Béla II of Hungary

Béla II of Hungary, born in the year one thousand one hundred and eight, ascended to the throne as King of Hungary and Croatia in the year one thousand one hundred and thirty-one. His early life was marked by tragedy, as he was blinded alongside his father, Álmos, due to the machinations of his uncle, King Coloman. This brutal act set the stage for a tumultuous reign, as Béla grew up in monasteries during the rule of Coloman's son, Stephen II.

Upon the death of Stephen II, Béla's path to kingship was fraught with challenges. He was crowned king at least two months after Stephen's passing, indicating that his rise was met with significant opposition. To solidify his authority, Béla undertook violent purges against the supporters of his predecessors, a move that was both strategic and necessary for his consolidation of power.

In the year one thousand one hundred and thirty-two, Béla faced a serious threat from Boris, a man claiming to be the son of King Coloman. However, Béla and his loyal allies successfully defeated Boris's forces, further establishing his rule. As his reign progressed, Béla II shifted Hungary's focus towards an active foreign policy, with regions such as Bosnia and Split acknowledging his suzerainty around the year one thousand one hundred and thirty-six.