Medieval Lithuanian History - Lecture Notes - University of Kaunas (a Lithuanian Megacampaign AAR)

[ardsss]

Hello All:

Longtime appreciator of megacampaign AARs here. I am excited to announce my new Lithuanian megacampaign. I attempted a megacampaign AAR previously but felt that I had some issues with tone and finding the time to do it. However, I think I found a style that really suits me well. This AAR will be in the form of Lecture Notes of an unnamed student from the University of Kaunas in modern day in the alternate history. I hope you enjoy!

Medieval Lithuanian History – HIST1602 – Lecture Notes - Professor: Jonas Matas - Part 1

Tribal Origins 1066:​

• The Lithuanian peoples were a tribal peoples living around the Baltic.
• Mostly adhered to Vidilist pagan beliefs.

• Tensions in between the Prussian tribes of the Baltic and the Lithuanian tribes resulted in lots of raiding and border skirmishes.
• The Prussian tribes were significantly weakened by expansion from the neighboring Kingdom of Poland, who had renewed its attempts to convert and control Pruthenia.

• By 1090 a tribe of Lithuanians led Chieftain Manvydas had established firm control over Pruthenia and its environs, although small Prussian tribes remained.

• Emboldened by victories against the Baltic Prussians, the Lithuanians of Pruthenia started raiding Polish Masuria. These raids were highly successful due the Polish civil war.

• Despite successes in Pruthenia, Chieftain Manvydas was challenged by other upstart Chiefs claiming sovereignty over the Lithuanians.
• One such Chief, Chieftain Erdenis of Zemaitija asked for the hand of Manvydas daughter Bezelea in order to unify the Lithuanians. However, the offer was quickly rejected by Manvydas.
• Erdenis offended by the refusal, responded by declaring war on Manvydas for the right to marry his daughter and for the lands Erdenis perceived as rightfully his.

• Pruthenian Crisis - 1099
• Chief Manvydas dies early into the conflict due to the illness, and is succeeded by his son Komantas.
• Seeking to exploit the transition of power Komantas is attacked by the Prussian tribes.
• Prussian tribes wanted to reestablish their hegemony over Pruthenia.
• Similarly, Marcin Ossowski, Duke of Mazovia declares a war to claim Pruthenia for Catholicism.
• Duke of Mazovia was the strongest of Poland’s duchies during the 11th and 12th centuries.
• Thus the stage was set for the Pruthenian crisis, whose implications still affect the region to this day.

 

[HIMDogson]

Looking forwards to this; I love a good megacampaign and this is a pretty unique format for it

 

[Idhrendur]

I'm also a longtime appreciator of megacampaigns. Thanks for starting an AAR about yours!

 

[HistoryDude]

Megacampaigns are excellent! I'll definitely follow this!

While you appear to have had some early success, this Pruthenian Crisis doesn't sound good. Hopefully some of those enemies will fall easily...

 

[ardsss]

I'm also a longtime appreciator of megacampaigns. Thanks for starting an AAR about yours!

Thank you! And of course thank you so much to you and your team for all of your hard work on the converters, without you this wouldn’t be possible at all

 

[Crimson Lionheart]

This looks fun! Will be following

 

[ardsss]

Pruthenian Crisis – 1100 – 1105– Lecture 06/24/2023​

• Begginings of Pruthenian Crisis (recap from last class)
  • Belligerents
    • Northern Lithuanian Tribes – led by Chieftain Erdenis of Zemaitija
      • Sought to establish hegemony over Lithuanian tribes.
    • Prussian Tribes – wanted to reclaim the area from the encroachment of the Lithuanians
    • Duchy of Mazovia – seeks to spread Catholicism to Pruthenia
• Conversion of Komantas
  • Komantas facing a war on all fronts quickly chooses to negotiate with the poles. Komantas offers to convert to Catholicism and in exchange for peace with the Duchy.
  • Duke Marcin accepts Komantas’s proposal.
  • Komantas is converted in a ceremony held by court chaplain of the Duke at the border.
  • The conversion of Komantas quickly grabs the attention of the Polish King, Szczesny Piast, who starts corresponding with Man

• Attacks from the East – capitalizing on the chaos surrounding Pruthenia, an upstart chieftain in Grodno attempts to seize Trakai for himself.

• Alliance-Making – eager for some support in the ongoing conflict Komantas arranges the marriage of his heir to the daughter of the Duke of Austria and the King of Sweden requests the hand of Komantas’s sister, establishing strong newfound allies.

• With the threat of the Southern Poles gone and with the support of Sweden and Austria, Komantas is able to summarily defeat the Zemaitijan, Grodnian tribes and the Pruthenian Prussians.

• With new support from the Catholic world the Pruthenian Crisis is concluded and Komantas stands as a newly established Catholic leader in the Baltic,. with strong ties to the Kingdom of Poland

 

[HistoryDude]

That conversion really helped Lithuania. I can't imagine that the native religion is completely stamped out... but this should prevent war from the Catholic realms. Hopefully.

 

[ardsss]

That conversion really helped Lithuania. I can't imagine that the native religion is completely stamped out... but this should prevent war from the Catholic realms. Hopefully.

Definitely, many have not converted and will continue to be thorn in Komantas's side.

 

[ardsss]

Early Christianity in the Baltic – 1105 AD – 1119 AD – Guest Lecturer: Dr. Viktorija Jankauskienė – 06/25/2023​

• After converting to Catholicism, Komantas is the rule or lands and peoples that still adhere to Vidilism, a pagan faith.
• In order to consolidate his position Komantas increases adopts new tribal laws that allow the chieftain unprecedented control. The Chieftain’s word now has the power of law and outright disobedience is a imprisonable offence.

• Additionally, he enlists members of the Polish clergy to demand the conversion of his subjects and convert the local populace.
• This proves wildly unpopular and results in an Vidilist uprising in 1108, which is quickly defeated using the aid of the Austrian allies. As a result the majority of the minor chieftains under Komantas were imprisoned and forced to convert to Catholicism.

• Using his increased control over Pruthenia Komantas was able to convert the majority of the people in Pruthenia to Catholicism by 1109.

• The Northern War – 1109
  • War breaks out in between Sweden and her neighboring Kingdom’s of Denmark and Norway.
  • Traditionally, Sweden was the most significant power in Scandinavia but with the Alliance of Denmark and Norway, Sweden is outnumbered.
  • Komantas is called into the war to repay Sweden’s contributions during the Pruthenian crisis.

• Komantas sends the Majority of his forces to join the Swedes in the North.
• However, his campaign is cut short as Prussian raiders enter Pruthenian lands.

• Upon the troops return he immediately starts a campaign into the Prussian lands.

• The Prussians are quickly defeated.

• The Polish Kingdom to the also uses the opportunity to expand in Pruthenia and Pomerania.

• The Zemaitijan Lithuanians to the north convert to Orthodox Christianity after significant missionary efforts from Kiyev.
• Thus, the religious status of the Lithuanian’s remains divided, with the Pruthenian Catholics firmly in the Polish influence and the Zemaitijan Orthodox firmly in Kiyev’s influence.

• The Estonians to the North have also established a kingdom and converted to Orthodox Christianity under the influence of Kiev.

• By 1119 all of the Baltic had been converted to Christianity, albeit divided among denominations.

 

[HistoryDude]

I liked the coverage of religious motivations here...

I wonder if Prussia will become a flashpoint of tension between Pruthenia and Poland in the future... Perhaps war will occur over that area?

Will Pruthenia attempt to attack their heretic kin, or will they first attempt a more peaceful resolution?

 

[ardsss]

Medieval Lithuanian History – HIST1602 – Lecture Notes - Professor: Jonas Matas - Consolidation of Power –1119 AD – 1126 AD –– Class 4

• After successfully maintaining his independence from various outside forces Komatas seeks to consolidate his power.
• He marries off his children to key subjects in order to secure their obedience.
• He additionally introduces various religious reforms, focused at promoting Catholicism among the population. Importantly, he makes the practice of Vidilism illegal. These would lead to significant increase in religious authority in Pruthenia and further integrated it to the Catholic sphere.

• Pagan Rebellion of 1120 - His reforms are immediately met with hostility from his pagan subjects and leads to a state of civil war.

• Komantas relied on the alliances secured by key marriages to subjects to outnumber the rebellion, and early victories are won.

• The rebellion is effectively crushed with the capture of the ringleader in 1121.

• The rebellious subjects are immediately executed and replaced with loyal catholic leaders, including Komantas’s own son.

• After cleansing local leaders, Komantas also expanded his realm by conquering the lands of Yemelyan Pavelovich, the Chieftain of Grodno. The newly annexed lands were granted to his Komanta’s son Dausprungas.

• Zemaitija Border War - 1125
o Komantas’s victories are shortlived when in the summer of 1125 A.D. the warriors of Zemaitija crossed the border into Jotva in an aggressive raid of unprecedented size.
o Komantas immediately declares war on Erdenis escalating the raid to full out war, calling in the Kingdom of Sweden and the Duchy of Austria, while Erdenis calls local leaders in Kernave and Palanga.

• Komantas’s forces quickly cross the border to defeat the warriros of Kernave before they can link up with Erdenis’s forces.

• Around 4,000 Swedish troops land in Zemaitija. Flanking Erdenis’s main forces in between Erdenis troops to the East.

• Both armies converge in Jotva, attacking Erdenis’s troops from both flanks, resulting in decisive victory for Komantas.

• By the following summer, Erdenis’s troops are decimated and his family has been captured.
• Komantas demands Erdenis’s total subjugation and Erdenis complies.
• In the ensuing peace treaty all the majority of Lithuania is now under Komantas’s control.

 

[HistoryDude]

1921? Is that supposed to be 1121?

Congrats on uniting Lithuania and completing their conversion to Catholicism. What will Pruthenia do next? Attempt to spread the faith? Focus on ensuring that the pagans are truly converted?

 

[ardsss]

1921? Is that supposed to be 1121?

Congrats on uniting Lithuania and completing their conversion to Catholicism. What will Pruthenia do next? Attempt to spread the faith? Focus on ensuring that the pagans are truly converted?

Thanks for the catch!
Unfortunately Komantas’s reign marked a peak followed by lots internal struggles, but youll have to stay tuned for those.

 

[ardsss]

Medieval Lithuanian History – HIST1602 – Lecture Notes - Professor: Jonas Matas – Kiyevan Agression – 1126 AD – 1135 AD –– Class 5​

Komantas now stood as a powerful catholic leader in the area, however the Lithuanians continued their tribal ways.

1128 – Poland enters an era of turmoil upon the ascension of the 1 year old Aleksander Piast to the Throne, thus Komantas is unable to rely on the support of the Poles.

The Partition of 1129 –

Komantas dies in 1129 AD succeeded by three sons, who each receive a portion of his lands as per the Lithuanian tradition. This first division would heavily inform subsequent successions in Lithuanian’s history.

The Eldest son, Sventargis, is given control over the lands of Pruthenia, the western heartland of Komantas’s realm. Despite Lithuanian dominance in Pruthenia, there still existed significant minorities of Baltic Prussians.

Komantas’s middle child, Gediminas, received the northern lands of Zemaitija. Although, these lands were predominantly Lithuanian most of the populace had either converted to Orthodox Christianity or remainded staunchly pagan. Additionally, Chieftain Erdenis’s ilk still maintained power in the lands, seeking a resurgence for the Palemonaitis dynasty.

Komantas’s youngest child, Dausprungas, received his father’s eastern most lands which was referred to as Lithuania proper. Dausprungas realm was the smallest of the three successors and the by far the weakest.

Fortunately, all three brothers maintained strong bonds and maintained alliances, thus presented a strong front against outside influences.

The 2nd Crusade – 1130

After a successful Crusade for Jerusalem, the Pope declares a new crusade for Africa in 1130. Although, the Lithuanians do not formally participate they do donate to the cause.

The Second Pagan Uprising – 1131

In 1131, a large contingent of Zemaitija’s vidilist population declare open revolt against Catholic rule after significant conversion efforts by Gendimas. And the brothers band together to fight the threat. Some historians attribute the uprising to provocation by remaining Palemonaitis leaders, however there is no significant evidence for this claim.

The Catholic forces are largely outnumbered and soon the Vidilist’s start taking control of portions of Zemaitija’s eastern coast.

Capitalizing on the distraction caused by the uprising, the Kingdom of Kiyev launches and invasion of Pruthenia to expand its influence. Still crippled by their civil war Poland is in no position to combat Kiyev's agression.

Kiyev is Led by King Rostislav Rurikid, who was known for his policy of aggressive expansion.

Unable to deal with the Vidilists and Kiyev at the same time Sventargis surrenders to King Rostislvav by 1132. Sventargis is officially named as the Duke of Pruthenia by the Kiyevan King, and is forced to swear fealty. Kiyev also sponsors heavy fortification projects in the area, including the building new castles. The area is subject to great attention by Orthodox priests looking to expand the churches influence.

By 1333 Kiyev turns its eyes to Dausprungas in Lithuania and invades the Gardinas (Grodno).

Unable to face the power of Kiyev, Gardinas is immediately conceded by Dausprungas. Fortunately, by 1135 Dausprungas and Gediminas are able to defeat the Vidilist uprising. The two brothers, wary of their aggressive neighbor now look to protect themselves from Kiyev.

Essay due next class: What are the significant ramifications of the first partition of Lithuania?

 

[HistoryDude]

I imagine that Lithuania's partition will weaken them in the long run. I wonder how long it will take for the brothers (or their descendants) to fall out. Someone's bound to get ambitious eventually.

Kiev looks like a threat. Let's hope Poland can recover before Kiev manages to expand too much, especially if that expansion is at Lithuania's expense.

 

[ardsss]

I imagine that Lithuania's partition will weaken them in the long run. I wonder how long it will take for the brothers (or their descendants) to fall out. Someone's bound to get ambitious eventually.

Kiev looks like a threat. Let's hope Poland can recover before Kiev manages to expand too much, especially if that expansion is at Lithuania's expense.

Kiyev is definitely the biggest antagonist to Lithuania at this point. I am using a mod that bestows luck on random characters, and the Kiyevan King is receiving significant buffs.

 

[ardsss]

Medieval Lithuanian History – HIST1602 – Lecture Notes - Professor: Jonas Matas – The Fourth Crusade and the Kingdom of Zaporoze 1135 AD – 1167 AD –– Class 6​

In the face of the domineering Kingdom of Kiyev, Zemaitija and Lietuva continue to strengthen their alliance. Gediminas sends over funds seized from the rebellious vidilists in efforts bolster Dausprunga’s resources.

1142 – Estonian Invasion of Zemaitija

The Kingdom of Estonia invades Zemaitija in an effort to capitalize on Lithuanian weakness . All three lithuanian realms, including the Grand Principality of Pruthenia raises their armies to defend Zemaitija. .

The King of Estonia calls in the Kingdom of Hungary, outnumbering the Lithuanians.

Simultaneously, the Count of Grodno declares war for Kernave. The military campaign is implicitly sanctioned by the King of Kiyev, though the King does not become directly involved. The upstart count is quickly captured by Lithuanians and his forces route immediately.

The King of Estonia is captured before the arrival of the Hungarians and required to surrender in exchange for his life. Although, divided the Lithuanians affirm that they are not easily conquered.

1142 - The Third Crusade – Catholic Victory

After a successful crusade, the pope crowns Pandolf Lantpertidi as the Lombard King of Africa.

Despite North African successes, the Catholic’s lose the majority of the Kingdom of Jerusalem to the neighboring Fatimid Kingdom.

Maciej Rzewuski – Dasprungas’s Lover

It is believed that Dasprungas meets Maciej, a minor polish noble, during his travels through Poland. Maciej becomes his lover and sports significant sway with Dasprungas. Although not an official council member, he is often present at important meetings. He quickly becomes the strongest warrior in Dasprungas’s entourage. He is given the title the First of Noble Virtue. He is later instrumental in Lithuania's involvement with the Fourth Crusade.

In 1159 the Grand Principality of Ruthenia passes from Sventargis to his daughter Grand Princess Aldona. Although, female heirs were not preferred they were not outlawed under Lithuanian law. Through, her marriage to the Kiyev backed Kholmsky family, Pavel Khomlsky her eldest son stands to inherit the principality.

The Fourth Crusade – 1163 A.D

In 1163 Pope Clemens calls a crusade to conquer the Pechenegs in Zaporizhia. It is believed this was done after significant lobbying from the neighboring Hungarian and Moldavian Kingdoms. Maciej quickly convinced Dasprungas to join the crusade, and put him in charge of Lithuania's host. Dasprungas formally pledges to the cause and soon the realms clergy starts to incite Catholic fervor.

Maciej sets out for Zaporizhia, he is joined by many Lithuanian catholic zealots, including Dasprungas's second son, Svitrigaila. Lithuanians make a significant portion of the forces in the 4th Crusade and are among the first to arrive to fight the Pechenegs.

The Pechenegs are quickly overrun by the Christians, and flee Zaporizhia. The combined Crusader and Lithuanian forces manage to conquer the region. As a reward for the Lithuanians' participation and support, the Crusaders grant Svitrigaila, the newly established Kingdom of Zaporozhia.

The establishment of Zaporoze result in significant upset of regional geopolitics. The once unchallenged Kiyev now borders a burgeoning Christian realm to the south and sees this a direct challenge to its dominance in the region. Kiyev seeks to limit Zaporoze power in the region and now views the Lithuanians as direct rivals.

 

[HistoryDude]

It’s good that Estonia was defeated earlier. Fighting the Hungarians wouldn’t have been fun, even for the United Lithuanian Realm. This is also why an alliance with Kiev is a good idea… as long as it doesn‘t lead to a claim dispute…

I wonder if the Pope will call another crusade for Jerusalem, given Fatimid success.

 

[ardsss]

Medieval Lithuanian History – HIST1602 – Lecture Notes - Professor: Jonas Matas – In-Fighting 1167 AD – 1187 AD - Class 7​

King Svitrigaila’s first act is to formalize his alliance with his father. Both sought to protect themselves against Kiyev.

Before the alliance makes any significant moves, Dausprungas dies of old age in 1173, and is suceeded by his son Tovtivilas.

Tovtivilas quickly arranges a marriage in between his daughter and his nephew, Svitrigaila to ensure that the alliance is maintained.

In 1176 the lands of Zemaitija pass to Jevna Suvalkija, after the death of Tovtivilas’s cousin Vytautas. Although, she is noted for her ambitious nature.

In 1177 the United Crowns of Poland and Pomerania split into two after the king is succeeded by his sons Macko Godziemba (Pomerania) and Zbigniew Godziemba (Poland). The Godziembas were a cadet dynasty of the Piast dynasty.

In 1178 Chieftain Jevna, under the influence of the power hungry warriors of her court, sanctions a raid into Lietuva. This act breaks the traditional nonaggression in between the Zemaitija and Lietuva. This act lead to sharp escalation in tensions between the realms.

Meanwhile the bulk of Tovtivilas’s forces are fighting in Moldavia in support of the Zaporizian Kingdom, and thus is unable to mount a significant response. Zemaitija is able to raid significant Lietuvan lands including the capital of Trakai.

In 1180 the King of Poland decides to press his claim on Pomerania against his own brother, creating a major rift within the Godziemba family. The conflict lasts 4 years resulting in a Pomeranian victory. Macko Godziemba dies during the conflict as is succeeded by his son Dobromir. Thus, Pomerania legitimatizes itself as true Kingdom of the Poles.

By 1186 the Lithuanians return to Lietuva after an unsuccessful campaign in Moldavia. Tovtivilas is eager to avenge the betrayal of the Zemaitijans. However, Jevna’s family has secured powerful alliances, including the Duke of Pomerania (not to the King) through a marriage to Jevna’s aunt Laima (who was Tortivila’s cousin).

Instead of risking the involvement of Pomerania, Tovtivilas seeks to kill Laima and nullify the alliance.

Before Tovtivilas can enact his plan, Jevna declares war on Tovtivilas for the border province of Kernave, once again plunging Lithuania into war.