Algirdas is one of the seven sons…

Algirdas is one of the seven sons of Grand Prince Gediminas.

Before his death in 1341, Gediminas divided his domain, leaving his youngest son Jaunutis in possession of the capital, Vilnius.

With the aid of his brother, Kęstutis, Algirdas drove out the incompetent Jaunutis and declared himself Grand Prince in 1345.

He is devoted to the development and expansion of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Two factors are thought to have contributed to this result: the political sagacity of Algirdas and the devotion of Kęstutis.

The division of their dominions is illustrated by the fact that Algirdas appears almost exclusively in East Slavic sources, while Western chronicles primarily describe Kęstutis.

Lithuania is surrounded by enemies.

The Teutonic Order in the northwest and the Golden Horde in the southwest seek Lithuanian territory, while Poland to the west and Muscovy to the east are generally hostile competitors.