Poland of the Middle Ages

Stefan Barthory of Transylvania is sometimes included in the Jagiellons line, possibly because he married Anna Jagiellonka, but I feel he deserves to be listed by himself. He was elected King after the short reign of Henry Valois.  Norman Davies, in God's Playground, A History of Poland, Volume 1, describes Barthory as Poland's most successful king.  The time between Valois exit and Barthory's election was one of tension, intrigue and fighting as different groups jockeyed for the position of their candidate. Barthory was approached on December 14, 1575 with the offer of the Polish crown on the condition that he marry Anna Jagiellonka. He entered Cracow March 23, 1576 with 500 Transylvania knights wearing leopard skins thrown over their golden breast plates and 1,000 veteran hejduks. The marriage to Anna took place on May 1, 1576 and he was annointed king. Barthory  was skilled in finance, created judicial reform, was an experienced soldier, educated in Padua, Italy, and was singularly qualified to rule as king.

 

Barthory had a niece, Erzebet (Elizabeth) Barthory, a Hungarian countess.  She has been called a vampire and serial killer.  For one of many stories aboutg Elizabeth, somewhat based on fact, click on the lower right button.