Viola, Duchess of Opole facts for kids

Viola, Duchess of Opole, also known as Veleslava (Bulgarian: Венцислава) or Polish: Wencisława-Wiola, was an important noblewoman who lived a long time ago. She became the Duchess of Opole and Racibórz by marrying Casimir I. She passed away on September 7, 1251.

Viola's Life

Where Did Viola Come From?

Historians, who are like history detectives, aren't completely sure where Viola was born or who her parents were. It's a bit of a mystery!

One old writer, Jan Długosz, thought she came from Bulgaria. Some people even thought she might be the daughter of a Bulgarian ruler like Kaloyan of Bulgaria or Boril.

Another idea was that she might have been a daughter of King Béla III of Hungary or his son, Emeric. However, today, most historians agree that we simply don't know for sure where Viola came from. Her early life remains a secret!

Her Marriage to Casimir I

Viola married Casimir I, who was the Duke of Opole and Racibórz. This important event happened sometime between the years 1212 and 1216.

Some historians believe her marriage to Casimir I might have been arranged by King Andrew II of Hungary. King Andrew was known for arranging marriages for his family and friends when he traveled. It's thought that Viola, possibly a relative of the Bulgarian ruler, might have met Casimir I through King Andrew.

Another idea is that Casimir I met a Hungarian knight during a big journey called the Fifth Crusade. This knight was a relative of the Hungarian King. This might mean that Viola and Casimir I were married even before he left for the crusade, around 1217.

Becoming a Widow and Regent

Casimir I, Viola's husband, died on May 13, 1230. In his will, he made Viola the ruler, or regent, of their lands. She was in charge because their sons, Mieszko II and Władysław, were too young to rule by themselves.

Viola tried her best to rule independently. However, she eventually had to share her power with Henry I the Bearded, who was the Duke of Wrocław. Later, she even had to give up some of her power to him.

In 1233, a religious leader named Pope Gregory IX made a decision. He said that Viola's sons should be looked after by important church leaders, not by their mother. This caused some problems.

To fix things, in 1234, Henry I the Bearded gave the towns of Kalisz and Wieluń to Viola's sons. He then took full control of Opole-Racibórz, but he promised that the sons would get their lands back later.

Viola and her children moved to Kalisz. They stayed there even after Henry I died in 1238. His son, Henry II the Pious, then took over the regency of Opole-Racibórz.

Soon, Mieszko II, Viola's older son, wanted to rule his own duchy. Henry II agreed, and by late 1238 or early 1239, Mieszko II returned to Opole and began to rule independently.

Viola and her younger son, Władysław, stayed in Kalisz. Viola continued to be the regent for Władysław in Kalisz and Wieluń until 1241. That's when Władysław was old enough to rule on his own.

Mieszko II died on October 22, 1246, without any children. In his will, he left all his land to his brother Władysław. However, he gave the town of Cieszyn to his mother, Viola, as her special land to rule. She ruled Cieszyn for five years until she passed away. After her death, Cieszyn became part of the Duchy of Opole-Racibórz again.