# Mieszko I clashes with Wichmann and Gero (963)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/963-mieszko-i-clashes-with-wichmann-and-gero
Location: Lusatia
Categories: battle

The Saxon chronicler Widukind records that Mieszko was twice defeated by Wichmann the Younger, while Margrave Gero forced him to pay tribute for part of his lands. 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 (963), the governing authority was Mieszko I (Duke of the Polans). First historically documented ruler of Poland; his baptism in 966 brought the Polans into Latin Christendom. Mieszko I clashes with Wichmann and Gero 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
Mieszko I clashes with Wichmann and Gero mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed.

Ruler at the time: [Mieszko I](https://poland-history.com/rulers/mieszko-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Mieszko I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mieszko_I)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Mieszko I clashes with Wichmann and Gero](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Mieszko+I+clashes+with+Wichmann+and+Gero)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland during the Piast dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_during_the_Piast_dynasty)