Principality of Jersika: Map & History
The Principality of Jersika was a medieval Latgalian principality in the east of modern-day Latvia, and one of the largest medieval states in Latvia before the Northern Crusades.
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The Principality of Jersika was a medieval Latgalian principality in the east of modern-day Latvia, and one of the largest medieval states in Latvia before the Northern Crusades. The capital of Jersika was located on a hill fort 165 kilometres (103 mi) southeast of Riga. In documents dating to the 13th century, the western part of the principality was called Lettia, and the eastern part by the Russian name Lotygola.
Modern Countries Once Part of Principality of Jersika
At its mapped extent, Principality of Jersika covered territory in 1 present-day country. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Principality of Jersika's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Principality of Jersika in Depth
History
It has been suggested that the Principality of Jersika had emerged in 1041 when the Norwegian king Eymund according to the Eymundar þáttr hrings, became the leader of the Principality of Polotsk and expanded its influence in the Daugava basin. But the existence of the Principality in the 12th century as an old trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks is more certain. In the Livonian Chronicle of Henry, the Principality and its ruler Visvaldis are first mentioned in 1203 with connection with his and the Lithuanians raid under the newly founded city of Riga.
In 1209, Visvaldis, the prince of Jersika, was defeated by the bishop Albert of Riga and the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, and his Lithuanian wife was taken as a prisoner.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Principality of Jersika (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Principality of Jersika: Key Facts
| Capital | Jersika |
|---|---|
| Form of government | monarchy |
| Founded | 1190 |
| Dissolved | 1239 |
Facts from Wikidata Q1687929 (CC0).
Principality of Jersika Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Principality of Jersika appears, with the other states of the time.
Principality of Jersika Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 23,422 km² in 1158 CE.
Principality of Jersika: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Principality of Jersika exist?
Principality of Jersika is dated to 1111 CE – 1215 CE, in the High & Late Middle Ages era.
What was the capital of Principality of Jersika?
The capital of Principality of Jersika was Jersika.
How large was Principality of Jersika at its peak?
At its peak in 1158 AD Principality of Jersika covered about 23,422 km².
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