As the Baltic tribes solidified their presence, the coastal Balts faced external pressures. From the 9th to 11th centuries, they were raided by Vikings, and at times paid tribute to the kings of Denmark. During the same period, Lithuanian territories also fell under the influence of Kievan Rus', with rulers like Yaroslav the Wise invading Lithuania in 1040. However, by the mid-12th century, the tide had turned, and Lithuanian forces began launching raids into Ruthenian lands. In 1183, they devastated Polotsk and Pskov, and even threatened the powerful Novgorod Republic.
Throughout the 12th century, Lithuanian and Polish forces occasionally clashed, though the Yotvingians' territory served as a buffer between them. Meanwhile, German settlers began expanding eastward toward the Daugava River, leading to early confrontations with Lithuanians. Despite these conflicts, the Lithuanians emerged as a dominant force by the end of the century, using organized military power to conduct raids, plunder wealth, and capture slaves.
East of the Baltic tribes: Kievan Rus' © Koryakov Yuri
These activities accelerated social stratification and intensified internal struggles for power, laying the groundwork for state formation. This early political consolidation would eventually give rise to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. By 1231, the Danish Census Book recorded Lithuania (referred to as Littonia) among Baltic lands that paid tribute to Denmark, marking Lithuania’s growing prominence and evolving statehood.