Koknese (Kukenois), hill-fort

56°39′ N. 25°26′ E.

The time of the origin of the "principality"Koknese is unknown, but in 1203-1208 here ruled a prince named Vetseke (the Russian chronicle calls him Vyachko). Scientists offer different versions of its origin: Latvian and Russian, both from Polotsk Izyaslavichi and from Smolensk Rostislavichi. Like Ersika, Koknese was included in the sphere of influence of the old Russian Polotsk Principality. In 1205 Wetseke / Vyachko gave Bishop Albrecht a part of the subordinate lands in exchange for a promise of non-aggression, but already in 1208 the prince left Koknese. Apparently, the principality is being liquidated, and its lands are part of the possessions of Bishop Albrecht. The fate of Vetseke / Vyachko in the next few years is unknown, in 1223 by the Novgorod prince Yaroslav Vsevolodich he was put to reign in Yuryev Livonsky, where he died during the capture of the city by the crusaders in 1224. The Balto-Slavic Koknese has not survived, it was burned in its place by order of Bishop Albrecht in 1209, the German castle Kokenhaus was founded.

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