House of Vasa

The House of Vasa was the Royal House of Sweden (1523-1654) and of Poland (1587-1668).

Kings of Poland

• Sigismund III (1589-1632) (Son of John III)
• Ladislaus IV (1632-1648)
• John II (1648-1668)

John III of Sweden married Catherine Jagie??o, the sister of Sigismund II of Poland, and when Sigismund died without a male heir, their son was elected king of Poland as Sigismund III in 1587. On John's death Sigismund also gained the Swedish throne.

Related Topics:
Catherine Jagie??o - Sigismund II of Poland - 1587

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Sigismund was Catholic, however, which ultimately led to his losing the throne in Sweden. His uncle Charles IX succeeded him. We thus have two Houses of Vasa from this point onwards: the senior, Catholic branch ruling in Poland, and the cadet, Protestant branch ruling in Sweden. This arrangement led to numerous wars between the two states. After John, the Polish Vasa died out. See also Rulers of Poland.

Related Topics:
Catholic - Charles IX - Protestant - Rulers of Poland

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