Heraldry and Genealogy of the Historical Báthory Families of Hungary

Coat of Arms of Báthory of Somlyó, Ecsed and Szaniszlófi (Gutkeled Clan)

Coat of Arms of Báthory of Gagy (Aba Clan)

Introduction

The Báthory family name is associated with four major families, each with distinct histories, alliances, and contributions to Hungarian society.

1. Báthory of Somlyó

2. Báthory of Ecsed

3. Báthory of Szaniszlófi

4. Báthory of Gagy

These branches descended from different family members, yet they all played historical roles in Hungary's social and political evolution.

The Báthory Family from Gutkeled Clan [1]

The Báthory family from the Guthkeled Clan is one of the most notable extinct noble families, known for its historical significance over centuries. Historians have debated various theories regarding their origins. Some have traced their lineage back to Vencellin, who arrived during King Saint Stephen’s reign, while others linked them to the famous brave Opoth who served under King Solomon. Polish historians claimed a Polish origin for the family, among other theories.

The most widely accepted view is that the Guthkeled family originated from a Swedish noble lineage. Members of the Guthkeled clan are believed to have come from Stoph Castle in Germany to support King Peter, who had fled there, and subsequently accompanied him to Hungary. They rose to prominence during the reigns of Kings Solomon, Ladislaus, and Géza. The Guthkeled lineage later branched out into several families, including the Báthorys, Zelemér, Szokoli, and Butkay.

Gold Florin of Gábor Báthory with the Dragon Family Crest

During King Solomon’s reign, Wyda, a counselor from the Guthkeled clan, became infamous for his cunning. He served as the ispán (count) of Bács County in 1055 and possibly held the title of nádor (palatine). He died in the battle between Solomon and Géza in 1074. According to tradition, this Wyda allegedly fought and killed a dragon that inhabited the Ecsed marshes. This story is symbolized in the family crest, which features a dragon biting its tail to form a circle, accompanied by three dragon teeth (some say wolf teeth). This emblem was also used by the Butkay, Szokoli, and Zelemér families, who descended from the Guthkeled clan.

The Báthory of Somlyó, Ecsed and Szaniszlófi Lineage

From the Báthory lineage, particularly under the leadership of Andrew I, who took his name from Rakamaz, there were three children: Bereczk, Benedict I, and George I. Of these, the lines of Benedict and George eventually died out, while Bereczk’s line continued.

Bereczk (also known as Briccius) received the estates of Abram, Bátor, and Kis-Baka as a reward for his loyal services to King Ladislaus IV. He dropped his former surname (de Rakamaz) and adopted the name Báthory, derived from the Bátor estate. Thus, the family name was established.

Genealogy of Báthory family of Gutkeled Clan (Family Tree - Table 1)

Bereczk's children included Nicholas I, who had two daughters—Agnes and Barbara—who were legitimized in 1369. Another son, Andrew II, was initially a provost in Buda and later the bishop of Nagyvárad from 1329 to 1345. A third son, John, and a fourth, Leukos (also known as Lucas), were confirmed by King Charles I in 1325 in their father’s lands, along with the right to build a castle in Ecsed named Hűség (Loyalty). Bereczk’s daughter Clara married Batiz, the son of Jákó of Ung, and sold half of Ecsed to her brother John for 25 marks in 1336.

Genealogy of Báthory family of Gutkeled Clan (Family Tree - Table 2)

Genealogy of Báthory family of Gutkeled Clan (Family Tree - Table 3)

Division into Branches

Bereczk's sons, John I and Leukos, became the founders of the two main branches of the Báthory family. The estates were divided among their children: Peter I, Leukos’ son, received Ecsed, establishing the Ecsed branch, which is discussed in a separate section.

John I, who served as the head of Bihar County in 1343, had three children: Stephen I, whose line became extinct; George II, who left no male heirs; and Ladislaus I, who was the head of Szabolcs County in 1351. Ladislaus I married Anna, daughter of Maurice of the Medgyesallyi family from the Pok clan. The Somlyó estate was granted to him after protracted legal disputes. His descendants adopted the Somlyói surname.

The Somlyó, Szaniszlófi and Ecsed Branches

The Somlyó branch produced some of the most prominent Báthory figures. Ladislaus I's descendants included George IV, who had no male heirs. His brother Stanislaus continued the line and eventually won a legal battle for Somlyó in 1390. Stanislaus’s descendants, known as the Szaniszlófi Báthorys, split into a separate family.

Notable members of the Somlyó branch include Stephen V King of Poland and Stephen IV, who was appointed as the voyvode of Transylvania by John Zápolya in 1529. Stephen was loyal to Zápolya until his death, even when faced with opposition from King Ferdinand. He fiercely defended Zápolya’s interests, even burning down the town of Torda in 1531. Stephen died in 1534 at the age of 57, leaving behind several children, including Andrew III, who recaptured Huszt for Isabella in 1556, and Boldizsár, who met a tragic end after becoming embroiled in political intrigue in Transylvania.

Coat of Arms of Cardinal Andrew IV Báthory of Somlyó

The last significant male descendant of the Somlyó branch was Gabriel Báthory, who served as the Prince of Transylvania from 1608 to 1613. His rule was marked by indulgence and cruelty, ultimately leading to his assassination in 1613 by Szilassy János and Nadányi Gergely.

Coat of Arms of Stephen V Báthory (of Somlyó) King of Poland

The Decline of the Báthory Family of Gutkeled Clan

The downfall of the Báthory family o f Gutkeled Clanis marked by various tragic events. Zsigmond Báthory, who succeeded his father Christopher as the Prince of Transylvania, was known for his erratic and despotic rule. His oscillations between ruling and resigning, and his ruthless execution of rivals, including his own kin, tarnished the family's legacy. He ultimately died in Prague in 1602.

The final chapter of the Báthory family’s history saw the extinction of its male line with Gabriel Báthory. With his death, the once powerful and illustrious family that had shaped the history of Hungary and Transylvania for centuries came to an end.

Samuel Aba the III King of Hungary (father of the Aba Clan)

Coat of Arms of the Aba Clan originating of King Samuel Aba

The Báthory de Gagy Family of the Aba Clan [2]

The Báthory of Gagy family is rooted in the illustrious Aba clan, one of the oldest noble houses in Hungary, reportedly descended from King Samuel Aba, an early Hungarian king and brother-in-law to Saint Stephen, Hungary’s first king. Samuel Aba’s rule was marked by efforts to consolidate the Hungarian state and lay down governance structures that future generations would rely on. His descendants held significant power, and the Aba clan’s influence grew with royal grants and estates given by the Árpád dynasty. One of the most famous ancestral sites of the Báthory of Gagy family is Szalánc Castle. This castle, first mentioned in a 1230 document as a small fortress of salt storage. Count Péter of Aba reconstructed it to a fortified castle. The castle was not only a family stronghold but also a symbol of their power. During the 14th century, Péter of Aba’s descendant, Count Péter II, allied with other nobles to oppose King Charles I, leading to a series of conflicts that culminated in the Battle of Rozgony. The family’s defeat led to the forfeiture of Szalánc Castle to Count William Drugeth, a loyal and highly appeciated servent to the king.

Genealogy of Báthory of Gagy family starting from Peter of Aba Lord of Szalánc and his son Nicholas

Key Figures of the Family

Finta Aba : The eldest son of Dávid Aba, who played a significant role in Hungarian history. Initially, he served as the palatine under King Béla IV. In 1270, he was allegedly involved in a palace coup aiming to kidnap the young prince Ladislaus (later King Ladislaus IV), possibly intending to place Béla of Macsó on the throne with the support of the Czech King Ottokar. However, there is no evidence that Fintha fled after the rebellion was suppressed, suggesting he may have returned to serve King Ladislaus. During Ladislaus IV's reign, Fintha remained a loyal and influential figure. In 1277, he led troops to suppress an uprising in the north, and by 1278, he had become the Voivode of Transylvania. Fintha later took a stand against the king's actions, particularly regarding the capture of the papal legate. Alongside others, he arrested the king and took him to Buda, but released him after securing promises that Ladislaus would not harm the church or his adversaries. As a result, Fintha was appointed palatine once again. Conflict arose when the king's behavior alienated the Cumans, leading to their rebellion. Fintha helped the king win a decisive victory against the Cumans at the Battle of Lake Hód, restoring internal peace. However, the relationship between Fintha and the king eventually soured, resulting in Fintha's removal as palatine and a military campaign against him in 1281. The king besieged Fintha in Szaláncz Castle, and although details of Fintha’s fate remain unclear, and he disappeared from historical records.Palatin Finta died without male heirs, leaving only a daughter, Klára. The Szalánc castle and estate passed to his brother, Peter, whose descendants became the founders of the Szalánc branch.

Amadeus Aba : The youngest brother of Palatine Fintha, was a notable Hungarian noble during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. He first gained prominence in 1278 when he fought for King Ladislaus IV against King Ottokar II of Bohemia, losing a finger in the battle. Amadeus held various important positions, including governor of Szeben and Palatine of Hungary. He was instrumental in several military campaigns, including the suppression of rebellious Cumans and Tatars. Loyal to the Árpád dynasty and later to King Andrew III, Amadeus played a crucial role during the turbulent succession disputes after the extinction of the Árpád line. His influence grew as he governed from his seat at Gönc Castle, becoming a powerful oligarch akin to a regional ruler. Despite occasional conflicts with other nobles and internal family issues, he remained loyal to the ruling monarch. Amadeus was eventually killed during a confrontation in Kassa in 1311, and his sons continued his legacy but ultimately lost their power after a series of conflicts with King Charles I.

Family tree from the Aba brothers to Nicholas the father of the Báthory branch

Peter Aba : Fintha's brother who shared in both his rise and his fall. The Szalánc Castle was attributed to Finta and his brothers, Peter and Amadeus is an example of their influence and status. The predecessor of the castle was a smaller fortification, first mentioned in a charter from 1230 as a fortress protecting a salt warehouse (Castrum Salis). From 1274 to 1279, he served as the Master of the Horse. On September 10, 1280, he was appointed as the Country Judge. From 1281 to 1283, he served as the Master of the Treasury; we encounter him for the last time in 1284, when, under the name “Peter Börényi,” without the designation of his office, he occupies a place among the king’s barons. In 1312, his son Peter II allied with his cousins and Matthew III Csák and other influential nobles against King Charles I of Hungary. The subsequent defeat at the Battle of Rozgony led to the forfeiture of Szalánc Castle to Palatine William Drugeth, illustrating the shifting allegiances and fortunes of the era. Péter's legacy continued through his descendants, who became known as the Szalánczy family (the fathers of the Báthory of Gagy lineage). Some of their descendants, like voyvode Nicholas, managed to attain prominent positions, but the family ultimately lost its former influence.

Agreement between Count Drugeth and Count Peter of Aba (ancestor of the Bathory of Gagy's branch) regarding the Castle of Szalánc.

Szalánc Castle. Drawing by Viktor Myskovszky 1878

Rise of the Báthory Name

Nicholas, who is referred to in some sources by nickname as Gereven (Greven means Count in archaic German)  or Sirokai and Jobbágyi after his estates and properties was a central figure in establishing the Báthory of Gagy’s estate in Abaúj County. Rising to significant ranks, he served as the Voivode of Transylvania and was granted multiple estates by the crown, including Gagy and Gagybátor. He fortified his holdings with residences and castles that symbolized the family’s wealth and influence, securing his family’s standing for future generations.

Family tree starting with Peter II of Aba, Lord of Szalánc (the Báthory line) 1. page

The Báthory name first emerged formally in the early 14th century, a reflection of the family’s significant holdings and social standing. Nicholas’s construction of multiple fortified castles, including a residential castle in Gagy, became symbols of prestige and served as strategic points in an era marked by constant political shifts. While few of these castles have survived due to centuries of conflict, their remains are documented in historical records, underscoring the Báthory of Gagy family’s place in Hungarian heritage.

Family tree continuing with Janos III (2. page)

According to the family tree, Demeter served as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Abaúj County between 1512 and 1517. Miklós III, a brigadier of King John Zapolya, fell in the Battle of Tokaj on September 27, 1527. His death was a significant loss for the family, affecting not only their lineage but also the Báthory of Gagy familys' political and military influence in future events. The battle at Tokaj was part of the turbulent period in Hungarian history on the eve of the Ottoman occupation. Miklós III's elder son, László III, who was born to Dóra Monoky , also held the position of Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Abaúj County in 1555. László’s widow was Anna from the notable Hungarian noble family Tholdi. The aforementioned Miklós III's son, János VI, was also a supporter of Queen Isabella and King John Szapolyai, which led to his punishment in 1557. Consequently, King Maximilian II confiscated his estates in Péder, Korlátfalva, Tengerfalva, Felső Diczháza, Nyomár, and Zombor in 1567. János VII's elder son, Zsigmond, represented Abaúj County at the 1626 National Assembly, while his younger son, Miklós IV, was not deterred by the family's aforementioned property losses and likewise joined the patriotic movements. He became a favored supporter of George I Rákóczi , who issued a protection letter for him in 1644, placing his properties under the protection of the county. However, Miklós IV later faced charges of high treason.

A document from 1688 bearing the signature of Gábor Báthory de Gagy, the last male member of the family

The Báthory of Gagy family’s male line ended in 1689 with the death of Gábor II. The family’s estates largely reverted to the royal treasury, marking the end of an era. However, some descendants, including those connected to Tibor Báthory-Szőnyi, preserved the family name through the female line.

Book with archival documents

In Noblesse Oblige, Tibor Báthory-Szőnyi delves into his family's history through the Báthory of Gagy lineage, following a meticulous process using archival and ecclesiastical documents. The book serves as both a personal and historical exploration, emphasizing the responsibilities and values associated with noble heritage, and it stands as a tribute to the enduring influence of the Báthory family. Through his book Noblesse Oblige, Tibor Báthory-Szőnyi honors his family’s heritage, breathing new life into the Báthory of Gagy lineage. His book not only reaffirms his lineage but also brings renewed attention to the complex history of Hungarian nobility, exploring how the values, responsibilities, and challenges of noble heritage have evolved. Tibor’s work emphasizes that nobility is not only about titles or land but about the cultural and ethical responsibilities passed through generations moreover highlighting the family’s significant influence and their connections to other noble houses, while presenting new insights into their contributions to Hungarian society.

Anciant Coat of Arms of Báthory de Gagy during the Árpád dynasti

Heraldry and symbols

The heraldic achievements of the Báthory family of Gagy are meticulously recorded in Johann Ambrosius Siebmacher's Siebmachers Wappenbuch, a comprehensive catalogue of European coats of arms. Siebmacher, a renowned German herald and goldsmith, provides a detailed illustration of the great and the small seals used by the Báthory family. This seal reflects the family's noble status and serves as a historical artifact documenting their heraldic traditions.

Coats of arms of families descended from the Aba Clan Sixtus branch