History of the Crusades

the Crusades Episode 200 and 2 Episode 202 the Baltic Crusades, the Livonian Crusade Part 8 external threats.

Hello again.

Last week we saw the Livonians rise up in rebellion against the German Christians.

The Russians from Polotsk had agreed to act as mediators between the

Livonians and the Christians, but at the date and place set for the meeting, the Livonians killed the only two Christians who had showed up.

The Livonians then launched a full-blown rebellion from their base in home. The Trident and managed to enlist the Semagalians to help put down the remainder of the

rebellion.

The elders of the Livonian pagans, however, have now sent representatives up river to Polotsk, to ask for Russian military

assistance to eject the pesky Christians from Livonia once and for all.

At the same time as the pagans are journeying upriver to request Russian military assistance,

Bishop Albert is sailing back to Lubeck on his annual

recruitment drive, no doubt hoping to return with enough crusaders to bring L Livonia fully to heal.

With Bishop Albert having departed from Riga, the Livonians would have pointed out to the Russians

that this would be an ideal time to attack the Christian

settlements further down the Dalgova.

And Prince Vladimir of Polotsk agreed.

He sent word not only across his vast principality, but to neighbouring Russian territories, letting them know of the plan and inviting them to join.

What was the plan?

Well, to sail down the Daugava River in force and to boot those Latin Christians out of

Livonia once and for all, sending them packing back to the Holy Roman Empire and asserting

Russian dominance back over Livonia.

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