Christians, like Duke Wartislaw I, who encouraged and promoted Otto's mission. Many Pomeranians had already been baptized in Pyritz and also in the other burghs Otto visited.<ref name="Buchholz p.25"/><ref>James Thayer Addison, ''Medieval Missionary: A Study of the Conversion of Northern Europe Ad 500 to 1300'', Kessinger Publishing, 2003, pp. 59ff, {{ISBN|978-0-7661-7567-9}}</ref><ref name="Palmer, P.107ff">William Palmer, ''A Compendioius Ecclesiastical History from the Earliest Period to the Present Time'', Kessinger Publishing, 2005, pp. 107ff, {{ISBN|1-4179-8323-X}}</ref><ref name="Herrmann, pp.402ff"/><ref>Jan M Piskorski, Pommern im Wandel der Zeiten, 1999, pp. 36ff, {{ISBN|83-906184-8-6}} {{OCLC|43087092}}</ref>

{| class=wikitable |+ Timeline of Otto von Bamberg's first mission |- !Date !Event |- |May 1124 |Otto von Bamberg arrives in Pomerania via the Zantoch stronghold.<ref name="Heitz161">{{Cite book |title=Geschichte in Daten. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern |first1=Gerhard |last1=Heitz |first2=Henning |last2=Rischer |publisher=Koehler&Amelang |location=Münster-Berlin |year=1995 |isbn=3-7338-0195-4|language=de |page=161}}</ref> |- |5 or 6 June 1124 |first baptism in Pomerania<ref name="Heitz161"/> |- |8 June 1124 |arrival in Pyrzyce<ref name="Heitz161"/> |- |18/19 June 1124 |first baptism in Pyrzyce<ref name="Heitz161"/> |- |24 June - mid-September 1124 |mission in Kamień Pomorski<ref name="Heitz161"/> |- |eight days in late September 1124 |mission in and around Wolin<ref name="Heitz161"/> |- |nine weeks since early October 1124 |mission in Szczecin<ref name="Heitz161"/> |- |mid-December 1124 |mission in Gartz, Lubin, return to Szczecin, return to Wolin<ref name="Heitz161"/> |- |late January and early February 1125 |return to Kammin, mission in Cloden, Kołobrzeg and Białogard<ref name="Heitz161"/> |- |11 February 1125 |Otto von Bamberg enters the woodlands between Pomerania and Greater Poland<ref name="Heitz161"/> |- |15 February 1125 or later |Otto arrives in Usch and proceeds towards Gniezno<ref name="Heitz161"/> |}

Otto of Bamberg returned on 19 April<ref name="Heitz162">{{Cite book |title=Geschichte in Daten. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern |first1=Gerhard |last1=Heitz |first2=Henning |last2=Rischer |publisher=Koehler&Amelang |location=Münster-Berlin |year=1995 |isbn=3-7338-0195-4 |language=de |page=162}}</ref> 1128,<ref name="Palmer, P.107ff"/> this time invited by duke Wartislaw I himself, aided by the emperor Holy Roman Emperor Lothar II, to convert the Slavs of Western Pomerania just incorporated into the Pomeranian duchy, and to strengthen the Christian faith of the inhabitants of Stettin and Wollin, who fell back into heathen practices and idolatry.<ref name="Herrmann, pp.402ff">Joachim Herrmann, ''Die Slawen in Deutschland'', Akademie-Verlag Berlin, 1985, pp. 402ff</ref> Otto this time visited primarily Western Pomeranian burghs, had the temples of Gützkow and Wolgast torn down and on their sites erected the predecessors of today's ''St Nikolai'' and ''St Petri'' churches, respectively. The nobility assembled in a congress in Usedom, where they accepted Christianity on June 10, 1128.<ref name="Realenzyklopedie p.40ff"/><ref name="Herrmann, pp.402ff"/><ref name="Buchholz p.26">Werner Buchholz, ''Pommern'', Siedler, 1999, p. 26, {{ISBN|3-88680-272-8}}</ref> Otto then was titled ''apostolus gentis Pomeranorum'', made a saint by pope Clement III in 1189, and was worshipped in Pomerania even after the Protestant Reformation.<ref name="Buchholz p.28">Werner Buchholz, ''Pommern'', Siedler, 1999, p. 28, {{ISBN|3-88680-272-8}}</ref> Otto aborted the mission in November 1128 on behalf of the emperor, after he had sought to mediate the conflicts between the Pomeranian and Polish dukes.<ref name="Heitz162"/>

Adalbert of Pomerania, the later Pomeranian bishop, participated in Otto's mission as an interpreter and assistant.<ref name="Buchholz p.29"/>

== Pomeranian dioceses == === Diocese of Kammin (Cammin, 1140) === {{Main|Roman Catholic Diocese of Kammin}}

On Otto of Bamberg's behalf, a diocese was founded with the see in Wollin (''Julin'', ''Jumne'', ''Vineta''),<ref name="Realenzyklopedie p.40ff"/> a major Slavic and Viking town in the Oder estituary. On October 14, 1140, Adalbert of Pomerania was made the first Bishop by Pope Innocent II.<ref name="Realenzyklopedie p.40ff"/> Otto however had died the year before.<ref name="Realenzyklopedie p.40ff"/> There was a rivalry between Otto's Diocese of Bamberg, the Diocese of Magdeburg and the Diocese of Gniezno for the incorporation of Pomerania. Pope Innocent II solved the dispute by repelling their claims and placing the new diocese directly under his Holy See. The see of the diocese was the church of ''St Adalbert'' in Wollin.<ref name="Buchholz p.29">Werner Buchholz, ''Pommern'', Siedler, 1999, p. 29, {{ISBN|3-88680-272-8}}</ref> The diocese had no clear-cut borders in the beginning, but roughly reached from the Tribsees burgh in the West to the Leba River in the East. In the South, it comprised the northern parts of Uckermark and Neumark. As such, it was shaped after the territory held by Ratibor I, Duke of Pomerania.<ref name="Buchholz p.29"/>

After ongoing Danish raids, Wollin was destroyed, and the see of the diocese was shifted across the Dievenow to Cammin's (also ''Kammin'', now Kamień Pomorski) ''St John's'' church in 1176. This was confirmed by the pope in 1186. In the early 13th century, the Cammin diocese, along with the Pomeranian dukes, gained control over Circipania. Also, the bishops managed to gain direct control over a territory around Kolberg (now Kolobrzeg) and Köslin (now Koszalin).

=== Dioceses of Włocławek, Roskilde and Schwerin === Pomeranian areas outside the Duchy of Pomerania were assigned to other dioceses. The Pomerelian areas were integrated into the Kuyavian Diocese of Włocławek. The Rugian areas were integrated into the Diocese of Schwerin (mainland) and the Diocese of Roskilde (islands).

== Wendish Crusade (1147) == {{Main|Wendish Crusade}}

In 1147, the Wendish Crusade, a campaign of the Northern Crusades, was mounted by bishops and nobles of the Holy Roman Empire. The crusaders pillaged the land and besieged Demmin and Szczecin despite the fact that both towns were (officially) Christian already. Wollin's bishop Adalbert took part in the negotiations that finally led to the lifting of the Szczecin siege by the crusaders. Ratibor I, Duke of Pomerania, went to the assembly of the Imperial Diet in Havelberg the following year, where he swore to be a Christian.<ref name="Realenzyklopedie p.40ff"/><ref name="Buchholz p.31">Werner Buchholz, ''Pommern'', Siedler, 1999, p. 31, {{ISBN|3-88680-272-8}}</ref><ref name="Herrmann, pp.388ff">Joachim Herrmann, ''Die Slawen in Deutschland'', Akademie-Verlag Berlin, 1985, pp. 388ff</ref>

== Absalon (1168) == {{Main|Absalon}} [[File:Scandinavia1219.png|thumb|200px|Scandinavia in 1219. Denmark in the 1170s, including the Principality of Rügen, is shown in orange; later gains including the Duchy of Pomerania are shown in light green.]]

After Otto von Bamberg's mission, only the Rani principality of Rugia (Rügen) remained pagan. This was changed by a Danish expedition of 1168, launched by Valdemar I of Denmark and Absalon, archbishop of Roskilde.<ref name="Realenzyklopedie p.40ff"/> The Danish success in this expedition ended a series of conflicts between Denmark and Rügen. The Rügen princes, starting with Jaromar I, became vassals of Denmark,<ref name="Buchholz p.34">Werner Buchholz, ''Pommern'', Siedler, 1999, p. 34, {{ISBN|3-88680-272-8}}</ref> and the principality would be Denmark's bridgehead on the southern shore of the Baltic for the next few centuries. The 1168 expedition was decided when, after a Danish siege of the burgh of Arkona, a fire broke out, leaving the defenders unable to further withstand the siege. Since Arkona was the major temple of the superior god Swantewit and therefore crucial for the powerful clerics, the Rani surrendered their other strongholds and temples without further fighting. Absalon had the Rani burn the wooden statues of their gods and integrated Rügen into the Diocese of Roskilde. The mainland of the Rügen principality was integrated into the Diocese of Schwerin.

== Monasteries == After the successful conversion of the nobility, monasteries were set up on vast areas granted by local dukes, both to further implement the Christian faith and to develop the land. The monasteries actively took part in the Ostsiedlung.<ref name="Herrmann, pp.402ff"/> {| width="95%" | width="50%" |

=== Cistercian === * Stolpe Abbey (1153 by Benedictinians, since 1304 Cistercian<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/>) near Gützkow * Dargun Abbey (1173) in Circipania near the ducal residence burgh, later town of Demmin * Kolbatz (1173) now Kołbacz in Poland * Oliva Abbey (1186) (now part of nearby Danzig (Gdansk)) * Bergen (1193) in the center of Rügen, near the Ranis' former main burgh Charenza and just besides the residence of the Princes of Rügen, Rugard. * Hilda/Eldena (1199) (now part of nearby Greifswald) * Neuenkamp (1231)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Stettin<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> (1243) * Marienflies<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> (1248) * Buckow (1252/1260<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/>) near Schlawe * Ueckermünde (1260, later moved to Jasenitz<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/>) * Stettin Marienstift (1261)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Köslin<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> (1278) * Krummin<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> (1289) on the island of Usedom * Hiddensee (1296)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Verchen (1304), south of Demmin * Stettin Ottenstift (1346)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/>

=== Premonstratensian === * Grobe/Pudagla (also Usedom Abbey) (1155), near Usedom (town) on the isle of Usedom * Broda near the old Liutizian main temple site and capital, Rethra and the later town of Neubrandenburg * Gramzow in the center of the Uckermark near the Ukrani burgh Oberuckersee and the town of Prenzlau * Marienbusch (1224) near Treptow an der Rega<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Stolp<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/>

|width="50%"|

=== Dominican Order === [[File:Klosterruine Eldena.jpg|thumb|150px|Ruins of Hilda Abbey (Eldena, Greifswald, founded in 1199) by Danish Cistercian monks]]

* Stralsund (1251)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100">Werner Buchholz, ''Pommern'', Siedler, 1999, pp. 98-100, {{ISBN|3-88680-272-8}}</ref> * Cammin (1295)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Greifswald Schwarzes Kloster ("Black Abbey") (1254)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Pasewalk (1272)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Stolp (1278)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Prenzlau<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Soldin<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/>

=== Franciscan === * Stettin (1240)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Prenzlau (before 1250)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Stralsund (1254)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Greifswald Graues Kloster ("Grey Abbey", donated by the Counts of Gützkow, now Pomerania State Museum) (1262)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Pyritz<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Greifenberg<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/>

=== Augustinian === * Pyritz<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Gartz (Oder) (13th century)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Stargard (13th century)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Lippehne (1276)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Anklam (14th century)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Marienthron (14th century) near Neustettin<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Jasenitz - now Jasienica in Police

=== Benedictinian === * Stolpe Abbey (1253–1304)<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> * Kolberg<ref name="Buchholz pp.98-100"/> |}

== See also == * Conversion of Poland

== References == {{Reflist}}

{{Pomeranian history|ecc}} {{Christian History}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Conversion Of Pomerania}} Category:History of Pomerania Category:History of Christianity in Poland Pomerania Category:History of Christianity in Germany Pomerania, Conversion of Category:Persecution of Pagans