
Marriage of Jadwiga and Władysław II Jagiełło
The marriage of Jadwiga, the young queen of Poland, and Władysław II Jagiełło, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, in 1386 was a pivotal moment in European history. It united the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, creating a powerful alliance against external threats, particularly from the Teutonic Order. Jadwiga, a revered figure, was crowned king in her own right, emphasizing her authority. This union also fostered cultural and political exchanges, contributing to the rise of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which played a significant role in Eastern European affairs for centuries.