Introduction. The Archaeology of the Prussian Crusade

The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork stands as the largest brick-built fortified structure globally, spanning 20 hectares. Restored to its 14th-century grandeur after WWII destruction, it is one of 218 such structures erected between the mid-13th and early 15th centuries across modern North Poland, Kaliningrad Oblast, and southwestern Lithuania—regions historically known as Prussia. This study highlights Malbork's significance in medieval European history, particularly its role during the Prussian Crusade, a period marked by the Christianization of pagan Baltic tribes. The research approach combines historical archaeology with architectural analysis to reconstruct the castle's past and its broader cultural context.

Pluskowski, A. (2022). Introduction. The Archaeology of the Prussian Crusade, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003222767-1