# Siege of Niemcza (1017)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1017-siege-of-niemcza
Location: Niemcza, Silesia
Categories: battle

Silesian defenders at Niemcza held out against Henry II's army, frustrating the imperial invasion of Poland. 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 (1017), 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. Siege of Niemcza 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
Siege of Niemcza 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 — Siege of Niemcza](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Siege+of+Niemcza)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland during the Piast dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_during_the_Piast_dynasty)