History of the Crusades

the Crusades Episode 250. Episode 251, the Baltic Crusades, the Lovanian Crusade Part 38, the late 12th 70s.

Hello again.

Last week we took a look at Lovonia in the early 70s and saw a new master, Master Ernest, take up the role of Master of the Teutonic Order in

Lavonia. We also saw General Crusading apathy descend over Europe, fueled by the repeated failure of the

Latin Christians to retake Jerusalem in the Holy Land. The few men of Central Europe who were still keen to go on

crusade to the Baltic region tended to go to Prussia instead of Livonia or Estonia. So Master Ernest is going to have to rely on

local manpower in his battles against the pagans.

Master Ernest arrived in Livonia in the summer of 1274.

Shortly prior to his arrival, the Teutonic Order in Livonia had scored a morale boosting victory against the Lithuanians.

They had intercepted a large Lithuanian raiding party as it was returning from a successful

foray into Livonian territory.

The Knights of the Order managed to kill around 600 Lithuanians and had relieved them of the

Livonian booty they had scored. This victory gave the newly arrived Master Ernest an idea.

He didn't really have the manpower to invade Samagalia and Semigetsia, what with the lack of crusading and all, but perhaps

he could Harry the Lithuanians enough to keep them out of Semagalia and Semigetia.

The leader of Lithuania at this time was no longer known as a king,

and of course he wasn't Christian so he was generally given the label of the

Grand Duke of Lithuania. The Grand Duke of Lithuania at this time was sending men to the aid of Semagalia and Semagetia,

and was also sending raiding parties to Prussia to aid the stumbling remnants of the second Prussian

insurrectionists.

Master Ernest's plan was to keep the Lithuanians fully occupied in Lithuania, which would in turn keep them out of

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