Martin Mažvydas

Lithuanian scholar

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July 23, 2026

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Martynas Mažvydas (died 1563) is recognized as the first person to use Lithuanian as a written language. He published the first Lithuanian book, a catechism, in Königsberg in 1547. This marked a significant step in the development of Lithuanian literature, which was largely religious in nature until the 18th century. Mažvydas's work laid the foundation for the standardization of the written Lithuanian language, a process that continued with other writers in the following centuries.12

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Lithuanian literature
Mažvydas (1547). Later there appeared the religious writings of J. Bretkūnas, or J. Bretke. In 1701 the New Testament was published and, in 1727, the entire Scriptures. Until the 18th century, books were mostly of a religious character. Among publications outside this category, the first…
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Mažvydas (1547). Later there appeared the religious writings of J. Bretkūnas, or J. Bretke. In 1701 the New Testament was published and, in 1727, the entire Scriptures. Until the 18th century, books were mostly of a religious character. Among publications outside this category, the first…
Read More