- Erdvilas
Erdvilas (Erdywił, Ердивил, Erdiwił, Erdwil) was one of the 21 early dukes of Lithuania who signed a treaty with
Halych-Volhynia in 1219. He andVykintas are the two dukes ofSamogitia mentioned in the treaty. This is supported by the fact that the eastern part of Samogitia supportedKing of Lithuania Mindaugas , while the western part, ruled by Vykintas, was more hostile. That is the only mention of him in written sources. Few historians consider thatTreniota , Mindaugas' nephew, was son of Erdvilas. However more prefer Vykintas as Treniota's father.Bychowiec Chronicle
The
Bychowiec Chronicle presents a legendary version of Erdvilas' life. He was a son of Samogitian Duke Mantvila, who sent him to conquerBlack Ruthenia . Erdvilas established his capital inNavahradak , foundedHrodna , and helped to rebuilt other cities plungered by the Tatars. Refusing to pay tribute, Erdvilas gathered a large army and defeated the Tatars on the banks ofDnieper River . According to this account Vykintas was Erdvilas' brother and ruled Samogitia. When Vykintas died heirless, Erdvilas inherited Samogitia.This account has no historical basis and is part of
Palemonids legend. Erdvilas would belong to the fifth generation of a noble family from theRoman Empire who settled in theGrand Duchy of Lithuania and gave rise to the state.References
* cite encyclopedia | last = Ivinskis | first = Zenonas | editor = Vaclovas Biržiška | encyclopedia = Lietuviškoji enciklopedija | title = Erdvilas | year = 1939 | publisher = Spaudos Fondas | volume = VII | location = Kaunas | pages = 994-995
ee also
*
House of Mindaugas
*List of early Lithuanian dukes
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