Poppo von Osterna (died 1257) was the ninth
Grand Master of the
Teutonic Knights, serving from 1252-56 or 1257.
Poppo hailed from a family with rich
knightly traditions which resided in
Osternohe, just outside
Nuremberg in
Franconia. He joined the Teutonic Order in 1228 and was one of the first
friars to settle in
Prussia. In 1233, Poppo took part in localisation of the town of
Kulm (Chełmno). He became the Prussian Master in 1240 and in 1241 fought in the
Battle of Legnica although the participation of the Teutonic Knights in the battle is questionable. In 1242 Poppo went to
Austria with a German
legation to collect money for war with Duke
Świętopełk II of Pomerania. From 1248-53, Poppo resided in
Germany, becoming the ninth Grand Master in 1253. The pro-papal minority did not agree with the
capitulum's choice and chose
Wilhelm von Urenbach as their rival Grand Master.
After being chosen Grand Master, Poppo went to Prussia to start a war against the
Sudovians.
In 1254 he went with a legation to King
Ottokar II of Bohemia and received needed military help to start crusades in
Sambia in 1254 and 1255. After the conquest of Sambia, Poppo built several castles around the
Vistula Lagoon, including
Königsberg.
While
Landmeister, Poppo supposedly led a detachment of Teutonic Knights at the
Battle of Legnica in 1241 and was killed by the
Mongols. However, the presence of Teutonic Knights in the battle is uncertain. Poppo did die and was buried at
Legnica (Liegnitz), but years later while visiting his wife's nunnery and after serving as Grand Master.