The Semigallians in the context of the other Baltic tribes, circa 1200 CE. The Eastern Balts are shown in brown hues while the Western Balts are shown in green. The boundaries are approximate.

The Semigallians (Latvian Zemgaļi, also Zemgalians, Semigalls, Semigalians) are one of the Baltic tribes that lived in Zemgale, in the southcentral Latvia. They are noted for their long resistance to the German crusaders - the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. Image File history File links Baltic_Tribes_c_1200. ... Image File history File links Baltic_Tribes_c_1200. ... Look up Circa on Wiktionary, the free dictionary The Latin word circa, literally meaning about, is often used to describe various dates (often birth and death dates) that are uncertain. ... “Era Vulgaris” redirects here. ... http://www. ... Zemgale (also historically known as Semigallia or Semigalia) forms an historical region of Latvia, sometimes also including a part of Lithuania. ... The Teutonic knights in Pskov in 1240. ... Livonian Brothers The Livonian Brothers of the Sword (Latin Fratres militiae Christi, literally the brothers of the army of Christ), also known as the Christ Knights, Sword Brethren or The Militia of Christ of Livonia, was a military order organized in 1202 by Albert of Buxhoeveden, bishop of Riga (or...

One of the theories is that the Semigallians were one of the first Baltic tribes to establish a monarchy, albeit weak in comparison to the power of the Semigallian nobles, although this has not been confirmed yet. “Kingdom” redirects here. ...

Notable leaders

One of the most notable Semigallian leaders was Viestards (Viesturs). Upon uniting hostile Semigallian clans into a single state in early 13th century, Viestards formed an alliance with the German crusaders to defeat his enemies on the outside. After the crusaders broke the treaty and invaded his lands, he allied with Lithuanians, resulting the near annihilation of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in the Battle of Saule in 1236. Viestards(Viesturs) was one of the greatest Semigallian kings in 13th century. ... (12th century - 13th century - 14th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 13th century was that century which lasted from 1201 to 1300. ... Combatants Livonian Brothers of the Sword Samogitians Semigalians Commanders Volquin Vykintas Strength 3000 4000 - 5000 Casualties 50-60 knights killed Unknown The Livonian Confederation in 1260, showing the site for the Battle of Saule. ... // Events May 6 - Roger of Wendover, Benedictine monk and chronicler of St Albanss Abbey dies. ...

Nameitis (Namejs, Nameisis), another renowned Semigallian leader, united Semigallian and Lithuanian tribes for a retaliatory counterattack on German lands (Prussia). Main sources for his activities are Livländische Reimchronik and Das Zeugenverhör des Franciscus de Moliano (1312). What is known with certainty, however, is that by the end of 1270s, a new powerful leader had emerged who achieved several major victories over German crusaders in Zemgale and East Prussia.

Semigallians continued their resistance until 1290, when they burned their last castle in Sidrabene and a large number of Semigallians migrated to Lithuania and once there continued to fight against the Germans. For broader historical context, see 1290s and 13th century. ... Sidrabene is a Latvian childrens camp in Milton West, Ontario Every summer, the Jani (St Johns Day) solstice celebration takes place there. ...