Béla II of Hungary (b. 1110)

Béla the Blind: A King Forged in Adversity

Béla the Blind (Hungarian: Vak Béla; Croatian: Bela Slijepi; Slovak: Belo Slepý; c. 1109 – 13 February 1141) reigned as King of Hungary and Croatia from 1131 until his death. His extraordinary ascent to power is a testament to resilience, marked by profound early life trauma and a determined reign that solidified the Árpád dynasty's hold on the Hungarian throne and expanded its influence in the Balkans. Despite being deliberately blinded in his youth, a cruel act intended to disqualify him from rule, Béla successfully navigated political turmoil to become a notable medieval monarch.

Early Life and the Ordeal of Blinding

Born around 1109, Béla was a grandson of King Géza I and a potential heir to the Hungarian throne. However, his early life was marred by a brutal dynastic struggle. Around 1113, Béla, then a young child, was tragically blinded along with his rebellious father, Álmos, Duke of Croatia, on the direct orders of Álmos's brother, King Coloman of Hungary. This act of mutilation, a common practice in medieval Europe to render rivals ineligible for kingship—as it was believed a king must be physically perfect—was a desperate measure by Coloman to secure the succession for his own son, Stephen II, and prevent further challenges from Álmos. Following this horrific event, Béla spent his formative years in relative obscurity, often residing in monasteries where he was protected, particularly during the reign of Coloman's son, Stephen II. This period of quiet contemplation, far from the intrigues of the royal court, undoubtedly shaped his character, though the full extent of its influence on his later rule remains speculative.

Accession and the Consolidation of Power

Despite his disability, Béla's destiny shifted dramatically with the childless King Stephen II. Facing the prospect of his direct line ending, Stephen II, perhaps out of remorse for the suffering inflicted upon Béla's family or a pragmatic recognition of Béla as the legitimate heir of the Árpád dynasty, arranged Béla's marriage. In 1129, Béla married Helena of Rascia, daughter of Grand Župan Uroš I of Serbia, a powerful alliance that provided critical foreign support. This union was pivotal, as Helena would prove to be a remarkably astute and influential co-ruler throughout her husband's reign, often acting as his eyes and ears in court. Béla was crowned king at least two months after Stephen II's death in 1131, suggesting that his ascension was not entirely unopposed and required careful political maneuvering to secure. To firmly establish his rule and eliminate potential threats, Béla's early reign was marked by two significant and violent purges among the partisans of his predecessors. The most notable of these occurred at an assembly in Arad in 1131, where, at Queen Helena's insistence and likely with her direct involvement, many nobles deemed responsible for the blinding of Béla and Álmos were executed. This brutal consolidation of power sent a clear message, effectively quashing internal dissent and securing his position.

The Challenge of Boris Kolomanos and the Battle of Sajó

Béla's reign faced its most severe external challenge from Boris Kolomanos, an alleged son of King Coloman. Boris's claim stemmed from his mother, Euphemia of Kyiv, whom King Coloman had repudiated for adultery, casting doubt on Boris's legitimacy. Despite this, Boris, known as Boris the Pretender, gathered significant foreign support, appealing to rulers like Duke Bolesław III Wrymouth of Poland. In 1132, Boris launched a major invasion of Hungary, aiming to dethrone Béla. However, Béla the Blind proved to be a formidable and strategically adept monarch. With crucial military assistance from his allies, including Duke Soběslav I of Bohemia and Margrave Leopold III of Austria, Béla's forces decisively defeated Boris's troops at the Battle of the Sajó River. This victory not only cemented Béla's authority but also underscored the strength of his diplomatic alliances and the loyalty of his Hungarian magnates, effectively ending Boris's serious attempts to seize the throne.

Assertive Foreign Policy and Territorial Expansion

In the latter half of Béla's reign, Hungary adopted a notably active and expansionist foreign policy, a testament to the stability achieved under his rule. Béla I successfully extended Hungarian suzerainty and influence significantly in the Balkan region. Around 1136, the Banate of Bosnia, previously a semi-independent territory, acknowledged Béla's overlordship. To reflect this new acquisition, Béla adopted the title of "King of Rama," referencing a river in Bosnia, solidifying his claim over the territory. Furthermore, the strategically important city of Split and its surrounding areas, on the Dalmatian coast, also appear to have accepted Béla's suzerainty around the same period. This expansion into Bosnia and Dalmatia was a significant achievement, strengthening Hungary's geopolitical position and laying the groundwork for future Hungarian claims in the region. These territorial gains were not merely nominal; they often involved the establishment of Hungarian administrative structures and the promotion of ecclesiastical ties, such as the re-establishment of the Archdiocese of Split under Hungarian influence.

Legacy of Béla the Blind

Béla the Blind's ten-year reign, despite starting under the shadow of a horrific personal tragedy, proved to be a period of remarkable consolidation and growth for the Kingdom of Hungary. He successfully overcame both internal dissent and external challenges, largely due to the unwavering support of his wife Queen Helena and his skilled military command. His reign ensured the continuation of the Árpád dynasty through his children, most notably his successor Géza II, and established a precedent for an active Hungarian foreign policy in the Balkans. Béla's story stands as a compelling example of a monarch who, despite severe physical limitations, demonstrated strong leadership and left a lasting impact on the history of Hungary and its surrounding regions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Béla the Blind

Who was Béla the Blind?

Béla the Blind was a King of Hungary and Croatia who reigned from 1131 to 1141. He is notable for overcoming the severe disability of blindness, inflicted upon him in childhood, to lead a period of stabilization and expansion for the Hungarian kingdom.

Why was Béla blinded?

Béla was blinded along with his father, Álmos, on the orders of King Coloman, Álmos's brother. This act of mutilation was a common medieval practice intended to disqualify rivals from ascending the throne, as it was believed a king needed to be physically perfect.

How did Béla the Blind become King of Hungary?

Despite his blindness, Béla was named as the successor by the childless King Stephen II, his cousin. He was crowned king in 1131 and solidified his rule through strategic alliances, including his marriage to Helena of Rascia, and decisive actions against his rivals.

Who was Queen Helena of Rascia?

Helena of Rascia was Béla the Blind's wife and a highly influential co-ruler. She was the daughter of Grand Župan Uroš I of Serbia and played a crucial role in supporting Béla, particularly in consolidating his power and during political purges, acting as his eyes and a trusted advisor.

What was the Battle of the Sajó River?

The Battle of the Sajó River in 1132 was a pivotal conflict during Béla the Blind's reign. In this battle, Béla and his allies decisively defeated the forces of Boris Kolomanos, an alleged son of King Coloman who attempted to usurp the Hungarian throne. This victory secured Béla's position as king.

What territories did Béla the Blind add to Hungary's influence?

During the second half of his reign, Béla the Blind expanded Hungarian suzerainty over the Banate of Bosnia, adopting the title "King of Rama." He also extended Hungarian influence over the strategically important city of Split and its surrounding areas on the Dalmatian coast, consolidating Hungary's position in the Balkans.