The Battle of Aizkraukle was the second-largest defeat of the Teutonic Order in the 13th century, killing 71 knights including the grand master.
Key Facts
- Date
- 5 March 1279
- Knights killed
- 71 knights
- Grand master killed
- Ernst von Rassburg
- Livonian leader killed
- Eilart Hoberg
- Ranking of defeat
- Second-largest Teutonic Order defeat in 13th century
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Livonian branch of the Teutonic Order was engaged in military campaigns to extend Christian control over the Baltic region. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania, under Duke Traidenis, actively resisted these incursions, bringing the two forces into direct conflict near the town of Aizkraukle in present-day Latvia.
On 5 March 1279, Lithuanian forces led by Traidenis met the Livonian branch of the Teutonic Order in battle near Aizkraukle. The Lithuanians inflicted a decisive defeat, killing 71 knights including the grand master Ernst von Rassburg and Eilart Hoberg, leader of the knights from Danish Estonia.
Following the battle, Duke Nameisis of the Semigallians acknowledged Traidenis as his suzerain, shifting regional power toward Lithuania. The loss represented the second-largest defeat the Teutonic Order suffered in the entire 13th century and significantly weakened Livonian military strength in the region.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Traidenis.
Side B
1 belligerent
Ernst von Rassburg, Eilart Hoberg.