Lithuanian Nobility. Born Sonka Alšėniškė, daughter of a court dignitary from the Baltic country, she became consort Queen having married (1422) the now elderly king of Poland Ladislav II. According to historians, the couple was the founder of the Jagiellonian dynasty of Catholic faith despite her family being of the Orthodox faith. In view of both the age difference and preconceived hostility towards her on the part of relatives from the king's previous marriages, she did not have an easy life in the Court of Krakow. Sophia was also accused of multiple adultery, later exonerated in a public trial, as well as the murder of her stepdaughter Edvig. However, despite these vicissitudes, she led, even after the death of her husband (1434), a very active political life bordering on intrigue.
Lithuanian Nobility. Born Sonka Alšėniškė, daughter of a court dignitary from the Baltic country, she became consort Queen having married (1422) the now elderly king of Poland Ladislav II. According to historians, the couple was the founder of the Jagiellonian dynasty of Catholic faith despite her family being of the Orthodox faith. In view of both the age difference and preconceived hostility towards her on the part of relatives from the king's previous marriages, she did not have an easy life in the Court of Krakow. Sophia was also accused of multiple adultery, later exonerated in a public trial, as well as the murder of her stepdaughter Edvig. However, despite these vicissitudes, she led, even after the death of her husband (1434), a very active political life bordering on intrigue.
Bio by: Lucy & Chris
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