Helena Czaplińska | |
Birth Name: | Helena Czaplińska |
Death Date: | 1651 |
Spouses: | Daniel Czapliński, Bohdan Khmelnytsky |
Helena Czaplińska (died 1651), was the second wife of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, Hetman of Zaporizhian Host (r. 1648–1657). She was an influential figure among the Zaporizhian Cossacks and known as "Helen of the Steppe". Initially married to Daniel Czapliński, her influence was seen as a threat as she was suspected to betray her second husband the hetman in favor of her loyalties of her former marriage. She was famously executed for treason by her stepson Tymofiy Khmelnytsky during the absence of her spouse.[1] [2] [3] [4]