Zamoyski, Jan

Zamoyski, Jan, b 19 March 1542 in Skokówka near Zamość, d 3 June 1605 in Zamość, Poland. Polish magnate and statesman; father of Tomasz Zamoyski. He was a major force in Polish politics, a close adviser to King Sigismund II Augustus and Stephen Báthory, and, later, a strong opponent of Sigismund III Vasa. He was named crown chancellor in 1578 and head of the army in 1581. He established an academy in Zamość in 1595 (see Zamostia Academy).

[This article originally appeared in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, vol. 5 (1993).]