Ancient Lithuania was inhabited by the Baltic tribes in the period between the 7th and 2nd centuries. The first records of the territory of Lithuania in ancient times is found in the Annals of Quedlinburg as early as 1009.
The various Lithuanian tribes sought to unite under Duke Mindaugas who established the state of Lithuania. The unified state now managed to counter the attacks of the Teutonic Knights. Duke Mindaugas became an important figure in ancient Lithuanian history as he was crowned as the first and only king of Lithuania in 1253 as he adopted Christianity. Following his acceptance of the Christian faith, he was given the crown by the Pope of Rome. In the years between 1316-1341, the country was under the control of Grand Duke Gediminas. He sought to expand the Lithuanian territory and also established Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. He laid the foundation of the Gediminaiciai dynasty. Jogaila, belonging to the Gediminaitis line of kings ascended the throne of Poland in 1386 and heralded what was to become a 400 year old shared history of Poland and Lithuania. Christianity made its entry into Lithuania following this unification. Lithuania emerged as a military power under the rule of Grand Duke Vytautas. He extended the Lithuanian domain beyond its immediate boundaries. Lithuania became completely united with Poland following the signing of the Treaty of Lublin in 1569.
