Jadwiga of Anjou

Jadwiga of Anjou was a notable queen of Poland in the late 14th century, reigning from 1384 until her death in 1399. Born in Hungary, she became the first female monarch of Poland, crowned as "king" to emphasize her royal authority. Jadwiga played a crucial role in uniting Poland and Lithuania through her marriage to Grand Duke Władysław II Jagiełło, which laid the foundation for a powerful dual kingdom. She was known for her piety, support of education, and charitable works, and was canonized as a saint in 1997, reflecting her lasting legacy in Polish history.