# Prussian Crusade Begins (1230)

URL: https://germany-history.com/timeline/1230-prussian-crusade-begins
Location: Kulmerland
Categories: battle

From 1230 the Teutonic Knights, based in Kulmerland on the Vistula, began conquering the pagan Prussians. They built castles at Thorn, Kulm and Elbing. The conquest took more than fifty years.

## Why it matters
It established the Teutonic Order's state in Prussia.

Ruler at the time: [Frederick II](https://germany-history.com/rulers/frederick-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia – Prussian Crusade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prussian_Crusade)