The Battle of Liegnitz was a pivotal moment in the Mongol expansion into Europe, taking place in April 1241. The conflict arose during the Mongol incursions led by Batu Khan, which aimed to subdue and subjugate various European territories. The Mongols advanced into Silesia, where the forces of Duke Henry II of Lower Silesia gathered an army composed of Polish and German knights to defend against the invasions. The clash occurred near the town of Liegnitz, which is modern-day Legnica, Poland.

Baidar, a grandson of Genghis Khan and a key commander of Mongol troops, coordinated a surprise attack that utilized Mongolian cavalry tactics. These involved feigned retreats, swift maneuvers, and a reliance on mounted archers, which ultimately proved devastating for the coalition forces. Despite their numerical advantage, the Polish and German armies were unable to match the speed and strategy employed by the Mongols. The death of Prince Henry II on the battlefield symbolized the collapse of organized resistance against the Mongol forces.

The aftermath of the battle initiated a power vacuum in the region, as various principalities scrambled to respond to the Mongol threat while also vying for control over each other’s territories. This battle, part of the larger military campaign against the fragmented political entities in Central Europe, marked a significant Mongol victory that showcased their military prowess and paved the way for further incursions into the continent. The battle's outcome significantly affected the political landscape in Silesia and led to increasing tensions among local Polish states.