# Sigismund I marries Bona Sforza (1518)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1518-sigismund-i-marries-bona-sforza
Location: Kraków

The Italian princess Bona Sforza became queen, bringing Renaissance culture and an energetic economic policy. 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 (1518), the governing authority was Sigismund I the Old (King of Poland). Presided over the Polish Renaissance, received the Prussian Homage in 1525 and married Bona Sforza. Sigismund I marries Bona Sforza 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
Sigismund I marries Bona Sforza mattered because dynastic ties determined who ruled Poland and which alliances it could rely on.

Ruler at the time: [Sigismund I the Old](https://poland-history.com/rulers/sigismund-i-the-old)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Bona Sforza](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bona_Sforza)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Sigismund I marries Bona Sforza](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Sigismund+I+marries+Bona+Sforza)
- [Wikipedia — Jagiellonian dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagiellonian_dynasty)