The House of Radziwiłł originated from the noble Astikas lineage, whose ancestral lands were located near Kernavė. During the reign of Grand Duke Vytautas the Great, Kristinas Astikas, Castellan of Vilnius, and his son Radvila Astikaitis, Voivode of Trakai, are mentioned. Radvila Astikaitis is regarded as the progenitor of the Radziwiłł family — his given name later became the family surname. Alongside the Goštautas, Kęsgaila families, and the Gediminids, the Radziwiłłs were among the most prominent lineages shaping the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The House of Radziwiłł became one of the wealthiest and most powerful in Lithuania, influencing the entire life of the state. From the 16th to the 18th century, the Radziwiłłs owned 23 castles, 426 towns and settlements, and more than 2,000 estates. Members of the family held the highest offices of the state: 22 chancellors, marshals, hetmans, and treasurers; 37 voivodes; 2 bishops; a cardinal; a queen; and numerous lesser officials. Since 1547, the Radziwiłłs were the only Lithuanian magnates to hold the title of Princes of the Holy Roman Empire — the Princes of Biržai and Dubingiai.
The Radziwiłł family’s creed was to live for God, for the Homeland (although they spoke Polish, they regarded themselves as Lithuanians), and for the Family (they amassed vast wealth for themselves and their descendants). Generations of the Radziwiłłs remained faithful to these beliefs.
From the 15th century until the end of the 18th century, the Radziwiłł princes - though their influence fluctuated fand they often competed with other noble families of Lithuania - played a decisive role in the dveleopment of the Lithuanian state and society. At times, they were de facto rulers of Lithuania, filling the void left by the weakening authority of the Grand Duke.
