By the 10th century, the Baltic tribes in present-day Latvia had begun forming early states and regional chiefdoms. These included the Curonians, Latgalians, Selonians, Semigallians, and the Finnic Livonians, each with distinct cultural traits. The most politically advanced were the Latgalians, whose principal polity, Jersika, was governed by Orthodox Christian rulers tied to the Rurik dynasty. The last known ruler of Jersika, King Visvaldis, is mentioned in the Chronicle of Henry of Livonia. When Visvaldis divided his territory in 1211, a portion was named "Lettia," marking one of the earliest mentions of the name later associated with Latvia.
The Curonians, whose influence extended into northern Lithuania and the Curonian Spit, were known for seafaring raids and coastal looting, earning them a reputation as “Baltic Vikings.” Meanwhile, the Selonians and Semigallians thrived as skilled farmers and fiercely resisted German invaders, with chiefs like Viestards leading opposition efforts.
The Livonians, living along the Gulf of Riga, relied on fishing and trade. Their interactions with German merchants gave the region its early German name, Livland. At the time of the German arrival in the late 12th century, Latvia was home to around 135,000 Baltic inhabitants and 20,000 Livonians, marking the peak of these tribal societies before foreign influence began to reshape the region.