Siege of Kaunas (1362)

Siege of Kaunas
Part of the Lithuanian Crusade
Remains of Kaunas Castle in 2011
Date March 13 – April 17, 1362 Location Kaunas Castle 54°53′56″N 23°53′6″E / 54.89889°N 23.88500°E / 54.89889; 23.88500 Result Teutonic victory
Belligerents
Grand Duchy of Lithuania	Teutonic Order Livonian Order
Commanders and leaders
Vaidotas	Winrich von Kniprode
Casualties and losses
350 dead; Vaidotas and 36 men taken captive[1]	Unknown

The siege of Kaunas was laid by the Teutonic Order on the newly built Kaunas Castle in spring 1362. It was the first brick castle built by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. After a month-long siege, the castle was captured and destroyed. Its commander Vaidotas, son of Kęstutis, and 36 others were taken captive. The defeat, followed by the destruction of Veliuona and Pieštvė the following year, severely weakened Lithuanian defenses along the Neman River and opened central Lithuania to Teutonic attacks.