# Władysław III becomes King of Hungary (1440)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1440-wladyslaw-iii-becomes-king-of-hungary
Location: Buda

The Hungarian nobility elected the young Władysław III as their king to lead the defence against the Ottomans. He spent the rest of his short life in Hungary. Within the broader Jagiellonian Age period: The union with Lithuania created one of Europe's largest states. Victory over the Teutonic Order, the rise of noble democracy and a brilliant Renaissance culture marked the Jagiellonian golden age. At this point in the timeline (1440), the governing authority was Władysław III of Varna (King of Poland). Also King of Hungary from 1440; killed leading a crusade against the Ottomans at Varna. Władysław III becomes King of Hungary mattered because dynastic ties determined who ruled Poland and which alliances it could rely on. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Władysław III becomes King of Hungary mattered because dynastic ties determined who ruled Poland and which alliances it could rely on.

Ruler at the time: [Władysław III of Varna](https://poland-history.com/rulers/wladyslaw-iii-of-varna)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Władysław III of Poland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W%C5%82adys%C5%82aw_III_of_Poland)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Władysław III becomes King of Hungary](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=W%C5%82adys%C5%82aw+III+becomes+King+of+Hungary)
- [Wikipedia — Jagiellonian dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagiellonian_dynasty)