The 1329 siege of Medvėgalis resulted in the mass baptism of up to 6,000 Samogitians, briefly extending Catholic influence into pagan Lithuania.
Key Facts
- Teutonic army strength
- 18,000 soldiers
- Locals baptized
- up to 6,000 persons
- Fortresses captured
- 4
- Campaign duration
- a little more than one week
- Notable guest crusader
- King John of Bohemia
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Teutonic Order, reinforced by guest crusaders including King John of Bohemia, launched a military campaign into Samogitia in February 1329 as part of ongoing efforts to Christianize and subjugate pagan Lithuanian territories along the Baltic frontier.
An 18,000-strong Teutonic army captured four Lithuanian fortresses before besieging Medvėgalis. The fortress surrendered without prolonged resistance, and as many as 6,000 local inhabitants were baptized in the Catholic rite during the brief campaign.
The campaign was cut short when a Polish attack on Prussia during the Polish–Teutonic War (1326–1332) forced the Teutonic army to withdraw. Upon the army's departure, the Lithuanian population reverted to their pagan practices, rendering the baptisms effectively void.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
King John of Bohemia.
Side B
1 belligerent