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Jan Kostka

Stębark, 1529 – Jarosław, 10 Jun 1581

8 facts1 source

Facts and their sources

  • Born1529, Stębarknot verified1 source
  • Titleking's secretary at the Polish courtor Sandomierz voivode, 1574–1581 · Polish electornot verified1 source
  • TitlePolish electoror king's secretary at the Polish court · Sandomierz voivode, 1574–1581not verified1 source
  • TitleSandomierz voivode, 1574–1581or king's secretary at the Polish court · Polish electornot verified1 source
  • Died10 Jun 1581, Jarosławnot verified1 source

A life in time

  1. 1529

    Born in Stębark

  2. 1574–1581

    Sandomierz voivode

  3. 5 Jun 1575

    A daughter is born

  4. 10 Jun 1581

    Dies in Jarosław

Family

See the tree

Partner

Children · 1

During his lifetime

He lived through 7 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Stębark.

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

The 1520s · Jan is born in Stębark

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

Common methods of travel and daily speeds

Ordinary people typically traveled on foot, covering 20–25 kilometers a day, while those with wagons or carts traveled at a slightly slower pace of 4–6 kilometers per hour.

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

Early schooling focused on Latin and arithmetic

Rural schooling became nearly universal by the early 16th century, though attendance was low, focusing on Latin prayers and basic arithmetic skills.

What people wore

Layered clothing of the middle class

Women wore a long linen undergarment called a giezło, often topped with a dress that was laced at the sides, while men wore linen shirts and shorts known as gacie. Household tools like keys, purses, and needle cases were often attached to a woman's belt.

Music

Performers in city inns

In the 16th century, musicians called igrcy sang lighthearted and sometimes ribald songs in city inns, which were heavily criticized and discouraged by the clergy.

At the table

Fish and salt preservation

Ordinary diets included fish such as carp and pike, which were often preserved with salt to supplement food supplies beyond the harvest.