Hungarian Succession Crisis

Timeline

1. 1038–1041Hungary · HungaryPeter Orseolo, designated heir by Stephen during his lifetime, ascended with support from certain court factions. His rule relied on foreign confidants, alienated the great Hungarian nobles, and pursued a pro-Venetian foreign policy, quickly provoking opposition from nobles and some clergy.
2. 1041–1044Hungary · HungaryThe nobles raised Samuel Aba as king; Peter was deposed and briefly exiled. Aba tried to consolidate royal power on native grounds, but his position remained unstable. Peter later restored himself with the aid of Henry III of the Holy Roman Empire; Aba was defeated and killed, and Hungarian royal power remained turbulent.