| Monarchy ofPoland | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Details | |
| Style |
|
| First monarch |
|
| Last monarch | Stanislaus II Augustus |
| Formation | c. 960 (Duchy of Poland) |
| Abolition | 25 November 1795 |
| Residence | |
| Appointer | Hereditary[a] Elective |
| Pretenders |
|
Poland was ruled at various times either bydukes andprinces (10th to 14th centuries) or by kings (11th to 18th centuries). During the latter period, a tradition offree election of monarchs made it a uniquely electable position in Europe (16th to 18th centuries).
The first Polish ruler whose existence is not debatable wasDuke Mieszko I, whoadoptedChristianity under the authority of Rome in the year 966. He was succeeded by his son,Bolesław I the Brave, who greatly expanded the boundaries of the Polish state and ruled as the first king in 1025. The following centuries gave rise to the mightyPiast dynasty, consisting of both kings such asMieszko II Lambert,Przemysł II orWładysław I the Elbow-high and dukes likeBolesław III Wrymouth. The dynasty's rule over Poland ceased with the death ofCasimir III the Great in 1370. In the same year, theCapetian House of Anjou became the ruling house withLouis I as king of both Poland andHungary. His daughter,Jadwiga, later married Jogaila, the paganGrand Duke of Lithuania, who in 1386 was baptized and crowned asWładysław II Jagiełło, thus creating theJagiellonian dynasty and a personal union between Poland andLithuania.
During the reign ofCasimir IV Jagiellon andSigismund I the Old, culture flourished and cities developed. This era of progress, also known as thePolish Renaissance, continued until theUnion of Lublin underSigismund II Augustus, which unofficially marked the end of thePolish Golden Age. After the death of the last Jagiellonian king, the unitedPolish–Lithuanian Commonwealth became anelective monarchy with mostly foreigners elected as monarchs such asHenry III of France, who witnessed the introduction of theGolden Liberty system andStephen Báthory, a capable military commander who strengthened the nation. The meaningful rule of theVasa dynasty initially expanded the Commonwealth as the arts and crafts developed, as well as trade and commerce. KingSigismund III Vasa, a talented but somewhat despotic ruler, involved the country in many wars, which subsequently resulted in the successful capture ofMoscow and theloss ofLivonia toSweden. His son,Władysław IV Vasa, fiercely defended the Commonwealth's borders and continued the policy of his father until his death, unlikeJohn II Casimir whose tragic rule resulted in hisabdication.
The election ofJohn III Sobieski to the Polish throne proved to be beneficial for the Commonwealth. A brilliant military tactician, John III led the coalition forces tovictory at Vienna in 1683 and he partially recaptured land from theOttoman Empire. However, the years that followed were not as successful.[3] The long and ineffective rule of theWettin dynasty (Augustus II the Strong andAugustus III) placed the Commonwealth under the influence ofSaxony and theRussian Empire. Additional feuds with rebel nobility (szlachta) and most notablyStanislaus I Leszczyński andFrance diminished the influence of Poland–Lithuania in the region, which led to thepartitions that occurred under KingStanislaus II Augustus, yet anotherenlightened, but ineffective monarch. The last true sovereign of Poland wasFrederick Augustus I asDuke of Warsaw, who throughout his political career attempted to rehabilitate the Polish state.
Following theNapoleonic Wars, many sovereigns claimed the title of Polish king, duke or ruler, notably German (theKing of Prussia was also the sovereign of theGrand Duchy of Posen 1815-1918), Russian (theCongress Kingdom of Poland was founded in 1815 with the widely unrecognized title of King of Poland to theEmperor of Russia until 1915) and Austrian emperors (theEmperor of Austria was sovereign of theKingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria between 1772 and 1918, and theGrand Duchy of Kraków between 1846 and 1918). The newKingdom of Poland was proclaimed as an independent state in 1916 with aRegency Council but themonarchy was abolished and aparliamentary republican authority was established when Poland was re-constituted as asovereign state in 1918.
Most of the legendary Polish rulers appear for the first time in chronicles from the 13th century and their existence has not been determined.
The three direct predecessors of Mieszko I are known only from the account ofGallus Anonymus, who wrote the oldest Polish chronicle,Gesta principum Polonorum at the beginning of the 12th century. Though their historicity was once debatable, now historians tend to consider them actually existing rulers.[5]
| Name | Portrait | Birth | Marriage(s) | Death | Claim | House | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke Siemowit alsoZiemowit 9th century | .jpg) | 9th century Presumed son ofPiast the Wheelwright andRzepicha | Unknown | 9th century | Named theDuke of the Polans after his father, Piast the Wheelwright, refused to take the place of legendary DukePopiel Elected | Piast | [6] |
| Duke Lestek alsoLeszek orLestko 9th century – 10th century | .jpg) | c. 870–880 Presumed son ofSiemowit | Unknown | c. 930–950 | Named theDuke of the Polans after succeeding his father Succession | Piast | [7][8] |
| Duke Siemomysł alsoZiemomysł Latin:Zemomislaus 10th century – c. 950/960 | .jpg) | c. 900 Presumed son ofLestek | Unknown | c. 950–960 | Named theDuke of the Polans after succeeding his father Succession | Piast | [9] |
Mieszko I started his reign as leader ofPolans tribe, while other parts of future Poland were settled by other tribes, such asMasovians,Vistulans,Lendians,Silesians orPomeranians. During his reign Mieszko united polish lands andadopted Christianity connecting Poland with western Europe. His descendents ruled the state as natural lords and Poland was seen as their hereditary property. Because of that, the state was often divided between sons of deceased ruler and eventually united by one of them. Early polish rulers were not considered equal to western European kings, so their title is translated as a duke. Some of them managed to prepare a coronation and adopted title of king, but effects of those efforts were short lived.
| Name | Portrait | Birth | Marriage(s) | Death | Claim | House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke Mieszko I Latin:Misico, dux Wandalorum c. 960 – 25 May 992 (31–32 years) | _(cropped).jpg) | c. 930 Son of semi-legendarySiemomysł | (1)Doubravka of Bohemia c. 965 1 child (2)Oda of Haldensleben c. 980 3 or 4 children | 25 May 992 Poznań Aged about 62 | First Christian ruler of Poland Succession | Piast |
| King Bolesław I the Brave alsoBoleslaus I the Great Polish:Bolesław I Chrobry (Wielki) 992–1025 (as duke) 18 April 1025–17 June 1025 (as king) (32–33 years) |  | c. 967 Poznań Son ofMieszko I andDoubravka of Bohemia | (1) Hunilda, daughter of Rikdag (2)Judith of Hungary (3)Emnilda of Lusatia (4)Oda of Meissen | 17 June 1025 Kraków Aged about 58 | First crowned king Succession | Piast |
| King Mieszko II Lambert 25 December 1025–1031 (5–6 years) |  | c. 990 Son ofBolesław I the Brave andEmnilda of Lusatia | (1)Richeza of Lotharingia, 4 children | 10/11 May 1034 Poznań Aged about 44 | Crowned king Succession Deposed byBezprym | Piast |
| Duke Bezprym 1031–1032(0–1 years) |  | c. 986 Son of Bolesław I the Brave andJudith of Hungary | Unknown | c. 1032 Aged about 46 | Usurped | Piast |
| Duke Otto 1032–1033(0–1 years) |  | c. 1000 Son of Bolesław I the Brave andEmnilda of Lusatia | Unknown | c. 1033 Aged about 33 | Country divided, ruler of a Duchy | Piast |
| Duke Dytryk alsoDietrich andTheoderick 1032–1033(0–1 years) | | c. 992 Son ofLambert Mieszkowic orMieszko Mieszkowic | Unknown | c. 1033 Aged about 41 | Country divided, ruler of a Duchy | Piast |
| Duke Mieszko II Lambert 1032–1034 (1–2 years) | | c. 990 Son ofBolesław I the Brave andEmnilda of Lusatia | (1)Richeza of Lotharingia, 4 children | 10/11 May 1034 Poznań Aged about 44 | Country divided until 1033 Restored as duke | Piast |
| King Bolesław the Forgotten Polish:Bolesław Zapomniany 1034–1038/1039 (4–5 years) | | before 1016 Presumed son ofMieszko II Lambert | Unknown | 1038/1039 | Semi-legendary, existence disputed | Piast |
| Duke Casimir I the Restorer Polish:Kazimierz I Odnowiciel 1034/1040–1058 (17–18 years) |  | 25 July 1016 Son ofMieszko II Lambert andRicheza of Lotharingia | (1)Maria Dobroniega, 5 children | 19 March 1058 Poznań Aged 41 | Made prince in 1034, returned from abroad in 1040 Restoration | Piast |
| King Bolesław II the Generous Polish:Bolesław II Szczodry (Śmiały) 1058–1076 (as duke) 26 December 1076–1079 (as king) (20–21 years) | .jpg) | 1042 Son ofCasimir I the Restorer andMaria Dobroniega | (1)Wyszesława, 1 son | 2/3 April 1081 Hungary orOssiach Aged about 39 | Crowned king in 1076 Deposed and exiled in 1079 after slayingSaint Stanislaus | Piast |
| Duke Władysław I Herman 1079–4 June 1102 (22–23 years) |  | 1044 Son ofCasimir I the Restorer andMaria Dobroniega | (1) Przecława (2)Judith of Bohemia (3)Judith of Swabia | 24 June 1102 Płock Aged about 58 | Succeeded brother after his exile | Piast |
| Duke Zbigniew 1102–1107 (4–5 years) | .jpg) | c. 1073 Son ofWładysław I Herman and Przecława (?) | Unknown | 8 July 1113 Aged about 40 | Country divided, ruler of a Duchy Succession | Piast |
| Duke Bolesław III Wrymouth alsoBoleslaus III Polish:Bolesław III Krzywousty 1102–1138 (35–36 years) | .jpg) | 20 August 1086 Płock Son ofWładysław I Herman andJudith of Bohemia | (1)Zbyslava of Kiev (2)Salomea of Berg | 28 October 1138 Sochaczew Aged 52 | Country divided until 1107 Succession His death led to thefragmentation of Poland | Piast |
After period of fights between brothers and unstable inheritanceBolesław III Wrymouth decided to formalize succession. According to his testament the state was divided into provinces - one for every son andSenioral Province with capital city –Kraków. The testament established two principles on which new order in Poland was based - principate and seniorate. According to principate one duke - princeps (also called in English high duke) had supreme authority over other dukes and ruled in senioral province. According to seniorate princeps should be the oldest member of the dynasty, not necessarily son of the predecessor. During time of feudal fragmentation, as this period is called, both principles were abolished. Seniorate was formally abolished in 1180 during assembly of dukes and bishops inŁęczyca, whereCasimir II the Just was made hereditary high duke. Principate was de facto abolished in 1227 withassassination of Leszek the White, after which local dukes no longer respected suzereinity of high duke, whose title became only prestigious.
| Name | Portrait | Birth | Marriage(s) | Death | Claim | House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Duke Władysław II the Exile Polish:Władysław II Wygnaniec 1138–1146 (7–8 years) |  | 1105 Kraków Son ofBolesław III Wrymouth andZbyslava of Kiev | (1)Agnes of Babenberg, 5 children | 30 May 1159 Altenburg Aged 54 | Succession Deposed and exiled | Piast |
| High Duke Bolesław IV the Curly Polish:Bolesław IV Kędzierzawy 1146–1173 (26–27 years) | .jpg) | c. 1125 Son ofBolesław III Wrymouth andSalomea of Berg | (1)Viacheslava of Novgorod, 3 children | 5 January 1173 Aged about 51 | Succeeded exiled half-brother | Piast |
| High Duke Mieszko III Polish:Mieszko III Stary 1173–1177 (3–4 years) | _(cropped).jpg) | c. 1127 Son ofBolesław III Wrymouth andSalomea of Berg | (1)Elisabeth of Hungary (2)Eudoxia of Kiev | 13 March 1202 Kalisz Aged about 75 | Succession Deposed by brother in 1177 | Piast |
| High Duke Casimir II the Just Polish:Kazimierz II Sprawiedliwy 1177–1191 (13–14 years) | .jpg) | c. 1138 Son ofBolesław III Wrymouth andSalomea of Berg | (1)Helen of Znojmo, 7 children | 5 May 1194 Kraków Aged about 56 | Usurped power from brother | Piast |
| Mieszko III 1191–1191 | | – | – | – | Usurped | Piast |
| Casimir II the Just 1191–1194 | | – | – | – | Restoration | Piast |
| High Duke Leszek I the White Polish:Leszek Biały 1194–1198 (3–4 years) | _(cropped).jpg) | c. 1184/1185 Son ofCasimir II the Just andHelen of Znojmo | (1)Grzymisława of Luck, 2 children | 24 November 1227 Marcinkowo Górne Aged about 43 | Succession | Piast |
| Mieszko III 1198–1199 | | – | – | – | Agreement with Leszek and his regents | Piast |
| Leszek I the White 1199–1199 | | – | – | – | Restored | Piast |
| Mieszko III 1199–1202 | | – | – | – | Restored | Piast |
| High Duke Władysław III Spindleshanks Polish:Władysław III Laskonogi 1202–1206 (3–4 years) | _(cropped).jpg) | c. 1167 Son ofMieszko III andEudoxia of Kiev | (1)Lucia of Rügen, 2 children | 3 November 1231 Aged about 64 | Invited to rule by voivodeMikołaj Gryfita | Piast |
| Leszek I the White 1206–1210 | | – | – | – | Restored | Piast |
| High Duke Mieszko IV Tanglefoot Polish:Mieszko IV Plątonogi 1210–1211 (0–1 years) |  | c. 1130 Son ofWładysław II the Exile andAgnes of Babenberg | (1)Ludmila, 5 children | 16 May 1211 Aged about 81 | Usurped | Piast |
| Leszek I the White 1211–1227 (15–16 years) | | – | – | – | Restored Murdered in 1227 | Piast |
| Władysław III Spindleshanks 1228–1231 | | – | – | – | Succession agreement with predecessor | Piast |
| High Duke Henry I the Bearded Polish:Henryk I Brodaty 1231–1238 (6–7 years) | _(cropped).jpg) | c. 1165/1188 Głogów Son ofBolesław I the Tall and Christina (?) | (1)Hedwig of Andechs, 7 children | 19 March 1238 Krosno Odrzańskie Aged about 73 | Succession agreement with predecessor | Piast |
| High Duke Henry II the Pious Polish:Henryk II Pobożny 1238–1241 (2–3 years) | .jpg) | c. 1196 Głogów Son ofHenry the Bearded andHedwig of Andechs | (1)Anne of Bohemia, 10 children | 9 April 1241 Legnickie Pole Aged about 45 | Succession Killed at theBattle of Legnica | Piast |
| High Duke Bolesław II the Horned Polish:Bolesław II Rogatka 1241–1241 | | c. 1220/1225 Głogów Son ofHenry II the Pious andAnne of Bohemia | (1) Hedwig of Anhalt, 7 children (2) Euphemia of Pomerania (3) Sophia of Dyhrn | 26 December 1278 Legnica | Succession Deposed | Piast |
| High Duke Konrad I of Masovia 1241–1243 (1–2 years) | .jpg) | c. 1187/1188 Son ofCasimir II the Just andHelen of Znojmo | (1)Agafia of Rus, 10 children | 31 August 1247 Aged about 60 | Usurped | Piast |
| High Duke Bolesław V the Chaste Polish:Bolesław V Wstydliwy 1243–1279 (35–36 years) | .jpg) | 21 June 1226 Stary Korczyn Son ofLeszek I the White andGrzymisława of Luck | (1)Kinga of Poland, no children | 7 December 1279 Kraków Aged 52 | Restored as rightful Duke | Piast |
| High Duke Leszek II the Black Polish:Leszek Czarny 1279–1288 (8–9 years) |  | c. 1241 Brześć Kujawski Son ofCasimir I of Kuyavia andConstance of Wrocław | (1)Gryfina of Halych | 30 September 1288 Kraków Aged about 47 | Adopted by predecessor Succession | Piast |
| High Duke Henryk IV Probus English:Henry the Righteous Polish:Henryk IV Prawy 1288–1290 (8–9 years) | .jpg) | c. 1257/1258 Son ofHenry III the White and Judith of Masovia | (1)Constance of Opole (2)Matilda of Brandenburg | 23 June 1290 Wrocław Aged about 32 | Usurped | Piast |
In XIII c. the idea of reunification of Poland under single ruler started to gain popularity. It was often connected with coronation and establishment of hereditary kingdom. First attempts were made byHenry II the Pious andHenry Probus but both of them died before they manage to achieve their goals. First duke, who became king in this period wasPrzemysł II. He ruled briefly as high duke but didn't manage to unite polish lands. He crowned himself when ruling in his hereditary province -Greater Poland and in province ofEastern Pomerania. His assassination in 1296 prolonged unification of Poland by 20 years.
| Name | Portrait | Arms | Birth | Marriage(s) | Death | Claim | House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Przemysł II English:Premislaus II 1290–1291 (as High Duke) 1295–1296 (as King) (1 year) | _(cropped).jpg) |  | 14 October 1257 Poznań Son ofPrzemysł I of Greater Poland andElisabeth of Wrocław | (1)Ludgarda of Mecklenburg (2)Richeza of Sweden (3)Margaret of Brandenburg | 8 February 1296 Rogoźno Aged 38 | Named an heir in predecessor's testament Crowned king in 1295 Granted Poland its coat of arms Assassinated | Piast |
House of Přemyslid were natural lords ofBohemia and had many family connections with Piast dynasty. In 1291],Wenceslaus II of Bohemia exploited the weakness of internally divided Poland and conqueredKraków, basing his claim on loose family connection with one of the previous high dukes. He later legitimize his rule by marrying daughter ofPrzemysł II, which also gave him claims to Polish Kingdom.
| Name | Portrait | Arms | Birth | Marriage(s) | Death | Claim | House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia Polish:Wacław II Czeski 1291–1300 (as High Duke) 1300–1305 (as King) (4–5 years) |  |  | 27 September 1271 Prague Son ofOttokar II of Bohemia andKunigunda of Slavonia | (1)Judith of Habsburg (2)Elisabeth Richeza of Poland | 21 June 1305 Prague Aged 33 | Usurped Crowned himself King of Poland in 1300 | Přemyslid |
| (Uncrowned) Wenceslaus III of Bohemia Polish:Wacław III Czeski 1305–1306 (1 year) |  | | 6 October 1289 Prague Son ofWenceslaus II andJudith of Habsburg | (1)Viola of Teschen | 4 August 1306 Olomouc Aged 16 | Succession Uncrowned and assassinated | Přemyslid |
Near the end of the reign ofWenceslaus II his rule over Poland was undermined by remaining polish dukes - especially byLadislaus the Short, who was exiled by Wenceslauss and had strong claim to inheritance ofPrzemysł II, and byHenry III of Głogów, who also was successor of Przemysł. Assassination ofWenceslaus III of Bohemia, which led to extinction of Přemyslid dynasty and succession crisis in Bohemia, left Poland for Wenceslaus opponents. His successors in Bohemia called themselves kings of Poland untilCongress of Visegrád in 1335. EventuallyLadislaus the Short managed to unite two main provinces of Poland -Greater Poland andLesser Poland and crowned himself king in 1320 ending the period of feudal fragmentation.
| Name | Portrait | Arms | Birth | Marriage(s) | Death | Claim | House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Ladislaus the Short Polish:Władysław I Łokietek 1306–1320 (as High Duke) 20 January 1320 – 2 March 1333 (as King) (26 years, 183 days) |  | | c. 1260 Son ofCasimir I of Kuyavia andEuphrosyne of Opole | (1)Jadwiga of Kalisz, 6 children | 2 March 1333 Kraków Aged about 73 | Rebellion against Přemyslid rule Reunited theKingdom of Poland after fragmentation Crowned King in 1320 | Piast |
| King Casimir III the Great Polish:Kazimierz III Wielki 25 April 1333 – 5 November 1370 (37 years, 195 days) |  | | 30 April 1310 Kowal Son ofWładysław I the Elbow-high andJadwiga of Kalisz | (1)Aldona of Lithuania, 2 children (2)Adelaide of Hesse (3)Christina Rokiczana (4)Hedwig of Sagan, 3 children | 5 November 1370 Kraków Aged 60 | Succession Strengthened Poland's position in Europe Died without a male heir Last monarch from the Piast Dynasty | Piast |
Casimir III the Great died without male heir. According to previous agreements his successor became his nephew,king of HungaryLouis I, beginning Polish-Hungarian personal union. After Louis death his kingdoms were separated - his younger daughter,Hedwig became king of Poland after brief interregnum (she is called king because in Poland title "queen" is reserved only for kings wife, not for sole ruler) and older daughter,Mary became queen of Hungary.
| Name | Portrait | Arms | Birth | Marriage(s) | Death | Claim | House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Louis Polish:Ludwik Węgierski 17 November 1370 – 10 September 1382 (11 years, 298 days) | .jpg) | .svg) | 5 March 1326 Visegrád Son ofCharles I of Hungary andElizabeth of Poland | (1)Margaret of Bohemia (2)Elizabeth of Bosnia, 4 children | 10 September 1382 Nagyszombat (Trnava) Aged 56 | Succeeded his uncle, Casimir III, to the Polish throne | Anjou |
| King Hedwig Polish:Jadwiga 16 October 1384 – 17 July 1399 (14 years, 275 days) |  |  | 3 October 1373–18 February 1374 Buda Daughter ofLouis I of Hungary andElizabeth of Bosnia | Władysław II Jagiełło (Jogaila), 1 child | 17 July 1399 Kraków Aged 25 | Succeeded her father in Poland. The last hereditary ruler of Poland.[a] Her husband was crownedjure uxoris on 4 March 1386. | Anjou |
Female kingHedwig started her reign young and unmarried, which gave Poland a huge opportunity. She eventually married the pagan Grand Duke ofLithuaniaJogaila, who adopted the name Władysław after baptism. This event led to the creation of the Polish-Lithuanian personal union. After Hedwigs death, Władysław remained king of Poland, but he and his successors were no longer considered natural lords of Poland and often had to give privileges to nobility in exchange for support of succession of their children.
| Name | Portrait | Arms | Birth | Marriage(s) | Death | Claim | House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Władysław II Jagiełło Lithuanian:Jogaila 4 March 1386 – 1 June 1434 (48 years, 90 days) | .jpg) |  | c. 1352/1362 Vilnius Son ofAlgirdas andUliana of Tver | (1)Hedwig of Poland (Jadwiga), 1 child (2)Anna of Cilli, 1 child (3)Elisabeth of Pilica (4)Sophia of Halshany, 3 children | 1 June 1434 Gródek Aged 72–82 | Born a pagan PreviouslyGrand Duke of Lithuania Crowned co-ruler with wifeHedwig Longest-reigning Polish monarch | Jagiellon |
| King Władysław III English:Ladislaus III of Varna Polish:Władysław III Warneńczyk 25 July 1434 – 10 November 1444 (10 years, 109 days) | .jpg) |  | 31 October 1424 Kraków Son ofJogaila andSophia of Halshany | Unmarried and childless | 10 November 1444 Varna Aged 20 (presumed) | Elected as his father's successor in Poland Presumed to be killed at theBattle of Varna Interregnum until 1447 | Jagiellon |
| King Casimir IV Polish:Kazimierz IV Jagiellończyk 25 June 1447 – 7 June 1492 (44 years, 349 days) | .jpg) |  | 30 November 1427 Kraków Son ofJogaila andSophia of Halshany | Elizabeth of Habsburg, 13 children | 7 June 1492 Grodno Aged 64 | Election Previously Grand Duke of Lithuania Divided the Polish-Lithuanian realm betweenJohn andAlexander | Jagiellon |
| King John I Albert Polish:Jan I Olbracht 23 September 1492 – 17 June 1501 (8 years, 268 days) |  |  | 27 December 1459 Kraków Son ofCasimir IV andElizabeth of Habsburg | Unmarried and childless | 17 June 1501 Toruń Aged 41 | Elected as his father's successor in Poland Laid foundation for theSejm andSenate (Polish Parliament) | Jagiellon |
| King Alexander Polish:Aleksander Jagiellończyk 12 December 1501 – 19 August 1506 (4 years, 251 days) | .jpg) |  | 5 August 1461 Kraków Son ofCasimir IV andElizabeth of Habsburg | Helena of Moscow | 19 August 1506 Vilnius Aged 45 | Succeeded his brother in Poland as elective monarch Previously Grand Duke of Lithuania Buried in Lithuania | Jagiellon |
| King Sigismund I the Old Polish:Zygmunt I Stary 8 December 1506 – 1 April 1548 (41 years, 116 days) |  | .svg) | 1 January 1467 Kozienice Son ofCasimir IV andElizabeth of Habsburg | (1)Barbara Zápolya, 2 children (2)Bona Sforza, 6 children | 1 April 1548 Kraków Aged 81 | Succeeded his brother in Lithuania, elected as his successor in Poland. | Jagiellon |
| King Sigismund II Augustus Polish:Zygmunt II August 18 December 1529 – 7 July 1572 (42 years, 203 days) |  | _with_Lithuanian_coat_of_arms_Vytis%2c_Polish_Eagle_and_coats_of_arms_of_Volhynia%2c_Smolensk%2c_Kyiv_voivodeships.png) | 1 August 1520 Kraków Son ofSigismund I andBona Sforza | (1)Elizabeth of Austria (2)Barbara Radziwiłł (3)Catherine of Austria | 7 July 1572 Knyszyn Aged 51 | Electionvivente rege Formation of thePolish–Lithuanian Commonwealth with anelective monarchy Last male member of the Jagiellonian Dynasty, died heirless | Jagiellon |
In 1569, kingSigismund II Augustus, knowing that he had no heir, unitedPoland andLithuania into single entity - thePolish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, to ensure that after his death both nations will remain under the same monarch. He also declared that after his death, the nobility would elect his successor, beginning the elective monarchy. He also ensured, that all nobles would decide the next king, not only the richest and most powerful ones. The first elective king,Henry of Valois, signed the Henrician Articles, which guaranteed free elections and the rule of the nobility over the state. He, and every ruler after him, had to sign a 'pacta conventa' - a document of policies that the king promised to implement. After death of every king, an interregnum would be announced and theprimate of Poland became an interrex; a temporary head of state, until a new king was elected.
| Name | Portrait | Arms | Birth | Marriage(s) | Death | Claim | House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Henry Polish:Henryk Walezy 16 May 1573 – 12 May 1575 (1 year, 362 days) |  |  | 19 September 1551 Fontainebleau Son ofHenry II andCatherine de' Medici | (1)Louise of Lorraine, no children | 2 August 1589 Saint-Cloud Aged 37 | Elected Left Poland in June 1574 to succeed hisbrother in France Interregnum until 1575 | Valois |
| Queen Anna Polish:Anna Jagiellonka 15 December 1575 – 19 August 1587 (de facto) (11 years, 248 days) – 9 September 1596 (de jure) (20 years, 270 days) |  |  | 18 October 1523 Kraków Daughter ofSigismund I andBona Sforza | (1)Stephen Báthory, no children | 9 September 1596 Warsaw Aged 72 | Elected co-monarch withStephen Báthory Ruled only formally Sole ruler until Báthory's arrival and coronation in May 1576 Ruled after husband's death until her nephew was elected | Jagiellon |
| King Stephen Báthory Polish:Stefan Batory 1 May 1576 – 12 December 1586 (10 years, 226 days) |  |  | 27 September 1533 Szilágysomlyó Son ofStephen Báthory of Somlyó andCatherine Telegdi | (1)Anna Jagiellon, no children | 12 December 1586 Grodno Aged 53 | Elected as co-monarch withAnna Jagiellon Prince ofTransylvania | Báthory |
| King Sigismund III Polish:Zygmunt III Waza 19 August 1587 – 30 April 1632 (44 years, 256 days) |  |  | 20 June 1566 Gripsholm Son ofJohn III of Sweden andCatherine Jagiellon | (1)Anne of Austria, 5 children (2)Constance of Austria, 7 children | 30 April 1632 Warsaw Aged 65 | Elected, nephew of Anna Jagiellon Transferred capital fromKraków to Warsaw Hereditary King ofSweden until deposition in 1599 | Vasa |
| King Władysław IV alsoLadislaus IV Polish:Władysław IV Waza 8 November 1632 – 20 May 1648 (15 years, 195 days) |  | | 9 June 1595 Łobzów Son ofSigismund III andAnne of Austria | (1)Cecilia Renata of Austria, 3 children (2)Marie Louise Gonzaga | 20 May 1648 Merkinė Aged 52 | Elective succession Also titular King of Sweden and elected Tsar of Russia (1610–1613) when the Polish army capturedMoscow | Vasa |
| King John II Casimir Polish:Jan II Kazimierz 20 November 1648 – 16 September 1668 (19 years, 302 days) |  | | 22 March 1609 Kraków Son ofSigismund III andConstance of Austria | (1)Marie Louise Gonzaga, 2 children (2)Claudine Françoise Mignot (morganatic marriage) | 16 December 1672 Nevers Aged 63 | Elective succession, succeeded half-brother Previously acardinal Titular King of Sweden Abdicated | Vasa |
| King Michael I Polish:Michał Korybut Wiśniowiecki 19 June 1669 – 10 November 1673 (4 years, 145 days) |  |  | 31 May 1640 Biały Kamień Son ofJeremi Wiśniowiecki andGryzelda Konstancja Zamoyska | Eleonora Maria of Austria, 1 child | 10 November 1673 Lwów Aged 33 | Elected Born into nobility of mixed heritage, the son of a military commander and governor | Wiśniowiecki |
| King John III Sobieski Polish:Jan III Sobieski 19 May 1674 – 17 June 1696 (22 years, 30 days) |  |  | 17 August 1629 Olesko Son ofJakub Sobieski andTeofila Zofia | (1)Marie Casimire d'Arquien, 13 children | 17 June 1696 Wilanów Aged 66 | Elected Born into nobility A successful military commander | Sobieski |
| King Augustus II Polish:August II Mocny 15 September 1697 – 1706 (1st reign, 9 years) |  |  | 12 May 1670 Dresden Son ofJohn George III andPrincess Anna Sophie of Denmark | (1)Christiane Eberhardine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth, 1 son by wife | 1 February 1733 Warsaw Aged 62 | Elected Previously Elector and ruler ofSaxony Dethroned byStanislaus I in 1706 during theGreat Northern War | Wettin |
| King Stanislaus I Polish:Stanisław I Leszczyński 12 July 1704 – 8 July 1709 (1st reign, 4 years, 362 days) |  |  | 20 October 1677 Lwów Son ofRafał Leszczyński andAnna Jabłonowska | (1)Catherine Opalińska, 2 children | 23 February 1766 Lunéville Aged 88 | Usurped Nominated as ruler in 1704, crowned in 1705 and deposed predecessor in 1706 Exiled in 1709 | Leszczyński |
| King Augustus II Polish:August II Mocny 8 July 1709 – 1 February 1733 (2nd reign, 23 years, 209 days) | .jpg) | | 12 May 1670 Dresden Son ofJohn George III andPrincess Anna Sophie of Denmark | (1)Christiane Eberhardine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth, 1 son by wife | 1 February 1733 Warsaw Aged 62 | Restored | Wettin |
| King Stanislaus I Polish:Stanisław I Leszczyński 12 September 1733 – 26 January 1736 (2nd reign, 2 years, 137 days) |  | | 20 October 1677 Lwów Son ofRafał Leszczyński andAnna Jabłonowska | (1)Catherine Opalińska, 2 children, includingMarie, Queen of France | 23 February 1766 Lunéville Aged 88 | Elected His election sparked theWar of the Polish Succession Deposed byAugustus III in 1736 | Leszczyński |
| King Augustus III Polish:August III Sas 5 October 1733 – 5 October 1763 (30 years) | _-_Google_Art_Project.jpg) | | 17 October 1696 Dresden Son ofAugustus II the Strong andChristiane Eberhardine | (1)Maria Josepha of Austria, 16 children, includingMaria Josepha, Dauphine of France | 5 October 1763 Dresden Aged 66 | Usurped Proclaimed King of Poland in 1733, crowned in 1734 Dethroned elected predecessor in 1736 | Wettin |
| King Stanislaus II Augustus Polish:Stanisław II August 7 September 1764 – 25 November 1795 (31 years, 80 days) |  |  | 17 January 1732 Wołczyn Son ofStanisław Poniatowski andKonstancja Czartoryska | Unmarried, had illegitimate children including withEmpress Catherine II of Russia | 1 February 1798 Saint Petersburg Aged 66 | Elected Born into nobility Last King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, his reign ended in thePartitions of Poland | Poniatowski |
After long period of instability and anarchy, thePolish-Lithuanian Commonwealth wasdivided among its neighbours -Russia,Prussia andAustria. During theNapoleonic Wars,Napoleon created theDuchy of Warsaw from the lands of the Prussian partition. Some parts of Austrian partition were later added to the Duchy. The Duchy had its own duke and government, but was fully dependent onFrance. After the fall of Napoleon, the duchy was divided between Russia and Prussia.
| Name | Portrait | Arms | Birth | Marriage(s) | Death | Claim | House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Duke Frederick Augustus I Polish:Fryderyk August I 9 June 1807 – 22 May 1815 (7 years, 348 days) | .png) |  | 23 December 1750 Dresden Son ofFrederick Christian, Elector of Saxony andMaria Antonia of Bavaria | (1)Amalie of Zweibrücken-Birkenfeld, 1 daughter | 5 May 1827 Dresden Aged 76 | Treaties of Tilsit Designated as a king of Poland byGeneral Confederation of the Kingdom of Poland, 1812. | Wettin |
After fall of theDuchy of Warsaw, the Polish lands were reorganised.Prussia annexed Greater Poland and created theGrand Duchy of Posen, Kraków became afree city and the rest of the former Duchy of Warsaw became part of theRussian Empire, asCongress Poland. In 1846, Kraków was annexed byAustria and in 1848, the Grand Duchy of Posen was dissolved. In 1867, after the failedJanuary Uprising, the remaining autonomy ofCongress Poland was abolished. DuringWorld War I, in German occupied Congress Poland, theRegency Kingdom was formed and lasted from 1917 to 1918. After Poland regained independence in 1918, a republican system with the president as head of state was established.
See thelist of rulers of partitioned Poland.
This is a family tree of theKings of Poland.
king of Poland.svg)
high duke
duke
Part ofa series on the | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| History ofPoland | ||||||||||
 | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||
| ||||||||||
Modern
| ||||||||||
Contemporary
| ||||||||||
Timeline of Polish history | ||||||||||
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)