Before you stands a majestic figure. It is none other than the statue of \u00c1rp\u00e1d vez\u00e9r. Let me tell you his story.
\u00c1rp\u00e1d, born around 845 AD, was a pivotal figure. He headed the Magyar tribes. This was around the turn of the 9th and 10th centuries. Details of his life are debated. Different sources offer contradictory information. Many Hungarians call him the founder of their country. \u00c1rp\u00e1d’s role in conquering the Carpathian Basin is key. His dynasty ruled Hungary until 1301.
\u00c1rp\u00e1d’s father was \u00c1lmos. He was the first head of the Magyar tribal confederation. \u00c1rp\u00e1d’s name comes from the Hungarian word for barley, “\u00e1rpa”.
Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus said the Hungarians never had another prince before \u00c1rp\u00e1d. This sharply contrasts with Hungarian chronicles. They mention \u00c1rp\u00e1d’s father. Porphyrogenitus said the Khazar khagan wanted to centralize command. This would strengthen his rule over the Hungarians. The khagan first wanted Levedi to lead. Levedi suggested \u00c1lmos or \u00c1rp\u00e1d instead. The Hungarians chose \u00c1rp\u00e1d. He was admired for wisdom, counsel and valor. \u00c1rp\u00e1d was made prince. He was lifted upon a shield.
Historians debate the accuracy of this account. Some find it vague. Others see a reliable core. \u00c1lmos promoted \u00c1rp\u00e1d. He forced Levedi to give up his position. \u00c1rp\u00e1d became the sacred ruler or kende. This allowed his father to remain the gyula or actual leader.
An early 10th-century document mentions \u00c1rp\u00e1d. Emperor Leo VI sent Nicetas Sclerus to the Hungarians. The year was 894 or 895. Sclerus gave presents to incite them against Bulgaria. Sclerus met \u00c1rp\u00e1d and Kursz\u00e1n. They met at the Lower Danube. The mission worked. A Hungarian army crossed the Danube on Byzantine ships against Bulgaria. The army was under \u00c1rp\u00e1d’s son, Li\u00fcntika.
Historians debate \u00c1rp\u00e1d and Kursz\u00e1n’s roles at this time. Some say \u00c1rp\u00e1d was the gyula. Kursz\u00e1n was the kende. Others say Kursz\u00e1n was the gyula. \u00c1rp\u00e1d represented his father, \u00c1lmos kende.
The Hungarian army defeated the Bulgarians. However, the Bulgarians hired the Pechenegs against them. The Pechenegs invaded Hungarian lands in 895 or 896. This forced the Hungarians to seek a new homeland. They crossed the Carpathian Mountains. They headed to the Pannonian Plain.
The Illuminated Chronicle says \u00c1lmos died in Erdelw or Transylvania. Some say this was a ritual murder. Others suggest \u00c1rp\u00e1d or someone in his group killed him. Another chronicle says \u00c1lmos appointed \u00c1rp\u00e1d as leader.
\u00c1rp\u00e1d’s name is absent from East Francia sources. They only mention Kursz\u00e1n. Some historians suggest Kursz\u00e1n was the gyula. \u00c1rp\u00e1d succeeded his father as kende. Others propose Kursz\u00e1n was kende. \u00c1rp\u00e1d only succeeded him when Kursz\u00e1n died in 902 or 904.
Hungarian chronicles emphasize \u00c1rp\u00e1d’s role in conquering the Carpathian Basin. The Gesta Hungarorum highlights his military skills. It also notes his generosity. T\u00e9t\u00e9ny acquired Transylvania after \u00c1rp\u00e1d authorized him.
\u00c1rp\u00e1d took an oath. He elevated his son, Zolt\u00e1n, to prince. However, this report is questionable.
The date of \u00c1rp\u00e1d’s death is debated. The Gesta Hungarorum says it was in 907. Others say it was in 900 or later. He was buried at the head of a small river. A village, Feh\u00e9regyh\u00e1za, developed near Buda a century later.
The Hungarians arrived in their new homeland under \u00c1rp\u00e1d. He is the main figure in the Gesta Hungarorum. Nearly all events of the Hungarian land-taking are attributed to him. Until 1301, Hungary was ruled by his descendants. \u00c1rp\u00e1d is known as the founder of Hungary.
\u00c1rp\u00e1d had four sons. Their names were Tarkatzous, Ielech, Ioutotzas and Zaltas. He also had a son named Liuntikas.
Look at this statue of \u00c1rp\u00e1d. Remember his story. The construction of the Millennium Monument started in 1896. It commemorated the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian Conquest. It was completed by 1906. The Heroes’ square features seven Magyar chieftains and other leaders. Zala Gy\u00f6rgy created these sculptures. \u00c1rp\u00e1d leads the chieftains El\u0151d, Ond, Kond, Tas, Huba, and T\u00f6h\u00f6t\u00f6m.