The Teutonic Knights, a medieval Catholic military order, led the conquest of Prussia in the 13th century during the Northern Crusades. Tasked with converting the pagan Prussians to Christianity, they built a powerful state through military campaigns, fortifications, and colonization. The Knights established a theocratic, feudal system that shaped the region's culture and economy. Despite initial successes, their control weakened over time due to internal strife, external challenges, and the ris