Michael Korybut Wisniowiecki
Michael Korybut Wisniowiecki (1640-1673); Polish: Michał Korybut Wiśniowiecki, King of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth 1669-1673.
Personal data:
Born: 31 July 1640 in Olesko, Ukraine
Parents: 19 June 1669
Crowned: 29 September 1669
Married to: sister of Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor.
Died: 10 November 1673 in Lvov, Poland, (now Ukraine)
Royal titles:
Official Latin version: Michael, Dei Gratia rex Poloniae, magnus dux Lithuaniae, Russie, Prussiae, Masoviae, Samogitiae, Livoniae, Smolenscie, Kijoviae, Volhyniae, Podoliae, Podlachiae, Severiae, Czernichoviaeque, etc.
English translation: Michael, by God's grace King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania, Ruthenia (Ukraine & Belarus), Prussia, Masovia, Samogitia, Livonia, Smolensk, Kyiv, Volhynia, Podolia, Podlachia, Sewierz and Czernichow, etc.
Biography
Following the abdication of King Jan Kazimierz Vasa, the Polish nobility elected Michael (son of a successful but controversial military commander, best known for fighting with Bohdan Chmielnicki), as king, believing he would further the interests of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. His reign was less than successful, and the nobility was not satisfied with the House of Vasa's dynastic policies. Despite his fathers military fame Michael lost a war against the Ottoman Empire, with Turks occupying Podolia. He was unable to cope with his responsibilities and with the different quarreling factions within Poland. On his death, Jan Sobieski was elected king of Poland.
