The kingdom of Hungary

The Pechenegs: Nomads in the Political and Cultural Landscape of Medieval Europe

“…Among the archaeological materials discovered, apart from arrowheads, there have also been sabres, spearheads, axes and mace heads. 209 In all past societies, the ability to smelt metals and produce and process metal alloys was connected with the specialization of production, and the craftsmen who worked with metals enjoyed a special social status.210 The situation was no different among the nomads, where people engaged in smithery and jewellery production were excluded from the traditional division of labour into men's and women's activities.211 It cannot be ruled out that in addition to native craftsmen, foreign specialists also engaged in such work, either working among the Pechenegs or in close contact with them.212…”

The Pechenegs on the Territories of the States Neighbouring the Steppe

“…He refused to be baptized, so the Hungarian ruler ordered that he and his wife be buried alive.208 Even though the credibility of this story is sometimes questioned, it is a very good illustration of the extremely harsh, not to say cruel evangelization methods practised by King Stephen. 209 The fate of Thonuzoba most probably reflects the choice that many representatives of the Pecheneg elites faced at that time, especially those close to the royal court. Christianization, a process which by its very nature was extremely slow and extended over several generations, surely did not mean that old traditions were immediately and completely rejected.…”

The Early Árpáds (895–1095): Consolidation, Christianization, Monarchy

“…Though these wars have traditionally been interpreted as pagan reactions to Christianization, they should be viewed as part of the extension of Árpád hegemony over neighboring territorial rulers. 24 Stephen next began a series of reforms radically altering the nature of Hungarian political and social life, molding it more in the shape of a Christian monarchy. In the first place, Stephen organized the kingdom by dividing it into counties (comitatus).…”

“…The king could only be Catholic, he was to fight against the enemies of the church and maintain the dignity of its clergy. 37 Stephen's legislation declared him "the divinely ordained defender and keeper of the things of God." 38 Legislation has survived indicating that Stephen took the role of defender seriously.…”