- Kristinas Astikas
Kristinas Astikas (b.
1363 inTrakai ; d.1442 or1444 ) was a leading Lithuanian noble and statesman of theAstikai family . Kristinas was a supporter and a companion ofVytautas the Great , his brotherSigismund Kestutaitis and nephewCasimir Jagiellon [ lt icon [http://www.alunta.lt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=728&Itemid=118 Nuo Aistikų iki Radvilų] ] , he became theCastellan ofVilnius in1419 . [lt icon [http://ldmuziejus.mch.mii.lt/RRM/Radvilu_gimine.htm Radvilos Museum Website] ]Kristinas is mentioned in 1389 in the
Treaty of Salynas between theGrand Duchy of Lithuania and theTeutonic Order ; he also participated in the signing of other important treaties, including the Peace of Thorn in 1411, theTreaty of Melno in 1422, and theUnion of Grodno in 1432. At the signing of theUnion of Horodlo in 1413 he received the Coat of Arms ofTrąby . "Astikas" (also spelt as Oscik, Ostyk or Ostik) was his pagan Lithuanian name, used by some of his descendants as their family name, while "Kristinas" (Christian ) was his Christian name.He is said by some historians to be descended from the Duke of
Kernavė Sirputis, brother of theGrand Duke of Lithuania Traidenis . Kristinas had four known sons: Stanislovas (sometimes also called Stankus), Mikalojus (or Micko), Baltramiejus (or Bardko) and Radvila. Stanislovas Astikaitis becameVoivod of Navahrudek and his descendants used the family name of Astikaitis. Radvila becameVoivod of Trakai and his line used used his name as their family name, so he is known as the founder of theRadvila (laterRadziwill ) family. Kristinas was the first known owner ofUpninkai andMusninkai with their lands. He was also the owner ofAlanta andUžpaliai inLithuania . Some of the lands, including Alanta, were granted to him for his service toGrand Duke of Lithuania Sigismund Kęstutaitis .References
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