ABSTRACT
During the first quarter of the sixteenth century, the small principality of Ermland was the scene of frequent and terrible devastation. It bordered the Gulf of Danzig and was one of four dioceses into which Prussia had been divided for purposes of ecclesiastical government. The bishop of Ermland, Copernicus’ uncle, was frequently engaged in conflict with the Order of Teutonic Knights which had formerly ruled Ermland and they periodically launched military expeditions to regain supremacy. There were three fortified towns in the bishopric and one of these was Allenstein, on the River Alle. Copernicus, appointed to the sinecure of canon of Frauenberg Cathedral by his uncle, was also commandant of Allenstein Castle.
