Johann Hunt
Maps changed and empires shifted during the Northern Crusades, but the smaller, often-ignored events carry the deepest insights. Political moves, religious pressure, and sheer strategy all played out in ways textbooks rarely cover. Read on to see history as it really happened.
The Crusades Began Before The Baltic Was Christianized
The Northern Crusades started in 1198, aimed at pagan communities in regions now known as Latvia and Estonia. Pope Celestine III, head of the Catholic Church, approved the campaign and promised participants the same religious rewards as crusaders in the Holy Land.
German And Danish Interests Drove The Campaigns
German and Danish leaders played a major role in driving the Northern Crusades, aiming to gain land and noble titles in Livonia and Prussia. Their pursuit of noble titles and wealth often outweighed any religious goals. In 1219, Danish King Valdemar II proclaimed himself “King of Estonia,” while some nobles joined simply to escape debt.
Forced Baptisms Were A Common Tactic
Conversions during the Northern Crusades usually happened by force. Many Baltic pagans had little choice—they faced baptism at swordpoint. After violent raids, Livonian crusaders forced entire villages to undergo baptism. Leaders who refused were executed. In some cases, a few people were baptized multiple times because different crusader groups each tried to convert them.
Christian Converts Often Rebelled Against Their New Faith
Several groups, including the Semigallians, resisted their new Christian faith. These uprisings, including the Prussian Uprising (1260–1274), were widespread and faced harsh punishment from the crusaders. Some Semigallians and other converted groups even disguised themselves as Christians to launch surprise attacks on the crusader forces.
Not All Crusades Were Approved By The Pope
Not all Northern Crusades received the Pope’s approval. Some local rulers labeled their military campaigns as “crusades” to justify expansion, and some bishops tried to organize and lead their own crusade campaigns in the Baltic region. When the Pope discovered these unauthorized efforts, he occasionally issued public rejections after the crusades had begun.
The Crusaders Founded Entire Cities In Conquered Lands
Cities like Riga and Konigsberg were built or expanded during the Northern Crusades and served as centers for military operations and religious missions. Over time, Riga became a major port in the Hanseatic League. Many crusader cities had more German residents than local inhabitants, clearly showing who held real power on the ground.
Some Pagan Allies Helped The Crusaders For Revenge
Tribes such as the Letts sometimes partnered with Christian crusaders to settle old scores against rival pagans. These allies gave the crusaders local support and valuable manpower. However, the alliances did not last. Some tribes flipped sides more than once and usually ended up discarded once they proved no longer useful.
The Teutonic Order Took Over After The Early Crusaders Failed
The Pope offered full indulgences to those who fought in the Northern Crusades, granting the same spiritual rewards as crusaders received in Jerusalem. This promise drew knights from across Europe, with some traveling farther to reach Livonia than the Holy Land. Over time, indulgence privileges could be inherited or exchanged for money.
The Pope Offered Full Indulgences For Fighting Pagans
The Pope offered full indulgences to those who fought in the Northern Crusades, granting the same spiritual rewards as crusaders received in Jerusalem. This promise drew knights from across Europe, with some traveling farther to reach Livonia than the Holy Land. Over time, indulgence privileges could be inherited or exchanged for money.
Crusaders Used Brutal Siege Tactics On Pagan Settlements
Crusaders usually used extreme tactics to take pagan strongholds. Starvation and fire brought down fortified hillforts. Some cities were destroyed multiple times to prevent recovery. In place of burned sites, crusaders constructed castles. After major sieges, entire populations were sometimes displaced, leaving no chance for old communities to rebuild.