10/17/1696 AD born
Augustus was the only legitimate son of Augustus II the Strong, Prince-Elector of Saxony and ruler of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth who belonged to the Albertine line of the House of Wettin.
His mother was Christiane Eberhardine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth, daughter of Christian Ernst, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth. Unlike his father, Christiane remained a fervent Protestant throughout her life and never set foot in Catholic Poland during her 30-year service as queen consort.
Despite the pressure from Augustus II, she was never crowned at Wawel in Kraków and purely held a titular title of queen. This move was viewed by the Polish nobility as a provocation and from the beginning the prince was treated with prejudice in Poland.
From his early years, Augustus was groomed to succeed as king of Poland-Lithuania; best tutors were hired from across the continent and the prince studied Polish, German, French and Latin.
He was taught Russian, but was unable to speak it fluently, as well as exact sciences including mathematics, chemistry and geography.
He also practiced equestrianism in his youth.
While his father spent time in Poland, the young Augustus was left in the care of his grandmother, Princess Anna Sophie of Denmark, who initially raised him Lutheran.
This was particularly unfavorable for the Poles, who wouldn't accept or tolerate a Protestant monarch.
Subjects Who or What born?
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Augustus III of Poland (the Saxon, as Frederick Augustus II) King of Poland, Gr...
Events in 1696 MORE
