# Jadwiga I of Poland

> Queen of Poland (1384–1399)

**Wikidata**: [Q53449](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q53449)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jadwiga_of_Poland)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jadwiga-i-of-poland

## Summary
Jadwiga I of Poland was the first female monarch of the Kingdom of Poland, reigning as queen regnant from 1384 to 1399. She is best known for her role in the Union of Krewo, which established a personal union between Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, laying the foundation for the future Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Jadwiga was also canonized as a saint, recognized for her piety and contributions to European unification.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 18, 1374 (or possibly 1370), in Hungary
- **Nationality**: Hungarian (by birth), Polish (by reign)
- **Known for**: Being the first female monarch of Poland and facilitating the Union of Krewo
- **Field(s)**: Monarchy, diplomacy, religion

## Contributions
Jadwiga I of Poland played a pivotal role in the political and religious landscape of Central Europe during her reign. Her most significant contribution was the Union of Krewo in 1385, which established a personal union between Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. This union was formalized through her marriage to Jogaila, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, who converted to Christianity and became King Władysław II Jagiełło of Poland. This alliance strengthened Poland's position in the region and set the stage for the eventual formation of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1569.

Jadwiga was also known for her piety and religious contributions. She was canonized as a saint, and her feast day is celebrated on July 17. Her reign saw the establishment of the University of Kraków, which she helped to found, contributing to the educational and cultural development of Poland.

## FAQs
**What was Jadwiga I of Poland's role in the Union of Krewo?**
Jadwiga I of Poland played a crucial role in the Union of Krewo, which was a personal union between Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. This union was formalized through her marriage to Jogaila, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, who converted to Christianity and became King Władysław II Jagiełło of Poland. This alliance strengthened Poland's position in the region and set the stage for the eventual formation of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

**What is Jadwiga I of Poland known for in terms of religion?**
Jadwiga I of Poland is known for her piety and religious contributions. She was canonized as a saint, and her feast day is celebrated on July 17. Her reign saw the establishment of the University of Kraków, which she helped to found, contributing to the educational and cultural development of Poland.

**What was Jadwiga I of Poland's nationality?**
Jadwiga I of Poland was born in Hungary, making her Hungarian by birth. However, she became the queen regnant of Poland, making her Polish by reign.

## Why They Matter
Jadwiga I of Poland is significant for her role in the political and religious landscape of Central Europe during her reign. Her contributions to the Union of Krewo laid the foundation for the future Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which became one of the largest and most influential states in Europe. Her piety and religious contributions, including the founding of the University of Kraków, have had a lasting impact on the educational and cultural development of Poland. Her canonization as a saint further underscores her importance in the religious history of the region.

## Notable For
- Being the first female monarch of Poland
- Facilitating the Union of Krewo, which established a personal union between Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
- Being canonized as a saint, with her feast day celebrated on July 17
- Helping to found the University of Kraków, contributing to the educational and cultural development of Poland

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Jadwiga I of Poland was born on February 18, 1374, in Hungary. She was the daughter of Louis the Great, King of Hungary and Poland, and Elizabeth of Bosnia. Her early life was marked by the political and dynastic ambitions of her family, which sought to strengthen ties between Hungary and Poland.

### Reign as Queen of Poland
Jadwiga became the queen regnant of Poland in 1384, following the death of her father. Her reign was marked by significant political and religious developments. One of her most notable achievements was the Union of Krewo in 1385, which established a personal union between Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. This union was formalized through her marriage to Jogaila, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, who converted to Christianity and became King Władysław II Jagiełło of Poland. This alliance strengthened Poland's position in the region and set the stage for the eventual formation of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1569.

### Religious Contributions and Canonization
Jadwiga was known for her piety and religious contributions. She was deeply involved in the religious life of Poland and played a significant role in the Christianization of Lithuania. Her efforts in this regard were recognized by the Catholic Church, and she was canonized as a saint. Her feast day is celebrated on July 17, commemorating her contributions to the faith and her role in European unification.

### Educational and Cultural Legacy
Jadwiga's reign also saw the establishment of the University of Kraków, which she helped to found. This institution became a center of learning and culture, contributing to the educational and intellectual development of Poland. The university played a crucial role in the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of cultural exchange in the region.

### Death and Legacy
Jadwiga I of Poland died on July 17, 1399. Her legacy is marked by her significant contributions to the political, religious, and educational landscape of Central Europe. Her role in the Union of Krewo and her efforts in the Christianization of Lithuania have had a lasting impact on the region. Her canonization as a saint further underscores her importance in the religious history of Europe.

## References

1. Source
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://viaf.org/viaf/3570159477664627990005/#Jadwiga_Andegawe%C5%84ska)
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Library of Congress Name Authority File
7. SUDOC
8. FemBio database
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. National Library of Israel
11. IdRef
12. CERL Thesaurus
13. [Source](https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/jadwiga/)
14. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
15. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Jadwiga;3916253.html)
16. Golden
17. Sejm-Wielki.pl
18. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands