Ostrowin

Ostrowin (German: Werder) was a medieval fortified settlement and trading post located in the Vistula delta, near modern-day Gdańsk, Poland. It played a significant role in the early history of Pomerelia and the Teutonic Knights.

Ostrowin was situated on an island (Polish: ostrów) within the Vistula River's delta, hence the name. It served as an important center of trade and administration for the local Slavic population. In the 13th century, the Teutonic Knights, expanding their influence in the region, targeted Ostrowin due to its strategic location and economic importance.

The Teutonic Knights conquered Ostrowin in 1309. Following its capture, the settlement gradually declined in importance as the Knights focused on developing Gdańsk (Danzig) as their major port city in the region. Ostrowin’s function was largely superseded by the growing urban center.

The historical significance of Ostrowin lies in its role as a precursor to Gdańsk and its demonstration of the early political and economic landscape of the Vistula delta region before the ascendancy of the Teutonic Order. Archeological investigations in the area provide insights into the lives and trade practices of the people who inhabited the settlement.