Ladislaus II of Hungary (b. 1131)

Ladislaus II: A Brief Reign Amidst Dynastic Strife in Medieval Hungary

Ladislaus II, also known as Ladislas II (Hungarian: II. László; Croatian and Slovak: Ladislav II), an influential figure of the Árpád dynasty, lived from 1131 until his death on January 14, 1163. His short but impactful tenure as King of Hungary and Croatia lasted from 1162 to 1163. Ladislaus ascended to the throne through a dramatic usurpation of the crown from his young nephew, Stephen III, marking a period of intense political instability and civil strife within the Hungarian kingdom.

Early Life, Princely Titles, and Exile in Constantinople

Born into the royal family as a son of Béla II of Hungary, Ladislaus received the honorary title of Duke of Bosnia at the tender age of six. While this appointment signified a claim or influence over the region, he never actively governed the province, which typically remained under the dominion of Hungarian overlordship. Instead, the mid-12th century saw a complex interplay of power within the Árpád dynasty, often involving the Byzantine Empire.

Around 1160, Ladislaus followed the precedent set by his younger brother, Stephen (who would later briefly reign as Stephen IV), seeking refuge and political leverage in Constantinople. This move was a common strategy for disaffected or ambitious princes seeking external support to advance their claims. Both brothers returned to Hungary in 1162 following the death of their elder brother, Géza II of Hungary, whose passing ignited a fierce succession crisis that Ladislaus and Stephen aimed to exploit.

Byzantine Ambitions and The Hungarian Succession Crisis

The return of Ladislaus and Stephen was not merely a family reunion but a calculated geopolitical maneuver orchestrated and financially supported by the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos. Manuel I, a shrewd and ambitious ruler, saw the internal Hungarian dynastic struggles as a prime opportunity to expand Byzantine influence and assert suzerainty over the Kingdom of Hungary, a strategic buffer state and rival in the Balkans. His ultimate goal was to integrate Hungary into the Byzantine sphere of influence, potentially through a marriage alliance or by placing a pliable ruler on its throne.

Initially, Emperor Manuel I had favored and planned to assist Stephen IV in seizing the Hungarian throne. Stephen IV was seen as more amenable to Byzantine interests, having spent considerable time in Constantinople and married Manuel's niece. However, the powerful Hungarian lords and magnates, wary of overt Byzantine control and keen to preserve a degree of independence, proved unwilling to accept Stephen IV as king. Their preference, instead, gravitated towards Ladislaus. They saw Ladislaus as a more acceptable alternative to Stephen III, the legitimate son of the recently deceased King Géza II, perhaps viewing Ladislaus as a lesser evil or a more traditional choice who might offer a fragile compromise amidst the escalating conflict.

Contested Coronation and a Very Short Reign

Ladislaus's ascension to the throne was far from universally accepted, particularly by the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Lucas, the staunchly loyal Archbishop of Esztergom and Primate of Hungary, traditionally held the prerogative of crowning Hungarian kings. Archbishop Lucas resolutely refused to crown Ladislaus, recognizing only Stephen III's legitimacy. In a bold act of defiance, Lucas even excommunicated Ladislaus, a severe spiritual censure that challenged the new king's authority and legitimacy in the eyes of many devout subjects.

Despite this significant ecclesiastical opposition, Ladislaus proceeded with his coronation. He was crowned by Mikó, the Archbishop of Kalocsa, in July 1162, effectively bypassing the traditional authority of Esztergom. However, Ladislaus II's reign was exceptionally brief. He died suddenly on January 14, 1163, less than six months after his contested coronation, plunging Hungary once again into political uncertainty and setting the stage for further dynastic conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ladislaus II

Who was Ladislaus II of Hungary?

Ladislaus II was a member of the Árpád dynasty who briefly reigned as King of Hungary and Croatia from 1162 to 1163. He ascended to the throne by usurping power from his nephew, Stephen III, amidst a period of significant dynastic conflict and Byzantine intervention.

What was the significance of his title, Duke of Bosnia?

Ladislaus II was granted the title Duke of Bosnia at the age of six by his father, Béla II. This was largely an honorary title signifying a claim or influence over the region, which was typically under Hungarian suzerainty, rather than an active governorship.

Why did Ladislaus II go to Constantinople?

Ladislaus, like his younger brother Stephen, went to Constantinople around 1160. This was a common strategy for disaffected or ambitious Hungarian princes to seek political asylum, refuge, and most importantly, military and financial support from the powerful Byzantine Empire to advance their claims to the Hungarian throne.

How did the Byzantine Empire influence Hungarian succession during Ladislaus II's time?

Emperor Manuel I Komnenos of the Byzantine Empire actively intervened in Hungarian succession disputes. He supported Ladislaus and his brother Stephen with the aim of expanding Byzantine suzerainty over Hungary, thereby securing his northern frontier and potentially incorporating Hungary into his sphere of influence.

Why was Ladislaus II's coronation controversial?

Ladislaus II's coronation was highly controversial because Lucas, the Archbishop of Esztergom and the traditional crowner of Hungarian kings, refused to recognize his legitimacy and even excommunicated him. He was instead crowned by Mikó, the Archbishop of Kalocsa, which further highlighted the deep divisions within the kingdom and the church.