King+John+Casimir+of+Poland

John Casimir was born on March 22, 1609 to the King of Poland and Sweden, Sigismund III Vasa and hi wife, Constance of Austria. John Casimir grew to be the Polish and Lithuanian king during the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth era. He also ruled over Sweden and Upper Silesia during the mid 1600’s. John was the second born after his brother, Władysław IV Vasa, who was the predecessor to the throne and inherited his father’s kingdom.

In 1638 John went on a journey to discuss and allegiance with Spain against France. Ironically, his ship wrecked on the coast of Provence, France and John was imprisoned for two years. He was later released under the terms that his brother would not attempt to start a war with France. He basically ended up doing the exact opposite of the purpose of his original journey. After his release, he traveled around Western Europe, joined the order of Jesuits in Rome and was named cardinal, eventually making his way back to Poland.

On the 20th of May, 1648 John’s older brother Wladyslaw died of a kidney stone and improper medical care. As tradition stood, John took the throne and his brother’s widow, Queen Marie Louise Gonzaga. John didn’t become king at the most convenient time though. He found himself in the middle of disagreements, uprisings, and invasions. After some time, Poland ended up winning wars, but at a high cost.

King John Casimir abdicated his throne as king of Poland and archduke of Lithuania in 1668, one year after the death of his wife. He moved to France and spent the remainder of his life there. He died of unknown illness on December 16, 1672. To this day this resting place is Wawel Cathedral in Kraków. John was nicknamed the warrior king because of how patriotic he was. King John Casimir was important because he was the ruler over Poland during a very unstable period when they were at war with Russia and Sweden. His reign is known as being a disastrous one, but he is also known for being brave and fighting for his people.