Maximilian III

Maximilian III, Archduke of Further of Austria, also known as Maximilian der Deutschmeister (born October 12, 1558 in Wiener Neustadt; died November 2, 1618 in Vienna) was the third son of Emperor Maximilian II.

He was the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order (de: Grossmeister), and administrator of the province of Prussia.

In 1587, he was a candidate for the monarch of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, following the death of previous Polish king, Stefan Batory. But Sigismund Vasa, prince of Sweden, grandson of Sigismund I of Poland, disputed him and Maximilian wanted to become king by war. He was defeated at the Battle of Byczyna by the supporters of Sigismund. He was taken captive and released only after intervention by Pope Sixtus V.

From 1593 to 1595 he was regent for his young cousin, Ferdinand, Archduke of Inner Austria. Subsequently in 1595 he succeeded their uncle Ferdinand II, Archduke of Further Austria in his territories, including Tirol.