The Balts are an Indo-European ethnolinguistic group native to the Baltic region, primarily located in modern-day Lithuania, Latvia, and parts of Poland and Russia. They are characterized by their unique languages, cultures, and historical developments:
Language
History
- The Balts first appear in historical records during the Roman Empire era, with the Gothic Wars in the 3rd century AD, where they were mentioned by Roman historian Tacitus.
- By the Middle Ages, the Balts were divided into several tribes, including the Prussians, Lithuanians, Latgalians, Semigallians, and others. These tribes had their own territories and sometimes formed confederations.
- The Teutonic Order played a significant role in the history of the Baltic tribes, particularly through the Northern Crusades, where they attempted to Christianize and conquer the region. This led to the formation of the Prussia state by the 13th century.
- The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was established in the 13th century, becoming one of the largest states in Europe in the 14th-15th centuries, encompassing much of the territory of the Balts and other neighboring peoples.
- The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth emerged in 1569, integrating the Grand Duchy of Lithuania with the Kingdom of Poland.
Culture
Modern Era
- After World War II, Lithuania and Latvia became part of the Soviet Union until the re-establishment of their independence in 1990 and 1991, respectively.
- Today, Lithuania and Latvia are members of the European Union and NATO, reflecting their integration into Western structures.
- The Baltic States continue to preserve their cultural heritage while engaging with global cultural and economic exchanges.
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