Kaupo

Timeline

1. c. 1190–1202Turaida · EstoniaAs an important elder of an ancient Estonian tribal confederation, he established contacts with the Bishopric of Riga in the early eastward advance of the Livonian Crusade, acting as an intermediary between German missionaries and local powers.
2. 1203–1206Riga · RigaIn 1203–1204 he accompanied Bishop Albert to Rome for an audience with Pope Innocent III, and in 1206 was baptized at Riga, becoming the first Estonian noble to openly convert to Christianity, an act that provoked a strong backlash among the locals.
3. 1207–1217Estonia · EstoniaHe continued to ally with the Riga crusaders, but his pro-Christian stance aroused suspicion among his compatriots. In September 1217 he was killed in an internal conspiracy, marking a major turning point in native Estonian resistance to the crusaders.