Geza of Hungary

Géza of Hungary (born around 940-945, died 997) (Slovak: Gejza), grand prince of the Magyars (ruled from around 972-997) was great-grandson of the Arpad who gave his name to the ruling dynasty. He was accepted as "King of Hungary" by Otto I in 972.

Geza permitted Christian missionaries to come to his country, was baptized in 985 (other sources say 972 by bishop Bruno of Sankt Gallen), and permitted his son and successor Stephen to be baptized as well.

Although he was mainly accepted as a christianised king he stayed pagan in heart. Nevertheless he changed his political views and started peace talks with all the surrounding emperors to stabilize the country, and followed his father's intentions to stop raids to the surrounding areas.

His wife was called Sarolt and in the last years of Geza she had a strong influence on the leadership of the country.

Geza was the son of Taksony, prince of Magyars and his wife, a daughter von Kumanien. Geza had a brother named Michael of Hungary born in 955 at Esztergom, who became Regent of Poland and died about 978.

Geza's father Taksony was the son of Zoltan of Hungary, Prince of Magyars (896 - 949), who in turn was the son of Arpad.