Vytenis
| Vytenis | |
|---|---|
Grand Duke of Lithuania | |
| Reign | 1295–1316 |
| Predecessor | Butvydas |
| Successor | Gediminas |
| Born | 1260 |
| Died | 1316 |
| Spouse | Vikinda |
| Issue | Žvelgutis |
| House | Gediminids |
| Father | Butvydas |
Vytenis (
Warfare
Vytenis is mentioned for the first time in 1292 during his father's invasion of
The
Alliance with Riga
One of the most celebrated achievements of Vytenis was an alliance with
A Lithuanian garrison, situated in a "Lithuanian castle" outside the city, guarded Riga until 1313 when the city residents gave it to the Order and sent the pagans away. Friendship with Riga fostered trade and commerce, and helped to consolidate Lithuanian influence in the
Death and succession
Vytenis died ca. 1315 without an heir. The circumstances surrounding his death are not known. For a long time Russian historians claimed that he was struck by lightning. However, that was a mistake of a Russian scribe: it was an inadequate translation of Teutonic propaganda that Gediminas killed his master Vytenis and usurped his throne.[4] Vytenis is mentioned for the last time in September 1315 during the unsuccessful Siege of Christmemel, the first castle built by the Teutonic Knights on the right bank of the Neman River. Historians know of only one son of Vytenis, Žvelgutis (Swalegote), who possibly died before his father.[3] Such a situation allowed Gediminas, brother of Vytenis, to become the Grand Duke of Lithuania. During his reign the Grand Duchy became a major military and political power in the Eastern Europe.[3][9]
See also
- family of Gediminas – family tree of Vytenis
- Gediminids
References
- Universal Lithuanian Encyclopedia(in Lithuanian). Retrieved 7 July 2021.
- ISBN 978-0-8108-7536-4.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-521-45011-9.
- ^ LCCN 74-114275.
- ^ ISBN 5-420-01535-8.
- ^ ISBN 9986-810-13-2.
- ^ Rowell, C. S. Lithuania Ascending, 63
- ISBN 0-14-026653-4.
- ^ "Gediminas | grand duke of Lithuania". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 25 June 2021.