The castle was of great strategic importance: it was used as a base for raids into central Lithuania in hopes that a weakened Traidenis would discontinue his support of Semigalians who rebelled against the order.

At the time of the campaign, Lithuania suffered a famine and Traidenis' brother Sirputis raided Polish lands around Lublin.

When the enemies approached Aizkraukle, the Grand Master sent most of the local warriors home with their share of loot.

[6] The order lost its achievements over six preceding years: the Semigallians rebelled once again and submitted to Traidenis for protection.

The order decided to elect one grand master with the Teutonic Knights so that any future attacks would be carried out simultaneously from the west and north.