Šakiai is a city in the Marijampole County, Lithuania. It is located west of Kaunas. It is presumed that Šakiai first expanded from Šakaicai village. By 1719 a church in Šakiai was built. By the 19th century Šakiai already had city rights; it also had a school, Catholic and Lutheran churches, a synagogue, and a post office. During World War II the city was destroyed by the German army.