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Polish leaders mark 1,050 years since key victory over Germans

26.06.2022 20:00
Polish officials on Sunday attended ceremonies to mark the 1,050th anniversary of the country’s victory over the Germans in the 972 Battle of Cedynia.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki speaks during ceremonies on Sunday to mark the 1,050th anniversary of the countrys victory over the Germans in the 972 Battle of Cedynia.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki speaks during ceremonies on Sunday to mark the 1,050th anniversary of the country’s victory over the Germans in the 972 Battle of Cedynia. Photo: PAP/Lech Muszyński

On June 24, 972, Poland's first Christian ruler, Mieszko I defeated the forces of Saxon count Odo I at the Battle of Cedynia, or Zehden, and stopped German expansion into Poland for several centuries, according to historians.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said at the ceremonies in the west of the country that "the courage of Mieszko I's army" was a key factor in defending Poland's sovereignty more than a millennium ago.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak told the gathering that "1,050 years ago the newly established Poland defended itself against an aggressor who wanted to subjugate lands inhabited by Polish tribes."

"This is an important date in our history, marking the first recorded victory of the Polish army," Błaszczak added.

(gs)

Source: PAP, TVP Info