Lithuania and Balts from 1000 to 1600 y.AD

**MADTAO** · February 28, 2006, 07:04 AM

So here we can post imprtant links and discuss historical facts.

**Giurza** · February 28, 2006, 07:46 AM

will post as soon as possible (thou it make take some good time lol)

**Bwaho** · February 28, 2006, 08:08 AM

MADTAO, cool signature! but you've forgotten a few, the one from the island of man etc.

Lithuania huh? I know Sweden controlled lands in the baltic somewhere in 1600-1700 AD.

**MADTAO** · February 28, 2006, 08:44 AM

Wee need discuss stuff like that...

1. Step by step history
2. Nobles and Warchiefs
3. Religion
4. Politics & Regions
5. Warfare ,equpment and unit types
6. In game posible buildings and tech tree

So ,to organize this thread Plz add number in top (1-6) to know what you talking about.
And plz add notes about sources where you get info.

(if i dont add some point gimme know)

**Proximus** · February 28, 2006, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by Bwaho

MADTAO, cool signature! but you've forgotten a few, the one from the island of man etc.

Lithuania huh? I know Sweden controlled lands in the baltic somewhere in 1600-1700 AD.

Correct from the 1620s until 1721 to be more exact.

**MADTAO** · February 28, 2006, 08:57 AM

Hey !it is about 1000 to 1600...so dont ...here about whats later.Try to keep this thread clear .ok !

**wilpuri** · February 28, 2006, 09:59 AM

I know that Curonians were quite powerful during the early medieval period, they raided the Coast of Denmark for example and the Balts + Baltic Finns controlled the Baltic Sea for a while (or rather, they were unchallenged due to internal strife and such in Scandinavia). The Curonians had been under Scandinavian rule earlier, around 600-800 A.D unless I'm mistaken entirely. They managed to over-throw their overlords (who had their base at Seeburg) and became known for viking-like raiding parties in the Baltic and were famed for their long-boats.

I've done quite a bit of research on the Eastern Baltic, mostly concerning the Balto-Finnic peoples, but also a bit on the Balts.

**Siena72** · February 28, 2006, 05:13 PM

**MADTAO** · February 28, 2006, 07:14 PM

5) About units ...Lithuanians and qrossbows ?I know only one fact where semigalians use that weapon after german Weapon master join them and create lots of them and teach tactic how to use it.Also i hear about Lettgalls and mounted qrosbowers.Not sure about that.
What kind of armor wear Lithuanian Nobles in early ? Chainshirts and Norman type Helmet ?What forms of Shields we have?
About sword -sign of prosperity ?As i know more wepons was axses ,spears and javelins.And war maces ?Have only little info about them.How about archery ,did it take serious place in baltic warfare ?

**Siena72** · February 28, 2006, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by MADTAO

5) About units ...Lithuanians and qrossbows ?I know only one fact where semigalians use that weapon after german Weapon master join them and create lots of them and teach tactic how to use it.Also i hear about Lettgalls and mounted qrosbowers.Not sure about that.
What kind of armor wear Lithuanian Nobles in early ? Chainshirts and Norman type Helmet ?What forms of Shields we have?
About sword -sign of prosperity ?As i know more wepons was axses ,spears and javelins.And war maces ?Have only little info about them.How about archery ,did it take serious place in baltic warfare ?

from what I read - crossbowmen were drawn from Lettgalls - mercenaries, I guess.
Archers were drawn from Russian lands.

What is mentioned often about Lithuanians - is the use of short spears, that cavalry and I guess infantry used to throw them. Most usual armor was chainmail.
Other than that - yes - axes, swords, maces.
I doubt swords were sign of prosperity. There was too much war going on for Lithuanians not to pick up good weapons.
Shields were trapezoid shape. These were later adopted by Germans too.

**MADTAO** · February 28, 2006, 08:52 PM

Good.
Here i post long one but important...

WITH FIRE AND SWORD
History of Latvia – edition by O.Kostanda, 1992

Introduction
German historians see Balts of 12th and 13th century as barbarians and savages, to whom they have given advanced culture and religion level (and as a pay for this enlightenment they overtook their land, freedom and independence). The latest archaeological researches prove they are wrong. The Baltic culture development of those centuries have been achieved culture level that even neighbouring nations was inspired by them. The Balts had a unique folk art and their own writing symbols. Gifted craftsmen made luxurious and durable clothes for celebrations and weekdays, weapons, tools and bijouterie. To protect themselves from intruders, our ancestors (Semigalls, Latgalls, Kurshi, etc.) built castles on stand-up hills. Castles with towns inside them with population more than thousand was in Talsi, Tervete, Mezotne, Jersika, Kuldiga, etc. Chronics telling about hospitality of ancient Prussians say, there was no beggars – the richest people supported poor tribe members and even a thief was freed, if he could prove that he had stolen for food.
People believed in Father of Sky – God, Mother of Earth – Mara and spirits who helped her: Mother of Forest, Mother of Wind etc. People believed afterlife condition ‘Velis’, also may be understood as ‘man’s spirit’. ‘Velis’ is sent to afterlife land – land of ‘velis’, where goddess called Mother of ‘Velis’ overrules him. There were also other significant gods: Thunder, who sent rain to farm fields, punished enemies, Laima – a people destiny chooser, life giver and path indicatory.
When the nature seasons changed and when doing important farming jobs, a celebrations of solstice was held – winter solstice, spring solstice, summer celebrations – ‘Jani’, etc. Unique phenomena of Latvian nation in worldwide culture are folksongs, written by whole Latvian nation. Rarely there is a nation who has more folk songs than Latvians do. As European scientists approved it, the amount of Latvian folksongs has a more than 1 million of quatrains. It testifies that Latvian ancestors was a wealthy singers and song lovers. Men were playing music instruments – pipes, trumpets, “kokles” and bagpipes while women composed and sang songs. These folk songs was sang also in occasions when gave advices and expressed gratitude.
Nations of ancient Latvia traded and shared between tribes their secrets of farming and other mastering skills. Trading paths with Sweden, Denmark, Russia and Norway (known as Vikings) were also successful. But those foreign neighbours also tried to conquer our ancestors to multiply their fortune. Aggressors started to spread their religion – Catholicism. But these aggressors were unable to conquer free Baltic tribes. As chronics tells, in 1106 in the coasts of Daugava tribe of Semigalls in battle won Russian army, who lost about 9000 men. Tribe of Latgalls several times invaded into Russian lands, revenging for their local casualties. Kurshi fought and won victories over Vikings in sea fight and in close combat. About year 854 Kurshi were able to destroy ships of Denmark tribes and won silver, gold and weapon trophies. Because Kurshi had excellent ships, they were able to revenge Scandinavians for their invasions and fight on their land. As evidence, there is the coastal church in Denmark with a text that says: ‘God, please help us against Kurshi!’

German traders in Baltic
Since 12th century in Baltic seaports German traders were more and more seen. They were searching for new marketplaces to expand their power over trading paths. Also the noble people and Catholic Church paid their attention to Baltic region, trying to conquer new lands, where tax could be collected.
By the thoughts of church – those who didn’t believe them were unrightfully using their God’s land and must to baptise or die. In the middle of 12th century in Germany was organised a Crusade against people of south side of Baltic Sea.
German traders frequently started to come to the port at entrance of river Daugava, where they traded with tribe of Libiesi and their neighbours. They spied and took information about situation and how blindly sacrifices were held worshipping creatures of water, trees and unholy beings. Someday the trade ships brought to Latvia a monk named Meinhard.

Actions of Meinhard and Bertold
Meinhard started to propagate Christian believes to coastal tribes. In 1184 year Germans built a church in Ikskile and when Meinhard was nominated to post of bishop, this church becomes a bishopric for him. Meinhard also with help of Gottland’s craftsmen built stone castles for people of Ikskile and Salaspils. For this action, those people had to sworn to baptize. Until these buildings in Latvia were no stone buildings, all castles were built from wood. However after buildings were finished, local people breach their promises. When Meinhard felt, that his mission will fail, he started to organise crusade from Germany, however with no response. In 1196 he died, failed to succeed.
Bertold was nominated as the new bishop, who forced tribes to baptise with help of crusaders, but in 1198 year some tribe member called Imauts killed him in fight. The forced belief was automatically abandoned. The people thought that they could free themselves from Christianity by swimming in Daugava and wash themselves clear.

Bishop Albert, founding of Riga
After Bishops dead, bishop Albert was his successor – active and wise pastor, who organised crusades to noncompliant tribes and used all disagreements between Baltic tribes. In 1201 year he ordered to build fortified settlement between tribes of Kurshi and Libiesi. This place, further called Riga, became a base for German invasion in Baltic region. A resident armed force was founded as army union – Holy Order of Brothers of Swords - ‘Zobenbralu Ordenis’. The leader of this army was bishop Albert. The field of this Order was adventurers, marauders, robbers and all other, who were unwanted persons or wanted by judges in Germany. Bishop also started to give local land property rights as a presents to members of Order, in exchange they had to cast in military campaigns.

The conquest of Libiesi
In open combats or in destroying of farm fields or by taking important hostages who were close to tribe leaders, bishop Albert forced again local tribes to baptise themselves and subdue to the power of bishop by paying the taxes to church and to support other clergypersons and also to cast in further conquests of other Latvian lands. In 1203 with the German forces that moved back to Germany, a ruler of Turaida, chief Kaupo also sailed away with them. He went to Rome, where Pope admitted him. The trip impressions about never seen European cities, markets-full-of-people, buildings and beautiful churches made Kaupo to an enthusiastic admirer of Christian religion and allied of bishop Albert. In 1206 in lands of Libiesi a revolt started against German forces. The leader of revolt was elder Ako, supported also by forces of Lithuanian tribes. But in battle with crusaders, forces of revolt were defeated and a head of Ako was given as a present to bishop Albert. All other forces of Libiesi were forced to give up and in 1207 bishop and Order split lands of Libiesi.

The failure of Koknese and Selpils
After defeating Libiesi, Albert started to look after lands of Seli. Selpils was encircled and conquered mostly by archers who shot down forces on palace’s walls. After a desperate opposition, Seli were forced to beg for mercy and peace, promising to baptise and pay taxes. The ruler of Koknese – Vatseki was forced by bishop Albert to welcome crusaders into his palace. However in one opportunity he succeeded to vanquish them. However, when he heard that in Riga was gathered new army against him, he burned down his palace and went to Russia and after that to Estonian lands. To Koknese were sent bishop’s warriors, who forced local people to start build a new stone castle in the place of previous one. The ruins of this castle still can be seen.

The independence battles of Kurshi and Semigalls
At beginnings, the Kurshi and Semigalls had a peace agreement with crusaders. They tried to keep away from possible crusader invasions. For bishop Albert this peace was also a gain, he could send all forces against Libiesi and Latgalls. Ruler of Semigalls - Viestards, even started to help crusaders in their missions against his enemies Libiesi and Lithuania tribes. If he could foresee, that in near future they will be allies and he – an enemy of Germans!

Kurshi attacks Riga
Kurshi were first, who felt unsafe about their future and started to protect them. In 1210 Kurshi were able to defeat German ships in Irbe channel and there were counted more than 30 crusader casualties. Libiesi, Kurshi, Semigalls, Lithuanians and Russians started to think over plan how to conquer Riga and defeat whole German army.
In the morning of 12th July, the citizens of Riga when looking on Daugava River saw it full of boats and ships of Kurshi that looked like a pitch-black cloud. The alarm bell started to ring, when Kurshi surrounded the city. But after the mean fights, which longed whole day, they resigned however their allies in this battle were missing. This attack was the meanest attack to Riga in whole 13th century and one of major danger to German forces at all. Kurshi tried to attack Riga together with Semigalls in 1228, but they only succeeded to capture fortified dungeon of Daugavgriva just before Riga.

Viestard’s fights for Mezotne
In 1219 Semigalls of Mezotne accepted the Christian religion and welcomed German forces to their castle. When tribe leader Viestards was informed by this step he declared war against Mezotne, because he understood how danger it was if Germans were present in territory of Semigallia. When Semigalls defeated Germans who travelled by river Misa to castle of Mezotne, those who were left in Mezotne escaped to Riga for help.
Bishop Albert gathered army of 8000 men and attacked castle of Mezotne, who had rejected Christianity. The attacking forces were too large in numbers so Semigalls gave up. When the 100 elders came out of castle as a sign of surrender, they were killed unfaithfully. Those who were left in castle immediately restarted the battle, but they were defeated. The wooden castle was robbed and burned down.

Battle of Sun
In September of 1236 Folkvin, the leader of Brothers of Sword Order, gathered large army from crusaders, Order brothers, 200 warriors from Russia, conquered tribes of Libiesi, Latgalls and also people from Estonia. By fighting and robbing they moved through Semigallia to lands of Lithuania. In the way back to their base fortress in Latvia they had a captured large amount of valuables and goods. When they were in region of Saule (Sun) camping on some island in swamp, the army discovered that enemies enveloped them – by the remains of Semigalls and Lithuanian army. German enemies successfully chose the battleground. All possible escape paths easily could be cut and in night it would be easy to defeat rest of the army. As chronicles of Order say, the army was simply slaughtered and there were only few survive of many who were able to run. The heavy German cavalry with full armour and horses stuck in swamp and was easy target - unable even to protect themselves. All army was completely destroyed including leader of Order. From 2000 to 3000 man army, from each ten soldiers returned only one.
However scientists still argue where this battlefield really was – there are several versions, most popular is that battle happened in territory of Latvia, in village “Vecsaule”. The results of battle prevented Germans to attack Russia, freed Semigalls and Kurshi from influence of Order and proved Lithuania as growing military force.

Battle of Durbe
In 1260 tribes of Zemaishi (Lithuania) and Kurshi defeated allied forces of German Order and Order of Livonia, who organised campaigns to Lithuania. In this battle all opposed tribes had to take a part, so originally Kurshi were a part of German forces in this battle. Durbe was the place where Germans met army of Zemaishi. When the battle begun, Kurshi changed the fighting side joining army of Zemaishi. Together they won army, which were not only from German soldiers, but also from Dutch and Swedish knights. In this battle died the leaders of both German Orders and more than 150 Order brothers, not even mentioning thousand of knights, who were followed when tried to escape and was slaughtered on way. This was the largest battle in Eastern Europe of 13th century and largest defeat of German forces in Latvia.
After the battle Kurshi regained their freedom. Also Prussians revolted and were led by Erkus Mant. Some of German castles were captured and German situation in Baltic were unstable because of great casualties. The ruler of Lithuania - Mindaugs rejected Christianity and joined fighting forces of Kurshi and Prussians. After several battle ages, Prussians were almost reached total freedom from Germans. Germans were helpless trying to fortify their positions and were forced to burn farms and kill peasants. Therefore starvation started and once rich country was turned into poor. A new campaign started and German military force was regained. In 1267 year Kurshi signed treaty, promising to pay grants. In 1272 year Semigalls signed peace with Germans and also Prussians were weak after years of fighting, they have also lost their leader Mant.

Battle of Aizkraukle, revolt of Semigalls in 1279
In 5th March of 1279 year leader of Semigalls - Nameisis and leader of Lithuania - Traidenis beat German forces. In this battle died leader of German forces and also 71 warriors. This battle is similar to battle of Sun, and the result of battle encouraged tribes to revolt once more. By leading of ruler Nameisis, Semigalls were able to gain control of Tervete castle. In this battle some German gave important help by name Bertold, who knew history of Semigalls and wanted to help them. He taught soldiers how to use archer’s bows and this skill was important in gaining victory. Nameisis led his army, conquering all territory of Semigallia and also pushing Riga to deal peace treaty with him. He also led his army to territories of Prussia, but there he was killed.
In 1287 Semigalls won their last victory at Garoza over German intruders. In this battle leaders of both sides died, however in future there were small numbers of Latvian tribes who could stand against growing numbers of crusaders. Territory of Semigallia was ruined in battles and in year 1290 Semigalls left their last German free castle and headed to Lithuania. Those Balts - Kurshi, Semigalls, Latgalls and Prussians – choose better to leave their homelands than be for slaves for intruders. Their lands were completely destroyed, people killed, castles and houses burned down. All of them continued to fight for their freedom in Lithuanian army...

Kurshi=Curonians BTW

**Herkus** · March 01, 2006, 08:28 AM

Sveiks MADTAO!!
little contribution from me to this thread.

In this writing i offer you small insight in the crusade against last pagan regions of Europe.
It will be about Henry Monte - the greatest hero of the Prussian rebellion which lasted from 1260 to 1274.

Little is known about the man who led his people for twelve years against the Teutonic Knights and their crusarder alleid from Germany and Poland. The chronicles inform us only about the historical figure Henry who was best known and most succesful warrior to fight for prussian freedom in its last days.

Henry Monte was born between 1225 and 1230, the son of Nattangian noble. The Nattangians were one of Prussian tribes that lived on the southeastern coast of the Baltic, protected against other neighbours by forest barriers and formidable military reputation. The dozne Prussian tribes had no political unity, and therefore the Nattangians had little to do with powerful Sambians and Barthians who were to the north and to the south, or to the Warmians who were to the west of them.

The Nattangians could raise 2000 horseman in time of war and many thousand mounted infantry, because in medieval Baltic society almost every man was a warrior. The cavalry were the nobles and their retainers. These lived in log and earth forts, supporting themselves by taxes, tribute, and presumably their own labor, but succesful warfare was necessary to obtain a great reputation and wealth. The tribe was pre feudal state, there was no single political leader; decisions were made by councils of important nobles who represented the clans.

The Prussian religion was not identical to Germanic or Scandinavian paganism, but it had much in common with them. They maintained sacred groves where religious services were conducted by priests; and on the southern border was a spot sacred to all Prussians. There a high priest named Criwe conducted services and oversaw religios functions for the tibes.

The pagans held the dead in terror. Therefore, on the raids the first prisoner taken was tied to the tree and shot with an arrow. If the blood ran freely, the raid could continue, because the gods predicted success, if it ran slowly, the raiders returned home. War was the means of obtaining slaves and wives. The rich married several wives. Drinking was the main entertainment for man, as it was among all northern Europeans. Because these practises were so oposed to what Christian missionaries required of their converts, the missionaries met little success in their efforts and often earned martyrdom. For many decades Polish kings had tried to convert the Prussians by force, but each crusading attempt had ended in failure and ultimately the Poles found themselves on the defensive. Then the Duke of Masovia called the Teutonic knights to his aid.

Until 1238 the Nattangians had lived quietly. Being considerably distant from those provinces pf Prussia where Polish and German crusarders were helping Teutonic Knights to establish themselves, they took little interest in those wars. The western tribes surrendered one by one. the crusarder advance continued.

The Nattangians had been alerted to the danger that the newcomer rpresented. They had survived Viking raids- but these attacks were different. They were uncertain how to deal with invaders who came not to raid but to conquer, determined man who lived in strong castle. Siege warfare was not an art of war among the Prussians. The enemy had crossbows that could shoot down the man at an unexpectedly long range, rode strong war horses which wheeled in the formations that the Prussians had never seen before.

In 1240 a great army of knights came from Germany. Led by Duke Otto of Braunschweig. In the course of his year on crusade Duke Otto pacified entire region and collected many hostages from the nobles. He took the hostages back to Germany with him, and among them was Henry Monte.

The object of taking the hostages to Germany was to educate them in western ways, so that when they returned home they could teach gospel and the prectices of western men to their relatives and subjects. Like other hostages, Henry Monte learned German and observed life among his hosts, but he did not grasp the essential ideas underlying western civilization, or if he did , he rejected them. He was not to use the knowledge in the way that the crusaders expected.

The year after he had been taken away to Magdeburg his countrymen revolted. The Teutonic Knights had moved too fast and too ruthlessly. They had gathered the natives from their farmsteads into villages and required them to work the fields communaly. they gave monopolies to the merchants who settled there, and distrubited priviledges to the millers and other artisans who were imported into the country from Germany and Poland.

The revolt lasted a decade. Although most of Prussians surrendered by 1249, the Nattangians still resisted. Late in 1249 they surrounded a large force of Teutonic Knights and accepted an offer to surrender on terms. The Nattangians broke their word and slaughtered fifty of these knights and all their hundreds of troops. The Teutonic Knights raised new armies; and in 1252 crusarding expeditions from Germany crushed Nattangians and forced the tribe to surrender.

Like other Christianized nobles, Henry Monte must have served in the wars that Teutonic Order conducted in Sambia between 1252 and 1255 and against Nadrovians, Sudovians, Scalovians in the following 5 years. Because military service was required of all converts, particularly of the nobles, Henry had a formidable military reputation by 1260 when he was chosen to lead his people in revolt against the Teutonic Order. Later he showed himself to be a gifted comander, with thorough knowledge of the crusaders' mentality and methods of warfare. This was the fruit of his military experience during his youth and early manhood, fighting beside one of the best warriors of western Europe.

The Teutonic Order had strived to win the loyalty of the Prussian nobles and to integrate them into their feudal government. German-born advocates lived among the Prussians to train there army and to preside court trials. Many Germans spoke native tongue fluently. Some Prussians responded to this well and adopted to the feodal customs; others did not. Henry Monte was among the latter.

In 1260 in the battle of Durbe the Samogithians defeated the large crusarder army from Livonia and Prussia which included levies from Prussia. Many loyal native nobles stood beside Teutonic Knights to face certain death when disaffected Curonians from Livonia withdrew from the fighting and attacked Crusader army form rearward. This battle was largest Crusader defeat in all 13th and 14th century till the battle of Tannenberg. Other nobles among whom was Henry Monte fled and allowed the others to die fighting for the time that permitted fugitives to escape. The disaster was so complete that Coronians and Semigallians from Livonia rebelled against the order.

Soon the Prussians orginazed a conspiracy against the crusarder goverment. Too astute to attempt a wild, uncordinated insurrection, the nobles chose leaders and set a date when everyone would attack at once. In September of 1260 the conspiracy matured in a tremendously succesful und coordinated revolt in Sambia, Nattangia, Barta and Warmia. The rebels slaughtered the priests, the merchants, and other Germans who were in the country , and massacred those natives they suspected of being loyal to regime.

Each tribe besieged those castles located in its part of Prussia. Henry Monte led attack on Kreuzberg, building three forts around the castle to prevent the garrison from either reaping the crops ar sallying out in raids on the rebel communities. Since the castles could not be stormed successfully, the Prussians besieged them. the siege of Kreuzberg was long and weary.

In January of 1261 the first crusarder armies arrived in Prussia to relieve the bebeaguered castles. One of these, composed of Polish and German crusaders came to Nattangia. Henry Monte know how to resist inexperienced warriors, he withdrew into forests, offering no opposition ar all. Soon the crusarders divided into two bodies, as was customary, one sallying out to raid and the other guarding the camp and the booty. Not having seen any Prussians, the troops at camp were not on their guard when Henry Monte suddenly attacked. He killed or captured every man and frightened the surviving part of army into retreat. Then he disposed of the prisoners. the first duty of a religious Prussian was to offer a proper sacrifice to the gods. the native priests drew lots to see which prisoner would be chosen. A german chronicle told the story:
Twice the lot fell upon a certain citizen of Magdeburg, a noble and cleric named Hirtzhals, who in fear pleaded with Henry Monte, asking in memory of all he done for him when he was in Magdeburg, to free him from this. Hearing this Henry had pity, and freed him from the first two drawings. But when it fell on him the third time, he would not release him, but willingly offered him after his confession to God, tied him upon his horse and burned him.
Henry was not so devout pagan that he would not set aside the will of the goods twice, but he did not dare to defy the repeated divine choice of a victim.

Nattangians continued the siege of Kreuzberg. By 1262 the garrison was reduced tp eating cattle and horse tides and many knights lost their teeth from diet. In 1263 garrison abondoned the castle, slipping away secretly. Henry Monte alertly followed the starving escapees, forced them to fight and killed all but two who made their way to safety.

Once that dangerous castle had been destroyed - pagans never considered garrisoning it themselves - he hurried to Konigsberg where the siege was going badly for the Sambians. When his army arrived, the Sambians had given up a close watch of the castle, allowing Teutonic Knights to reopen water communication with the west. A German chronicler described the battle:
When the brothers came out with their troops to fight their opponents manly. Henry Monte seeing far off brother Ulenbusch drawing crossbow, rode up to him crying "Today i will send you to Heaven" and he ran him through his lance, wounded him badly, although he was later healed of his wound. Seeing this, a certain sergeant wounded Henry with a small lance, thus revenging him. Weakened from his wound, he withdrew with his army from this business.
The injury did not stop Henry Monte for long. Soon he led his man against Konigsberg again, and this time he captured the city below the castle and destroyed it. Later 1263 he led the Nattangians to distain Culm probably hoping to force the Teutonic Knights to keep more men there on garrison duty and thus weaken the frontier forces near Nattangia. the raid came as complete surprise:
With a big army he invaded land of Kulm and took an incalcuable booty of men and other things, which he took away with him, and burned every building outside fortified walls and colored Christian land with blood. When this came to Master Helmeric, he called all the men of his army and followed him to the land of Lubow, where he prepared his army for battle and attacked them strongly. The Prusians resisted strongly first, but then fled and the Christians dispersed in pursuit of them, and were killing many of them when the Prussians saw that there were only a few of them around the battle flag, and they joined together to return to the fight and began a new war that lasted until the God, whose justice is incomprehensible, permitted them to kill the master, the marshall, brother Theodoric, and forty knights, and the entire army of the Christians, and caused such loss among the people of God that it was considered greater than that conflict in Kurland; although the number of dead was not so great, these were all outstanding and skilful men, whose knowledge and energy in Prussia and in war were lost.

From that time on, Prussian raids into Culm were more frequent and more devestating, but they seem to have been cunducted by Sudovians and Lithuanians. Henry Monte is montioned only in one context- among those rebels educated in Germany who used their knowledge of the language and habits to lure small groups of crusaders into ambush. These met the Germans in the woods and volunteered to act as guides, then led the straingers straight to destruction.

Henry Monte was probably absent from fighting in Culm because of the need to aid the Sambians in 1264 and 1265, because that tribe was slowly succumbing to the relentless attacks of the Teutonic Order. But it was difficult for him to render meaningful aid to Sambians, because the Pregel river was defended by strong castles at Konigsberg, Tapiau and Wehlau and therefore could be crossed easily and safely only in winter time. Therefore, the Sambians had to fight alone during the warm halh of year.

Henry Monte was on the defensive in Nattangia in 1265-1266, when crusader Dukes of Brandenburg built a castle on the seashore in Nattangia. The Marshal of the order collected a large force of knights there in 1266 and raided deep into the countryside. But he took chances that provided Henry with opportunities to relaliate. On one expedition near Kreuzburg, the marhsal left so few men in he castle that Warmians were able to attack by surprise and owerhelm all the defenders except those who took refuge in the keep; those later escaped by sea and allowed the rebels to destroy the fortification. Duke Otto of Brandenburg returned in early 1267 to rebuild the castle, which became a base for deadly attacks.

There is amost no record of Henry monte from 1267 to 1272, although other eastern Prussian tribes were raiding in the wetern provinces of Prussia and even into Poland. In 1272 Teutonic Knights near Nattangia were reinforced by large crusading army led by Count Dietrich of Meissen. In company with the master the crusaders stormed one pagan stronghold, killed 150 defenders, and for 3 days thereafter they killed pillaged and burned. Although 50 of the crusaders died in the scattered fighting, many more Nattangians perished. The expedition appears to have broken the Nattangian will to resist. Henry Monte and handful of followers fled into woods to continue the war from exile, but most of their people surrendered and acxepted resettlement in areas under Christian control. This was necessary because they now became targets of Sudovian and Lithuanian raids.

Henry did not survive long . He went to western Prussia to fight. There in 1273 the commander of Christburg found him in a tent, alone. His companions were out hunting, and no one was on watch. The chronicler's glee was apparent in his description of the incident:
And when they saw that they had caught Henry Monte, they rejoiced and tied him to a tree and ran him through with a sword. And so the devil's warrior died and recieved what he had earned.

Whether or not this peculiar form of execution was a parody of the pagan ritual of killing the first prisoner on each raid is not clear, but no other rebel leader died in this way. Others died fighting, or were hanged, or even burned. Henry's death was unique, and with his death the war in Nattangia was over.

Henry Monte became a mythic fugure. For future generations of Prussians and Lithuanians he was a symbol of resistance to German oppresion. Henry was Robin Hood, William Tell, of the Prussian revolt. He stood for all honor, courage, decency of the pagan way of life. The subject peoples did not considered the fact that it was a cruel and backward system; they only compared their former freedom and pride, their military glory and comparative riches, to the unhappy state of subjection to foreign law and a foreign God.

The divided, military pagan society was not equal to the challange presented by unified and productive western society which was also military capable. The crusaders did not win because thay were better warriors ar had better leaders, but because thay were able to organize the wealth and talent of their society better and bring it to bear in the distain swamps and forests of Prussia. The Lithuanians adapted, changed their barbaric habits, and became the rulers of vast reaches of Russia.

Source of article: www.lituanus.org, William Urban, Monmouth College

**Siena72** · March 01, 2006, 08:53 AM

hey guys, lets not get into articles. Let's stay on simple facts and maybe collect information about weapons, armour, come up with unit types and similar stuff.

**wilpuri** · March 01, 2006, 09:00 AM

I was once working on a mod, as a historical researcher, focusing on Northern Europe (Finnic peoples, Balts, etc). I found out a whole lot and made a ton of unit descriptions etc. If you would like to know more, contact me on msn.

**Herkus** · March 01, 2006, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by wilpuri

I was once working on a mod, as a historical researcher, focusing on Northern Europe (Finnic peoples, Balts, etc). I found out a whole lot and made a ton of unit descriptions etc. If you would like to know more, contact me on msn.

Well i am currently working on mod named "Baltic Crusade" for BI 1.6. It takes places in 13th century in all lands around Baltic Sea. Havent announced it in public forums yet, because I want to make some serious work in background to show that my intentions are serious before making it public.

**Giurza** · March 01, 2006, 11:41 AM

ok guys, here it is... thou when I saw Madtao's pics, I thought it would be a shame to post mine... but I did some research and here are my Lithuanian troops, they are all detailed based on historical evidences... Madtao, don't lough at them

though they are of childish nature, I drew them myself, and it was helluva job to find troops for all period!
historically accurate 'cos I took them from various history books, and mostly from the official stamps of Grand Dukes of Lithuania e.g. stamps of GDoL Kestutis, Vytautas, Gediminas, also some comes from city's coat of arms.
I will place them chronologically:

as it says it is a three type lithuanian infantry man from 1080 up untill XIII c.

the infantryman, during the high time of Lithuanian Grand Duchy, they were as well three type infantry axeman, swordsman, spearman

heavy infantry of late period. two types only as axes were as good as gone from regular GDoL army

elite infantryman late period, armed with halberd, thou I don't know how they would fight with halberd in one arm and great shield in another... but they are portrayed that way

then comes cavalry... didn't drew early period cavalry yet... sorry, it will come later!

mid period high GDoL time cavalry, just as the infantry, only came with axes and swords... did't find any with spears

late period cavalry, sword and spear variants possible.

there are few other things I didn't have time yet with. I will do them as soon as Possible
those are as follows:
archers early, mid, late period
karaim troops - archers, cavalry archers
p.s. I hope my name will apear in the Medieval II Total Realism credits along with MadTao's :laughing:

**MADTAO** · March 01, 2006, 12:17 PM

Wery good!Extra usefull info!Thank you wery much!

**Herkus** · March 01, 2006, 12:43 PM

yeah very good indeed. I wont be able to draw the horse as good as you.

and also this is very useful for me because I am gathering that kind of militar info and images too later put it all into the mod.
Particullary I am interested in Lithuanian and other Baltic armies of 13th century.
I already have good amount of images collection, but it is never enough for me.

speaking of using crossbow by native Baltic armies, I have came up with these events.
>Semigallians started to use crossbow by 1279 when they captured castle of Tervete, and one German captive learned them. (this event is also mentioned in MADTAO post about history of Latvia) source - Livonian Rymed chronicle
>Lattgallians started to use crossbow when they were forced to serve in German cusader armies, so also Germans thought them to use it. I have also heard about Lattgallian crossbowman mercenaries in Lithuanian armies, though i dont have source for that.
>Prussians learned to use crossbow from Germans and used it against them in 1260 year's revolt. "Prussians were now better organised and equipped with crossbows of their own as well as siege machinery(!)" source - "Crusader castles of Teutonic Knights" Osprey

**Lithy** · March 01, 2006, 01:58 PM

Hello all!!!!

It is very nice thread! I want to make some contribution too

:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...me_2/ltkar.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...ame_2/824e.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...me_2/medi1.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...uanian2005.jpg (he could be the commander!

EDIT: heraldry:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1.../heralkika.jpg (first columms of gediminas, six angle cross, know as simbol of dynasty of Jogaila)

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...2/U0078151.jpg (16c., if need erlier version pick up that little spining thing from Giurza)

The New Begining 1569:
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...me_2/k05t0.jpg

Winged hussars (16C):
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._2/k07lkh6.jpg

Some hetmans (16 c.):

Radvilos:
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...name_2/16c.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1.../Rdf12516c.jpg

Konstantinas Ostrogiškis:
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...d0kl5Ostro.jpg

Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius (Sweds should recognize him

):
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...d08k07Chod.jpg (military genius)

Some late period maps to refresh memory:
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...geXVII-IIc.gif
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...geXVIII-Ip.gif

(New Athens - Vilnius

)

**Giurza** · March 02, 2006, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by Lithy

P.S Giurza, why your unique drawings not all is could be seen?

don't really know what you mean... they all are possible to view... maybe your browser is not able to show them... dunno

I will come with extra drawings as I said ASAP. and also already have concept for religiuos buildings. wil make it soonest!
btw. Lithy, very good info posted!!! I hope madtao will take them into coderation also! they are really good. if WE ALL continue in the same way, we will have a hot, boiling MII TR mod to play... and much sooner than those sceptics prognosticated!

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