Battle of Głogów
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| Battle of Głogów | |||||||
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| Combatants | |||||||
| Poland | Holy Roman Empire | ||||||
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| Bolesław III Wrymouth | Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor | ||||||
The Battle of Głogów, which is also called "Obrona Głogowa" (Defense of Głogów) was fought August 14, 1109, between the forces of Poland and the Holy Roman Empire. It is one of the most well known battles in Polish history. The Polish forces were led by Bolesław III Wrymouth, and the Imperial forces were led by Emperor Henry V. Bolesław was victorious.
[edit] Prelude
Henry V. and his army crossed the border and approached Głogów on September 8. They defeated a Polish army which was stationed near the town. Knowing that King Boleslaus was in the city, Henry decided to grant Głogów's citizens a five day ceasefire to ask their king to surrender. Henry made the citizens of Głogów give up their sons as hostages as a guarantee of the ceasefire and promised to give them back alive no matter what the answer of the Polish king would be.
[edit] The Battle
King Boleslaus had no intention to hand over the city. After the five days were up, Henry V. reversed his decision and laid siege to Głogów. Breaking his promise, he chained the hostages to his siege engines, hoping that the people of Głogów would not shoot their own children.
However, Henry's cruelty only strengthened the resolve of Głogów's defenders. Several attacks by the Imperial army were repulsed. After many days of unsuccessful fighting, Henry V. was forced to abandon the siege and march south.
