Johannes Dantiscus or Johann(es) von Hoefen or (Johann(es)Flachsbinder) also known as Jan Dantyszek was born in Gdańsk (Danzig) in 1485. Von Hoefen was the family name and Flachsbinder an occupation. Johannes took on the nickname Dantiscus in order to show that he was a burgher of Gdansk (Latin: Dantiscum). His father was a Gdansk brewer and merchant and his grandfather a ropemaker, therefore Flachsbinder. He finished his elementary studies at a parish school in Grudziądz, and studied first in Greifswald, then in Kraków where he was awarded a bachelor’s degree. During his studies he became associated with the royal court of John I Olbracht and took part in military expeditions against the Turks and the Moldavians. For over 30 years he was a royal diplomat and the royal secretary. Dantiscus, at king's Sigismund I of Poland side, took part in the imperial convention of Vienna in 1515.

Johannes became a church canon and a poet. He became bishop of Chelmno and later Bishop of Warmia. He wrote many poems in Latin. Among his many works is the "Life of Johannes Dantiscus" (Vita Joannis de Curiis Dantisci). He died in 1548 at Frombork in Warmia.

Dantiscus belongs to the circle of the most outstanding poets.

There are thousands of his letters, many in Latin and in several different languages, still in existence (see Ext.Link below). Some are to relatives, also named Flachsbinders.

See also

Bishops of Warmia

External link

• Works in Latin
• http://www.obta.uw.edu.pl/obta/eng_ver/index_eng.html