Vytautas the Great

Vytautas signed the Treaty of Salynas with the Teutonic Knights, ceding Samogitia to the Order. This was a temporary concession to gain support for his eastern campaigns, but it later led to conflict.

Vytautas led a crusade against the Golden Horde but was defeated at the Battle of the Vorskla River. The defeat halted Lithuanian expansion into the steppes and weakened Vytautas's position.

Vytautas commanded the Polish-Lithuanian army at the Battle of Grunwald, defeating the Teutonic Knights. This was one of the largest battles of medieval Europe, breaking the Knights' power and securing Lithuanian independence.

Vytautas attempted to be crowned King of Lithuania, supported by Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund. The coronation was blocked by Polish nobles who feared Lithuanian independence, and Vytautas died before it could occur.