# Statutes of Piotrków restrict peasants (1496)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1496-statutes-of-piotrkow-restrict-peasants
Location: Piotrków

The Sejm restricted peasants' freedom of movement and townspeople's land ownership, strengthening serfdom. 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 (1496), the governing authority was John I Albert (King of Poland). His reign saw the rise of the bicameral Sejm and a failed Moldavian expedition. Statutes of Piotrków restrict peasants mattered because it defined rights and institutions that shaped Polish government and society. 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
Statutes of Piotrków restrict peasants mattered because it defined rights and institutions that shaped Polish government and society.

Ruler at the time: [John I Albert](https://poland-history.com/rulers/john-i-albert)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Serfdom in Poland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serfdom_in_Poland)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Statutes of Piotrków restrict peasants](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Statutes+of+Piotrk%C3%B3w+restrict+peasants)
- [Wikipedia — Jagiellonian dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagiellonian_dynasty)