Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Stephen (István in Hungarian) is crowned 'Christian King' of Hungary on Christmas
Day with a crown sent from Rome by Pope Sylvester II.
1083
King Stephen is canonised as St Stephen by Pope Victor III in Rome; 20 August is de-
clared his feast day.
1220
The Gothic style of architecture extends into Hungary from northern France, super-
seding the heavier Romanesque style.
1222
King Andrew II signs the Golden Bull, according the nobility increased rights and
powers; it is renewed nine years later in 1231.
1241-42
Mongols sweep across Hungary, killing some 100,000 people in Pest and Óbuda alone
and reducing the national population by up to a half.
1301
The line of the House of Árpád ends with the death of Andrew III, who leaves no male
heir; a period of great turmoil follows.
1458-90
Medieval Hungary enjoys a golden age under the enlightened reign of King Matthias
Corvinus and Queen Beatrix, daughter of the king of Naples.
1514
A widespread uprising by peasants is crushed; 70,000 people are executed, including
the leader, György Dózsa, who dies on a red-hot iron throne wearing a scalding crown.
1526
Hungary is soundly defeated by the Ottomans at the Battle of Mohács, with young
King Louis being killed; the ensuing Turkish occupation lasts more than a century and
a half.
1541
