Elena of Gallura facts for kids

Elena (born around 1190, died 1218) was an important ruler in Sardinia. She was the daughter of Barisone II of Gallura and took over his rule after he died. Elena was named after her mother, Odolina. She was the very first queen to rule in Sardinia. Elena governed the area known as Gallura from her father's death until her own. However, her husband became more powerful than her after 1207.

Becoming Queen of Gallura

When Elena's father, Barisone, passed away in 1202 or 1203, he left Elena and her kingdom, Gallura, under the care of Pope Innocent III. The Pope was a very powerful leader at the time. He wrote a letter to Biagio, Archbishop of Torres, asking him to help make sure Elena became queen smoothly. This also meant arranging a good marriage for young Elena.

Pope Innocent III's Concerns

The Pope was worried that other powerful rulers in Sardinia might try to interfere. These rulers included William I of Cagliari, Comita III of Logudoro, and Hugh I and Peter I of Arborea. To stop them, Pope Innocent III sent another letter. He told these rulers to respect Archbishop Biagio's decisions about Elena's future.

On September 15, 1203, the Pope warned William of Cagliari. He asked William to stop a relative, William Malaspina, from trying to marry Elena. He also told William to make sure this relative left Gallura. The Pope wanted to protect Elena from making a bad marriage choice. He especially wanted to protect her from Ittocorre de Gunale, who was thought to be her grandfather. Ittocorre was a relative of Comita of Logudoro. Both William and Comita were told again to follow Archbishop Biagio's advice. The Pope wanted Elena to marry someone who would not cause problems for any of the other rulers.

Papal Guidance for Elena

In July 1204, Pope Innocent III wrote to Elena herself. He praised her for listening to his advice. He also told her mother, the Archbishop of Cagliari, and the people of Gallura to follow Biagio's decisions. The bishop of Cività, which was the main city of Gallura, was sent to Rome. He went to get more instructions from the Pope about who Elena should marry. William of Cagliari tried again to remove another suitor, an unnamed nobleman.

Elena's Marriage Choice

On May 11, 1206, Elena was told that she would marry Trasimondo. He was a cousin of the Pope himself. In August, the Pope sent letters to church leaders in Sardinia. He ordered them to go ahead with this marriage.

However, Elena had other plans. She refused to marry Trasimondo. Instead, she chose to marry a man from Pisa named Lamberto Visconti di Eldizio. This was a big decision, as it went against the Pope's wishes.

Later Life and Legacy

Elena passed away around 1218. At the time of her death, her husband, Lamberto, was planning to marry Benedetta of Cagliari. Elena's son, Ubaldo II Visconti, later became the ruler of Gallura. Elena is remembered as the first queen to rule in Sardinia.