# Algirdas - Grand Duke of Lithuania

URL: https://lithuania-history.com/rulers/algirdas
Reign: 1345 - 1377
Born-Died: c. 1296 - 1377
Dynasty: Gediminids
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algirdas

Ruling in a lifelong partnership with his brother Kęstutis, Algirdas oversaw the Grand Duchy's dramatic eastward expansion, absorbing vast Ruthenian territories including Kyiv and pushing Lithuania's borders toward the Black Sea steppe. He led three campaigns against Moscow while Kęstutis held the western frontier against the Teutonic Knights, a division of labor that defined a generation of Lithuanian statecraft.

## Succession
- Preceded by: [Jaunutis](https://lithuania-history.com/rulers/jaunutis)
- Succeeded by: [Jogaila](https://lithuania-history.com/rulers/jogaila)

## Timeline events during this reign
- 1345 - [Algirdas and Kęstutis seize power](https://lithuania-history.com/timeline/1345-algirdas-and-kestutis-seize-power)
- 1345 - [Dyarchy divides strategic responsibilities](https://lithuania-history.com/timeline/1345-dyarchy-divides-strategic-responsibilities)
- 1348 - [Battle of Strėva](https://lithuania-history.com/timeline/1348-battle-of-streva)
- 1358 - [Christianization negotiations with Emperor Charles IV](https://lithuania-history.com/timeline/1358-christianization-negotiations-with-emperor-charles-iv)
- 1362 - [Destruction of Kaunas Castle](https://lithuania-history.com/timeline/1362-destruction-of-kaunas-castle)
- 1362 - [Battle of Blue Waters](https://lithuania-history.com/timeline/1362-battle-of-blue-waters)
- 1368 - [First Algirdas campaign against Moscow](https://lithuania-history.com/timeline/1368-first-algirdas-campaign-against-moscow)
- 1377 - [Death of Algirdas](https://lithuania-history.com/timeline/1377-death-of-algirdas)
- 1377 - [Kęstutis remains western defender](https://lithuania-history.com/timeline/1377-kestutis-remains-western-defender)
- 1377 - [Jogaila becomes Grand Duke](https://lithuania-history.com/timeline/1377-jogaila-becomes-grand-duke)