Sophia of Lithuania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sophia of Lithuania |
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| Grand Princess of Moscow | |
Vasily I of Moscow and Sophia of Lithuania
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| Born | 1371 |
| Died | 1453 (aged 81–82) |
| Burial | Cathedral of the Archangel Ascension Convent (until 1929) |
| Spouse | Vasily I |
| Issue More… |
Anna, Byzantine Empress Vasily II of Moscow |
| House | Kęstutis |
| Father | Vytautas |
| Mother | Anna |
| Religion | Russian Orthodox prev. Roman Catholic |
Sophia of Lithuania (born 1371, died 1453) was a very important woman in Russian history. She was also known as Sofia Vitovtovna. Sophia became the Grand Princess of Muscovy when she married Vasily I. Later, she ruled Muscovy as a regent for her young son from 1425 to 1434. A regent is someone who governs a country when the king or queen is too young or unable to rule.
Contents
Sophia's Life Story
Sophia was the only daughter of Vytautas the Great of Lithuania. Her mother was Anna.
Marriage and Family
On January 21, 1391, Sophia married Vasily I of Russia. Her father was busy with a civil war in Lithuania at the time. Sophia was the longest-serving Grand Princess of Russia.
Becoming a Regent
After Vasily I died in 1425, Sophia became the regent. Her son, Vasily II, was only ten years old. This meant Sophia ruled Muscovy for him.
Sophia's father, Vytautas, supported his grandson Vasily's right to the throne. However, Vasily's uncle, Yuri of Zvenigorod, also wanted to be the ruler. This caused a big disagreement over who should be the next Grand Prince. Sophia continued to rule until 1434.
Where She Was Buried
Sophia was first buried in the Ascension Convent. In 1929, her sarcophagus (a stone coffin) was moved. It was moved by Soviet authorities to the Cathedral of the Archangel.
Sophia's Children
Sophia and Vasily I had at least nine children. They had five boys and four girls. Only one of their sons lived to be an adult.
- Anna of Moscow (1393 – August 1417): She married John VIII Palaiologos, who became a Byzantine Emperor. Anna died from a serious illness.
- Yury Vasilievich (March 30, 1395 – November 30, 1400)
- Ivan Vasilievich (January 15, 1396 or 1397 – July 20, 1417): He died from a serious illness while traveling. This happened just six months after he got married.
- Anastasia Vasilievna (died 1470): She married Vladymir Alexander, who was a Prince of Kiev.
- Daniil Vasilievich (December 6, 1400 – May 1402): He died from a serious illness.
- Vasilisa Vasilievna: She married two different princes of Suzdal.
- Simeon Vasilievich (January 13 – April 7, 1405): He also died from a serious illness.
- Maria Vasilievna: She married Yuri Patrikievich.
- Vasily II of Moscow (March 10, 1415 – March 27, 1462): He became the next Grand Prince of Moscow.
See also
In Spanish: Sofía de Lituania para niños
