Gediminas – the uncrowned king - Uzhurka Jonas (9789660378223)

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the figure of Prince Gediminas (1275-1341) is significant for Lithuanian history. One of the most glorious rulers of Lithuania, he was an outstanding commander and diplomat of his time, founded the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, and the water fortress of Trakai. Being a prince, he was the first to title himself “King of the Lithuanians and Russians.” In his policy, Gediminas pursued two main lines: the fight against the crusaders and the collection of Russian lands - using diplomatic, dynastic and military measures. He annexed cities such as Polotsk, Vitebsk, Minsk and others to Lithuania, so during the years of his reign, the lands of Lithuania almost doubled. In 1324, the prince began a campaign against Kyiv, defeating the squads of the Kyiv prince Stanislav and his allies in the battle on the Irpen River. The city was occupied, and for several centuries the Slavic lands became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The prince died like a real warrior - in battle during the siege of the fortress by crusading knights. The novel “Gedimin - the Uncrowned King” was a great success in Lithuania; the author was awarded the first prize in the competition announced by the Directorate of the Lithuanian Millennium Commemoration at the Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania.