John III Sobieski is considered by historians to be a hero and an excellent ruler. During his lifetime, he managed to achieve much, but unfortunately his final years were extraordinarily difficult and painful. He struggled with many illnesses that slowly destroyed his body. These ailments prevented him from sleeping and functioning normally during the day. Only the long-awaited death brought relief.
Forced „Retirement”
The king needed significantly more rest and peace toward the end of his life. His political career had to take a back seat when he began to feel increasingly unwell. In 1677, he purchased the Wilanów estates and settled there permanently. He loved nature and spent much time in the gardens. This gave him relief and respite. He also appreciated the baroque palaces, which had become his home.
Those close to John III Sobieski knew that death would come soon. The king was already an elderly man, had been through much in his life, and was battling numerous illnesses. His correspondence with his wife, as well as diaries, reveal shocking facts.
John had been ill for many years, but the most serious ailment was likely syphilis. Historians claim that he may have contracted it from Marie Casimire.
Distressing Ailments
We know that the king complained to his wife about numerous health problems. The most troublesome were severe headaches and recurring rashes.
Today we know that these were early symptoms of syphilis. His condition constantly deteriorated, and by 1693 it was so poor that he resigned from participating in the Sejm. He was then 64 years old. At the turn of 1695 and 1696, no one had any doubt that the end was near.
With the arrival of spring in 1696, John’s condition deteriorated dramatically. He had enormous, hard tumors on his legs and abdomen. Walking was true torment for the king, so initially he walked with crutches, and later he no longer even got up from his chair. He had intensifying attacks of coughing and shortness of breath, which made sleep impossible.
Unfortunately, medicine of that era was far less developed than today. The only available remedy for his ailments was a mercury preparation. It was used very frequently, but it led to poisoning of the body with toxic mercury. Additionally, this had a very negative effect on kidney problems.
These were not all of the king’s illnesses. He also struggled with cardiovascular failure.
The Final Moments of Life
The king spent the last day of his life in his home, in the Wilanów garden. It was June 17, 1696. He admired the beauty of nature in a specially constructed chair that enabled him to be carried to various places. He ate a meal, delighting in the view of spring flowers.
Unfortunately, he quickly realized that he had stopped smelling scents. This was the first alarming symptom.
John was carried into the house. He heard mass and had time for prayer, but did not manage to confess. He was still able to speak with his wife, the bishop, and the French envoy. In the late afternoon, he suffered an apoplectic attack and fell to the ground. He was unable to get up and suffered greatly. A priest administered the last rites to the king, and his sons, along with Marysieńka, kept vigil nearby.
Doctors clumsily tried to help John, who still lay on the ground. They did not lift him for fear of worsening the situation. A momentary improvement in the king’s condition allowed him to be moved to bed.
Unfortunately, this state did not last very long. John had another attack, which proved fatal. A terrifying scream spread throughout the estate. The king died in his home, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Selected Bibliography
- Wójcik Z., Jan III Sobieski, Warsaw 1991.
- Podhorodecki L., Sobiescy herbu Janina, Warsaw 1984.
