Jono Sungailos giminė: istorinė tradicija ir istoriografijos pasiekimai
The Family of Jonas Sungaila: Historical Tradition and Historiographical Achievements

Summary/Abstract: Jonas Sungaila is the first Elder of Kaunas known from the historiographical sources. He held a high position in the palace of Vytautas, was an active participant of diplomatic and military affairs, and a presumable leader of Kaunas regiment at the battle of Žalgiris. Contrary to the presentation of the majority of the noblemen of Vytautas’ times, the historiographical sources mention Jonas Sungaila in isolation from his family, due to the lack of information. Family relations were especially significant for being accepted into the Grand Duke’s palace. Therefore, in order to evaluate the position of Jonas Sungaila in the society of the times, it is necessary to determine his family connections. The existing versions of Jonas Sungaila’s origin from the families of Gediminaičiai or Sapiegos are based on falsified acts. The evidence about the possible origin of Sungaila’s family from the Svyriai dukes is also weak, although such analogies are mentioned in the history of Svyriai family. It can be assumed that the two families became connected through marriages in the second and the third decades of the 15th century. The family connections of Jonas Sungaila and Stanislovas Čiupurna can also be discussed as a possible explanation of Jonas Sungaila’s acceptance into the Vytautas’ palace.

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