c. 1177–1235 · King of Hungary and leader in the Fifth Crusade
Andrew II of Hungary
King of Hungary; in 1217 he came to Acre with the first wave of the Fifth Crusade and, after short campaigns in Galilee, returned home in early 1218.
BIOGRAPHICAL DOSSIER
Life and historical role
Life and political setting
The son of Béla III, Andrew became king of Hungary in 1205 after a long struggle for the throne with his elder brother Emeric. Fulfilment of a crusade vow taken by his father had long been postponed.
Role in the Crusades
In 1217 he sailed from Split to Acre and commanded one of the largest contingents in the first wave of the Fifth Crusade. With King John of Brienne of Jerusalem and Leopold VI he made limited campaigns in Galilee and around Mount Tabor, without lasting result. In January 1218, before the operation against Egypt began, he returned home overland.
Historical significance and source problems
Andrew's early return was criticised by contemporaries, though political problems at home and the costs of the crusade played a part. In 1222 he issued the Golden Bull recognising the rights of the nobility. His crusade is described by Oliver of Paderborn and Thomas of Split.
Biographical information is linked to the sources shown on the page and to the connected event records. Disputed dates are given as approximate, gaps are not filled by conjecture, and later literary or visual depictions are not treated as contemporary portraits.