# Vilnius University founded (1579)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1579-vilnius-university-founded
Location: Vilnius

Báthory granted the Jesuit college in Vilnius university status, creating the oldest university in the Baltic states. Within the broader Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth period: The Commonwealth of Both Nations elected its kings and prized noble liberty and religious tolerance. It won famous victories but was weakened by wars with Sweden, Russia, the Ottomans and the Cossacks, and by political paralysis. At this point in the timeline (1579), the governing authority was Stephen Báthory (King of Poland), together with Stephen Báthory (King of Poland). Prince of Transylvania who reformed the army, founded Vilnius University and defeated Muscovy in the Livonian War. Vilnius University founded mattered because education and learning sustained Polish culture and trained future generations of leaders. 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
Vilnius University founded mattered because education and learning sustained Polish culture and trained future generations of leaders.

Ruler at the time: [Stephen Báthory](https://poland-history.com/rulers/stephen-bathory)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Vilnius University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilnius_University)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Vilnius University founded](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Vilnius+University+founded)
- [Wikipedia — Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish%E2%80%93Lithuanian_Commonwealth)