# Jan Kochanowski and the Polish Renaissance (1570)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1570-jan-kochanowski-and-the-polish-renaissance
Location: Kraków

Poet Jan Kochanowski raised Polish to a literary language equal to Latin; his Laments of 1580 are a masterpiece of European lyric poetry. 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 (1570), the governing authority was Sigismund II Augustus (King of Poland). Last male Jagiellon; oversaw the Union of Lublin that created the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Jan Kochanowski and the Polish Renaissance mattered because cultural achievements helped preserve and define Polish identity and influence beyond its borders. 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
Jan Kochanowski and the Polish Renaissance mattered because cultural achievements helped preserve and define Polish identity and influence beyond its borders.

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

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Jan Kochanowski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Kochanowski)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Jan Kochanowski and the Polish Renaissance](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Jan+Kochanowski+and+the+Polish+Renaissance)
- [Wikipedia — Jagiellonian dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagiellonian_dynasty)