Jagiellonian dynasty facts for kids

Jagiellons
Quick facts for kids
Country:	Grand Duchy of Lithuania Kingdom of Poland Kingdom of Hungary Kingdom of Bohemia
Parent House:	Gediminids
Titles:	King of Poland Grand Duke of Lithuania King of Hungary King of Bohemia (and prince-elector) King of Dalmatia King of Rama King of Slavonia King of Croatia Duke of Silesia Duke of Ruthenia Duke of Luxembourg Queen consort of Sweden
Founder:	Władysław II Jagiełło
Final Ruler:	Anna Jagiellon of Poland
Founding Year:	1386
Dissolution:	1596

The Jagiellonian dynasty was a powerful royal family in Europe. They ruled several countries between the 14th and 16th centuries. These included the Kingdom of Poland, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Kingdom of Hungary, and the Kingdom of Bohemia.

The dynasty began when Jogaila, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, became Christian in 1386. He then married Jadwiga, the Queen of Poland. This made him King of Poland as Władysław II Jagiełło. His family then became a royal dynasty.

The Jagiellons created a strong connection between Poland and Lithuania. This led to the formation of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1569. This period is often called the "Polish Golden Age." It was a time of great culture and wealth.

At the end of the 15th century, the Jagiellonians reigned over vast territories stretching from the Baltic to the Black to the Adriatic Sea

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     Grand Duchy of Lithuania      Crown of the Kingdom of Poland

  State of the Teutonic Order (Polish fief)

     Kingdom of Bohemia      Kingdom of Hungary

Jagiellonian Europe in the late 15th century

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     Grand Duchy of Lithuania

  Principality of Moldavia (Polish fief)

     Crown of the Kingdom of Poland

  State of the Teutonic Order (Polish fief)

     Kingdom of Bohemia      Kingdom of Hungary

Origin of the Jagiellonian Name

The name Jagiellonian comes from Jogaila. He was the first Grand Duke of Lithuania to become King of Poland. In Polish, the family is called Jagiellonowie.

The name Jogaila means "strong rider." It comes from Lithuanian words. These words are joti (to ride) and gailus (strong, powerful).

Before the Jagiellonian Dynasty

The previous ruling family in Poland was the Piasts. Their rule ended in 1370 with King Casimir III the Great. The Gediminids were the rulers of Lithuania before the Jagiellonians. They held the title of Grand Duke.

Jogaila, the first Jagiellonian ruler, was the Grand Duke of Lithuania. He converted to Christianity and married Queen Jadwiga of Poland. This marriage made him King of Poland. He became Władysław II Jagiełło and started the Jagiellonian dynasty.

Jagiellonian Rule in Poland

Władysław II Jagiełło and Władysław III

The Polish-Lithuanian Union

Jogaila, later Władysław II Jagiełło (c. 1352/1362 – 1 June 1434) was Grand Duke of Lithuania (1377–1434), King of Poland (1386–1399) alongside his wife Jadwiga, and then sole King of Poland.

In 1385, the Union of Krewo was signed. It joined Queen Jadwiga of Poland and Jogaila. Lithuania was the last pagan state in Europe at that time. The Union led to Jogaila's baptism and their marriage.

This union made both nations stronger. They could better resist the Teutonic Knights. It also helped against the growing power of Moscow. This union was unique because it connected two states from different Christian traditions.

The goal was to create one common state under Władysław II Jagiełło. However, fully joining Lithuania into Poland was difficult. There were often disagreements and even wars between Poland and Lithuania. Sometimes, Lithuanians even worked with the Teutonic Knights against the Poles.

Battles with the Teutonic Knights

Baptism of Władysław III of Poland at Wawel in 1425

A major war, the Great War, happened from 1409 to 1411. It started because Lithuanians rebelled in a region controlled by the Teutonic Order. The most famous battle was the Battle of Grunwald. Here, Polish and Lithuanian armies completely defeated the Teutonic Knights.

However, they failed to capture the fortress of Malbork. This failure had long-term consequences for Poland. The Peace of Thorn in 1411 gave Poland and Lithuania only small land gains.

The Polish-Hungarian Union

The Crusade of Varna was a series of events in 1443–44 between the crusaders and the Ottoman Empire, culminating in a devastating Christian loss at the Battle of Varna on 10 November 1444.

The Jagiellonian dynasty did not automatically inherit the throne. Each new king needed approval from the nobility. Władysław Jagiełło had two sons late in his life. In 1430, the nobility agreed that his son Władysław III would succeed him.

In 1434, Władysław Jagiełło died. His young son Władysław became king. The Royal Council, led by Bishop Oleśnicki, governed for him. In 1438, Czech groups offered the Czech crown to Jagiełło's younger son, Casimir IV. This led to two failed Polish military trips to Bohemia.

After the death of Vytautas in 1430, Lithuania faced internal wars. Casimir IV was sent to Lithuania in 1440. The Lithuanians surprisingly made him Grand Duke of Lithuania.

Bishop Oleśnicki wanted Poland to unite with Hungary. The Ottoman Empire was expanding and threatening Hungary. Hungary needed a strong ally like Poland-Lithuania. In 1440, Władysław III became the King of Hungary. He led the Hungarian army against the Ottomans in 1443 and 1444. Władysław III was killed in the Battle of Varna.

Casimir IV Jagiellon

In 1445, Casimir, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, was asked to become King of Poland. His brother Władysław had died. Casimir was a tough negotiator. He did not accept all the Polish nobility's demands for his election.

Thirteen Years' War—Battle of Chojnice in 1454

Casimir was the youngest son of King Władysław II Jagiełło. He had little formal education. He often relied on his instincts. He was very interested in diplomacy and the country's economy.

When the Grand Duke of Lithuania died, Lithuanian nobles supported Casimir. They invited him to Vilnius in 1440. He was proclaimed Grand Duke of Lithuania. Casimir became King of Poland in 1447. He married Elisabeth of Austria in 1454. This marriage strengthened ties between the Jagiellons and the rulers of Hungary-Bohemia.

The Thirteen Years' War (1454–1466)

In 1454, Casimir was asked for help by the Prussian Confederation. They wanted help against the Teutonic Order. Casimir promised to help. He made the Prussian regions a protectorate of Poland.

When cities rebelled against the Order, the Thirteen Years' War began. Casimir and the Prussian Confederation defeated the Teutonic Order. They captured its capital at Marienburg.

Malbork Castle during Thirteen Years' War (1460)

In the Second Peace of Thorn (1466), the Order accepted Polish rule over western Prussia. Poland gained back Pomerelia, which gave it important access to the Baltic Sea.

Wars with Turks and Tatars

The Jagiellonian dynasty's influence in Central Europe grew. In 1471, Casimir's son Władysław became King of Bohemia. In 1490, he also became King of Hungary.

The southern and eastern parts of Poland and Lithuania faced threats. The Turks began invading in the late 15th century. Crimean Tatars, supported by the Turks, raided eastern territories. King Jan Olbracht, Casimir's son, fought them.

More destructive Tatar raids happened in 1498-1500. Peace efforts followed, leading to a truce in 1503.

Sigismund I the Old and Sigismund II Augustus

Sigismund I the Old (1467 –1548), King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania

Alexander became King of Poland in 1501. In 1506, Sigismund I the Old succeeded him in both Poland and Lithuania. This brought the two states even closer.

In 1518, Sigismund I married Bona Sforza, a strong Italian princess. Bona tried to make the king's power and finances stronger. She also worked to help her family's interests. This caused some unhappiness among the nobility.

The "Chicken War" Rebellion

Chicken War or Hen War, a 1537 anti-royalist and anti-absolutist rokosz (rebellion) by the Polish nobility.

In 1537, a rebellion by the Polish nobility happened. It was called the Chicken War by those who supported the King. The nobles had gathered for a military campaign, but instead, they rebelled. They wanted the King to stop his reforms.

The nobles made 36 demands. They wanted Queen Bona to stop buying land. They also wanted more privileges for the nobility. They criticized Queen Bona for how she raised Prince Sigismund Augustus. They also felt she was trying to gain too much power.

Sigismund II Augustus

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius, the reconstruction of which in a Renaissance style was started by Sigismund I and was finished by Sigismund II Augustus

Sigismund II Augustus became Grand Duke of Lithuania at age 9 in 1529. He started ruling Lithuania independently in 1544. In 1547, he moved his royal court from Kraków to Vilnius. This greatly influenced the region's intellectual life. He also finished rebuilding the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius in a Renaissance style.

Death of Barbara Radziwiłł Painting by Józef Simmler

When Sigismund II became king, he faced opposition from the nobility. They were unhappy about his secret marriage to Barbara Radziwiłł. His mother, Bona, and many powerful nobles also opposed it. Sigismund II overcame this resistance. He had Barbara crowned queen in 1550. She died a few months later. Sigismund II walked with Barbara's funeral procession from Kraków to Vilnius.

Sigismund II was known for his patience and diplomatic skills. He understood the Polish parliament (sejm) very well. He managed to get more money from the sejm than his father. He also avoided major conflicts with the powerful Turks.

Sigismund II helped mediate between Catholics and Protestants for twenty years. The Livonian War was difficult for Lithuania. The Lithuanian nobility also wanted equal rights with the Polish nobility. These factors led to the Union of Lublin. This union joined Poland and Lithuania into the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. This was a major achievement for Sigismund II.

The Golden Age of Polish Culture

Wawel Hill, the castle and the cathedral

The "Polish Golden Age" refers to the reigns of Sigismund I and Sigismund II. This period, especially the 16th century, saw the rise of the Polish Renaissance culture. This cultural growth was supported by wealthy nobles and city dwellers in places like Kraków and Gdańsk.

The Renaissance ideas came from Italy. This was partly due to Sigismund I's marriage to Bona Sforza. Many Poles traveled to Italy to study. Italian artists and thinkers also came to Poland. They settled and worked there for many years.

The Academy of Kraków and Sigismund II had large libraries. Smaller book collections became common in noble homes and schools. More people learned to read and write. By the end of the 16th century, most parishes had a school.

Jagiellons and the Habsburgs

In 1515, an agreement was made in Vienna. It was between Maximilian I and the Jagiellon brothers, Vladislaus II and Sigismund I. This agreement aimed to stop the Emperor from supporting Poland's enemies.

However, relations worsened after Charles V became Emperor in 1519. The Jagiellons' rivalry with the House of Habsburg in Central Europe ended with the Habsburgs gaining more power.

The expansion of the Ottoman Empire weakened the Jagiellonian monarchies. Hungary became very vulnerable after the Ottomans captured Belgrade in 1521. To stop Poland from helping Hungary, the Ottomans raided southeastern Poland-Lithuania in 1524.

The Hungarian army was defeated in 1526 at the Battle of Mohács. The young King Louis II Jagiellon was killed. Hungary was then divided between the Habsburgs and the Ottomans.

Jagiellonian Rule in Hungary and Bohemia

Vladislaus II of Hungary

King of Bohemia

Ladislaus II Jagiellon (1456–1516), King of Bohemia and Hungary

Vladislaus was born in 1456. He was the oldest son of King Casimir IV Jagiellon of Poland. His mother was Elizabeth of Austria. He was named after his grandfather, King Władysław II Jagiełło.

He became King of Bohemia in 1471. He was only fifteen years old. His advisors greatly influenced him. The conflict over the Bohemian throne ended in 1479. Vladislaus ruled Bohemia, while another ruler gained other territories.

King of Hungary

Great disorder came to Hungary when King Matthias Corvinus died in 1490. The Hungarian nobles did not accept his son as king. They called Vladislaus to Hungary. His mother was related to a former Hungarian king.

Vladislaus became King of Hungary in 1490. He moved to Hungary and lived there for the rest of his life. His children were born in the palace of Buda. The Hungarian nobility held much power. Vladislaus became less involved in daily rule. He gained the nickname "Vladislaus Bene" because he often answered "Bene" (Latin for "It is well") to requests.

Louis II of Hungary

Louis II of Hungary (1506–1526), King of Hungary and Bohemia

Louis II was the son of Vladislaus II. In 1515, he married Mary of Austria. His sister Anne married Ferdinand of Austria.

When Suleiman I became sultan, he sent an ambassador to Louis II. He wanted to collect the yearly tribute from Hungary. Louis refused and had the ambassador executed. Louis hoped other Christian states would help him. This event sped up Hungary's decline.

The Ottoman Empire declared war on Hungary. Louis failed to gather his forces. Hungary did not get help from other European states. Belgrade and other important castles were captured by the Ottomans. This left Hungary open to further Turkish conquests.

In 1526, Suleiman launched another expedition to conquer Hungary. Louis made a mistake by fighting the Ottoman army in an open field. His army was not ready for the battle. On August 29, 1526, Louis led his forces against Suleiman at the Battle of Mohács.

The Hungarian army was surrounded and suffered heavy losses. The twenty-year-old king died in a marsh during the retreat. Louis had no children. Ferdinand was elected as his successor in Bohemia and Hungary.

Jagiellonian Grand Dukes of Lithuania

Jagiellon family

Portrait	Name	Born	Died	Reign	Spouse	Note
	Władysław II Jagiełło	ca. 1362	1434	1377–1381, 1382–1434	Jadwiga of Poland Anne of Cilli Elisabeth of Pilica Sophia of Halshany	Founder of the Lithuanian Jagiellonian dynasty. He became King of Poland in 1386 after becoming Christian and marrying Queen Jadwiga.
	Władysław III Jagiellon	1424	1444	1434–1444	none	Eldest son of Władysław II Jagiełło.
	Casimir IV Jagiellon	1427	1492	1440–1492	Elisabeth of Austria	Became Grand Duke of Lithuania in 1440, then King of Poland in 1447.
	Alexander I Jagiellon	1461	1506	1492–1506	Helena of Moscow	Became Grand Duke of Lithuania in 1492, then King of Poland in 1501.
	Sigismund I the Old	1467	1548	1506–1548	Barbara Zápolya Bona Sforza	Elected Grand Duke of Lithuania and Supreme Duke.
	Sigismund II Augustus	1520	1572	1544–1572	Elisabeth of Austria Barbara Radziwiłł Catherine of Austria	Became Grand Duke of Lithuania in 1544, then King of Poland in 1548.

The Jagiellonians were the main heirs to the title of Grand Duke of Lithuania. They were the most powerful branch of the Gediminids dynasty.

Jagiellonian Kings of Poland

Portrait	Name	Born	Died	Reign	Spouse
	Władysław II Jagiełło	ca. 1362	1434	1386–1434	Jadwiga of Poland Anne of Cilli Elisabeth of Pilica Sophia of Halshany
	Władysław III of Poland	1424	1444	1434–1444 Poland 1440–1444 Hungary	none
	Casimir IV Jagiellon	1427	1492	1447–1492	Elisabeth of Austria
	John I Albert	1459	1501	1492–1501	none
	Alexander I Jagiellon	1461	1506	1501–1506	Helena of Moscow
	Sigismund I the Old	1467	1548	1507–1548	Barbara Zápolya Bona Sforza
	Sigismund II Augustus	1520	1572	1530/1548-1572	Elisabeth of Austria Barbara Radziwiłł Catherine of Austria

After Sigismund II Augustus, the Jagiellonian dynasty changed. His sisters, Anna Jagiellon and Catherine Jagiellon, were his heirs. Catherine married Duke John of Finland, who became King John III of Sweden. Their son, Sigismund III Vasa, led to the Jagiellonian line merging with the House of Vasa. This family ruled Poland from 1587 to 1668.

Jagiellonian Kings of Bohemia, Hungary and Croatia

The Jagiellonians also gained control of Bohemia and Hungary. Vladislaus Jagiello became King of Hungary in 1490. He moved his court to Hungary. His children were born and raised there.

When Louis II died suddenly in the Battle of Mohács in 1526, this royal line ended for male heirs.

Portrait	Name	Born	Died	Reign	Spouse
	Vladislaus II of Bohemia and Hungary	1456	1516	1471–1516 Bohemia 1490–1516 Hungary and Croatia	Barbara of Brandenburg Beatrice of Naples Anne of Foix-Candale
	Louis II of Hungary and Bohemia	1506	1526	1516–1526 Bohemia, Hungary, Croatia	Mary of Austria

Other Important Jagiellonians

Portrait	Name	Born	Died	Spouse	Offices and Titles
	Hedwig Jagiellon of Poland	1457	1502	George, Duke of Bavaria	Duchess of Bavaria-Landshut
	Saint Casimir	1458	1484	none	Saint of the Roman Catholic Church Patron saint of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth
	Sophia Jagiellon of Poland	1464	1512	Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach	Margravine of Brandenburg-Ansbach
	Fryderyk Jagiellończyk	1468	1503	none	Archbishop of Gniezno Bishop of Kraków Primate of Poland
	Anna Jagiellon of Poland	1476	1503	Bogislaw X, Duke of Pomerania	Duchess consort of Pomerania
	Barbara Jagiellon of Poland	1478	1534	George, Duke of Saxony	Duchess consort of Saxony
	Anne of Bohemia and Hungary	1503	1547	Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor	Queen consort of the Romans Queen consort of Bohemia and Hungary
	Hedwig Jagiellon of Poland	1513	1573	Joachim II Hector, Elector of Brandenburg	Electress consort of Brandenburg
	Isabella Jagiellon of Poland	1519	1559	John Zápolya	Queen consort of Eastern Hungary
	Sophia Jagiellon of Poland	1522	1575	Henry V, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg	Duchess consort of Brunswick-Lüneburg
	Anna Jagiellon of Poland	1523	1596	Stephen Báthory	King of Poland Queen consort of Poland
	Catherine Jagiellon of Poland	1526	1583	John III of Sweden	Queen consort of Sweden

Family Tree of the Jagiellons

Monarchs of Central Europe

Monarchs of Central Europe: the House of Jagiellon and their competitors, 1377–1572

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Grand Duchy of Lithuania

Jogaila, 1377–1381

Jogaila, 1382–1392

Vytautas
1392–1430

Švitrigaila, 1430–1432

Sigismund Kęstutaitis, 1432–1440

Casimir IV
1440–1492

Alexander, 1492–1506

Sigismund I
1506–1548

Sigismund II Augustus
1548–1572

Kingdom of Poland

Louis I, 1370–1382

Hedwig, 1382–1399

 

Vladislaus II (Jogaila)
1386–1433

Vladislaus III, 1434–1444

Casimir IV
1447–1492

John I Albert, 1492–1501

Alexander, 1501–1506

Sigismund I
1506–1548

Sigismund II Augustus
1548–1572

Kingdom of Hungary

Louis I, 1342–1382

Mary, 1382–1387

Sigismund
1387–1437

Albert II, 1437–1439

Matthias Corvinus
1458–1490

Matthias Corvinus
1458–1490

Ladislaus V, 1445–1457

Vladislaus I, 1440–1444

Vladislaus II
1490–1516

Louis II, 1516–1526

Ferdinand I
1526–1564

Maximilian II, 1564–1576

Kingdom of Bohemia

Wenceslaus IV
1378–1419

Sigismund
1419–1437

Albert II, 1437–1439

Ladislaus
1440–1457

George
1458–1471

Vladislaus II
1471–1516

Louis II, 1516–1526

Ferdinand I
1526–1564

Maximilian II, 1564–1576

  House of Jagiellon
  Other Gediminids
  Capetian House of Anjou
  House of Luxembourg
  House of Habsburg
 Other

Legacy of the Jagiellons

The Jagiellonian dynasty left a lasting impact. Many places and things are named after them:

• The Jagiellonian University in Kraków is one of the oldest universities in Europe.
• The Jagiellonian Library is part of the Jagiellonian University.
• The Globus Jagellonicus is thought to be one of the oldest globes showing the Americas.
• Jagiellonian tapestries are a famous collection of woven artworks.
• Jagiellonia Białystok is a football club in Poland.
• The Jagiełło Oak is a very old and noted tree in the Białowieża Forest.

See also

In Spanish: Dinastía Jagellón para niños

• History of Poland during the Jagiellon dynasty
• List of Polish rulers
• List of Czech rulers
• List of Hungarian rulers
• List of Lithuanian rulers