Mindaugas (simplified Lithuanian transcription [mindaŭgas])) (ca. 1203 – 12 September 1263) was the first known Grand Duke of Lithuania, a title he gained ca. 1235, and was crowned King of Lithuania in 1251. He is generally considered the founder of the Lithuanian state, and the first leader to unite the Balts. In 1250 or 1251, during the course of internal power struggles, he was baptised as a Roman Catholic; this action enabled him to establish an alliance with the Livonian Orde… (More on Mindaugas)