Kingdom of Hungary

The Kingdom of Hungary was a monarchy in Central Europe that existed from the Middle Ages into the 20th century (1000-1946 with the exception of 1918-1920). The Principality of Hungary emerged as a Christian kingdom upon the coronation of the first king Stephen I (Szent János király) at Esztergom around the year 1000; his family (the Árpád Dynasty) led the monarchy for 300 years. By the 12th century, the kingdom became a European middle power within the Western world. Today, the feast day of the first king Stephen I (20 August) is a national holiday in Hungary, commemorating the foundation of the state (Foundation Day).