Elizabeth of Poland, Queen of Hungary facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elizabeth of Poland |
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Alleged representation of Queen Elizabeth on the keystone in Hetmańska House in Kraków
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| Queen consort of Hungary | |
| Tenure | 1320–1342 |
| Born | 1305 |
| Died | 29 December 1380 (aged 74–75) |
| Spouse | Charles I of Hungary |
| Issue | Louis I of Hungary and Poland Andrew, Duke of Calabria Stephen, Duke of Slavonia Charles of Hungary Ladislaus of Hungary |
| House | Piast |
| Father | Władysław I the Elbow-high |
| Mother | Jadwiga of Greater Poland |
Elizabeth of Poland (born in 1305 – died on December 29, 1380) was a very important queen. She became the Queen of Hungary when she married Charles I of Hungary. Later, she also served as the regent of Poland from 1370 to 1376. She was regent while her son, Louis I, was king.
Contents
Life of Queen Elizabeth
Her Early Life and Family
Elizabeth was born into the Piast family, which was the royal family of Poland. Her father was Władysław I the Elbow-high, who was a prince and later became the King of Poland. Her mother was Jadwiga of Greater Poland. Elizabeth had a brother named Casimir III of Poland, who became King of Poland after their father. She also had an older sister, Cunigunde.
Becoming Queen of Hungary
On July 6, 1320, Elizabeth married Charles I Robert, who was the King of Hungary. Elizabeth was his fourth wife. This marriage was very important because it created a strong alliance, or friendship, between Poland and Hungary.
Charles I Robert had been married before. It is believed his earlier marriages did not result in sons who lived. Some historians think his first wife had two daughters, Catherine and Elizabeth. However, others believe these two girls were actually daughters of Queen Elizabeth.
While living in Hungary, Queen Elizabeth is often given credit for bringing perfume to Europe. This special perfume was known as Hungary Water.
As a Queen Mother
After her husband, King Charles Robert, passed away, Elizabeth wanted to arrange a good marriage for her oldest son, Louis. She arranged for him to marry Margaret of Bohemia. Margaret was the daughter of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor. Louis and Margaret married in 1342. Sadly, Margaret died seven years later at age fourteen, and they had no children. So, Queen Elizabeth needed her son to marry again to have an heir, someone to take the throne after him.
Many members of Elizabeth's Polish family were popular in Hungary. Some even lived at Louis's royal court. Elizabeth had a lot of influence, more than most queens. Years before, her cousin, Elizabeth of Kuyavia, had married Stephen II, Ban of Bosnia. Stephen II of Bosnia had a young daughter also named Elizabeth. When the Hungarian Queen Elizabeth heard about her, she insisted that the young Elizabeth of Bosnia come to the Hungarian court to be raised. Stephen was hesitant at first, but he eventually sent his daughter. Three years later, Queen Elizabeth invited Stephen to Hungary. She then arranged for Louis to marry Stephen's daughter, Elizabeth of Bosnia.
Queen Elizabeth was also in line to inherit the Polish throne after her brother Casimir. This was because their sister, Cunigunde, had died. Her claim to the throne then passed to her son Louis. King Casimir had married four times, but he never had any sons who lived. So, he decided that Louis would inherit the crown of Poland. This meant that Hungary and Poland would be united under one king.
Elizabeth's second son who lived was Andrew. He married Joan I of Naples. Andrew wanted to be made king of Naples and rule alongside his wife. However, Joan did not agree. Pope Clement VI agreed with Joan that she should be crowned alone. Andrew became worried for his safety. He wrote to his mother, saying he might have to leave the kingdom soon.
Queen Elizabeth quickly visited Naples. Before she returned to Hungary, she convinced the Pope to change his mind. He then agreed to allow Andrew to be crowned king. She also gave her son a special ring. She believed this ring would protect him from harm. Feeling safer, she returned to Hungary. Sadly, the ring did not protect him, and Andrew's life ended tragically soon after.
Serving as Regent
Between 1370 and 1375, King Louis was away from Poland. Elizabeth was made regent, which meant she ruled Poland in his place. This also conveniently kept her away from Louis's court in Hungary. The people of Poland did not like paying taxes. They also often argued among themselves and with the royal court, especially with Queen Elizabeth, who was very strong-willed.
Her time as regent was not successful, even though she was Polish herself. In 1376, the Poles attacked and killed 160 of her Hungarian bodyguards. Elizabeth quickly escaped to Hungary to avoid being harmed herself. Louis later made peace with the Polish rebels. He strengthened his own power, partly at his mother's expense.
Her Final Years and Death
After her time as regent and her return to Hungary, Elizabeth spent her last years in a monastery. This monastery was located outside of Buda. There, she wrote her will. In her will, she stated that she wished to be buried in the monastery of the Order of Saint Clare in Old Buda.
Elizabeth also left money and possessions to her family. She gave her son Louis several golden vessels. To her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth of Bosnia, she left Buda Castle. Her granddaughter, Mary, received a gold wreath. Another granddaughter, Jadwiga, received a wreath of lilies. Her niece, Hedwig, received a ring. She also left money to several churches.
Children of Elizabeth
- Charles (born 1321)
- Ladislaus (born 1324 – died 1329)
- Louis I of Hungary (born 1326 – died 1382)
- Andrew, Duke of Calabria (born 1327 – died 1345)
- Stephen, Duke of Slavonia (born 1332 – died 1354)
- Catherine (died 1355)
- Elizabeth (died 1367), who married Boleslaw Opolski. She might have been a daughter of Elizabeth of Poland.
Queen Elizabeth's Legacy
Queen Elizabeth was known for being a great patron of the arts. This means she supported artists and helped fund many beautiful creations. She also founded many shrines and filled them with wonderful treasures.
One amazing example of her support is a silver Reliquary Shrine with Virgin and Child. It was made around 1350 and is now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This shrine was likely made for the convent of the Poor Clares in Buda, which Queen Elizabeth herself founded in 1334. Another treasure is a silver reliquary of Saint Nicholas, shaped like a Gothic church, from 1344. It is now in the Museo Nicolaiano in Bari. Elizabeth also inspired the creation of the Hungarian Chapel in Aachen and helped pay for some of its treasures.
Images for kids
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Elisabeth's marriage to Charles Robert of Hungary
See also
In Spanish: Isabel Piast de Hungría para niños
