Simon of Kéza

Simon of Kéza, born in the year twelve fifty, stands as the most renowned Hungarian chronicler of the thirteenth century. Serving as a priest in the royal court of King Ladislaus IV of Hungary, he played a pivotal role in documenting the history of his people.

In the years of twelve seventy to twelve seventy-one, Simon, bearing the title of 'master' or 'magister', participated in a significant diplomatic mission led by Sixtus of Esztergom. This delegation, which included Andrew of Hungary, was dispatched by King Stephen V of Hungary to extend congratulations to King Charles I of Sicily upon his return from the Eighth Crusade. Their journey took them through Naples to Catona and Messina in December and January, before returning with Charles to Rome in February.

Simon’s most notable contribution to history is his work, Gesta Hunnorum et Hungarorum, composed in Latin around the year twelve eighty-two. In this chronicle, he vividly recounts the history of the Huns and Hungarians, whom he regarded as kin, tracing their lineage from legendary origins to contemporary times. As the personal secretary to the king, Simon meticulously gathered his material from older chronicles preserved in the royal archives.

The chronicle was first published in print in the year seventeen eighty-two in Buda. By the nineteenth century, it had been translated into Hungarian, gaining popularity and significantly contributing to the development of national consciousness among the Hungarian people.