The Jews in Lithuania are among the earliest inhabitants, the autochthones. There is evidence that they were present here before the beginning of the 14th century; they seem to be migrating traders. At the time, Jews were well-established in Lithuania. By the end of the century, there were many settlements in the GDL, with approximately 6,000 Jews. Vytautas the Great gave the Jews of Brest a privilege that was later extended to other communities. The Jews were not serfs; rather, they were declared free persons, subject to the Grand Duke in the same way that the nobility was. Their rights and duties were nearly identical to those of ordinary citizens, reflecting their high social standing. Jews were provided protection for their lives and property, as well as the freedom to travel, trade, and engage in financial enterprises.
Jewish historians refer to Vytautas the Great's era as the Golden Age. Vytautas was the patron of Jews, the White Khan of the Tatars, and the Karaite King.
Merchants and traders had lived in Kaunas from the 14th century. This is supported by an early 15th-century treasure discovered in Kaunas, near the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers (where the basketball house is located). The treasure was discovered to contain Vytautas denarii and Prague grashy.
At the time, trading was not only quiet, but also intensely competitive. In many occasions, contestants, notably butchers, used their own weapons, knives and axes, to fight at their moving points along the Neris, and after killing an opponent, the body was tossed into the river. Violations of Jewish religious liberties were met with severe sanctions. Even now at night, you can hear the merchants' silent pleadings, "Save me, save me..." Unfortunately, such rescues are faced by death and, possibly, the ghosts of the traffickers who are waiting
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