Warfare between Boleslaw I and Henry II has continued despite the peace of Poznan.

In 1007, Boleslaw I had again taken control of Lusatia with the fortress of Bautzen.

A campaign led by Henry II in 1010 had been unsuccessful.

During this campaign, which started in Belgern, Henry II had been struck by an illness at Jarina castle and returned with some of his bishops, while the remaining armies devastated the surrounding area.

A Saxon campaign in 1012 was also unsuccessful.

Henry II had mobilized the Saxon nobility to mount campaigns in his name, since he needed a peace agreement before 1013, when his coronation in Rome was scheduled.

Thus, in 1013, Boleslaw and Henry agree on a peace in Merseburg, under the terms of which Henry II again gives the Lusatian march and Upper Lusatia to Boleslaw as a fief, Boleslaw again pledges allegiance to Henry, Boleslaw promises to support Henry's campaign to Rome, and Henry promises to support Boleslaw I's campaign against Kiev with five hundred knights.

The treaty is confirmed by the marriage of Richeza, a niece of Otto III, to Mieszko II, a son of Boleslaw.

During the ceremony, Boleslaw carries the sword for Henry.