History of Latvia: a Brief Survey

12th century-1914The Age ofGerman, Polish,Swedish, and RussianRule in LatviaBecause of its strategic geographic location, the Latvian territory was frequentlyinvaded by neighbouring nations, largely defining the fate of Latvia and its people.By the late 12th century, Latvia was increasingly visited by traders from WesternEurope who used Latvia’s longest river, the Daugava, as a trade route to Russia.Compared with other countries around Europe, Christianity arrived in the territory ofLatvia relatively late. German traders appeared at the close of the 12th century, bringingwith them missionaries who attempted to convert the pagan Baltic and Finno-Ugriantribes to the Christian faith. Out of loyalty to their ancient pantheistic beliefs, the Baltsresisted the imposition of a foreign religion, especially the ritual of christening.In 1198 Pope Innocent III proclaimed a crusade against the Baltic peoples, without anysignificant results. In 1199 Albert of Buxhoeveden (c.1165-1229) was named as a Bishopof Ikšķile — also where the first western church in the territory of Latvia was located. Heconvinced Innocent III to proclaim a second Baltic crusade. In the spring of 1200, twenty-three8A fragment of the Latin text of the‘Heinricus’ Livonian Chronicle’ (HeinriciChronicon Livoniae), which depictedevents in the territory of Latvia between1180 and 1227. In this fragment, from a17th century copy of the chronicle, thefoundation of Rīga in 1201 is described.The emblem of the Livonian Brothersof the Sword, later called the LivonianOrder.The seal of Bishop Albert, the founderof Rīga, 1225.