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Sigismund II Augustus

Kraków, 11 Aug 1520 – Knyszyn, 17 Jul 1572

9 facts3 sources

Facts and their sources

  • Born11 Aug 1520, Krakównot verified1 source
  • TitleKing of Poland, 1530–1572not verified1 source
  • Died17 Jul 1572, Knyszynnot verified1 source
  • MotherBona Sforzanot verified1 source
  • FatherSigismund I the Oldnot verified1 source

A life in time

  1. 11 Aug 1520

    Born in Kraków

  2. 1530–1572

    King of Poland

  3. 18 Sep 1571

    A daughter is born

  4. 17 Jul 1572

    Dies in Knyszyn, aged 51

Family

See the tree

Parents

Partners

Children · 1

During his lifetime

He lived through 6 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Kraków.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1520s · Sigismund II is born in Kraków

In the news1520

Poll tax established in 1520

A poll tax was agreed upon in 1520, with nobles paying based on landholdings and tenant farmers paying 1 grosz each.

Getting around

Importance of River Transport

Because land roads were often muddy and difficult, river transport using various vessels was essential for long-distance travel and the movement of heavy goods across the Commonwealth.

In the news1525

Reformation upheavals of 1525

In 1525, violent Reformation urban revolts occurred in Baltic ports, while rebel peasants quoted Luther during a full-scale uprising.

Daily life

Dim interiors and limited kitchen space

Homes often lacked dedicated kitchens, with cooking performed in a hall or over a central fire, while small windows and expensive lighting made interiors dim.

What people wore

Fashionable slitted sleeves

Both men and women of various social classes followed the trend of wearing clothing with slitted sleeves, which was perceived as a touch of flirtation and intimacy. This style allowed contrasting fabrics from underneath to show through the cuts.

Music

Musical instruments at festivities

Instruments like the lute, harp, violin, and bagpipes were commonly used to accompany festivities, weddings, and parties at inns or manors.

At the table

Beer as everyday beverage

Beer was the main everyday beverage for many, often brewed domestically, while mead was also consumed, though less frequently than beer.