1. Traidenis was Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1269 or 1270 until 1282.
10 Facts About Traidenis
1. 2.
Traidenis is the second most prominent grand duke of Lithuania in the 13th century after Mindaugas.
3.
Traidenis's reign ended a seven-year unrest period after Mindaugas was assassinated in 1263 and firmly established the Grand Duchy as a pagan state for another hundred years.
4.
Traidenis expanded the Grand Duchy into the territories of Sudovians and Semigalians and strengthened its presence in Black Ruthenia.
5.
Unlike Mindaugas, Traidenis did not concentrate on expansion into the east.
6.
However, these raids did not affect Masovia as Traidenis established a dynastic link through his daughter Gaudemunda with its dukes.
7.
Traidenis, known for his devotion to paganism and anti-German attitude, was successful in fighting with the Livonian Order.
8.
In 1281, Traidenis conquered Jersika Castle in the present-day Preili district, and was able to exchange it for Dinaburg Castle.
9.
However, Traidenis died soon afterwards, and assistance to Semigalians, exhausted by constant warfare, diminished.
10.
Traidenis is the first known Lithuanian duke to have died a natural death.