# Otto II's expedition against Mieszko (979)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/979-otto-ii-s-expedition-against-mieszko
Location: Poland
Categories: battle

Emperor Otto II led a campaign against Mieszko, which ended in a settlement and Mieszko's marriage to Oda of Haldensleben. 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 (979), 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. Otto II's expedition against Mieszko 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
Otto II's expedition against Mieszko 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 — Otto II's expedition against Mieszko](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Otto+II%27s+expedition+against+Mieszko)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland during the Piast dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_during_the_Piast_dynasty)