Louis I of Anjou, also known as Louis the Great, was crowned as King of Hungary and Croatia. He married Elizabeth Kotromanić, the daughter of Stephen II Kotromanić, the Bosnian Ban. This union not only strengthened ties between Hungary and Croatia but also marked Elizabeth as a significant figure in medieval politics, representing the fusion of Croatian nobility with the influential Anjou dynasty. The marriage was historically significant, as it came at a time when the region was experiencing complex power struggles, including rival claims by Serbian Emperor Dušan, who also sought marriage with Elizabeth.

The Anjou dynasty, from which Louis hailed, played a crucial role in the medieval history of Europe. They were descendants of the French royal family but established their own realms across Europe, gaining titles and influence. Louis's reign is marked by military accomplishments and cultural patronage, greatly shaping the historical landscape of the region. His marriage to Elizabeth Kotromanić not only legitimized his rule over Hungary and Croatia but also reinforced the Catholic alliances during a time when Christianity was a major unifying factor in European politics.

The implications of this marriage extended beyond personal union; it represented a strategic fusion of power among European kingdoms during the medieval era. Louis's strength as a ruler was not solely based on military might but also on these essential political marriages that linked various noble houses. Elizabeth’s integration into the Anjou dynasty brought forth a new era of governance and cooperation in the region, fundamentally altering the historical trajectory of both Croatia and Hungary.