PERIODIZATION OF THE HISTORY OF CULTURE IN THE GREAT DUCHY OF LITHUANIA

The article presents the model of periodization of the history of culture in the Great Duchy of Lithuania, consisting of the following two developmental stages: from mid 13th century to mid 15th century and from late 15th century to late 18th century. During the first stage of the historical development of culture, the Great Duchy of Lithuania played the role of the iniciator of unification process and development of civilization area. During the second stage, the culture of the Great Duchy of Lithuania became a powerful regional culture, represented by a new contender towards the status of East European hegemony. Within this context, the 16th century was of exclusive importance, when the Great Duchy of Lithuania attempted to secure a predominating position in the united Lithuanian-Polish state, as well as in the whole region of Eastern Europe.