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Stephen I
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Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon in Coronation Robes or Napoleon I Emperor of France, 1804 by Baron Francois Gerard or Baron Francois-Pascal-Simon Gerard, from the Musee National, Chateau de Versailles.
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Quick Facts
Also called:
Saint Stephen
Hungarian:
Szent IstvĂĄn
Original name:
Vajk
Born:
c. 970–975, Esztergom, Hungary
Died:
August 15, 1038, Esztergom
Title / Office:
king (997-1038), Hungary
House / Dynasty:
Árpåd Dynasty
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Stephen I
Stephen I Stephen I, statue in Esztergom, Hungary.

Stephen I

king of Hungary
Also known as: Saint Stephen, Szent IstvĂĄn, Vajk
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

Stephen I (born c. 970–975, Esztergom, Hungary—died August 15, 1038, Esztergom; canonized 1083; feast day August 16) was the first king of Hungary, who is considered to be the founder of the Hungarian state and one of the most-renowned figures in Hungarian history.

Stephen was a member of the Árpåd dynasty and son of the supreme Magyar chieftain Géza. He was born a pagan but was baptized and reared as a Christian, and in 996 he married Gisela, daughter of Duke Henry II of Bavaria (and sister of the future Holy Roman emperor Henry II). After the death of his father (997), Stephen combated an insurrection led by his older cousin, Koppåny, who claimed the throne in accordance with Árpåd succession rules. Stephen defeated Koppåny at Veszprém (998) and had him executed as a pagan.

On Christmas Day, 1000 ce, Stephen was anointed king of Hungary. According to tradition, he received from Pope Sylvester II a crown that is now held as a national treasure in Hungary (see Saint Stephen’s Crown). His coronation signified Hungary’s entry into the family of European Christian nations. With the exception of an invasion by the Holy Roman emperor Conrad II in 1030 and minor disputes with Poland and Bulgaria, Stephen’s reign was peaceful.

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Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon in Coronation Robes or Napoleon I Emperor of France, 1804 by Baron Francois Gerard or Baron Francois-Pascal-Simon Gerard, from the Musee National, Chateau de Versailles.
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Kings and Emperors (Part III) Quiz

Stephen organized his kingdom on German models. He founded bishoprics and abbeys, made the building of churches mandatory, and established the practice of tithing. He promoted agriculture, safeguarded private property with strict laws, and organized a standing army. While a ruling class was created, the institution of slavery was left virtually untouched. Stephen also opened the country to strong foreign influences, while saving it from German conquest. He treated the church as the principal pillar of his authority, dispatching missionaries throughout his realm.

Stephen is Hungary’s patron saint. Although his feast day is August 16, Hungarians celebrate the translation of his relics to Buda on August 20.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.