The Battle of Durbe was a critical engagement between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Livonian Order, part of the larger Christianization and territorial conflicts in the Baltic region during the 13th century. As the Livonian Order sought to expand its influence over the pagan territories, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, under the leadership of Grand Duke Mindaugas, opposed this encroachment fiercely. The battle took place near the village of Durbe, in present-day Latvia, where the Lithuanian forces ambushed the Livonian knights, who were largely unprepared for the scale of resistance they encountered. Historical records indicate that the knights, numbering approximately 2000, faced a much larger Lithuanian force estimated at around 4000, which ultimately contributed to their defeat.

The battle was characterized by a combination of tactical ambush and the effective use of local terrain by the Lithuanians. The decisive nature of this victory was due in part to the unity of the Lithuanian factions and their determination to repel outside forces. The order's significant loss not only diminished their military strength but also impacted their reputation in the region, leading to a period of instability and retreat in their expansionist efforts. It marked a turning point in the struggle between the Christian and pagan states in the Baltic area, influencing subsequent interactions between the two.