Stephen I

First king, who founded the Kingdom of Hungary and converted Hungary to Catholicism.

Life

Árpád royal family

Stephen came from the Hungarian Árpád royal family. Originally named Vajk, he took the name Stephen at baptism. In 997 CE he inherited the title of grand prince and suppressed a revolt of nobles who held to the old religion.

Coronation

In 1000 he received a crown granted by the Pope and was crowned King of Hungary. He established a system of counties and bishoprics on the Western European model and spread Catholicism, integrating the Magyars, of nomadic origin, into Christian Europe.

Conversion to Catholicism

He died in 1038 and was canonized as a saint in 1083.

Legacy

Stephen I is revered as the founding monarch of Hungary, and August 20, St. Stephen's Day, is Hungary's national day.

Did you know? The "Holy Crown" that he is said to have worn is still on display in the Hungarian Parliament Building today.

Key dates

• 997Inherited the grand ducal throne
• 1000Crowned king
• 1001Established the Archdiocese of Esztergom (approx.)
• 1038Died
• 1083Canonized