# Polish–Muscovite War (1609)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1609-polish-muscovite-war
Location: Smolensk
Categories: battle

During Russia's Time of Troubles the Commonwealth invaded Muscovy and besieged Smolensk. 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 (1609), 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. Polish–Muscovite War mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed. 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
Polish–Muscovite War mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed.

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

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Polish–Russian War (1609–1618)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish%E2%80%93Russian_War_(1609%E2%80%931618))
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Polish–Muscovite War](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Polish%E2%80%93Muscovite+War)
- [Wikipedia — Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish%E2%80%93Lithuanian_Commonwealth)