Prussian people
The Prussian people, or (old) Prussians, were indo-European Balts inhabiting the area around the Curonian and Vistula Lagoons (i.e., Baltic Prussia). Their lands were later called East Prussia. Etymologically, the name may be cognate to Rus or may mean fair-haired. They were a distinct ethnic group, neither Germanic nor Slavic, that spoke the Old Prussian language, that was a Baltic language. Like with many other indigenous peoples, their language and culture were replaced by that of dominant groups.Currently, there is some interest in cultural and linguistic revival among German expellees from the region, or rather their descendants, seeking their identity with the old ethnic roots of the land of Prussia.
Nevertheless one must be careful not to immediately identify these people with the states of Prussia and Kingdom of Prussia.
Their first mention in historical sources is in connection with Adalbert of Prague who was slain in 997 during a crusade to Christianize the Prussians. By the late 13th century, the German missionaries, especially the Teutonic Knights had converted them under arms to Christianity. Under the rule of these soldier-monks, they planted farms and built fine cities. Their culture was Germanized, and by the beginning of the 18th century, their language was virtually extinct. Their religion became Protestant Christian.History
Main article: Origins of Prussia.