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List of Polish monarchs

None


None

FieldValue
royal_titleMonarchy
realmPoland
coatofarmsCoat of arms of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.svg
coatofarmssize130px
coatofarmscaptionRoyal coat of arms
imageStanislaw poniatowski bacciarelli.jpg
captionStanislaus II Augustus
first_monarch*Mieszko I (as Duke)
last_monarchStanislaus II Augustus
style{{plainlist
residence{{plainlist
appointerHereditary
began(Duchy of Poland)
ended25 November 1795
pretender{{plainlist
Note

the historical monarchs of Poland, from the Middle Ages to 1795

  • Bolesław I the Brave (as King)
  • Royal Majesty (HRM) Wasza Królewska Mość
  • Serene Reigning Majesty Jaśnie Panujący Mości
  • Grace (HG) Wasza Miłość
  • Highness (HH) Wasza Wysokość}}
  • Wawel Castle
  • Warsaw Castle
  • Wilanów Palace}}

Elective

  • none
  • Daniel, Margrave of Meissen (disputed)
  • Alexander, Margrave of Meissen (disputed)}}

Poland was ruled at various times either by dukes and princes (10th to 14th centuries) or by kings (11th to 18th centuries). During the latter period, a tradition of free election of monarchs made it a uniquely electable position in Europe (16th to 18th centuries).

The first Polish ruler whose existence is not debatable was Duke Mieszko I, who adopted Christianity 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 mighty Piast dynasty, consisting of both kings such as Mieszko II Lambert, Przemysł II or Władysław I the Elbow-high and dukes like Bolesław III Wrymouth. The dynasty's rule over Poland ceased with the death of Casimir III the Great in 1370. In the same year, the Capetian House of Anjou became the ruling house with Louis I as king of both Poland and Hungary. His daughter, Jadwiga, later married Jogaila, the pagan Grand Duke of Lithuania, who in 1386 was baptized and crowned as Władysław II Jagiełło, thus creating the Jagiellonian dynasty and a personal union between Poland and Lithuania.

During the reign of Casimir IV Jagiellon and Sigismund I the Old, culture flourished and cities developed. This era of progress, also known as the Polish Renaissance, continued until the Union of Lublin under Sigismund II Augustus, which unofficially marked the end of the Polish Golden Age. After the death of the last Jagiellonian king, the united Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth became an elective monarchy with mostly foreigners elected as monarchs such as Henry III of France, who witnessed the introduction of the Golden Liberty system and Stephen Báthory, a capable military commander who strengthened the nation. The meaningful rule of the Vasa dynasty initially expanded the Commonwealth as the arts and crafts developed, as well as trade and commerce. King Sigismund III Vasa, a talented but somewhat despotic ruler, involved the country in many wars, which subsequently resulted in the successful capture of Moscow and the loss of Livonia to Sweden. His son, Władysław IV Vasa, fiercely defended the Commonwealth's borders and continued the policy of his father until his death, unlike John II Casimir whose tragic rule resulted in his abdication.

The election of John III Sobieski to the Polish throne proved to be beneficial for the Commonwealth. A brilliant military tactician, John III led the coalition forces to victory at Vienna in 1683 and he partially recaptured land from the Ottoman Empire. However, the years that followed were not as successful. The long and ineffective rule of the Wettin dynasty (Augustus II the Strong and Augustus III) placed the Commonwealth under the influence of Saxony and the Russian Empire. Additional feuds with rebel nobility (szlachta) and most notably Stanislaus I Leszczyński and France diminished the influence of Poland–Lithuania in the region, which led to the partitions that occurred under King Stanislaus II Augustus, yet another enlightened, but ineffective monarch. The last true sovereign of Poland was Frederick Augustus I as Duke of Warsaw, who throughout his political career attempted to rehabilitate the Polish state.

Following the Napoleonic Wars, many sovereigns claimed the title of Polish king, duke or ruler, notably German (the King of Prussia was also the sovereign of the Grand Duchy of Posen 1815-1918), Russian (the Congress Kingdom of Poland was founded in 1815 with the widely unrecognized title of King of Poland to the Emperor of Russia until 1915) and Austrian emperors (the Emperor of Austria was sovereign of the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria between 1772 and 1918, and the Grand Duchy of Kraków between 1846 and 1918). The new Kingdom of Poland was proclaimed as an independent state in 1916 with a Regency Council but the monarchy was abolished and a parliamentary republican authority was established when Poland was re-constituted as a sovereign state in 1918.

Legendary

Most of the legendary Polish rulers appear for the first time in chronicles from the 13th century and their existence has not been determined.

|- |Lech I | [[File:Chronica Polonorum, Lech.jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Lech in Chronica Polonorum]] | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |Legendary founder of the Polish nation according to folktales, tribal leader | Lechites (Tribe)

|- |Krakus I also Krak or Grakch

| [[File:Chronica Polonorum I 5.jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Krakus in Chronica Polonorum]] | | Unknown | | Legendary founder of Kraków | Lechites (Tribe)

|- |Krakus II

| [[File:Monarch-emp.png|100px]] | Son of Krakus I | Unknown | | Succession | Lechites (Tribe)

|- |Lech II

| [[File:Lech II.jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Lech II in Chronica Polonorum]] | Son of Krakus I, brother of Krakus II | Unknown | | Succession | Lechites (Tribe)

|- |Wanda also Wąda

| [[File:Chronica Polonorum Vanda.jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Wanda in Chronica Polonorum]] | Daughter of Krakus, sister of Krakus II and Lech II | Unknown | | Succession | Lechites (Tribe)

|- | Duke Leszko I also Leszek

| [[File:Leszko I (118501866).jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Leszko I in Sarmatiae Europeae descriptio by Alexander Guagnini]] |

| Unknown |

| Birth name Przemysław, defeated the Hungarians and was crownedElected | Goplans and Polans (Tribes)

|- | Duke Leszko II

| [[File:Leszko II (118501866).jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Leszko II in Sarmatiae Europeae descriptio by Alexander Guagnini]] | Presumed son of Leszko I, Alleged progenitor of the Popielids dynasty | Unknown | | Succession | Popielids

|- | Duke Leszko III

| [[File:Leszko III (118501884).jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Leszko III in Sarmatiae Europeae descriptio by Alexander Guagnini]] | Presumed son of Leszko II | Unknown | | Succession | Popielids

|- | Duke Popiel I

| [[File:Chronica Polonorum, Pompilius I.jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Popiel I in Chronica Polonorum]] | Presumed son of Leszko III | Unknown | | Succession | Popielids

|- | Duke Popiel II

| [[File:Popiel II (118501903).jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Popiel II in Sarmatiae Europeae descriptio by Alexander Guagnini]] | Presumed son of Popiel I | NN, A German Princess | | A legendary ruler dethroned by Piast. He appears (without the number) in the oldest Polish chronicle, Gesta principum Polonorum from the early 12th centurySuccession | Popielids

|- | Piast the Wheelwright

| [[File:Piast (99006906).jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Piast the Wheelwright by Walery Eljasz Radzikowski]] | Son of Chościsko | Rzepicha | | Legendary founder of the Piast dynasty. He appears in the oldest Polish chronicle, Gesta principum Polonorum from the early 12th century | Piast |}

Debatable rulers

The three direct predecessors of Mieszko I are known only from the account of Gallus 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.

|- | Duke Siemowit also Ziemowit

9th century | [[File:Siemowit (99006958).jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Siemowit by Walery Eljasz-Radzikowski]] | 9th century Presumed son of Piast the Wheelwright and Rzepicha | Unknown | 9th century | Named the Duke of the Polans after his father, Piast the Wheelwright, refused to take the place of legendary Duke PopielElected | Piast |

|- | Duke Lestek also Leszek or Lestko 9th century

10th century | [[File:Lestek (99006975).jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Lestek by Walery Eljasz-Radzikowski]] | 880 Presumed son of Siemowit | Unknown | 950 | Named the Duke of the Polans after succeeding his fatherSuccession | Piast |

|- | Duke Siemomysł also Ziemomysł Latin: Zemomislaus 10th century

/960 | [[File:Siemomysl (99007021).jpg|100px|Imaginary depiction of Siemomysł by Walery Eljasz-Radzikowski]] | Presumed son of Lestek | Unknown | 960 | Named the Duke of the Polans after succeeding his fatherSuccession | Piast | {{Cite book | url-access = registration |}

House of Piast

Mieszko I started his reign as leader of Polans tribe, while other parts of future Poland were settled by other tribes, such as Masovians, Vistulans, Lendians, Silesians or Pomeranians. During his reign Mieszko united polish lands and adopted 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.

|- | Duke Mieszko I Latin: Misico, dux Wandalorum

25 May 992 ( years) | [[File:Mieszko I (274939) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | Son of semi-legendary Siemomysł | Doubravka of Bohemia

1 child Oda of Haldensleben

3 or 4 children | 25 May 992 Poznań Aged about 62 | First Christian ruler of PolandSuccession | Piast

|- | King Bolesław I the Brave also Boleslaus I the Great

9921025 (as duke)18 April 102517 June 1025 (as king) ( years) | [[File:Bolek.jpg|100px]] | PoznańSon of Mieszko I and Doubravka of Bohemia | Hunilda, daughter of Rikdag Judith of Hungary Emnilda of Lusatia Oda of Meissen | 17 June 1025 Kraków Aged about 58 | First crowned kingSuccession | Piast

|- | King Mieszko II Lambert 25 December 10251031 ( years) | [[File:Matylda wrecza mieszkowi II ksiege liturgiczna.jpg|100px|Mieszko II Lambert receiving a liturgical book from Matilda of Swabia]] | Son of Bolesław I the Brave and Emnilda of Lusatia | Richeza of Lotharingia, 4 children | 10/11 May 1034 Poznań Aged about 44 | Crowned kingSuccessionDeposed by Bezprym | Piast

|- | Duke Bezprym 10311032 ( years) | [[File:Bezprym.jpeg|100px]] | Son of Bolesław I the Brave and Judith of Hungary | Unknown | Aged about 46 | Usurped | Piast

|- | Duke Otto 10321033 ( years) | [[File:Monarch-emp.png|50px]] | Son of Bolesław I the Brave and Emnilda of Lusatia | Unknown | Aged about 33 | Country divided, ruler of a Duchy | Piast

|- | Duke Dytryk also Dietrich and Theoderick 10321033 ( years) | [[File:Monarch-emp.png|50px]] | Son of Lambert Mieszkowic or Mieszko Mieszkowic | Unknown | Aged about 41 | Country divided, ruler of a Duchy | Piast

|- | Duke Mieszko II Lambert 10321034 ( years) | [[File:Matylda wrecza mieszkowi II ksiege liturgiczna.jpg|100px|Mieszko II Lambert]] | Son of Bolesław I the Brave and Emnilda of Lusatia | 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

10341038/1039 ( years) | [[File:Monarch-emp.png|50px]] | before 1016Presumed son of Mieszko II Lambert | Unknown | 1038/1039 | Semi-legendary, existence disputed | Piast

|- | Duke Casimir I the Restorer

1034/10401058 ( years) | [[File:Casimir I the Restorer.jpg|100px]] | 25 July 1016Son of Mieszko II Lambert and Richeza of Lotharingia | Maria Dobroniega, 5 children | 19 March 1058 Poznań Aged 41 | Made prince in 1034, returned from abroad in 1040Restoration | Piast

|- | King Bolesław II the Generous

10581076 (as duke) 26 December 10761079 (as king) ( years) | [[File:Boleslaus II of Poland (89920250).jpg|100px]] | 1042Son of Casimir I the Restorer and Maria Dobroniega | Wyszesława, 1 son | 2/3 April 1081 Hungary or Ossiach Aged about 39 | Crowned king in 1076Deposed and exiled in 1079 after slaying Saint Stanislaus | Piast

|- | Duke Władysław I Herman 10794 June 1102 ( years) | [[File:Władysław I Herman by Aleksander Lesser.PNG|100px]] | 1044Son of Casimir I the Restorer and Maria Dobroniega | Przecława Judith of Bohemia Judith of Swabia | 24 June 1102 Płock Aged about 58 | Succeeded brother after his exile | Piast

|- | Duke Zbigniew 11021107 ( years) | [[File:Zbigniew (112832610).jpg|100px]] | Son of Władysław I Herman and Przecława (?) | Unknown | 8 July 1113 Aged about 40 | Country divided, ruler of a Duchy Succession | Piast

|- | Duke Bolesław III Wrymouth also Boleslaus III

11021138 ( years) | [[File:Boleslaw Krzywousty (275002).jpg|100px]] | 20 August 1086 PłockSon of Władysław I Herman and Judith of Bohemia | Zbyslava of Kiev Salomea of Berg | 28 October 1138 Sochaczew Aged 52 | Country divided until 1107 SuccessionHis death led to the fragmentation of Poland | Piast |}

Fragmentation of Poland (1138–1320)

After period of fights between brothers and unstable inheritance Bolesław III Wrymouth decided to formalize succession. According to his testament the state was divided into provinces - one for every son and Senioral 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 in Łęczyca, where Casimir II the Just was made hereditary high duke. Principate was de facto abolished in 1227 with assassination of Leszek the White, after which local dukes no longer respected suzereinity of high duke, whose title became only prestigious.

|- | High Duke Władysław II the Exile

11381146 ( years) | [[File:Władysław II Wygnaniec by Aleksander Lesser.PNG|100px]] | 1105 KrakówSon of Bolesław III Wrymouth and Zbyslava of Kiev | Agnes of Babenberg, 5 children | 30 May 1159 Altenburg Aged 54 | SuccessionDeposed and exiled | Piast

|- | High Duke Bolesław IV the Curly

11461173 ( years) | [[File:Boleslaus IV of Poland (89920492).jpg|100px]] | Son of Bolesław III Wrymouth and Salomea of Berg | Viacheslava of Novgorod, 3 children | 5 January 1173 Aged about 51 | Succeeded exiled half-brother | Piast

|- | High Duke Mieszko III

11731177 ( years) | [[File:Mieszko III Stary (76852586) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | Son of Bolesław III Wrymouth and Salomea of Berg | Elisabeth of Hungary Eudoxia of Kiev | 13 March 1202 Kalisz Aged about 75 | SuccessionDeposed by brother in 1177 | Piast

|- | High Duke Casimir II the Just

11771191 ( years) | [[File:Casimir II of Poland (89920659).jpg|100px]] | Son of Bolesław III Wrymouth and Salomea of Berg | Helen of Znojmo, 7 children | 5 May 1194 Kraków Aged about 56 | Usurped power from brother | Piast

|- | Mieszko III 11911191 | [[File:Mieszko III Stary (76852586) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | – | – | – | Usurped | Piast

|- | Casimir II the Just 11911194 | [[File:Casimir II of Poland (89920659).jpg|100px]] | – | – | – | Restoration | Piast

|- | High Duke Leszek I the White

11941198 ( years) | [[File:Leszek Bialy (76844388) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | /1185Son of Casimir II the Just and Helen of Znojmo | Grzymisława of Luck, 2 children | 24 November 1227 Marcinkowo Górne Aged about 43 | Succession | Piast

|- | Mieszko III 11981199 | [[File:Mieszko III Stary (76852586) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | – | – | – | Agreement with Leszek and his regents | Piast

|- | Leszek I the White 11991199 | [[File:Leszek Bialy (76844388) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | – | – | – | Restored | Piast

|- | Mieszko III 11991202 | [[File:Mieszko III Stary (76852586) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | – | – | – | Restored | Piast

|- | High Duke Władysław III Spindleshanks

12021206 ( years) | [[File:Wladyslaw III Laskonogi (76853776) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | Son of Mieszko III and Eudoxia of Kiev | Lucia of Rügen, 2 children | 3 November 1231 Aged about 64 | Invited to rule by voivode Mikołaj Gryfita | Piast

|- | Leszek I the White 12061210 | [[File:Leszek Bialy (76844388) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | – | – | – | Restored | Piast

|- | High Duke Mieszko IV Tanglefoot

12101211 ( years) | [[File:Mieszko IV.JPG|100px]] | Son of Władysław II the Exile and Agnes of Babenberg | Ludmila, 5 children | 16 May 1211 Aged about 81 | Usurped | Piast

|- | Leszek I the White 12111227 ( years) | [[File:Leszek Bialy (76844388) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | – | – | – | RestoredMurdered in 1227 | Piast

|- | Władysław III Spindleshanks 12281231 | [[File:Wladyslaw III Laskonogi (76853776) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | – | – | – | Succession agreement with predecessor | Piast

|- | High Duke Henry I the Bearded

12311238 ( years) | [[File:Henryk I Brodaty (76847868) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | /1188 GłogówSon of Bolesław I the Tall and Christina (?) | Hedwig of Andechs, 7 children | 19 March 1238 Krosno Odrzańskie Aged about 73 | Succession agreement with predecessor | Piast

|- | High Duke Henry II the Pious

12381241 ( years) | [[File:Henryk II Pobożny (Hedwig Codex).jpg|100px]] | GłogówSon of Henry the Bearded and Hedwig of Andechs | Anne of Bohemia, 10 children | 9 April 1241 Legnickie Pole Aged about 45 | SuccessionKilled at the Battle of Legnica | Piast

|- | High Duke Bolesław II the Horned

12411241 | [[File:Monarch-emp.png|50px]] | /1225 GłogówSon of Henry II the Pious and Anne of Bohemia | Hedwig of Anhalt, 7 children Euphemia of Pomerania Sophia of Dyhrn | 26 December 1278 Legnica | SuccessionDeposed | Piast

|- | High Duke Konrad I of Masovia 12411243 ( years) | [[File:Konrad I mazowiecki (275073).jpg|100px]] | /1188Son of Casimir II the Just and Helen of Znojmo | Agafia of Rus, 10 children | 31 August 1247 Aged about 60 | Usurped | Piast

|- | High Duke Bolesław V the Chaste

12431279 ( years) | [[File:Boleslaw V Wstydliwy (76848244).jpg|100px]] | 21 June 1226 Stary KorczynSon of Leszek I the White and Grzymisława of Luck | Kinga of Poland, no children | 7 December 1279 Kraków Aged 52 | Restored as rightful Duke | Piast

|- | High Duke Leszek II the Black

12791288 ( years) | [[File:Leszek Czarny by Aleksander Lesser.PNG|100px]] | Brześć KujawskiSon of Casimir I of Kuyavia and Constance of Wrocław | Gryfina of Halych | 30 September 1288 Kraków Aged about 47 | Adopted by predecessor Succession | Piast

|- | High Duke Henryk IV Probus English: Henry the Righteous

12881290 ( years) | [[File:Henry IV of Silesia (89921214).jpg|100px]] | /1258Son of Henry III the White and Judith of Masovia | Constance of Opole Matilda of Brandenburg | 23 June 1290 Wrocław Aged about 32 | Usurped | Piast |}

Attempt at restoration (1295–1296)

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 by Henry II the Pious and Henry Probus but both of them died before they manage to achieve their goals. First duke, who became king in this period was Przemysł 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 of Eastern Pomerania. His assassination in 1296 prolonged unification of Poland by 20 years.

|- | King Przemysł II English: Premislaus II 12901291 (as High Duke)12951296 (as King) (1 year) | [[File:Przemysl II (76843358) (cropped).jpg|100px]] | [[File:POL Przemysł II ca. 1350 COA.svg|100px]] | 14 October 1257 PoznańSon of Przemysł I of Greater Poland and Elisabeth of Wrocław | Ludgarda of Mecklenburg Richeza of Sweden Margaret of Brandenburg | 8 February 1296 Rogoźno Aged 38 | Named an heir in predecessor's testamentCrowned king in 1295Granted Poland its coat of armsAssassinated | Piast |}

Přemyslid House

House of Přemyslid were natural lords of Bohemia and had many family connections with Piast dynasty. In 1291], Wenceslaus II of Bohemia exploited the weakness of internally divided Poland and conquered Kraków, basing his claim on loose family connection with one of the previous high dukes. He later legitimize his rule by marrying daughter of Przemysł II, which also gave him claims to Polish Kingdom.

|- | King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia

12911300 (as High Duke)13001305 (as King) ( years) | [[File:Vaclav2 trun.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Insigne Cechicum.svg|100px]] | 27 September 1271 PragueSon of Ottokar II of Bohemia and Kunigunda of Slavonia | Judith of Habsburg Elisabeth Richeza of Poland | 21 June 1305 Prague Aged 33 | UsurpedCrowned himself King of Poland in 1300 | Přemyslid

|- | (Uncrowned) Wenceslaus III of Bohemia

13051306 (1 year) | [[File:Vaclav3 pecet.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Insigne Cechicum.svg|100px]] | 6 October 1289 PragueSon of Wenceslaus II and Judith of Habsburg | Viola of Teschen | 4 August 1306 Olomouc Aged 16 | SuccessionUncrowned and assassinated | Přemyslid |}

House of Piast (restored)

Near the end of the reign of Wenceslaus II his rule over Poland was undermined by remaining polish dukes - especially by Ladislaus the Short, who was exiled by Wenceslauss and had strong claim to inheritance of Przemysł II, and by Henry III of Głogów, who also was successor of Przemysł. Assassination of Wenceslaus 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 until Congress of Visegrád in 1335. Eventually Ladislaus the Short managed to unite two main provinces of Poland - Greater Poland and Lesser Poland and crowned himself king in 1320 ending the period of feudal fragmentation.

|- | King Ladislaus the Short

13061320 (as High Duke)20 January 1320

2 March 1333 (as King) () | [[File:Władysław Łokietek.jpg|100px|16th Century Portrait by Antoni Boys]] | [[File:POL Przemysł II ca. 1350 COA.svg|100px]] | Son of Casimir I of Kuyavia and Euphrosyne of Opole | Jadwiga of Kalisz, 6 children | 2 March 1333 Kraków Aged about 73 | Rebellion against Přemyslid ruleReunited the Kingdom of Poland after fragmentationCrowned King in 1320 | Piast

|- | King Casimir III the Great

25 April 1333

5 November 1370 () | [[File:Kazimierz III sarcophagus figure.jpg|100px|Sarcophagus effigy at Wawel Cathedral, Kraków]] | [[File:POL Przemysł II ca. 1350 COA.svg|100px]] | 30 April 1310 KowalSon of Władysław I the Elbow-high and Jadwiga of Kalisz | Aldona of Lithuania, 2 children Adelaide of Hesse Christina Rokiczana Hedwig of Sagan, 3 children | 5 November 1370 Kraków Aged 60 | SuccessionStrengthened Poland's position in EuropeDied without a male heirLast monarch from the Piast Dynasty | Piast |}

House of Anjou

Casimir III the Great died without male heir. According to previous agreements his successor became his nephew, king of Hungary Louis 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.

|- | King Louis

17 November 1370

10 September 1382 () | [[File:Louis I (Chronica Hungarorum).jpg|100px]] | [[File:Coa Hungary Country History Lajos I (1370).svg|100px]] | 5 March 1326 VisegrádSon of Charles I of Hungary and Elizabeth of Poland | Margaret of Bohemia Elizabeth of Bosnia, 4 children | 10 September 1382 Nagyszombat (Trnava) Aged 56 | Succeeded his uncle, Casimir III, to the Polish throne | Anjou

|- | King Hedwig

16 October 1384

17 July 1399 () | [[File:Jadwiga Andegaweńska seal 1386.PNG|100px|Portrait on seal]] | [[File:Coat of arms of Jadwiga of Poland.svg|100px]] | 3 October 137318 February 1374 BudaDaughter of Louis I of Hungary and Elizabeth of Bosnia | William, Duke of Austria (disputed), no children Władysław II Jagiełło (Jogaila), 1 child | 17 July 1399 Kraków Aged 25 | Succeeded her father in Poland. The last hereditary ruler of Poland.Her husband was crowned jure uxoris on 4 March 1386. | Anjou |}

House of Jagiellon

Female king Hedwig started her reign young and unmarried, which gave Poland a huge opportunity. She eventually married the pagan Grand Duke of Lithuania Jogaila, 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.

|- | King Władysław II Jagiełło

4 March 1386

1 June 1434 () | [[File:Jogaila (Władysław II).jpg|100px]] | [[File:Władysław jagiełło.png|100px]] | /1362 VilniusSon of Algirdas and Uliana of Tver | Hedwig of Poland (Jadwiga), 1 child Anna of Cilli, 1 child Elisabeth of Pilica Sophia of Halshany, 3 children | 1 June 1434 Gródek Aged 72–82 | Born a paganPreviously Grand Duke of LithuaniaCrowned co-ruler with wife HedwigLongest-reigning Polish monarch | Jagiellon

|- | King Władysław III English: Ladislaus III of Varna

25 July 1434

10 November 1444 () | [[File:Toruń - Władysław III.(2).jpg|100px]] | [[File:Warneńczyk.png|100px]] | 31 October 1424 KrakówSon of Jogaila and Sophia of Halshany | Unmarried and childless | 10 November 1444 Varna Aged 20 (presumed) | Elected as his father's successor in PolandPresumed to be killed at the Battle of VarnaInterregnum until 1447 | Jagiellon

|- | King Casimir IV

25 June 1447

7 June 1492 () | [[File:Kazimier Jagajłavič. Казімер Ягайлавіч (1645).jpg|100px]] | [[File:Kazimierz jagiellończyk.png|100px]] | 30 November 1427 KrakówSon of Jogaila and Sophia of Halshany | Elizabeth of Habsburg, 13 children | 7 June 1492 Grodno Aged 64 | ElectionPreviously Grand Duke of LithuaniaDivided the Polish–Lithuanian realm between John and Alexander | Jagiellon

|- | King John I Albert

23 September 1492

17 June 1501 () | [[File:PL Gloger-Encyklopedja staropolska ilustrowana T.4 454a.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Jan olbracht.png|100px]] | 27 December 1459 KrakówSon of Casimir IV and Elizabeth of Habsburg | Unmarried and childless | 17 June 1501 Toruń Aged 41 | Elected as his father's successor in PolandLaid foundation for the Sejm and Senate (Polish Parliament) | Jagiellon

|- | King Alexander

12 December 1501

19 August 1506 () | [[File:Goraj Miracle of Saint Simeon Stylites (detail).jpg|100px]] | [[File:POL COA under the rule of Alexander Jagiellon.svg|100px]] | 5 August 1461 KrakówSon of Casimir IV and Elizabeth of Habsburg | Helena of Moscow | 19 August 1506 Vilnius Aged 45 | Succeeded his brother in Poland as elective monarchPreviously Grand Duke of LithuaniaBuried in Lithuania | Jagiellon

|- | King Sigismund I the Old

8 December 1506

1 April 1548 () | [[File:Kulmbach Sigismund I the Old.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Coat of Arms of Sigismund I of Poland (Order of the Golden Fleece).svg|100px]] | 1 January 1467 KozieniceSon of Casimir IV and Elizabeth of Habsburg | Barbara Zápolya, 2 children 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

18 December 1529

7 July 1572 () | [[File:Cranach the Younger Sigismund II Augustus.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Fictional heraldic coat of arms of Žygimantas Augustas (based on a design from a 16th century tapestry) with Lithuanian coat of arms Vytis, Polish Eagle and coats of arms of Volhynia, Smolensk, Kyiv voivodeships.png|100px]] | 1 August 1520 KrakówSon of Sigismund I and Bona Sforza | Elizabeth of Austria Barbara Radziwiłł Catherine of Austria | 7 July 1572 Knyszyn Aged 51 | Election vivente regeFormation of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth with an elective monarchyLast male member of the Jagiellonian Dynasty, died heirless | Jagiellon |}

Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, 1569–1795

In 1569, king Sigismund II Augustus, knowing that he had no heir, united Poland and Lithuania into single entity—the Polish–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 not constricted to members of one dynasty, like during Jagiellons. He also ensured, that all nobles would decide the next king, not only the richest and most powerful ones. The first post-Jagiellonic 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 the primate of Poland became an interrex; a temporary head of state, until a new king was elected.

|- | King Henry

16 May 1573

12 May 1575 () | [[File:Henri III - portrait after Jean Decourt - Musée Condé.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Coat of Arms of Henry III of France.svg|100px]] | 19 September 1551 FontainebleauSon of Henry II and Catherine de' Medici | Louise of Lorraine, no children | 2 August 1589 Saint-Cloud Aged 37 | ElectedLeft Poland in June 1574 to succeed his brother in FranceInterregnum until 1575 | Valois

|- | Queen Anna

15 December 1575

19 August 1587 (de facto) ()

9 September 1596 (de jure) () | [[File:Kober Anna Jagiellon as a widow.jpg|100px]] | [[File:COA family pl Jagiellon.svg|100px]] | 18 October 1523 KrakówDaughter of Sigismund I and Bona Sforza | Stephen Báthory, no children | 9 September 1596 Warsaw Aged 72 | Elected co-monarch with Stephen BáthoryRuled only formallySole ruler until Báthory's arrival and coronation in May 1576Ruled after husband's death until her nephew was elected | Jagiellon

|- | King Stephen Báthory

1 May 1576

12 December 1586 () | [[File:Riehl Portrait of Stephen Bathory.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Bathory coat of arms.svg|100px]] | 27 September 1533 SzilágysomlyóSon of Stephen Báthory of Somlyó and Catherine Telegdi | Anna Jagiellon, no children | 12 December 1586 Grodno Aged 53 | Elected as co-monarch with Anna JagiellonPrince of Transylvania | Báthory

|- | King Sigismund III

19 August 1587

30 April 1632 () | [[File:Soutman Sigismund III Vasa in coronation robes.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Polish House of Vasa Coa.svg|100px]] | 20 June 1566 GripsholmSon of John III of Sweden and Catherine Jagiellon | Anne of Austria, 5 children Constance of Austria, 7 children | 30 April 1632 Warsaw Aged 65 | Elected, nephew of Anna JagiellonTransferred capital from Kraków to WarsawHereditary King of Sweden until deposition in 1599 | Vasa

|- | King Władysław IV also Ladislaus IV

8 November 1632

20 May 1648 () | [[File:Rubens Wladyslaw Vasa.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Polish House of Vasa Coa.svg|100px]] | 9 June 1595 ŁobzówSon of Sigismund III and Anne of Austria | Cecilia Renata of Austria, 3 children Marie Louise Gonzaga | 20 May 1648 Merkinė Aged 52 | Elective successionAlso titular King of Sweden and elected Tsar of Russia (1610–1613) when the Polish army captured Moscow | Vasa

|- | King John II Casimir

20 November 1648

16 September 1668 () | [[File:Schultz John II Casimir Vasa.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Polish House of Vasa Coa.svg|100px]] | 22 March 1609 KrakówSon of Sigismund III and Constance of Austria | Marie Louise Gonzaga, 2 children Claudine Françoise Mignot (morganatic marriage) | 16 December 1672 Nevers Aged 63 | Elective succession, succeeded half-brotherPreviously a cardinalTitular King of SwedenAbdicated | Vasa

|- | King Michael I

19 June 1669

10 November 1673 () | [[File:King Michael Korybut Wisniowiecki.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Coat of Arms of Michal Korybut Wisniowiecki as king of Poland.svg|100px]] | 31 May 1640 Biały KamieńSon of Jeremi Wiśniowiecki and Gryzelda Konstancja Zamoyska | Eleonora Maria of Austria, 1 child | 10 November 1673 Lwów Aged 33 | ElectedBorn into nobility of mixed heritage, the son of a military commander and governor | Wiśniowiecki

|- | King John III Sobieski

19 May 1674

17 June 1696 () | [[File:Schultz John III Sobieski.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Coat of Arms of Jan Sobieski as king of Poland.svg|100px]] | 17 August 1629 OleskoSon of Jakub Sobieski and Teofila Zofia | Marie Casimire d'Arquien, 13 children | 17 June 1696 Wilanów Aged 66 | ElectedBorn into nobilityA successful military commander | Sobieski

|- | King Augustus II

15 September 1697

1706 (1st reign, 9 years) | [[File:August II the Strong.PNG|100px]] | [[File:Coat of Arms of Wettin kings of Poland.svg|100px]] | 12 May 1670 DresdenSon of John George III and Princess Anna Sophie of Denmark | Christiane Eberhardine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth, 1 son by wife | 1 February 1733 Warsaw Aged 62 | ElectedPreviously Elector and ruler of SaxonyDethroned by Stanislaus I in 1706 during the Great Northern War | Wettin

|- | King Stanislaus I

12 July 1704

8 July 1709 (1st reign, ) | [[File:Mányoki Stanislaus Leszczyński.png|100px]] | [[File:Coat of Arms of Stanislaus Leszczynski as king of Poland.svg|100px]] | 20 October 1677 LwówSon of Rafał Leszczyński and Anna Jabłonowska | Catherine Opalińska, 2 children | 23 February 1766 Lunéville Aged 88 | UsurpedNominated as ruler in 1704, crowned in 1705 and deposed predecessor in 1706Exiled in 1709 | Leszczyński

|- | King Augustus II

8 July 1709

1 February 1733 (2nd reign, ) | [[File:August II (1670-1733).jpg|100px]] | [[File:Coat of Arms of Wettin kings of Poland.svg|100px]] | 12 May 1670 DresdenSon of John George III and Princess Anna Sophie of Denmark | Christiane Eberhardine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth, 1 son by wife | 1 February 1733 Warsaw Aged 62 | Restored | Wettin

|- | King Stanislaus I

12 September 1733

26 January 1736 (2nd reign, ) | [[File:Attribué à Jean Girardet - Portrait de Stanislas en costume d’apparat.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Coat of Arms of Stanislaus Leszczynski as king of Poland.svg|100px]] | 20 October 1677 LwówSon of Rafał Leszczyński and Anna Jabłonowska | Catherine Opalińska, 2 children, including Marie, Queen of France | 23 February 1766 Lunéville Aged 88 | ElectedHis election sparked the War of the Polish SuccessionDeposed by Augustus III in 1736 | Leszczyński

|- | King Augustus III

5 October 1733

5 October 1763 (30 years) | [[File:Louis de Silvestre - Portrait of Augustus III of Poland (after 1733) - Google Art Project.jpg|100px]] | [[File:Coat of Arms of Wettin kings of Poland.svg|100px]] | 17 October 1696 DresdenSon of Augustus II the Strong and Christiane Eberhardine | Maria Josepha of Austria, 16 children, including Maria Josepha, Dauphine of France | 5 October 1763 Dresden Aged 66 | UsurpedProclaimed King of Poland in 1733, crowned in 1734Dethroned elected predecessor in 1736 | Wettin

|- | King Stanislaus II Augustus

7 September 1764

25 November 1795 () | [[File:Stanisław II August Poniatowski in coronation clothes.PNG|100px]] | [[File:Coat of Arms of Stanislaus Augustus as king of Poland.svg|100px]] | 17 January 1732 WołczynSon of Stanisław Poniatowski and Konstancja Czartoryska | Unmarried, had illegitimate children including with Empress Catherine II of Russia | 1 February 1798 Saint Petersburg Aged 66 | ElectedBorn into nobilityLast King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, his reign ended in the Partitions of Poland | Poniatowski |}

Duchy of Warsaw, 1807–1815

After long period of instability and anarchy, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was divided among its neighbours—Russia, Prussia and Austria. During the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon created the Duchy 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 on France. After the fall of Napoleon, the duchy was divided between Russia and Prussia.

|- | Grand Duke Frederick Augustus I

9 June 1807

22 May 1815 () | [[File:Frederick Augustus I of Saxony by Marcello Bacciarelli (ca 1808-1809).png|100px]] | [[File:Grand Coat of Arms of Duchy of Warsaw.svg|100px]] | 23 December 1750 DresdenSon of Frederick Christian, Elector of Saxony and Maria Antonia of Bavaria | Amalie of Zweibrücken-Birkenfeld, 1 daughter | 5 May 1827 Dresden Aged 76 | Treaties of TilsitDesignated as a king of Poland by General Confederation of the Kingdom of Poland, 1812. | Wettin |}

Poland from 1815 to 1918

After fall of the Duchy of Warsaw, the Polish lands were reorganised. Prussia annexed Greater Poland and created the Grand Duchy of Posen, Kraków became a free city and the rest of the former Duchy of Warsaw became part of the Russian Empire, as Congress Poland. In 1846, Kraków was annexed by Austria and in 1848, the Grand Duchy of Posen was dissolved. In 1867, after the failed January Uprising, the remaining autonomy of Congress Poland was abolished. During World War I, in German occupied Congress Poland, the Regency 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 the list of rulers of partitioned Poland.

Family tree of the rulers of Poland

Pretenders to the Polish throne

  • Vratislaus II of Bohemia (1085–1092)
  • Rudolf I of Bohemia (1306–1307)
  • Henry of Bohemia (1307–1310)
  • John of Bohemia (1310–1335)
  • Archduke Charles Stephen of Austria (1916–1918)
  • Kiril, Prince of Preslav (1916–1918)

Modern

  • Alexander, Margrave of Meissen (2012–), disputed
  • Rüdiger, Margrave of Meissen (2012–2022), disputed
  • Daniel, Margrave of Meissen (2022–), disputed. Son of Rüdiger

Not recognized royal elections

Notes

References

Bibliography

  • Borkowska U., Dynastia Jagiellonów w Poslce, Warszawa 2012,
  • Duczmal M., Jagiellonowie. Leksykon biograficzny, Kraków 1996.
  • Dybkowska A., Żaryn J., Żaryn M., Polskie dzieje. Od czasów najdawniejszych po współczesność, wyd. 2, Warszawa 1995.
  • Gierowski J.A., Rzeczpospolita w dobie złotej wolności (1648–1763), Kraków 2001.
  • Grodziski S., Polska w czasach przełomu (1764–1815), Kraków 2001.
  • Grodziski S., Porównawcza historia ustrojów państwowych, Kraków 1998.
  • Grzybowski S., Dzieje Polski i Litwy (1506–1648), Kraków 2000.
  • Morby J.E., Dynastie świata. Przewodnik chronologiczny i genealogiczny, Kraków 1995, s. 261–263.
  • Wyrozumski J., Dzieje Polski piastowskiej (VIII w.-1370), Kraków 1999.
  • Zientara B., Henryk Brodaty i jego czasy, wyd. 2, Warszawa 1997.

References

  1. It was not allowed to use abbreviations and acronyms
  2. In the 17th century and later Poland was usually known as the Most Serene Republic of Poland (Polish: Najjaśniejsza Rzeczpospolita Polska, Latin: Serenissima Res Publica Poloniae).
  3. Henry Elliot Malden. (4 July 2014). "Salus Vienna Tua: The great siege of 1683". Soldiershop Publishing.
  4. dated around 700 by [[Marcin Bielski]]
  5. Jasiński, Kazimierz. (1992). "Rodowód pierwszych Piastów".
  6. Janusz Roszko. (1980). "Kolebka Siemowita". Iskry.
  7. (2000). "Quaestiones Medii Aevi Novae". Wydawn. DiG.
  8. (18 May 2012). "Polski Indeks Biograficzny". Walter de Gruyter.
  9. (13 June 2018). "How prince Kiril could become king of Poland (in bulgarian)".
  10. Pia Lucchesi. (20 August 2017). "Prinz Daniel hat Prioritäten: Lieber Gemeinderat als König von Polen". TAG24.
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