Casimir III, whose thirty-seven year reign lasted from 1333 to 1370, is the only king of Poland to carry the title “Great.” He resuscitated a weakened Poland, strengthened the Polish government, secured a truce with the Teutonic knights, and improved relations with Hungary and Bohemia. His only major failing was an inability to bear a son and successor to the Polish throne.
Casimir III, the Great – Eastern Expansion of Poland
When Casimir III ascended the Polish throne, medieval Poland was fractured and longed for terrain that had been since been lost. Casimir managed to take Lvov and its surrounding area from Rus. This added important land to the Polish kingdom and strengthened Poland's role on the European stage. During his reign, Casimir the Great more than doubled the territory belonging to Poland.
Casimir III, the Great – Government and Law
Casimir, like Yaroslav the Wise in Kievan Rus, emphasized the importance of law and learning. He founded a university in Krakow which focused on the disciplines of law, medicine, and astronomy. To improve the structure of his government, Casimir III sought the help of talented governmental advisors. A book of official laws was committed to writing, and a land tax was implemented.
Under his reign, approximately 50 castles were built across Poland, and 27 towns were surrounded by protective walls. Casimir III also built churches and granted land rights to nobles who occupied both high and low ranks.
Casimir III, the Great – Encouragement of Jewish Settlement
Casmir III welcomed Jewish people into Poland and saw them as an asset to his country. While prejudice was a problem in Poland, Jewish families settled in the outskirts of towns beyond local jurisdiction that limited their ability to contribute to the prosperity of their new home.
Casimir III, the Great – Question of Succession
Casimir III's inability to sire a male heir caused this Polish king much anxiety. A string of four wives, who produced six daughters, led him to adopt a male heir as his grandson to reign after the death of Louis of Anjou, who was set to take over for Casimir III. Unfortunately, Casimir's adopted grandson would die before ascension to Poland's throne.
References
Bideleux, Robert, and Jeffris, Ian. A History of Eastern Europe: Crisis and Change. London: Routledge, 1989.
Dvornik, Frances. The Slavs in European History and Civilization. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1962.
Lukowski, Jerzy, and Zawadski, Hubert. A Concise History of Poland. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006.
