# End of the Jagiellonian dynasty (1572)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1572-end-of-the-jagiellonian-dynasty
Location: Knyszyn
Categories: main-event

Sigismund II Augustus died without heirs, ending the male Jagiellon line and opening the era of free royal elections. 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 (7 July 1572), the governing authority was Sigismund II Augustus (King of Poland). Last male Jagiellon; oversaw the Union of Lublin that created the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. End of the Jagiellonian dynasty 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
End of the Jagiellonian dynasty mattered because dynastic ties determined who ruled Poland and which alliances it could rely on.

Ruler at the time: [Interrex (interregnum)](https://poland-history.com/rulers/interrex-interregnum)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Sigismund II Augustus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigismund_II_Augustus)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — End of the Jagiellonian dynasty](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=End+of+the+Jagiellonian+dynasty)
- [Wikipedia — Jagiellonian dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagiellonian_dynasty)