Verta didžiuotis esant sūduviečiu

Abstract

A reasoned and strict replication to the theory of Dykra was given by Vincas Vileišis (“Tautiniai santykiai Mažojoje Lietuvoje” /National Relations in Lithuania Minor/, 1935) asserting that Lithuanians from Lithuania Minor were autochthons, some of them lived on in Dykra, no colonisation by Lithuanians from Great Lithuania was observed and only migration of Lithuanians from Lithuania Minor was taking place. These statements were also supported by the results of a range of later research works carried out both by Lithuanian and foreign scientists. With no doubt, a part of the Sudovian genetic code has inscribed into the Lithuanian gene pool. Together with abundant lingual relicts, this should serve as a basis for regionalisation. What concerns Marijampolė, its prehistory is as rich as one of any other Lithuanian town or city. Marijampolė is considered the capital of Sudovia region both in a physical and spiritual sense. It offers great human potential, significant roots of Lithuanianism revival and Lithuania rebirth. Here, rays of “Aušra” (Dawn) started shining and an idea of “Varpas” (Bell) publishing was consolidated. Thus, in the role of the centre Marijampolė has solid historic arguments. It also has power as today it is considered an economically and culturally strong town with a college, episcopate centre, Marians centre, cultural institutions, etc.