Jadwiga

Jadwiga, later Queen of Poland, was born to King Louis I of Hungary and his second wife, Elizabeth of Bosnia.

At the age of three, Jadwiga was betrothed to William, Duke of Austria, as part of a political alliance.

Jadwiga's father, King Louis I, died, leaving the thrones of Poland and Hungary to his daughters, Jadwiga and Mary.

Jadwiga was elected Queen of Poland by the Polish nobility, becoming the first female monarch of Poland.

Jadwiga agreed to the Union of Krewo, which led to her marriage to Władysław II Jagiełło, Grand Duke of Lithuania, to unite Poland and Lithuania.

Jadwiga married Władysław II Jagiełło, who was baptized and converted to Christianity, solidifying the union between Poland and Lithuania.

Władysław II Jagiełło was crowned King of Poland, alongside Jadwiga, solidifying his rule and the union of the two states.

Jadwiga and Władysław II Jagiełło annexed Red Ruthenia (Galicia-Volhynia) to the Polish crown, expanding the kingdom's territory.

Jadwiga founded the Kraków Academy, which later became the Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in Europe.

Jadwiga continued her patronage of the arts and education, commissioning numerous works and supporting the cultural development of Poland.

Jadwiga traveled to Hungary to mediate a dispute between her sister, Queen Mary, and their cousin, King Sigismund.

Jadwiga was known for her piety and generosity, founding numerous religious houses and providing support for the poor and sick.

Jadwiga began to suffer from poor health, which would eventually lead to her premature death.

Jadwiga died at Wawel Castle in Kraków, mourned by her people and remembered for her wisdom and benevolence.