The First Monarchs of Transylvania: Gelou and King Stephen

Introduction to Transylvania's Early Rulers

Transylvania, today a historic region in Central Europe, has a rich and complex history. From the early days of its establishment to the medieval period, it was ruled by various individuals who played significant roles in shaping its destiny. This article explores the history of Transylvania and its first monarchs, Gelou and King Stephen.

The First King of Transylvania: Gelou

The first documented ruler of what is now known as Transylvania was Gelou, who was the Voivode of the Romanians. He was a key figure in the early history of the region, fighting against nomadic tribes such as the Pechenegs and Hungarians. Gelou was an active military leader, crucial in defending the region against invaders.

Following Gelou's death, a treaty was agreed between the Romanians and the Hungarians at Achileu. This treaty would set the stage for future relations between these two regional powers.

The Early Years of King Stephen of Hungary

After Gelou's death, the next significant ruler in the region was King Béla IV of Hungary. In 1257, he appointed his son, Stephen, as Duke of Transylvania. Following this, in 1258, he was also made Duke of Styria. However, Stephen's rule in Styria was met with opposition from local nobility. They rebelled, which was aided by King Ottokar II of Bohemia.

A series of events seemed to dramatically alter the course of power in the region. In 1260, at the Battle of Kressenbrunn, Ottokar II led a combined force against Stephen and his father. Béla IV's main army, under his command, arrived late, leading to the defeat of the Hungarian forces. The insurgents then expelled Stephen's troops from Styria, forcing him to retreat to Transylvania.

Stephen's Ascent to Transylvania's Throne

From his position in Transylvania, Stephen decided to force his father to cede Transylvania to him. He officially adopted the title of junior king in 1262. Stephen's charters reveal that he made land grants in counties outside the proper Transylvania, such as Bihar, Szatmár, and Ugocsa.

In 1264, Béla IV’s forces, commanded by his daughter Anna, saw a revanchist provincial insurrection. They successfully besieged and took Sárospatak, capturing Stephen's wife and children in the process. With the support of Voivode Ladislaus Kán and his Cuman warriors, Stephen fought back at the Deva fort in Romania. Despite Judge Royal Lawrence's intervention, which forced Stephen to retreat to Feketehalom in Romania, Stephen managed to launch a counter-offensive.

The decisive Battle of Isaszeg took place in March 1265, where Stephen's army overcame his father's forces, effectively ending any chance of reconciliation. The tension between Stephen and his father, Béla IV, continued until Béla's deathbed request to King Ottokar II of Bohemia for shelter to his daughter Anna and her supporters.

Conclusion: Two Monarchs, Two Romanian Dynasties

The history of Transylvania is marked by these early rulers, Gelou and King Stephen, who laid the foundation for a complex political and military landscape. Their strategies and actions shaped the region for generations. Two different monarchies, ruled by rulers with different titles but a common theme: their rule over Transylvania.

Related Keywords

Transylvania First King Medieval History

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on the early rulers of Transylvania, you can explore historical texts and research papers. The Wikipedia page on the History of Transylvania is a good starting point. Additionally, consider visiting regional museums and historical sites to gain firsthand insights into these fascinating periods of history.