Who was Mary, Queen of Hungary, and what were her primary regnal titles and periods of rule?

Mary, also known as Maria of Anjou, reigned as King of Hungary and Croatia. Her first reign was from 1382 to 1385, and her second reign was from 1386 until her death in 1395. She was the daughter of Louis the Great, King of Hungary and Poland.

When and where was Mary, Queen of Hungary, born, and who were her parents?

Mary was born in the latter half of 1371. Her parents were Louis the Great, who was King of Hungary and Poland, and his second wife, Elizabeth of Bosnia.

What was the significance of Mary's marriage to Sigismund of Luxembourg?

Mary's marriage to Sigismund of Luxembourg, a member of the imperial Luxembourg dynasty, was arranged before she turned one year old. This union was confirmed by a delegation of Polish prelates and lords in 1379, solidifying her claim to succession.

How did Mary become Queen of Hungary, and who was involved in her coronation?

Upon the death of her father, Louis the Great, on September 10, 1382, Mary was crowned "king" of Hungary in Székesfehérvár on September 17, 1382. The coronation was performed by Cardinal Demetrius, Archbishop of Esztergom, using the Holy Crown of Hungary.

What role did Mary's mother, Elizabeth of Bosnia, play in her early reign?

Elizabeth of Bosnia assumed the regency after Louis the Great's death. She acted as Mary's primary advisor and regent, aiming to secure Mary's position as monarch and manage the kingdom's affairs.

Why did many Hungarian noblemen oppose Mary's rule, and whom did they favor?

Many Hungarian noblemen opposed Mary's rule because they were against the idea of a female monarch. They largely regarded Charles III of Naples as Louis the Great's legitimate heir, due to his male lineage within the Capetian House of Anjou.

What was the political situation in Hungary regarding succession after Louis the Great's death?

After Louis the Great's death, his elder daughter Mary was crowned queen. However, the nobility's preference for a male ruler and the claim of Charles III of Naples created significant political instability and opposition to Mary's reign.

How did Sigismund of Luxembourg become involved in Mary's reign and marriage?

Sigismund of Luxembourg was betrothed to Mary before she was a year old. He later invaded Upper Hungary, prompting Queen Mother Elizabeth to agree to Mary's marriage to Sigismund in October 1385, though he did not immediately assume a governmental role.

What happened to Charles III of Naples after he was crowned King of Hungary?

Charles III of Naples was crowned king on December 31, 1385. However, he was murdered in February 1386, reportedly at the instigation of Mary's mother, Elizabeth of Bosnia.

Describe the events leading to Mary's deposition and subsequent restoration in 1385-1386.

Charles III of Naples invaded Hungary and was crowned king after Mary renounced the throne in December 1385. Following Charles's murder in February 1386, Mary was restored to the throne, with her mother continuing to rule in her name.

What significant event occurred on July 25, 1386, involving Mary and her mother?

On July 25, 1386, supporters of the murdered King Charles III captured Mary and her mother, Elizabeth of Bosnia. This event led to their imprisonment and further political turmoil.

What was the fate of Queen Elizabeth of Bosnia in January 1387?

Queen Elizabeth of Bosnia was strangled by the henchmen of John Horvat in early January 1387, while Mary was held captive.

When was Mary released from captivity, and who became her co-ruler?

Mary was released from captivity on June 4, 1387. Her husband, Sigismund, who had been crowned king, officially became her co-ruler from 1387 until her death.

What was Mary's influence on the government during her co-rule with Sigismund?

Although Mary was officially Sigismund's co-ruler from 1387 to 1395, her influence on the government was minimal. Royal charters began counting her regnal years from Sigismund's coronation rather than her own ascension.

How did Mary die, and what was the fate of her child?

Mary died on May 17, 1395, at the age of 23 or 24, in Buda. She fell from her horse while hunting, which induced premature labor. She gave birth to a son who also died shortly after birth, and Mary succumbed to her injuries.

Where was Mary, Queen of Hungary, buried?

Mary, Queen of Hungary, was buried in the cathedral of Várad, which is located in present-day Romania. This location was part of the Kingdom of Hungary during her lifetime.

What was the context of the Polish succession concerning Mary and her sister Jadwiga?

Following Louis the Great's death, his younger daughter Jadwiga was eventually sent to Poland and crowned queen there in 1384, after Mary's mother absolved Polish noblemen from their oath to Mary. This was a complex arrangement involving dynastic claims and political maneuvering.

What was the "Neapolitan threat" that Mary's reign faced in 1384-1385?

The Neapolitan threat referred to the claim and eventual invasion by Charles III of Naples, who was a rival claimant to the Hungarian throne. His consolidation of power in Southern Italy emboldened his supporters in Hungary to challenge Mary's rule.

What was the outcome of the negotiations for Mary's marriage to Louis of France?

In May 1385, after a French delegation visited Hungary, Mary became engaged to Louis of France, the younger brother of Charles VI of France. This engagement caused a rift among Hungarian nobles who supported Sigismund.

What happened to Stephen Lackfi, Ban of Croatia, during Mary's reign?

Stephen Lackfi was initially appointed Ban of Croatia by Mary and her mother. However, he was later dismissed by Queen Elizabeth in May 1385, accused of high treason, indicating shifts in political alliances.

Who were John and Paul Horvat, and what role did they play in the political events?

John Horvat, Ban of Macsó, and his brother Paul, Bishop of Zagreb, were leading figures of the opposition supporting Charles III of Naples. They formally offered the crown to Charles III and later rebelled against Mary's rule after Charles's death.

How did Sigismund of Luxembourg attempt to assert his influence in Hungary in 1385?

Sigismund of Luxembourg invaded Upper Hungary and occupied Pozsony County. He also persuaded Queen Mother Elizabeth to agree to his marriage to Mary in October 1385, though he did not immediately gain governmental power.

What was the significance of the Diet convoked in the spring of 1385?

The Diet convoked in the spring of 1385 was an attempt by the queens and their supporters to address the grievances of the noblemen. Mary confirmed her father's decrees on noble privileges, but the meeting failed to resolve the political divisions.

What happened to Blaise Forgách and Nicholas Garai in relation to Charles III's murder?

Queen Elizabeth and Nicholas Garai conspired to murder Charles III. Blaise Forgách was persuaded to attack the king, seriously injuring him, which led to Charles's death shortly after.

What was the context of Mary and her mother's imprisonment in 1386?

After Charles III's murder, Mary was restored to the throne. However, on July 25, 1386, she and her mother were captured by supporters of Charles III's son, Ladislaus of Naples, and imprisoned in Gomnec Castle.

How was Mary liberated from captivity in 1387?

Mary was liberated from Novigrad Castle on June 4, 1387, by a force led by Ivan of Krk, with assistance from a Venetian fleet commanded by Giovanni Barbarigo. She showed gratitude by knighting Barbarigo.

What was the "treaty" signed in Győr in May 1386?

The treaty signed in Győr in May 1386 acknowledged Sigismund of Luxembourg's position as consort to Mary. It also confirmed Sigismund's mortgage of lands west of the Vág River to his Moravian cousins.

What happened to John Horvat after his capture in July 1394?

John Horvat was captured in July 1394. According to Johannes de Thurocz, Mary persuaded Sigismund to have Horvat dismembered, despite Sigismund's initial willingness to spare him.

What is depicted in the image from the Chronica Hungarorum?

The source material references a depiction of Mary in the Chronica Hungarorum. This historical chronicle provides a visual representation of the Queen of Hungary.

What does the image titled "Elizabeth and Mary mourning at the tomb of Louis the Great" represent?

The image depicts Elizabeth and Mary mourning at the tomb of Louis the Great, painted by Sándor Liezen-Mayer in 1864. It illustrates a moment of grief and remembrance for the deceased king.

What does Mary's royal seal signify?

Mary's royal seal features two sides: one showing a crowned woman sitting on a throne, and the other displaying a coat-of-arms with a double cross. This seal would have been used to authenticate official documents during her reign.

Who were Mary's paternal grandparents?

Mary's paternal grandparents were Louis I of Hungary and his first wife, Elizabeth of Poland. This connection is noted in her ancestry.

Who were Mary's maternal grandparents?

Mary's maternal grandparents were Stephen II, Ban of Bosnia, and Elizabeth of Serbia. This lineage connects her to the Bosnian ruling family.

What was the significance of the Capetian House of Anjou in relation to Mary?

Mary belonged to the Capetian House of Anjou through her father, Louis I of Hungary. This house was a prominent royal dynasty with significant influence across Europe.

What was the role of the Holy Crown of Hungary in Mary's coronation?

The Holy Crown of Hungary was used in Mary's coronation ceremony on September 17, 1382. Its use signified the legitimacy and continuity of her claim to the throne.

What was the political significance of Mary's younger sister, Jadwiga, in Poland?

Mary's younger sister, Jadwiga, was designated to succeed their father in Poland. Jadwiga was crowned Queen of Poland in October 1384, following complex negotiations and political decisions.

What was the nature of the conflict involving John of Palisna in 1383?

John of Palisna, Prior of Vrana, led an open rebellion against the rule of Mary and her mother in the spring of 1383. He was eventually forced to flee to Bosnia after the royal army besieged Vrana.

What was the impact of Sigismund's mortgage of territories west of the Vág River?

Sigismund mortgaged territories west of the Vág River to his Moravian cousins. This action, taken in 1385, indicated his financial dealings and potential strategic moves separate from Mary's immediate government.

What was the outcome of the battle or ambush at Gorjani on July 25, 1386?

At Gorjani, John Horvat, John of Palisna, and their retainers ambushed and attacked Mary, her mother Elizabeth, and their retinue. The queens' entourage was overwhelmed, resulting in the death or capture of all its members.

What was the fate of Nicholas Garai and Blaise Forgách after the ambush at Gorjani?

Nicholas Garai and Blaise Forgách were beheaded following the ambush at Gorjani. Their heads were presented to Mary and her mother in their carriage, a grim testament to the violence of the conflict.

What was the significance of the "seal of the regnicoles" during Mary's captivity?

While Mary and her mother were imprisoned, the barons of Hungary convoked a Diet using the "seal of the regnicoles." This indicates a period where the nobility exercised significant authority in the absence of effective royal rule.

What was the political situation in Hungary in February 1387 regarding Sigismund?

In February 1387, Sigismund of Luxembourg invaded Slavonia in an attempt to quell the rebellion led by the Horvat brothers. However, he was unsuccessful in defeating the rebels at that time.

How did Sigismund become King of Hungary in 1387?

Sigismund was crowned King of Hungary on March 31, 1387. This decision was made by the Hungarian barons, who felt the kingdom needed an effective ruler amidst the ongoing political instability.

What was the relationship between Mary and her sister Jadwiga regarding the Hungarian crown after Mary's death?

After Mary's death in 1395, her sister Jadwiga claimed the Hungarian crown. However, Sigismund successfully retained the crown without significant difficulty.

What does the "Anjou" in Maria of Anjou refer to?

The "Anjou" in Maria of Anjou refers to her family lineage, the Capetian House of Anjou, which was a powerful royal dynasty that ruled in Hungary and other parts of Europe.

What was the context of the "Electresses of Brandenburg" navbox entry related to Mary?

Mary's inclusion as an Electress of Brandenburg from 1387 to 1388 signifies her connection to the electoral college of the Holy Roman Empire, likely through her marriage to Sigismund of Luxembourg, who held significant titles there.

What were the primary sources cited for the information about Mary, Queen of Hungary?

The primary sources cited include The Annals of Jan Długosz. Secondary sources include works by historians such as J.M. Bak, J. Bartl, N. Csukovits, P. Engel, J.V.A. Fine Jr., E. Fügedi, O. Halecki, B. Magaš, C. Michaud, L. Solymosi, S. Süttő, and B.W. Tuchman.

What is the historical significance of the Chronica Hungarorum mentioned in relation to Mary?

The Chronica Hungarorum is a historical chronicle that contains a depiction of Mary, Queen of Hungary. Such chronicles are valuable for understanding historical figures and events through contemporary or near-contemporary illustrations.

What does the term "King of Hungary" signify when applied to Mary?

The term "King of Hungary" applied to Mary signifies that she reigned with the full authority and title of a monarch, rather than as a consort. This was a notable aspect of her rule, as female rulers often held different titles or powers.

What was the nature of the dispute over the Hungarian succession involving Charles III of Naples?

The dispute arose because Charles III of Naples was considered the lawful heir by many Hungarian noblemen, as he was the last male descendant of the Capetian House of Anjou, excluding his own son. This contrasted with Mary, who was Louis the Great's daughter but a female ruler.

What was the role of the Hungarian Diet during the turbulent periods of Mary's reign?

The Hungarian Diet played a crucial role in legitimizing rulers, such as electing Charles III as king and later crowning Sigismund. It also acted on behalf of the absent queens during their captivity, promising pardons and making governmental decisions.

Mary Queen Of Hungary Wiki: Regal Destiny: Mary of Hungary's Turbulent Reign

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Mary: Queen of Hungary

The Inheritor

Mary, born in 1371, was the second daughter of Louis I, the formidable King of Hungary and Poland. As Louis had no male heirs, Mary became a crucial figure in dynastic succession. Her path to the throne was paved by her father's strategic alliances, including a pre-arranged marriage to Sigismund of Luxembourg, a prominent member of the Holy Roman Empire's imperial dynasty.

A Crown of Contention

Upon her father's death in 1382, Mary was crowned King of Hungary. However, the concept of a female monarch was met with resistance from Hungarian nobility, who favored her cousin, Charles III of Naples, as the rightful heir. This political instability set the stage for a tumultuous reign, marked by internal strife and external pressures.

Dynastic Ambitions

Mary's early life was shaped by the political landscape of 14th-century Europe. Her betrothal to Sigismund was a key element in securing alliances and consolidating power. The complex web of royal marriages and claims meant that Mary's position was constantly subject to the shifting allegiances of powerful European houses.

Formative Years

Royal Upbringing

Born into the prestigious Capetian House of Anjou, Mary's early life was steeped in the traditions and expectations of royalty. As the second daughter of Louis I and Elizabeth of Bosnia, her upbringing was designed to prepare her for a significant role in European politics, primarily through strategic marriage.

Strategic Betrothal

Before her first birthday, Mary was betrothed to Sigismund of Luxembourg, the son of Emperor Charles IV. This union, confirmed through papal dispensation and subsequent agreements, was intended to forge a powerful alliance between the Hungarian and Luxembourg dynasties. The close familial ties between Mary and Sigismund underscored the intricate dynastic relationships of the era.

Succession Secured (Initially)

With no surviving brothers, Mary and her sisters were Louis I's designated heirs. In 1379, Polish prelates and lords confirmed Mary's right to succeed her father in Poland. This early recognition highlighted the importance of securing the succession, even in the face of potential challenges from male claimants or alternative dynastic lines.

A Reign Defined by Turmoil

Coronation and Regency (1382-1384)

Following Louis I's death on September 10, 1382, Mary was crowned "King" of Hungary on September 17. Her mother, Elizabeth of Bosnia, assumed the regency, supported by key advisors like Nicholas Garai. This period was marked by efforts to solidify Mary's rule, but also by growing opposition from nobles who favored Charles III of Naples, leading to political maneuvering and the eventual renunciation of Mary's Polish succession in favor of her sister Jadwiga.

The Neapolitan Threat (1384-1385)

The consolidation of Charles III of Naples' power in Southern Italy emboldened his supporters in Hungary. Queen Mother Elizabeth's attempts to secure Mary's position through a marriage to Louis of France were complicated by the growing support for Charles. This period saw internal divisions deepen, with factions forming around Mary's claim and Charles's rival claim.

Charles III's Brief Reign (1385-1386)

In late 1385, Charles III of Naples entered Hungary and was crowned king after Mary renounced the throne. However, his reign was short-lived. In February 1386, he was assassinated at the instigation of Queen Elizabeth and Nicholas Garai, a move that plunged the kingdom back into chaos and led to Mary's restoration.

Capture and Restoration (1386-1387)

Following Charles III's assassination, Mary was restored to the throne, but her reign was immediately challenged. In July 1386, supporters of the murdered king captured Mary and her mother. Queen Elizabeth was murdered in January 1387, while Mary was eventually released in June 1387, though her influence remained minimal.

Co-Rule and Diminished Influence (1387-1395)

After her release, Mary officially remained co-ruler with her husband, Sigismund of Luxembourg, who had been crowned king. However, her role in governance was largely nominal. Sigismund's own political ambitions and struggles meant that Mary's direct influence on the kingdom's affairs was significantly curtailed during these final years of her life.

The Royal Tapestry

Anjou and Luxembourg Connections

Mary's lineage connected her to two of Europe's most influential royal houses: the Capetian House of Anjou, through her father Louis I, and the House of Luxembourg, through her husband Sigismund. Her paternal grandmother, Elizabeth of Poland, was the sister of Casimir III of Poland, highlighting the intricate familial ties that shaped medieval European politics.

Mary's ancestry traces back to prominent figures of Hungarian and European royalty, illustrating the complex dynastic relationships of the period. Her father, Louis I, was a descendant of the Hungarian Árpád dynasty through his mother, Elizabeth of Poland, and the Capetian House of Anjou through his father, Charles I of Hungary.

Her maternal lineage connected her to the Bosnian Banate and further extended her dynastic reach.

The provided genealogical chart details her descent from key figures such as:

Paternal Line: Charles Martel of Anjou → Charles I of Hungary → Louis I of Hungary → Mary
Maternal Line: Stephen II of Bosnia → Elizabeth of Bosnia → Mary

This extensive network of relations underscores the strategic importance of her birth and marriage.

Mapping the Dynasty

The intricate family tree showcases Mary's position within the broader context of medieval European royalty. Her connections extended across Hungary, Poland, Naples, the Holy Roman Empire, and Bosnia, reflecting the era's emphasis on dynastic marriages for political stability and expansion.

Regnal titles
Mary House of Anjou Cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty Born: 1371 Died: 17 May 1395
Preceded by Louis I	Queen of Hungary and Croatia 1382–1385	Succeeded by Charles II
Preceded by Charles II	Queen of Hungary and Croatia 1386–1395 with Sigismund (1387-1395)	Succeeded by Sigismund as sole king

Scholarly Foundations

Primary Accounts

Historical understanding of Mary's reign is built upon contemporary chronicles and documents. These primary sources, such as the Annals of Jan Długosz, provide firsthand (though often biased) accounts of the events, political machinations, and personal dramas that defined her life and rule.

The Annals of Jan Długosz (A.D. 1382)

Secondary Scholarship

Modern historical analysis synthesizes these primary accounts with extensive research to provide a comprehensive understanding of Mary's reign. Scholars like Pál Engel, Erik Fügedi, and Oscar Halecki have contributed significantly to our knowledge of this complex period.

Bak, János M. (1997). "Queens as Scapegoats in Medieval Hungary". In Duggan, Anne (ed.). Queens and Queenship in Medieval Europe.
Bartl, Julius et al. (2002). Slovak History: Chronology & Lexicon.
C. Tóth, Norbert (2018). "Mária királynő és udvara [Queen Mary and Her Court]". In Zsoldos, Attila (ed.). Nagyvárad és Bihar az Anjou-korban.
Csukovits, Enikő (2012). "Mária". In Gujdá, Noémi; Szatmáry, Nóra (eds.). Magyar királyok nagykönyve.
Engel, Pál (2001). The Realm of St Stephen: A History of Medieval Hungary, 895–1526.
Fine, John V. A. Jr. (1994). The Late Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest.
Fügedi, Erik (1986). "Könyörülj, bánom, könyörülj ..." ["Have Mercy on Me, My Ban, Have Mercy ..."].
Halecki, Oscar (1991). Jadwiga of Anjou and the Rise of East Central Europe.
Magaš, Branka (2007). Croatia Through History.
Michaud, Claude (2000). "The kingdoms of Central Europe in the fourteenth century". In Jones, Michael (ed.). The New Cambridge Medieval History, Volume 6, c.1300–c.1415.
Solymosi, László; Körmendi, Adrienne (1981). "A középkori magyar állam virágzása és bukása, 1301–1506 [The Heyday and Fall of the Medieval Hungarian State, 1301–1526]". In Solymosi, László (ed.). Magyarország történeti kronológiája, I: a kezdetektől 1526-ig.
Süttő, Szilárd (2002). "Mária". In Kristó, Gyula (ed.). Magyarország vegyes házi királyai [The Kings of Various Dynasties of Hungary].
Tuchman, Barbara W. (1978). A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century.

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References

Bartl et al. 2002, p. 40.

Bartl et al. 2002, p. 41.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mary, Queen of Hungary Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been meticulously crafted by an AI, drawing upon historical data to present a comprehensive overview of Mary, Queen of Hungary. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to scholarly standards, the content is based on available information and may not encompass every nuance of her complex life and reign.

This is not a substitute for primary source analysis or advanced historical research. The information provided is intended for educational purposes and should be used as a starting point for deeper academic inquiry. Always consult original sources and peer-reviewed historical works for definitive understanding.

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Regal Destiny

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Mary: Queen of Hungary ℹ️

👑 The Inheritor

⚖️ A Crown of Contention

📜 Dynastic Ambitions

Formative Years ⏳

👶 Royal Upbringing

🤝 Strategic Betrothal

👑 Succession Secured (Initially)

A Reign Defined by Turmoil ⚔️

👑 Coronation and Regency (1382-1384)

⚠️ The Neapolitan Threat (1384-1385)

⚔️ Charles III's Brief Reign (1385-1386)

⛓️ Capture and Restoration (1386-1387)

🤝 Co-Rule and Diminished Influence (1387-1395)

The Royal Tapestry 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🌳 Anjou and Luxembourg Connections

🗺️ Mapping the Dynasty

Scholarly Foundations 📜

📚 Primary Accounts

📖 Secondary Scholarship

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Mary: Queen of Hungary

The Inheritor

A Crown of Contention

Dynastic Ambitions

Formative Years

Royal Upbringing

Strategic Betrothal

Succession Secured (Initially)

A Reign Defined by Turmoil

Coronation and Regency (1382-1384)

The Neapolitan Threat (1384-1385)

Charles III's Brief Reign (1385-1386)

Capture and Restoration (1386-1387)

Co-Rule and Diminished Influence (1387-1395)

The Royal Tapestry

Anjou and Luxembourg Connections

Mapping the Dynasty

Scholarly Foundations

Primary Accounts

Secondary Scholarship

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Scholarly Disclaimer

Important Notice