# Bolesław seizes Lusatia and Meissen (1002)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1002-boleslaw-seizes-lusatia-and-meissen
Location: Lusatia
Categories: battle

After Otto III's death, Bolesław occupied Lusatia and the Milceni lands, beginning a long war with Emperor Henry II. Within the broader Piast Monarchy period: Under Mieszko I and his successors the Piast state accepted Christianity, gained its own church province and royal crown, and fought to hold its place between the Holy Roman Empire, Bohemia and Kievan Rus'. At this point in the timeline (1002), the governing authority was Bolesław I the Brave (Duke, later King of Poland). Expanded the Piast realm, secured an independent archbishopric at Gniezno in 1000 and was crowned the first King of Poland in 1025. Bolesław seizes Lusatia and Meissen mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Bolesław seizes Lusatia and Meissen mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed.

Ruler at the time: [Bolesław I the Brave](https://poland-history.com/rulers/boleslaw-i-the-brave)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Polish–German Wars (1003–1018)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish%E2%80%93German_Wars_(1003%E2%80%931018))
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Bolesław seizes Lusatia and Meissen](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Boles%C5%82aw+seizes+Lusatia+and+Meissen)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland during the Piast dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_during_the_Piast_dynasty)