Zápolyas

The Zápolya family, also known as the Szapolyai or Zapolya family, was a prominent aristocratic house in the Kingdom of Hungary during the late Middle Ages and early modern period. The family's influence grew significantly in the 15th century, and they played a crucial role in Hungarian politics and dynastic struggles.

Key figures from the family include Stephen Zápolya, who held considerable power and landholdings, and his son, John Zápolya, who was elected King of Hungary in 1526 after the death of Louis II at the Battle of Mohács. John Zápolya's reign was marked by a civil war against Ferdinand I of Habsburg, who also claimed the Hungarian throne. This conflict had long-lasting consequences for Hungary, contributing to its division.

The Zápolya family's wealth and power were based on extensive estates, particularly in the Spiš region (now in Slovakia) and other parts of Upper Hungary. Their rise to prominence was a testament to their military and political acumen, as well as strategic marriages. The family's legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of Hungary and its complex relationship with neighboring powers, especially the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy. The male line of the Zápolya family eventually died out, but their historical impact on the Hungarian nobility and the kingdom's political landscape remained significant.