Witzan
Prince of the Obotrites
About Witzan
Lived 720 – 795 (aged 74–75).
Witzаn (died in 795 in Liuni) also known by the name Witzlаus was the prince of the confederation of Obotrites.
As an ally of Charlemagne in his war against the Saxons, Witzan marched his army against Magdeburg in 782 and destroyed it completely. This provoked war with the nearby Slavic nation of Wiltzi (Vеléti). In the war, the Obotrites allied with the Franks, Sоrbs, and Frisians and fought against Wiltzi and Danes. After restoration of the Saxon rebellion, Witzan again marched against them and was killed in an ambush by Saxons in Liuni.
He had three successors, Thrasco, Slavomir, and Godlav.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Witzan's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Witzan's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Witzan?
Prince of the Obotrites
When was Witzan born?
Witzan was born in 720.
When did Witzan die?
Witzan died in 795 in Lüneburg.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Witzan. https://biography.guide/witzan/
MLA: "Witzan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/witzan/.
Chicago: "Witzan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/witzan/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:33 UTC