Richeza of Poland, Queen of Castile facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richeza of Poland
Coat of arms of Richeza of Poland, queen consort of León
Queen consort of León, Castile, and Galica
Tenure	1152–1157
Born	c. 1140
Died	16 June 1185 (aged 44–45)
Spouse	Alfonso VII of León and Castile Ramon Berenguer II, Count of Provence Albert III, Count of Eberstein
Issue	Sancha of Castile, Queen of Aragon Douce II, Countess of Provence Albert IV, Count of Everstein Konrad II, Count of Everstein
House	Silesian Piasts
Father	Władysław II the Exile
Mother	Agnes of Babenberg

Richeza of Poland (born around 1140 – died June 16, 1185) was a noblewoman from Poland. She belonged to the House of Piast, a very old Polish royal family.

Through her marriages, Richeza became a queen in Spain. She was Queen of Galicia, León, and Castile. Later, she also became a Countess in France and Germany.

Richeza was the only daughter of Władysław II the Exile. He was a powerful duke who ruled parts of Poland. Her mother was Agnes of Babenberg, an Austrian princess.

Richeza's Life Story

Becoming Queen in Spain

Richeza was born in Poland. In 1146, when she was young, her family had to leave their home. They went to live in other countries like Bohemia and Germany. This happened because her father lost his power in Poland.

In 1151, a king from Spain, Alfonso VII of León and Castile, wanted to make an alliance. He decided to marry Richeza to strengthen ties with Germany. Richeza was a good choice because she was related to the German king.

Richeza and King Alfonso VII got married in late 1152. She gave birth to a son, Ferdinand, in 1153. Two years later, in 1155, her daughter Sancha was born.

King Alfonso VII died suddenly in 1157 during a war. Richeza's young son, Ferdinand, also passed away around that time.

Countess of Provence

After King Alfonso VII died, his kingdom was split between his two sons from his first marriage. Richeza's relationship with her stepsons was not good. One of them, King Sancho III, even started a war.

This made things difficult for Richeza. She decided to move to the Kingdom of Aragon in 1159. There, she met Ramon Berenguer II, Count of Provence. He was a powerful count from France.

Richeza and Ramon Berenguer II fell in love. Their marriage was also important for political reasons. It helped Ramon Berenguer II gain more power and support.

They got married between January and October 1161. They had one daughter together, Douce of Provence, born around 1162. Sadly, Ramon Berenguer II was killed in 1166 during a battle.

After her second husband's death, there were plans for Richeza to marry again. She was thought to be engaged to Raymond V, Count of Toulouse. This was arranged by her cousin, the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

However, the King of Aragon, Alfonso II of Aragon, strongly opposed this marriage. He was Richeza's future son-in-law. Because of his opposition, the marriage plans were cancelled.

Countess of Eberstein

Around 1167, Richeza married her third husband. He was Count Albert III from Germany. She moved to Germany to live with him.

Richeza and Albert III had two sons. Their names were Albert IV and Konrad II.

Not much is known about Richeza's life after this. She passed away in 1185.

Images for kids

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  Coat of arms of Richeza of Poland, queen consort of León

See also

In Spanish: Riquilda de Polonia para niños