Miklós Kásler - Zoltán Szentirmay (szerk.): Identifying the Árpád Dynasty Skeletons Interred in the Matthias Church. Applying data from historical, archaeological, anthropological, radiological, morphological, radiocarbon dating and genetic research (Budapest, 2021)

CHAPTER TWO – Historical background

The Hungarian monarchy was a formidable European power during the age of the Árpáds.

Its

kings (not counting the German and Byzantine suzerainties in 1045/46 and 1163, respectively) maintained the sovereignty of Hungary from the Holy Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire, and even from the Holy See.

From a foreign policy standpoint, the Hungarian Kingdoms ancient period from Saint István

to

Béla

III

can be divided into two sections. The first period lasting up until the reign of Saint László

already saw a vigorous establishment of ties, but without permanent territorial gains. Saint István

maintained

good strong connections to both Empires for decades. Relations started deteriorate with the Holy Roman Empire first, because after the end of the Saxon Ottonian Dynasty with the death of Henry II, the Salian Dynasty which took its place represented a new, more expansive political line. The belligerent Hungarian-German relations lasting over a quarter of a century posed a significant challenge to the young Hungarian Kingdom, alternating between conflicts and “cold war” periods. Struggles for the throne and pagan rebellions indicated that Hungary was undergoing a deep crisis. Troubles inside and outside the Kingdom threatened Hungarian statehood, but the fact that the Hungarian state quickly overcame this dual crisis is a testament to its vitality.

By the age of Saint László

(1077-1095),

the Hungarian Kingdoms positions had been solidified both internally and externally. The canonization of István

and

Imre in 1083 was a powerful sign of recognition of Hungarian statehood. In 1091, the Hungarian Kingdom embarked an expansive campaign in the North Balkans, reaching its full extent during the 12th century.

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