# Second Statute of Lithuania (1566)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1566-second-statute-of-lithuania
Location: Vilnius

The Second Lithuanian Statute extended noble privileges in the Grand Duchy along Polish lines. 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 (1566), the governing authority was Sigismund II Augustus (King of Poland). Last male Jagiellon; oversaw the Union of Lublin that created the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Second Statute of Lithuania 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
Second Statute of Lithuania mattered because it defined rights and institutions that shaped Polish government and society.

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

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Statutes of Lithuania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statutes_of_Lithuania)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Second Statute of Lithuania](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Second+Statute+of+Lithuania)
- [Wikipedia — Jagiellonian dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagiellonian_dynasty)