# Union of Brest (1596)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1596-union-of-brest
Location: Brest

Most Orthodox bishops of the Commonwealth accepted papal authority, creating the Ruthenian Uniate Church and deep religious conflict. 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 (1596), the governing authority was Sigismund III Vasa (King of Poland). Also King of Sweden (1592–1599); moved the royal residence to Warsaw and pursued war with Sweden and Muscovy. Union of Brest mattered because religion shaped Polish identity, culture and the country's place in Europe. 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
Union of Brest mattered because religion shaped Polish identity, culture and the country's place in Europe.

Ruler at the time: [Sigismund III Vasa](https://poland-history.com/rulers/sigismund-iii-vasa)

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