Joniškis XVI-XVIII a

The article deals with one of the oldest cities of Lithuania - Joniškis- in the 16th-18th centuries. After comparison of histoic, archaeological and numismatic data the development of the Joniškis town in the 16th-18th centuries may be divided in the following periods: 1. the second half of the 15th century - the 16th century: transition from the village-type settlement to a town-type settlement; 2. the end of the 16th century - the first half of the 17th century: transformation into a self-rule town and period of prosperity. At that time the urban structure of 5 main town streets and the market-place as forming. The oxidative ceramics and tiles became popular; 3. the second half of the 17th century - the first half of the 18th century: period of wars and decay following the wars; 4. the second half of the 18th century: the period of stabilization and raising. During this period one may observe the cultural-economical influence from neighboring Curonian Duchy and Livonia.