The Polish-Swedish War (1600–1611) followed the Livonian War and was part of the continuing struggle between Sweden and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth for control of Estonia and Livonia. After Sweden had gained northern Estonia during the Livonian War, tensions remained high, particularly as Sigismund III of Poland sought to reclaim the Swedish throne he had lost to his uncle, Charles IX of Sweden. This personal conflict extended into a larger war for control over the Baltic region.
Initially, Sweden made significant gains, capturing much of Livonia and strengthening its hold over Estonia, while Polish forces underestimated the Swedish threat. However, the tide turned when Jan Karol Chodkiewicz, a brilliant Polish-Lithuanian commander, took charge. Chodkiewicz led successful campaigns, reclaiming key strongholds like Koknese and Dorpat (Tartu) and winning decisive victories, including the Battle of Kircholm in 1605, where his smaller force defeated a much larger Swedish army.
Despite Chodkiewicz’s victories, the war was not fully resolved due to internal strife within the Commonwealth, including the Zebrzydowski Rebellion. The war ultimately ended in a truce in 1611 following the death of Charles IX. While Sweden retained its control over Estonia, the war highlighted the ongoing struggle between regional powers for dominance over the Baltic territories. The truce temporarily halted open hostilities, but the rivalry over Estonia and Livonia would continue in the following decades.