The Byzantine anabasis of the Hungarian Prince Béla

The Byzantine anabasis of the Hungarian Prince Béla

Autor: SCHNEIDER Filip

SCHNEIDER, Filip: The Byzantine anabasis of the Hungarian Prince Béla

SCHNEIDER, Filip: The Byzantine anabasis of the Hungarian Prince Béla.

Vojenská história, 23, 1, 2019, pp. 24-44.

Whilst not gaining such fame as other Árpad rulers, there is no doubt that Béla III was one of the most capable kings not only among the Árpads but all the Hungarian rulers in general. However, he did not gain a special place in the collective memory of Hungarians compared to other kings, for instance his son Andrew II. The reason for this, despite all his qualities, may lie in his life in the Byzantine Empire, which was perceived negatively by the Latin world, Hungary was a part of. Doubtlessly, however, his education and life at the Byzantine imperial court had the largest influence on his rule. This article is going to examine Béla’s childhood and his path to the Hungarian throne, beginning with his time in Hungary under the rule of Géza II and Stephen III, followed by his life at the Byzantine imperial court, until he was summoned back to Hungary. I will describe the wars between Hungary and Byzantium not only witnessed but also participated by Béla in person during his life in Constantinople. And finally, I will take a brief look into the spiritual life of Byzantium through Béla’s education as well as the Byzantine perception of his personality.

Keywords: Military history. Hungarian kingdom, Byzantine Empire, Béla III, Manuel Comnenos

DOI: https://doi.org/10.69809/vojhist.2019.23.1.2

Ročník: 23 | Číslo: 1/2019 | Stránky: 24-44