Vytenis

Vytenis (in Polish: Witenes; 13th century – 1316) was the Grand Prince of Lithuania 1296 – 1316.

The rule of Vytenis is marked by constant warfare with the Russians, Poles and the Teutonic Order. During this time, the Teutonic Order is attempting to establish a corridor allong the Baltic Sea, in lowland Lithuania, to link up with the Livonian Order to the north. Vytenis expends considerable effort aiding the lowland Lithuanians in defensive battles.

Invades Poland in 1292 with an army of 800 men, reaching as far as Lenczic.

Honors request from the Archbishop of Riga to defend local residents, including local Germans, from the Teutonic order, who at this time are warring against all locals, irregardless of language or descent.

Said to have been killed by a bolt of lightning; it was beleived to be a great honour bestowed upon by Perkunas, the Lithuanian god of thunder, to be struck by lightning.

Father

Pukuwer (13th century – 1296), Grand Prince of Lithuania 1291 – 1296

Brothers

Gediminas (in Polish: Giedymin; ca 1275 – winter 1341 under Wielon), Grand Prince of Lithuania, King of Lithuanians and Ruthenians 1316 – 1341

Wojn (? – after 1342), Prince of Polock 1315 – after 1342

Fiodor (? – ca 1362), Prince of Kijow

Olgimunt (Borys)

See also

Gediminaiciai (in Polish: Giedyminowicze)

List of Lithuanian rulers