Teutonic Knight vs Lithuanian Warrior: The Lithuanian Crusade 1283-1435

This book explores the Teutonic Knights and their Lithuanian foes during the Lithuanian Crusade, featuring full-color artwork, maps, and illustrations. It assesses the origins, tactics, armament, and combat effectiveness of the fighting men on both sides in three key clashes: Voplaukis (1311), Kaunas (1362), and Grunwald (1410).

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the intriguing tale of the Teutonic Knights and their fierce Lithuanian adversaries during the remarkable Lithuanian Crusade. The Teutonic Knights, a valiant military order, dedicated themselves to the spread of Christianity eastward into the non-Christian territories of the Baltic and Russia. With unwavering determination, they gradually expanded their influence over the diverse feuding tribes of the Baltic until they faced the formidable Grand Duchy of Lithuania, a relatively well-organized and cohesive state. Fully illustrated, this comprehensive work explores the combatants on both sides, providing insightful assessments of their origins, tactics, armament, and combat effectiveness in three pivotal clashes of the Lithuanian Crusade.

The first clash occurred in 1311, when a significant Lithuanian invasion led to the fierce battle of Voplaukis. Despite facing a numerically superior Lithuanian raiding force, the Teutonic Knights emerged victorious thanks to their superior equipment and tactics. This decisive victory marked the beginning of the Lithuanians' preparations for full-scale warfare, and the subsequent siege of Kaunas in 1362 saw the construction of the first brick-built castle by the Lithuanians.

The second clash took place in 1410 during the Battle of Grunwald. The forces of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, now boasting knights that were nearly on par with the Teutonic Knights in terms of strength, decisively defeated the Teutonic Knights. This crushing defeat proved to be a turning point for the Order, as they would never fully recover from their losses.

The Lithuanian Crusade not only witnessed intense warfare but also played a significant role in shaping the Baltic world. These three battles, Voplaukis, Kaunas, and Grunwald, left a lasting impact on the region's history, marking the Teutonic Knights' decline and the rise of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth as a dominant force. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, this lively study sheds light on these formidable medieval warriors and the pivotal battles that defined the Baltic landscape during this tumultuous period.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 184 x 247 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472851505