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Janusz ZbaraskiPrince, Lithuanian military leader and diplomat, Bratslav voivode
Country:
 Poland |
Content:
- Prince Konstantin Zbaraski: A Lithuanian Warrior and Diplomat
- Early Life and Military Exploits
- Siege of Pskov and Diplomatic Missions
- Loyalist and Family Life
Prince Konstantin Zbaraski: A Lithuanian Warrior and Diplomat
Prince Konstantin Zbaraski, a prominent Lithuanian military commander and diplomat, served as the Voivode of Braclaw from 1576 to 1608. He also held the titles of Starosta (Administrator) of Kremenetz (1574-1608) and Pinsk (1581-1590). Zbaraski adhered to the Protestant (Calvinist) faith.
Early Life and Military Exploits
Konstantin Zbaraski was born to Prince Nikolai Andreyevich Zbaraski, Starosta of Kremenetz, and his first wife, a princess of the Kozychanka family. In 1575, he achieved his first military victory by defeating the Tatars near Zbarazh. He continued his military success with victories over the Tatars near Braclaw in 1578, participated in the siege of Polotsk, and captured a Russian detachment near Sokol. During the campaign at Velikiye Luki, Zbaraski commanded the rearguard and defeated the Russian forces led by Prince Vasily Khilkov near Toropets.
Siege of Pskov and Diplomatic Missions
In 1581, Zbaraski played a significant role in the siege of Pskov, serving as the camp quartermaster. After the war, he embarked on a diplomatic mission with Albert Radziwill and Mikhail Garaburda to negotiate a peace treaty. Under King Sigismund III Vasa, Zbaraski fought against the Tatars and engaged in negotiations with the papal envoy Gaetano in 1596 to establish a league against the Turks.
Loyalist and Family Life
Throughout his career, Zbaraski remained a staunch supporter of the royal authority. He stood by the king during the Zebrzydowski Rebellion. Zbaraski was married to Princess Anna Matveevna Czartoryska, daughter of Prince Matvei Vasilyevich Czartoryski, and had two sons: Jerzy Zbaraski, who became the Castellan of Krakow, and Krzysztof Zbaraski, who served as the Grand Crown Stable Master.
