1. Vytenis became the first monarch of the Gediminid dynasty to sustain a long-lasting reign, establishing the dynasty's continuity and long-term governance of Lithuania.
10 Facts About Vytenis
1. 2.
The rule of Vytenis was marked by constant warfare in an effort to consolidate the Grand Duchy of Lithuania with the Ruthenians, Masovians, and the Teutonic Order.
3.
In Ruthenia, Vytenis managed to recapture lands lost after the assassination of Mindaugas and capture the principalities of Pinsk and Turau.
4.
Vytenis took measures to undermine influence of local Samogitian nobles, as evidenced by an increasing numbers of traitors and refugees.
5.
One of the most celebrated achievements of Vytenis was an alliance with Riga.
6.
Vytenis offered help to the citizens of Riga and even made some vague promises to convert to Christianity, to ease religious tensions between the pagan soldiers and Christian residents.
7.
Vytenis successfully invaded Livonia, destroyed Karkus castle north of Riga, and defeated the order in the Battle of Turaida, killing Livonian Land Master Bruno and 22 knights.
8.
Vytenis's cause was helped by the fact that in 1308 the Teutonic Knights conquered Pomerania and started its quarrels with Poland.
9.
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.
10.
Such a situation allowed Gediminas, brother of Vytenis, to become the Grand Duke of Lithuania.