John III of Oświęcim (in Polish Jan III Oświęcimski), of the Piasts dynasty, was born around 1366 and died in 1405. He was Duke of Oświęcim from 1375/6 to 1405.
John III is the only son of the Duke of Oświęcim John II and Hedwig, daughter of the Duke of Brzeg Louis I.
In the beginning, John III begins a religious career like his grandfather Jean I Scolastique. Witness a document of 1379 in which John III is called the Scolastic of Krakow. It was probably because he was destined to return to the orders that his father appointed in 1372 the Duke of Cieszyn Przemyslaw I as successor. Yet when his father dies, John III succeeds him. No historical document has reached us explaining the reasons that finally led John III to the throne. A document dated 25 November 1377 and ratified by the Duke of Cieszyn confirms that John III became Duke of Oświęcim.
During the first years of his reign, John III was supported by his cousin Przemyslaw I. In 1394, John III married Hedwig, the sister of the Polish king Ladislas II Jagellon. This marriage will improve relations between Poland and the Duke of Opole Ladislas. In 1397, John III and other Silesian dukes and the Bishop of Wrocław signed a collaboration agreement with the King of Poland to fight the gangs of looters. In 1399, John III tried to appease the anger of Ladislaus II Jagellon against the bishop and Duke of Opole Jean Kropidło.
In terms of domestic politics, John III promotes the development of cities and the Church.
John III of Oświęcim dies in 1405. Having no heir, his duchy passes into the hands of the Piasts of Cieszyn. John III is buried in the monastery of the Oświęcim Dominicans. Sourcemode the code
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