Baltic Crusades

The Baltic Crusades were military campaigns during the 12th and 13th centuries where Christian armies from Europe sought to convert and control the pagan tribes of the Baltic region, including the Baltics, Prussia, and Livonia. Led primarily by the Teutonic Knights and other crusading orders, these campaigns aimed to expand Christianity, establish political dominance, and secure trade routes. The conflicts resulted in the Christianization of the area, but also caused significant warfare and cultural changes for the indigenous peoples. These crusades were part of a broader effort by European powers to influence and control eastern Europe during the medieval period.