← Explore on the interactive map
Election of John Sobieski as King of Poland
In May 1674, Polish nobles elected military commander Jan Sobieski as the new king in a free election, succeeding Michał Korybut Wiśniowiecki, who di…
Timeline
- 1673–1674Warsaw · PolandKing Michał Korybut Wiśniowiecki died in November 1673, leaving the Commonwealth without a monarch; noble factions began preparing a free election under the pressure of the Ottoman War.
- 1674Warsaw · PolandIn May 1674, the election field, with the support of most nobles, chose Jan Sobieski as the new king; his military reputation, family influence, and French diplomatic support together brought about this result.
- 1676Kraków · PolandIn February 1676, Sobieski was formally crowned King of Poland as John III at Wawel Cathedral in Kraków; due to the ongoing war, the coronation came nearly two years after the election.
Sources
- John III Sobieski https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_III_Sobieski
- Davies, Norman. God's Playground: A History of Poland, Vol. I — Norman Davies (1982)