Page "Absalon" Paragraph 7

In 1168 the chief Wendish fortress at Arkona in Rügen, containing the sanctuary of their god Svantevit, was conquered.

The Wends agreed to accept Danish suzerainty and the Christian religion at the same time.

From Arkona, Absalon proceeded by sea to Charenza, in the midst of Rügen, the political capital of the Wends and an all but impregnable stronghold.

But the unexpected fall of Arkona had terrified the garrison, which surrendered unconditionally at the first appearance of the Danish ships.

Absalon, with only Bishop Sweyn of Aarhus, and twelve " housecarls " thereupon disembarked, passed between a double row of Wendish warriors, 6000 strong, along the narrow path winding among the morasses, to the gates of the fortress, and, proceeding to the temple of the seven-headed god Rugievit, caused the idol to be hewn down, dragged forth and burnt.

The whole population of Garz was then baptized, and Absalon laid the foundations of twelve churches in the isle of Rügen.

Rügen was then subjected to Absalon's Bishopric of Roskilde.