Taksony of Hungary

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Taksony (c. 931 - 970) (Slovak: Takšoň) was the fejedelem (ruling prince) of Hungary between 955 and 970. We have few details on his life. His father was Zoltan of Hungary.

Taksony's policies were a change from the previous habit of the Hungarian leaders of conducting rapid raids on neighbouring countries, as he was probably present at the Battle of Lechfeld, where the Hungarian army was defeated and lost its leader Bulcsú. Relations with the Byzantine Empire progressively deteriorated, possibly due to progaganda from the Holy Roman Emperor Otto who depicted the Hungarians as ungodly. In the second half of his reign Taksony increasingly pursued campaigns against Byzantine Empire. Although Taksony asked the pope to send a bishop to Hungary (a request which was thwarted by Otto), he didn't follow an open policy to the spreading of Christianity within his realm.

Taksony arranged the marriage of his son Géza to Sarolt, the daughter of Gyula of Transylvania. He also had a son called Michael, father of Vazul.

Preceded by
Fajsz
Ruling Prince of Hungary
c. 955 - 970
Succeeded by
Géza

Named after the last pagan ruling prince, Taksony is also a small village by the "small" (kis) Danube about 20 km south of Budapest, Hungary. It is known for its many natural springs and tranquil scenery and serves as a haven for fishermen, boaters and summer vacationers.