Michael Žygimantaitis

Michael Žygimantaitis

Life He supported his father Sigismund Kęstutaitis in power struggles with Švitrigaila. In 1435, he led his father's army to victory in the Battle of Wiłkomierz. After his father's assassination in 1440, Michael unsuccessfully fought against Casimir IV Jagiellon for the title of Grand Duke of Lithuania. At first, Michael was supported by Samogitia, but in 1441, Casimir issued a privilege confirming Samogitia's semi-autonomous status and thus avoiding a civil war. Until 1447, he was supported by the Dukes of Masovia. In 1448, Michael asked for help from the Crimean Khanate. With their help, he attacked and shortly took control of Kiev, Starodub, and Novhorod-Siversky. In total, he had three wives, all from Masovia: Anna (died in 1435), Eufemia (died in 1436) daughter of Bolesław Januszowic, and Catherine (died in 1479/80).