Gotteswerder Castle of the Teutonic Order, 1398–1402

Abstract

Abstract. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of Gotteswerder Castle’s history. The fortress, built by the Teutonic Order in 1369 on a former island at the Nemunas and Nevėžis rivers’ confluence, was situated on or near the site of the Lithuanian castle of New Kaunas. The research is based on Johann von Posilge chronicle, the Marienburg’s treasurer book and other sources. The author focuses mainly on the period of the castle’s existence from
its re-establishment in 1398 until collapse in 1402, which is almost unexplored by historians previously. The study analyzes the fortress’s construction features and daily life aspects, including food supply, weaponry, and ammunition. Furthermore, it scrutinizes the successful capture of Gotteswerder by the Lithuanian army and its consequential significance. The research primarily utilizes descriptive and comparative methods, iteratively analyzing written sources.