On April 25, 1333, Casimir III the Great was crowned King of Poland at Wawel Cathedral in Kraków. This was a turning point in Polish history, marking the beginning of a period of prosperity and development for the country. Casimir III the Great, the last king of the Piast dynasty, assumed the throne after the death of his father, Władysław I the Elbow-high.

Casimir III the Great is one of the most important figures in Polish history. His ascension to the throne was a turning point for the country, beginning an era of prosperity and development. The question "When did Casimir III the Great assume the Polish throne?" is crucial for understanding the historical context of this period.

The last king of the Piast dynasty took the Polish throne in the 14th century, at a time when Poland faced many challenges. His reign brought significant changes to the state structure, economy, and culture. In this article, we will examine the exact date of Casimir III the Great's accession to the throne and the circumstances surrounding this event.

Poland faced numerous challenges before Casimir III the Great's ascension to the throne. The country struggled with both internal and external problems that required immediate attention and effective solutions.

Władysław the Elbow-high, father of Casimir III the Great, ruled Poland from 1320 to 1333. His reign was characterized by:

• Unification of Polish lands after the period of feudal fragmentation
• Coronation as King of Poland in 1320, which strengthened the state's position
• Fighting against the Teutonic Order, including the Battle of Płowce in 1331
• Administrative and judicial reforms that strengthened central authority
• Forming an alliance with Hungary through Casimir's marriage to Aldona Giedyminówna

Władysław left his son, Casimir, a kingdom in the process of consolidation, but still requiring significant reforms and strengthening of its international position.

Poland at the end of Władysław the Elbow-high's reign struggled with a series of difficulties:

1. External threats:

• Conflict with the Teutonic Order over Gdańsk Pomerania
• Tense relations with Bohemia and claims to the Polish throne by John of Luxembourg
• Pressure from Brandenburg on the western border

1. Internal challenges:

• Feudal fragmentation and weak centralization of power
• Nobility's dissatisfaction with the growing role of the monarch
• Need for economic reforms and country modernization
• Necessity of urban and trade development

1. Economic problems:

• Economic backwardness compared to western neighbors
• Lack of unified monetary system
• Need to increase state treasury revenues

1. Social issues:

• Uneven development of different regions of the country
• Need to integrate recovered territories after the period of feudal fragmentation
• Need to strengthen Polish culture and national identity

Upon ascending to the throne, Casimir III the Great faced the task of solving these complex problems and strengthening Poland's position both domestically and internationally.

Casimir III the Great assumed the Polish throne under specific political and social conditions. His ascension to the throne was a crucial moment in Polish history, opening a new chapter in the country's history.

Casimir III the Great's coronation took place on April 25, 1333, in Kraków. The ceremony occurred just a month after the death of his father, Władysław I the Elbow-high, which happened on March 2, 1333. The swift execution of the coronation was dictated by the need to ensure continuity of power and stabilize the country's situation.

Event	Date
Death of Władysław I the Elbow-high	March 2, 1333
Coronation of Casimir III the Great	April 25, 1333

The coronation ceremony of Casimir III the Great took place at Wawel Cathedral in Kraków. The ceremony was conducted according to traditional ritual, emphasizing the continuity of the Piast dynasty. The coronation was performed by Janisław, Archbishop of Gniezno, in the presence of nobles, clergy, and knights.

Key elements of the coronation ceremony:

1. Anointing the king with holy oils
2. Bestowing the royal insignia: crown, scepter, and orb
3. Taking the royal oath
4. Homage paid to the new ruler by dignitaries

The coronation ceremony was not merely a formal act but also a manifestation of state unity and acceptance of the new ruler by political elites. For Casimir III, it marked the beginning of an ambitious program of reforms and strengthening Poland's position in the international arena.

Casimir III the Great, ascending to the Polish throne in 1333, faced numerous serious challenges. The young ruler had to confront both internal and external problems that required immediate and decisive action.

The Teutonic Order represented one of the greatest threats to Poland in the 14th century. Casimir III inherited from his father an ongoing conflict that required urgent resolution. The Teutonic Knights controlled strategic territories, including Pomerania and the Chełmno Land. The young king had to develop an effective diplomatic and military strategy to limit the Order's expansion. In 1343, Casimir concluded the Treaty of Kalisz, which allowed for temporary stabilization of the situation on Poland's northern border.

The problem of throne succession was a crucial challenge for Casimir III. The king had no male heir, which threatened the continuity of the Piast dynasty. This situation forced him to seek alternative solutions:

1. Signing an agreement with Hungary in 1339, guaranteeing the succession of the Angevins in case of no male heir.
2. Attempts to legitimize his daughters born out of wedlock.
3. Efforts to obtain papal dispensation for subsequent marriages.

Casimir III had to balance between dynastic interests and the welfare of the state, which required diplomatic skills and political foresight.

Casimir III the Great began his reign with determination and a vision of a strong Polish state. The first years of his rule were characterized by intensive efforts aimed at strengthening Poland's position both internally and on the international stage.

Casimir III the Great introduced a series of internal reforms that significantly influenced the country's development. He initiated the codification of law, creating the Statutes of Wiślica and Piotrków, which unified the legal system throughout the kingdom. The king reformed state administration by establishing the office of starosts and introducing the division into voivodeships. He began intensive construction of castles and fortifications, implementing the "Poland built of stone" program. He initiated urban development by granting town privileges and supporting trade. In 1364, he founded the Kraków Academy, the first university in Poland, contributing to the development of science and culture.

In foreign policy, Casimir III the Great demonstrated remarkable diplomatic skills. He concluded the Treaty of Kalisz with the Teutonic Order in 1343, regaining Kuyavia and the Dobrzyń Land. He pursued an active eastern policy, incorporating Halych-Volodymyr Ruthenia into Poland in 1340. The king strengthened the alliance with Hungary by signing the Visegrád agreement in 1339, which regulated succession issues. He established diplomatic relations with the papacy, gaining support for his actions. Casimir also conducted marriage diplomacy, forming alliances through dynastic connections with Lithuania and Western Pomerania.

The accession of Casimir III the Great to the throne in 1333 marked a turning point in Polish history. His reign brought numerous changes that shaped the country's future and secured its position as one of the most important states in medieval Europe.

The reign of Casimir III initiated a period of economic and cultural flourishing in Poland. The king launched numerous economic reforms that contributed to the development of trade and crafts. He introduced a unified system of weights and measures, which facilitated trade exchange. Casimir supported urban development by granting privileges to cities and encouraging craftsmen and merchants to settle. His economic policy led to increased prosperity and improved living conditions for his subjects.

Casimir III laid solid foundations for Poland's future power. He reformed the legal system by introducing the Statutes of Wiślica and Piotrków, which unified law throughout the country. The king modernized state administration by creating a network of offices and institutions that improved kingdom management. He expanded the defense system by building numerous castles and fortifications, which strengthened border security. Casimir III conducted effective foreign policy, forming alliances and expanding state territory, which contributed to Poland's growing importance in the international arena.

• Casimir III the Great ascended to the Polish throne on April 25, 1333, a month after his father Władysław I the Elbow-high's death.
• The coronation took place in Wawel Cathedral in Kraków, conducted by Archbishop Janisław of Gniezno.
• The new king faced many challenges, including conflict with the Teutonic Order and the issue of throne succession.
• Casimir III implemented numerous internal reforms, including law codification and state administration reorganization.
• His reign initiated an era of prosperity, economic and cultural development in Poland.
• Casimir III's rule laid the foundation for the future power of the Polish state, strengthening its position in Europe.

The ascension of Casimir III the Great to the throne in 1333 was a pivotal moment in Polish history. His coronation on April 25 initiated an era of reforms and country development.

The young king faced numerous internal and external challenges. Through skillful diplomacy and far-sighted policy, he managed to strengthen Poland's position.

Casimir III's reign brought significant changes in law, economy, and culture. His reforms laid the groundwork for Poland's future power, and his effective foreign policy contributed to its growing importance in the international arena.