Helena Thopia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Helena Thopia |
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|---|---|
| Lady of Krujë (First reign) | |
| Reign | 1388 - 1392 (First reign) |
| Predecessor | Karl Thopia |
| Successor | Niketa Thopia |
| Lady of Krujë (Second reign, with Konstantin Balšić, Ottoman vassal) | |
| Reign | 1394 - 1402 |
| Predecessor | Niketa Thopia |
| Successor | Herself |
| Lady of Krujë (Second reign, Ottoman vassal) | |
| Reign | 1402 - 1403 |
| Predecessor | Herself |
| Successor | Niketa Thopia |
| Spouse(s) | Marco Barbarigo (1st), Konstantin Balšić (2nd) |
| Issue | Stefan Maramonte |
| House | Thopia family |
| Father | Karl Thopia |
| Mother | Voisava Balsha |
Helena Thopia was an important Albanian princess who lived from about 1388 to 1403. She was a member of the powerful Thopia family. Helena was a ruler in her own right, controlling the Krujë region. She ruled this area twice: first from 1388 to 1392, and then again from 1394 to 1403.
Contents
Helena's Early Life and First Rule
Princess Helena Thopia was the oldest daughter of Karl Thopia, a very important Albanian prince. Her mother was Voisava Balsha. Helena's first marriage was to Marco Barbarigo, a nobleman from Venice.
When her father, Karl Thopia, passed away in 1388, Helena became the ruler of Krujë. She inherited the castle and the lands around it. However, her rule didn't last long at first.
Challenges to Her Rule
In 1392, there were problems between her husband, Marco, and the Venetian forces. Because of these conflicts, Helena's half-brother, Niketa Thopia, attacked Krujë. Niketa was loyal to Venice. Helena and Marco were forced to leave Krujë and found safety with the Balšić family.
Second Reign and Later Life
Helena returned to power in 1394. This happened when Konstantin Balšić married her. Konstantin was appointed by the Ottomans to govern Krujë. He ruled as a vassal, meaning he was under the control of the Ottoman Empire.
Konstantin Balšić was killed in 1402. After his death, Helena continued to rule Krujë for a short time. But in 1403, her half-brother Niketa Thopia once again captured the castle from her.
Life After Krujë
After losing Krujë for the second time, Helena and her son, Stefan Maramonte, first went to Venice. Later, they lived with Helena's sister, Maria.
Family and Children
Helena Thopia was married twice. Her first husband was Marco Barbarigo. Later, in 1394, she married Konstantin Balšić. Helena had one son with Konstantin, named Stefan Maramonte.
