Helen of Zadar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Helen of Zadar |
|
|---|---|
Bust of queen Helen by sculptor Ivan Mirković, made for thousandth anniversary of her death.
|
|
| Regent of Croatia | |
| Tenure | 969–976 |
| Queen consort of Croatia | |
| Tenure | 949–969 |
| Coronation | 949 |
| Born | Zadar |
| Died | 8 October 976 |
| Burial | Church of St. Mary, Solin |
| Spouse | Michael Krešimir II |
| House | Trpimirović (by marriage) Madi (by birth) |
Helen of Zadar (also known as Helen the Glorious) was a powerful queen in the early history of Croatia. She was the wife of King Michael Krešimir II. This meant she was the queen consort from 946 to 969. During her time as queen, Croatia experienced a time of peace and growth. After her husband died in 969, their son Stephen Držislav of Croatia was too young to rule. So, Helen became the regent of Croatia. This meant she ruled the country for her son until her death in 976.
Life of Queen Helen
Helen is believed to have come from an important old family called the House of Madi from Zadar. She married Michael Krešimir II and became queen in 949.
When her husband died in 969, she became the queen dowager. This title is given to the widow of a king. Because her son was still a child, she also became the regent. As regent, she ruled Croatia until her own death.
Helen's Time as Regent
Queen Helen was known for building churches in Solin. She built the churches of St Stephen and St. Mary. The front part of the St Stephen church later became a special burial place for Croatian kings. This area is still preserved today.
People also knew Helen as "Mother of the Kingdom." She was seen as a protector of children who had lost their parents and women who had lost their husbands. Helen helped bring together different groups of people in the kingdom. This prepared the way for her son, Stephen Držislav, to take control of the Dalmatian region.
Helen's Epitaph
Helen died on October 8, 976. She was buried next to her husband in St. Mary's Church. A special message carved on her tomb, called an epitaph, was found by scientists.
This epitaph helped us learn more about the family history of early Croatian rulers. It also showed that rulers before her son, Stephen Držislav, were already called kings. The epitaph was found by Don Frane Bulić on August 28, 1898.
Here is what the epitaph says: "In this grave rests Helen the Glorious, wife of King Michael, mother of King Stephen. She ruled and brought peace to the Kingdom. On the 8th day of October 976 from the birth of Our Lord, she was buried here. During her life as Queen, she was also a mother to orphans and a protector of widows. May those who look here say: God have mercy upon her soul."
See also
In Spanish: Helena de Zadar para niños
