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Elena ZnoemskayaQueen of Poland
Date of Birth: 01.01.1141
Country:  Poland |
Content:
Early Life and Marriage
According to Polish historiography, Helena was the daughter of Konrad II Znojemský. However, other accounts suggest she may have been the daughter of Vsevolod Mstislavich of Novgorod or Rostislav Mstislavich of Smolensk and Kyiv. Around 1163 (or 1184 according to other sources), she married the Polish King Casimir II the Just.
Reign and Co-Regency
After Casimir's death in 1194, Helena ruled Poland along with her son Leszek the White for five years. She supported her husband's compromise-based domestic policy, which favored the Polish nobles (pans). Upon Casimir's passing, the pans installed the young Leszek on the throne and appointed Helena to the regency council.
Power Dynamics and Alliances
Seeking to protect her son's power, Helena grew weary of the pans' control. In 1200, she temporarily ceded the throne to Mieszko III the Old, who recognized her son as his heir. However, Mieszko's conflict with the pans forced him to flee a year later. Helena formed an alliance with Mieszko despite her prior tensions with the pans.
Children
Helena and Casimir II had seven children:Maria (1164-1194), married Vsevolod Svyatoslavich, Prince of Kyiv
Casimir (1165-1167)
Bolesław (1168/1171-1182), died in a fall from a tree
Odon, died in infancy
Adelaide (1177/1184-1211)
Leszek the White (1184-1227)
Konrad of Mazovia (1187-1247)
