Treaty of Soldin (1309)

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of Soldin (1309)?

Subject:

Treaty of Soldin (1309)

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1309 treaty establishing Teutonic Order's rights over Danzig and Pomerelia from Brandenburg.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Foundation

The Treaty of Soldin was a significant political agreement signed on September 13, 1309, at Soldin (Myślibórz). It involved Waldemar, the Margrave of Brandenburg-Stendal, and the powerful Teutonic Order. This treaty was reached following earlier disputes, notably after the Teutonic Knights were involved in the siege of Danzig (Gdańsk). The initial arrangements, made in 1308, concerning the loan of a nearby fort to Polish forces, quickly led to disagreements regarding the scope of the loan.

Breakthrough & Iconic Era

Despite the initial claims by Brandenburg being of dubious legality, the Teutonic Order managed to secure possession of Danzig and extensive rights over most of Pomerelia. This acquisition was formalized through a purchase from Brandenburg, covering areas like Dirschau (Tczew) and Schwetz (Świecie). The financial transaction stipulated a payment of 10,000 silver Marks for these crucial territories and rights. This treaty was later confirmed in 1311 by Emperor-elect Henry VII, lending it a degree of imperial legitimacy.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Treaty of Soldin fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of the region, granting the Teutonic Order substantial power bases. However, the treaty's origins and terms were repeatedly questioned by the Polish populace. This persistent skepticism ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the ensuing Polish-Teutonic Wars. Thus, the treaty remains a pivotal, yet controversial, document in the history of the Baltic region.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1308: 1308 Milestone — The initial arrangements, made in 1308, concerning the loan of a nearby fort to Polish forces, quickly led to disagreements regarding the scope of the loan.
2. 1309: 1309 Milestone — The Treaty of Soldin was a significant political agreement signed on September 13, 1309, at Soldin (Myślibórz).
3. 1311: 1311 Milestone — This treaty was later confirmed in 1311 by Emperor-elect Henry VII, lending it a degree of imperial legitimacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of Soldin (1309)

True or False: “The Treaty of Soldin was the primary legal basis for the Teutonic Order's possession of Danzig, and this claim was never questioned by the Polish nobility.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The treaty was highly controversial; the Polish populace repeatedly questioned its legality, which ultimately contributed to the Polish-Teutonic Wars.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• François Grimaldi — Historical peer (Died in 1309) (1309): Genoese nobleman and influential leader of the Guelph faction.
• Raden Wijaya — Historical peer (Died in 1309) (1309): Founder of the Majapahit Empire, a pivotal 13th-century Javanese monarch.
• Albert I of Germany — Historical peer (Died in 1308) (1308): Duke of Austria and Styria, and King of Germany from 1298 until his assassination.
• Duns Scotus — Historical peer (Died in 1308) (1308): Scottish Franciscan philosopher, key figure in late medieval scholasticism.
• Hōjō Morotoki — Historical peer (Died in 1311) (1311): Tenth Shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate, a key figure in late medieval Japanese politics.
• Hōjō Sadatoki — Historical peer (Died in 1311) (1311): Ninth Shikken of the Kamakura shogunate, ruling de facto Japan from 1284 to his death.

Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty of Soldin (1309)