Elective monarchy
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An elective monarchy is a monarchy where the ruling head is elected instead of strictly inheriting power. The manner of election, the nature of candidate qualifications, and the electors vary from cas
The Republic at the Zenith of Its Power. Golden Liberty. The Royal Election of 1573, by Jan Matejko
Sigismund II Augustus
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Sigismund II Augustus was King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, the son of Sigismund I the Old, whom Sigismund II succeeded in 1548. He was the first ruler of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth
Portrait by Lucas Cranach the Younger, 1553
A 1568 Lithuanian coin of Sigismund II Augustus with the coat of arms of Lithuania, Gediminas's Cap, and Columns of Gediminas
Child armour of Sigismund II Augustus, commissioned by his father-in-law Emperor Ferdinand I.
Posthumous painting of Queen Elizabeth of Austria, by Lucas Cranach the Younger.