# Livonia joins the Commonwealth sphere (1561)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1561-livonia-joins-the-commonwealth-sphere
Location: Vilnius

The Livonian Order secularised and placed Livonia under Polish-Lithuanian rule, while Courland became a vassal duchy. 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 (28 November 1561), the governing authority was Sigismund II Augustus (King of Poland). Last male Jagiellon; oversaw the Union of Lublin that created the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Livonia joins the Commonwealth sphere mattered because its terms redrew borders or alliances and constrained Poland's options for years to come. 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
Livonia joins the Commonwealth sphere mattered because its terms redrew borders or alliances and constrained Poland's options for years to come.

Ruler at the time: [Sigismund II Augustus](https://poland-history.com/rulers/sigismund-ii-augustus)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Treaty of Vilnius (1561)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Vilnius_(1561))
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Livonia joins the Commonwealth sphere](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Livonia+joins+the+Commonwealth+sphere)
- [Wikipedia — Jagiellonian dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagiellonian_dynasty)