2011775th Anniversary of the Battle of Saule - First Day Cover

In 1236, Pope Gregory IX declared the first crusade against Lithuanians having turned into the most important fight of that period, which took place on 22 September 1236 at the Mūša River – the Battle of Saulė between the Bothers of Sword and the army of Samogitians and Lithuanians. Covered by the shroud of Christianity, the true goal of the Sword Brothers was to conquer the Baltic lands.

On the battle route Mežuotnė-Pamūšis-Šiauliai, the defending warriors demonstrated the unity of ethnic tribes and reinforced the position of Lithuania in Europe. The success of the battle was determined by the unity of Northern and Western Samogitians and mutual support.

The significance of the battle was immense: Lithuania halted a great crusade and could further exist as a country.