Sigismund of Luxemburg

Quick Facts: Who was Sigismund of Luxemburg?

Subject:

Sigismund of Luxemburg

Known for:

Holy Roman Emperor and King of Hungary, a pivotal figure in late medieval European history.

Born:

1368-02-14

Died:

1437-12-09

Century / Era:

1368s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Sigismund of Luxembourg (15 February 1368 – 9 December 1437) was Holy Roman Emperor from 1433 until his death in 1437. As the husband of Mary, Queen of Hungary, he was King of Hungary and Croatia (jure uxoris) from 1387. He was elected King of Germany (King of the Romans) in 1410, and was also King of Bohemia from 1419, as well as prince-elector of Brandenburg (1378–88 and 1411–15). He was the last male member of the House of Luxembourg.

Career & Major Achievements

Sigismund was the son of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and his fourth wife Elizabeth of Pomerania. He married Mary, Queen of Hungary in 1385 and was crowned King of Hungary soon after. He fought to restore and maintain authority to the throne. Mary died in 1395, leaving Sigismund the sole ruler of Hungary.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1396, Sigismund led the Crusade of Nicopolis but was decisively defeated by the Ottoman Empire. Afterwards, he founded the Order of the Dragon to fight the Turks and secured the thrones of Croatia, Germany and Bohemia. To enforce his authority against domestic resistance during his 1403 offensive against Bohemian loyalists supporting King Wenceslaus IV, Sigismund deployed foreign mercenary forces, including Cumans.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1368 (1368-02-14): Birth of Sigismund of Luxemburg — Holy Roman Emperor and King of Hungary, a pivotal figure in late medieval European history.
2. 1385: 1385 Milestone — He married Mary, Queen of Hungary in 1385 and was crowned King of Hungary soon after.
3. 1387: 1387 Milestone — As the husband of Mary, Queen of Hungary, he was King of Hungary and Croatia (jure uxoris) from 1387.
4. 1395: 1395 Milestone — Mary died in 1395, leaving Sigismund the sole ruler of Hungary.
5. 1396: 1396 Milestone — In 1396, Sigismund led the Crusade of Nicopolis but was decisively defeated by the Ottoman Empire.
6. 1403: 1403 Milestone — To enforce his authority against domestic resistance during his 1403 offensive against Bohemian loyalists supporting King Wenceslaus IV, Sigismund deployed foreign mercenary forces, including Cumans.
7. 1410: 1410 Milestone — He was elected King of Germany (King of the Romans) in 1410, and was also King of Bohemia from 1419, as well as prince-elector of Brandenburg (1378–88 and 1411–15).
8. 1437 (1437-12-09): Passing & Historical Legacy — Sigismund of Luxemburg passed away on 1437-12-09, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Sigismund of Luxemburg

“I will fight until the last breath.” (1396)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Sigismund of Luxemburg

True or False: “Sigismund of Luxembourg was able to secure the title of Holy Roman Emperor after his defeat at the Crusade of Nicopolis.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the defeat at Nicopolis was a major setback, his subsequent actions, including founding the Order of the Dragon and consolidating power through multiple marriages and elections, eventually led to his recognition as Holy Roman Emperor in 1433.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Charles VI of France — Contemporary (Born in 1368) (1368): King of France, known for his reign from 1380 to 1422, plagued by mental illness.
• Emperor Go-Murakami — Contemporary (Died in 1368) (1368): 97th Emperor of Japan, reigning during the turbulent Nanboku-chō period.
• Guy de Chauliac — Contemporary (Died in 1368) (1368): Influential French physician and surgeon, author of Chirurgia magna.
• Isaac Abarbanel — Contemporary (Born in 1437) (1437): Portuguese Jewish statesman, philosopher, and renowned Bible commentator.
• James I of Scotland — Contemporary (Died in 1437) (1437): King of Scots from 1406 to 1437, navigating political turmoil and captivity.
• Pero Vaz de Caminha — Contemporary (Born in 1437) (1437): Portuguese knight famous for documenting the discovery of Brazil for Portugal.
• Abdul Qadir Gilani — Shared historical date (02-14 · Died) (1166): Founding figure of the Qadiriyya Sufi order, renowned mystic and jurist.
• Alan Parker — Shared historical date (02-14 · Born) (1944): Acclaimed English filmmaker known for genre versatility and numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
• Al-Biruni — Shared historical date (12-09 · Died) (1048): Khwarazmian polymath, pioneering in science, history, and comparative religion.
• Alexandros Papagos — Shared historical date (12-09 · Born) (1883): Greek military leader and politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece (1952-1955).
• 1368 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1368
• February 14 (02-14) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 14
• 1437 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1437
• December 9 (12-09) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 9

Frequently Asked Questions about Sigismund of Luxemburg