It also served as an effective barrier defending Polish lands from German invasions, and was the place through which important tracts ran from the Saxon estates to Greater Poland and Pomerania.

Władysław III Spindleshanks, who was the brother-in-law of Conrad II (his wife was Elisabeth Mieszkówna), set out to help the besieged castle.

However, during the difficult nighttime crossing of the swampy terrain, many people drowned, adding to the losses of the Polish side.

The failed relief of Władysław Spindleshanks hastened the surrender of Lebus, and the defenders of the stronghold met a terrible fate - by order of Margrave Conrad, they were all killed by hanging.

Henry the Bearded regained the territories lost by Władysław Spindleshanks during an armed campaign he carried out between August 1210 and March 1211.