Lithuanian Vytautus Didysis
born 1350, Lithuania
died Oct. 27, 1430, Trakai, Lith.
Lithuanian national leader.
Continuing a family struggle for control of Lithuania, he fought his cousin W 0142; adys 0142; aw II Jagie 0142; 0142; o but made peace in 1384. His popularity grew until W 0142; adys 0142; aw was obliged to make him vice regent (1392), an office that allowed him to become effective ruler of Lithuania. He subdued rebellious nobles but was defeated by Mongol s in the east (1399). He and W 0142; adys 0142; aw united Lithuania and Poland (1401) and waged war on the Teutonic Order , defeating them at the Battle of Tannenberg (1410). Vytautas was named king of Lithuania in 1429 but died before he could be crowned.