Ladislaus II of Hungary

Ladislaus II of Hungary, born in the year one thousand one hundred thirty-one, was a significant political figure in the tumultuous landscape of medieval Hungary. He ascended to the throne as King of Hungary and Croatia in the brief period between one thousand one hundred sixty-two and one thousand one hundred sixty-three, having usurped the crown from his nephew, Stephen III. His rise to power was marked by intrigue and the backing of influential allies.

At the tender age of six, Ladislaus was bestowed the title of Duke of Bosnia by his father, Béla II of Hungary. However, he never exercised authority over the province. Instead, around the year one thousand one hundred sixty, he followed in the footsteps of his younger brother, Stephen, and relocated to Constantinople. Their return to Hungary was prompted by the death of their elder brother, Géza II of Hungary, in one thousand one hundred sixty-two, and was supported by the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos, who sought to extend his influence over Hungary.

Initially, the Emperor intended to assist Stephen IV in claiming the throne, but the Hungarian nobility favored Ladislaus as their king against the claims of the late Géza II's son, Stephen III. Despite the opposition from Lucas, Archbishop of Esztergom, who excommunicated him and refused to crown him, Ladislaus was ultimately crowned by Mikó, Archbishop of Kalocsa, in July of one thousand one hundred sixty-two. Unfortunately, his reign was short-lived, as he passed away within six months of his coronation.