# Execution movement (1562)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1562-execution-movement
Location: Piotrków

The middle nobility pressed for 'execution of the laws', recovering crown lands from magnates and reforming the treasury. 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 (1562), the governing authority was Sigismund II Augustus (King of Poland). Last male Jagiellon; oversaw the Union of Lublin that created the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Execution movement mattered because collective action by ordinary people challenged those in power and changed Polish 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
Execution movement mattered because collective action by ordinary people challenged those in power and changed Polish society.

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

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Executionist movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executionist_movement)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Execution movement](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Execution+movement)
- [Wikipedia — Jagiellonian dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagiellonian_dynasty)