Andrew III of Hungary

Andrew III of Hungary, born in 1265, was a significant figure in the tumultuous history of Hungary and Croatia, reigning as king from 1290 until 1301. He was the last male descendant of the House of Árpád, a lineage that had ruled Hungary for centuries. His father, Stephen the Posthumous, was the posthumous son of Andrew II of Hungary, though his legitimacy was questioned by his older half-brothers, who regarded him as a bastard.

Andrew's early life unfolded in Venice, where he was raised before returning to Hungary in 1278 at the behest of the rebellious baron, Ivan Kőszegi. Kőszegi's intentions were to leverage Andrew against the reigning King Ladislaus IV, but this conspiracy ultimately failed, leading Andrew back to Venice.

Upon the death of King Ladislaus IV in 1290, Andrew was elected king. He made history as the first Hungarian monarch to issue a coronation diploma that confirmed the privileges of the nobility and clergy. His reign was marked by challenges from at least three pretenders to the throne, including Albert of Austria and Mary of Hungary. While Andrew successfully expelled an adventurer and compelled Albert to negotiate peace, the claims of Mary and her descendants remained unresolved.

Andrew's rule was characterized by persistent anarchy, as powerful families like the Kőszegis and Csáks frequently rebelled against his authority. His reign ended with his death, which led to the extinction of the House of Árpád and ignited a civil war that lasted over two decades, culminating in the rise of Mary of Hungary's grandson, Charles Robert.