Rákóczi

The Rákóczi (older spelling Rákóczy) were a Hungarian noble family in the Kingdom of Hungary between the 13th century and 18th century. Their name is also spelled Rakoczi and Rakoczy in some foreign (English) sources.

The foundations for the family's wealth and power were laid down by Sigismund Rákóczi; some decades into the 17th century, the Rákóczis became the wealthiest aristocrats of Hungary.^[1]

Probably the most famous member of the family was Francis II Rákóczi (1676-1735) who was elected prince (fejedelem) of the Confederated Estates of the Kingdom of Hungary and Prince of Transylvania 1703-1711. He led an anti-Habsburg war during that time; after the defeat of the rebellion, the Rákóczi family's wealth was confiscated.

The last member of the family was György (George) Rákóczi, the son of Francis II Rákóczi, who died in France in 1756.

The mysterious Count of St. Germain is believed by some to have been the son of Prince Francis (Ferenc) II Rákóczi.

Other notable members have included:

• Sigismund Rákóczi (Zsigmond) - elected Prince of Transylvania 1607-1608
• George I Rákóczi (György) - elected Prince of Transylvania 1630-1648
• George II Rákóczi(György) - Prince of Transylvania 1648-1657
• Francis I Rákóczi 1645-1676

The Rákóczi March by János Bihari and (memorably orchestrated by Hector Berlioz) refers to them.

The Hungarian Rhapsody No. 15 by Franz Liszt refers to the rebellion led by Francis II Rákóczi.

References

External links

• http://genealogy.euweb.cz/hung/rakoczi1.html