Konrad von Jungingen

Konrad von Jungingen, born in 1355, emerged from a family of Swabian lower nobility, presumably the eldest son of Wolfgang von Jungingen and Ursula von Hohenfels. He joined the Teutonic Order around 1380 alongside his younger brother Ulrich, initially serving as a commander at the castle in Osterode. His rise within the Order was marked by a significant promotion to Treasurer of Marienburg in 1391.

On 30 November 1393, Konrad was elected unanimously as Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, a position he held until 1407. His election came about indirectly, as he was initially excluded from consideration due to his role as chairman. Under his leadership, the Order reached its greatest territorial extent, largely through a combination of diplomacy and military action.

Konrad's diplomatic strategies were notable; he intervened in the Lithuanian Civil War, alternating support between Vytautas and Skirgaila, while also seeking to undermine the influence of Poland-Lithuania. His clever policies led to the acquisition of Samogitia and the Neumarch, although these territorial gains were not without their challenges, including local resistance and uprisings.

In 1398, he successfully led an invasion that resulted in the destruction of Visby, further complicating relations with the Kalmar Union. Faced with threats of war, Konrad sought peace through diplomacy, culminating in a meeting with Ladislaus in 1404, which resulted in the cessation of Dobrzyn to the Polish Crown.

Konrad von Jungingen passed away on 30 March 1407 after a prolonged illness in Marienburg. He was interred in the mausoleum of the great masters beneath the chapel of St. Anne. His final warning to the Teutonic dignitaries against electing his brother Ulrich as his successor, whom he deemed a fool, went unheeded as Ulrich was chosen unanimously.