Siege of Allenstein

In the 13th century, during the Northern Crusades, the region of the pagan Old Prussians had been conquered by the Monastic Order of the Teutonic Knights. In the 15th century, due to discontent with the Order's conduct, the Prussians revolted against them. In the Second Peace of Thorn, Royal Prussia became part of the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland, although with special local privileges. Royal Prussia included the Prince-Bishopric of Warmia (Ermland), which was surrounded on three sides by the Monastic state. Nicolaus Copernicus, who was also a canon (clerical administrator), had been an administrator at Allenstein from 1516 to 1519 In 1519, he left for Frauenburg (Frombork). In 1511, Albrecht Hohenzollern became the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order. Like some of the previous Masters, he tried to avoid having to pay homage to the King of Poland of whom he was a vassal. As a result, in 1519 war broke out between the Teutonic Knights and the Kingdom of Poland, with the region of Warmia as a major scene of conflict. The letter to the Polish king was intercepted by the knights. Sigismund, however, learned of the threat through other channels Further supplies from Elbing, consisting of lead, salt, and 16 more artillery pieces arrived in early February. ==Siege==

The Knights arrived at Allenstein on January 16, 1521, with a force of some 400 infantry, 600 heavy cavalry, 400 light cavalry, and artillery. On January 26 the Knights launched their assault on the town, led by Wilhelm von Schaumber, near the Brama Młyńska (Mill Gate). The Knights managed to approach the walls across the frozen moat and broke through the gate. They hoped to surprise the town's defenders. An alarm was sounded, however, and Polish soldiers rushed to the breach in the gate. According to Jerzy Sikorski (a Polish historian who played a large part in locating Copernicus’ grave), Copernicus probably came out onto the walls and personally directed the Polish defense of the town. The attack was repulsed, and the Teutonic Knights’ assault force was forced to withdraw. ==Aftermath==

'', by Matejko By the end of February, with the arrival of additional reinforcements from Elbing, the Teutonic Knights were forced to abandon their siege. According to the Treaty of Kraków, in return, Albrecht received the eastern portion of Prussia, which became known as Ducal Prussia, in fief from Poland, as a secular duchy, while the western portion, Royal Prussia, together with Warmia, remained under the Polish crown. ==References==