The Belarusian-Lithuanian borderlands of the 10–13th centuries: from Krevа to Kernavė

New archaeological and historical research reveals that the Belarusian-Lithuanian borderlands of the 10–13th centuries, particularly centers like Kreva, Halsany, Kernavė (Kernave), and Vilnius, played a pivotal role in the emergence of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Contrary to traditional perceptions, these regions exhibited advanced state formation processes during a period when East Slavic Europe faced deep crises. The study highlights significant Slavic influence on Baltic pagan settlements, fostering administrative and sacred urban functions. Kreva and Kernavė emerged as regional centers, with Kreva later becoming a domain of notable Lithuanian dukes like Alhierd (Olgierd) and Jagiello, while Kernavė served as the main residence of Duke Trojdzien. These findings suggest that ethno-cultural interaction between Slavic and Lithuanian elites drove political and economic development, laying the groundwork for the Grand Duchy's formation.

Dziarnovich, A. I. (2020). The Belarusian-Lithuanian borderlands of the 10–13th centuries: from Krevа to Kernavė. Doklady of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 64(5), 632–640. https://doi.org/10.29235/1561-8323-2020-64-5-632-640