Vytenis
Vytenis (in Polish: Witenes; 13th century – 1316) was the Grand Duke of Lithuania 1293 (1296) – 1316.
The rule of Vytenis was marked by constant warfare with the Ruthenians, Masovians and the Teutonic Order. During this time, the Teutonic Order was attempting to establish a corridor along the Baltic Sea, in Samogitia, to link up with the Livonian Order to the north. Vytenis expended considerable effort aiding the lowland Lithuanians in defensive battles.
Vytenis invaded Masovia in 1292 with an army of 800 men, reaching as far as Łęczyca.
He responded to a request from the Archbishop of Riga to defend local residents, including local Germans, from the Teutonic order, who at this time were warring against all locals, regardless of language or descent.
He is said to have been killed by a bolt of lightning. It was believed to be a great honour bestowed upon by Perkunas, the Lithuanian god of thunder, to be struck by lightning.
Father
Brothers
- Gediminas (in Polish: Giedymin; ca 1275 – winter 1341 under Wielon), Grand Duke of Lithuania 1316 – 1341
- Wojn (? – after 1342), Prince of Polock 1315 – after 1342
- Fiodor (? - ca 1362), Prince of Kyiv
- Olgimunt (Borys)
Son
- Gwalezunta (fl. 1310)
See also
- Gediminaiciai (in Polish: Giedyminowicze)
- List of Belarusian rulers
- List of Lithuanian rulers
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