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Heinrich PlotzkeKnight of the Teutonic Order
Date of Birth: 01.01.1264
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Content:
- Early Life and Entry into the Teutonic Order
- Roles in Prussia
- Landmaster and Grand Comtur
- Command in the Medininkai Battle
- Legacy
Early Life and Entry into the Teutonic Order
Heinrich von Plotzke was born into a family of ministerials in the village of Plötzkau, Saxony. The year of his birth is unknown, but he likely joined the Teutonic Order around 1286.
Roles in Prussia
Von Plotzke served as the commander of Altenburg and Halle in the Thuringian bailiwick. He arrived in Prussia around 1300 and became the acting commander of the Balga castle in 1304.
Landmaster and Grand Comtur
In 1306, von Plotzke was elected as the Landmaster of Prussia. However, upon the arrival of Grand Master Siegfried von Feuchtwangen in 1309, the position of Landmaster became redundant and was abolished. Von Plotzke was appointed as the Grand Comtur, essentially becoming the deputy of the Grand Master.
Command in the Medininkai Battle
In 1320, von Plotzke led the Teutonic army in the Medininkai Battle. The army consisted of 40 knights, the garrison of the Memel castle, and conquered Prussians. They attacked the Medininkai lands, but were ambushed by the Samogitians. Von Plotzke and 29 other knights were killed, along with many Prussians.
Legacy
The Teutonic Order did not attack the Medininkai lands again until the truce with Gediminas in 1324-1328. Von Plotzke's death marked a significant setback for the Order in their campaign against the Baltic tribes.
