Matija Gubec

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Ambroz Matija Gubec (Hungarian: Gubecz Máté) (died February 15, 1573) was a Croatian peasant and a revolutionary, best known as the leader of Croatian and Slovenian peasant revolt.

A non-contemporary representation of the execution of Matija Gubec at the square in front of st. Mark's Church in Zagreb, by Oton Iveković

Before the revolt Gubec was a serf on the estate of the infamous Ferenc Tahy.

When the revolt erupted, the peasants elected Gubec, renowned for his personal qualities, to become their leader. During his brief tenure he showed ability as a capable administrator and inspiring leader that would later create a legend. He earned the nickname Gubec Beg.

He led the peasant army during its last stand at battle at Stubičke Toplice on February 9, 1573. Before the battle he made a speech trying to convince the men that only victory could bring them freedom, while the defeat would be bring more misery. After the defeat he was captured and taken to Zagreb. On February 15, he was publicly tortured, forced to wear a hot iron crown and was subsequently quartered.

While his cause was defeated, his legacy preserved in local folklore through centuries.

In the 20th century, Josip Broz Tito and his Communist-led Partisans embraced his cause as their own. During World War II, a Croatian Partisan brigade was named after Matija Gubec.

He is also depicted as the protagonist of Gubec Beg, one of the first rock operas in modern Croatia.