Early painting in Lithuania shows Byzantine influence, which lasts until the 16th century. The earliest known murals (from about 1300) are found only in fragments in the crypt of Vilnius Cathedral. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which was in union with Poland between the 1400s and the 1700s, had close cultural links with Central Europe. A number of foreign craftsmen and painters worked on decorating church interiors. The art of…
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Theater in Lithuania Prehistory of Lithuanian theater Theater in Lithuania began with the Jesuits in Vilnius. They were summoned by leading Catholics who feared that the Great Lutheran Reformation would have an impact in the relatively young Catholic country, which had been in staff union with Poland for a long time. At the University of Vilnius, which they themselves founded in the 16th century, the Jesuits arranged theatrical performances with…
Read MoreLithuania Overview
Lithuania is the largest and most populous of the three Baltic states, and was a great power during the Middle Ages. The country has a rich cultural heritage that has been kept alive to a greater extent than in most other parts of Europe. Capital: Vilnius Biggest city: Vilnius State: republic within the EU Language: Lithuanian Religion: catholicism Surface: 65 200 km² Population: 3.5 million (2013) Population density: 55 residents…
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The Great Prince Gediminas letter from the beginning of the 1300s is regarded as the oldest Lithuanian writing memorial. The letters were written in Latin to, among others, Pope John XXII and other European clergy, and had diplomatic and political content. The German cross and sword orders aimed to conquer and Christianize Lithuania, and Gediminas asked the world community for help and support, while promising to accept Christianity. From the…
Read MoreLithuania Population and Language
Lithuania has lost nearly a fifth of its population since 1990. The sharp decline has mainly been caused by emigration, but also by falling birth rates and deteriorating public health. Five of the six residents are Lithuanians, while the Polish-speaking people constitute the largest minority group. Since the turn of the millennium, hundreds of thousands of Lithuanians have emigrated to look for jobs in other EU countries, most of them…
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