Abstract: The research of the relations between certain rulers, territories or peoples can be considered as one of the classic topics of historiography in general and of Medieval Studies as well. The Polish-Hungarian contact in the Middle Ages is no exception, several scientific and popular works have dealt with the relations of the Piasts and Árpáds, and their respective realms. Nevertheless, it is to be underlined that we can only speak indirectly about international relations concerning the High Middle Ages, the personal contacts of the rulers and the dynastic ties established between the ruling families are of great importance when studying the various elements of the relations. This paper focuses on an interesting and controversial episode of the matrimonial history of the Piasts of Poland and the Árpáds of Hungary. In my opinion, despite the poor state of the sources, it can be assumed that King Béla II of Hungary and Duke Bolesław III Wrymouth of Poland in 1135 – 1136, in order to put an end to their hostilities, concluded an agreement on a double marriage between their dynasties. Only one of the two planned matrimonies were realized, yet I believe that the hypothesis formulated in this two-part study can be supported by a thorough analysis of the remaining sources and the political conditions of the 1130s.

Author: Barabás, Gábor

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2025.18.1.30-38

Publication order reference: Dr. habil. Gábor Barabás PhD; University of Pécs, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Institute of History, Department of Medieval and Early Modern History, Rókus utca 2., 7624, Pécs, Hungary; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4786-970X

Source: Konštantínove listy, 2025, vol.: 18, issue: 1, pages: 30-38 (PDF file)

Keywords: POLAND, HUNGARY, TWELFTH CENTURY, GENEALOGY, DYNASTIC RELATIONS, PEACE, MATRIMONY

Language: ENGLISH

Recommended Citation:

Barabás, Gábor. 2025. From Conflict to Marriages. The Relations of the Piasts of Poland and the Árpáds of Hungary in the 1130s. Part 1. In Konštantínove listy [Constantine’s Letters] 18/1, 30-38.