Władysław II Jagiełło (Jogaila) is crowned King of Poland.

The name Jogaila (c. 1352/1362 – 1 June 1434) resonates through the annals of Eastern European history, marking a pivotal transition from paganism to Christianity and laying the groundwork for one of the continent's most formidable powers. Later known as Władysław II Jagiełło after his conversion, he was a figure of immense political and cultural significance, first as the Grand Duke of Lithuania and subsequently as the King of Poland.

From Pagan Grand Duke to Christian King

Born into a pagan world, Jogaila inherited the mantle of Grand Duke of Lithuania in 1377, ruling this vast, sprawling state that was then the largest in pagan Europe. His early years as ruler of Lithuania set the stage for a dramatic transformation that would redefine the geopolitical landscape for centuries. In 1386, a profound shift occurred: Jogaila converted to Catholicism, taking the baptismal name Władysław in a ceremony held in Kraków. This act was not merely a personal religious choice but a strategic alliance, as he simultaneously married the young Queen Jadwiga of Poland. This union, formalized under the terms of the Union of Krewo, was a masterstroke, intertwining the fates of two powerful nations. Upon his marriage, he was crowned King of Poland as Władysław II Jagiełło.

This conversion had far-reaching consequences, extending beyond the Polish-Lithuanian borders. In 1387, King Władysław II Jagiełło orchestrated the mass conversion of Lithuania to Christianity, effectively bringing the last pagan state in medieval Europe into the Christian fold. This move profoundly integrated Lithuania into Western European cultural and political spheres, while simultaneously strengthening its bond with Poland.

The Polish-Lithuanian Union and the Rise of a Dynasty

Władysław II Jagiełło’s reign as the sole ruler of Poland began in 1399, following the untimely death of Queen Jadwiga. For another thirty-five years, he steered the combined Polish-Lithuanian state, forging a powerful and enduring legacy. This period laid the robust foundation for the centuries-long Polish–Lithuanian union, a partnership that would become a dominant force in Central and Eastern Europe. The dynasty he founded in Poland, the Jagiellonian dynasty, bears his name. This illustrious lineage was an extension of the earlier Gediminid dynasty in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and would go on to rule both states until 1572, becoming one of the most influential royal houses in late medieval and early modern Europe. Indeed, under Jogaila’s leadership, the Polish-Lithuanian state expanded its frontiers significantly and, at its zenith, stood as the largest state in the Christian world, a testament to his vision and strategic prowess.

Confronting the Teutonic Knights and the Battle of Grunwald

The newly consolidated Polish-Lithuanian union under Władysław II Jagiełło soon faced its greatest challenge: the formidable and aggressively expansionist Teutonic Knights. This powerful military order had long been a thorn in the side of both Poland and Lithuania, holding strategically vital territories. The inevitable confrontation culminated in the iconic Battle of Grunwald in 1410. This epic clash saw the allied Polish-Lithuanian forces achieve a decisive victory over the Teutonic Knights, a triumph that echoed across Europe. The subsequent Peace of Thorn secured the Polish and Lithuanian borders, blunting the Teutonic threat and firmly establishing the Polish–Lithuanian alliance as a major power on the European stage. The strategic brilliance displayed at Grunwald is often considered a high point of Władysław II Jagiełło's reign, marking a period that many historians consider the beginning of Poland's Golden Age.

Frequently Asked Questions about Władysław II Jagiełło

Who was Jogaila / Władysław II Jagiełło?
Jogaila was initially the Grand Duke of Lithuania and later became King of Poland (as Władysław II Jagiełło) through his marriage to Queen Jadwiga and his conversion to Catholicism. He was a pivotal figure in medieval European history, founding the influential Jagiellonian dynasty.
What was his significance?
His reign was instrumental in the Christianization of Lithuania, the formation of the powerful Polish-Lithuanian union, and the defeat of the Teutonic Knights at the Battle of Grunwald. He laid the foundation for Poland's Golden Age and created one of the largest and most influential states in Christian Europe.
When did he rule?
He ruled as Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1377. He became King of Poland in 1386 (ruling alongside Jadwiga until 1399) and then as sole ruler of Poland until his death in 1434.
What was the Jagiellonian dynasty?
The Jagiellonian dynasty was a powerful royal house that originated with Władysław II Jagiełło. It ruled both Poland and Lithuania (and at various times Bohemia and Hungary) from the late 14th century until 1572, playing a crucial role in the political and cultural development of Central and Eastern Europe.
What was the Battle of Grunwald?
The Battle of Grunwald (also known as the Battle of Tannenberg) was a decisive engagement in 1410 where the allied forces of the Polish-Lithuanian union, led by King Władysław II Jagiełło, inflicted a crushing defeat upon the Teutonic Knights. This victory significantly curbed the Knights' power and enhanced the prestige of the Polish-Lithuanian state.