Stephen I, Saint

(István I). Born circa 970; died Aug. 15, 1038. Prince (from 997), first king of Hungary (from 1000 or 1001).

Stephen I was from the ÁArpád dynasty. During his rule the formation of Hungary into an early feudal state was completed. He abolished the tribal division of the country and introduced the crown comitats, territorial divisions headed by iszpanak (counts) that were used for administrative purposes. Under his leadership the attack of German feudal lords on Hungary in 1030 was repulsed. He brought about the Christianization of Hungary (in 1083 he was canonized by the Catholic Church).