[1] In 1273 the order built Dinaburga Castle on lands nominally controlled by Grand Duke of Lithuania Traidenis.

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

The Russians fought among the attackers, but this did not bring any success, and the Lithuanians were forced to destroy the siege equipment and to withdraw through Daugava.

The Order Master Ernst von Ratzeburg responded with an unsuccessful march to the depths of Lithuania in 1278.

Russians and Lithuanians in the 14th-16th centuries attacked and demolished the castle, but each time the magistrates rebuilt it: