Lithuania · Rus’ · 13th–14th c.
At the intersection of
lands and influences.
Lithuanian expansion into the lands of Rus’
in the 13th–14th centuries
From the beginnings of statehood to the power of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Explore political change, dynastic ties and expansion into the lands of Rus’.
Ekspansja
litewska na
ziemie ruskie
XIII — XIV
History of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
How did a new
political space emerge?
The thesis traces the development of Lithuanian statehood and the expansion of its influence in the lands of Rus’. It connects political history with the mechanisms used to build and sustain power.
The central narrative covers the 13th and 14th centuries. Its background reaches back to the earliest mentions of Lithuania, while the final chapter continues to the reign of Vytautas. The study draws on historical scholarship and chronicles.
Read the introduction · p. 3 ↗Guide to the publication
Four chapters.
One history.
Choose a topic.
Begin with what interests you.
IOrigins of the stateTribes · Mindaugas · consolidation
The formation of Lithuanian statehood: from tribes and the earliest references to unification under Mindaugas and the period after his death.
Read chapter I · p. 7IIDynasty and expansionButigeidis · Butvydas · Vytenis · Gediminas
The transitional era and the beginnings of the Gediminid dynasty. This chapter examines state consolidation, Vytenis’ campaigns and expansion into the lands of Rus’ under Gediminas.
Read chapter II · p. 32IIIPower after GediminasJaunutis · Algirdas · succession crisis
Consolidation and territorial expansion after Gediminas’ death: the transitional rule of Jaunutis, the policies of Algirdas and the succession crisis of 1377–1382.
Read chapter III · p. 46IVJogaila and VytautasUnion of Krewo · centralisation · east
Jogaila’s second reign, the Union of Krewo and the rule of Vytautas. The final chapter presents centralisation and the culmination of the Grand Duchy’s expansion.
Read chapter IV · p. 60Summaries based on the thesis. Full contents · p. 2 ↗
Full publication
Time to read.
Evald Gurcin · 2025
Ekspansja litewska na ziemie ruskie w XIII–XIV wieku
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For your bibliography
Using this work? Cite it.
E. Gurcin, Ekspansja litewska na ziemie ruskie w XIII–XIV wieku, praca magisterska, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Toruń 2025.