Black Magyars
Encyclopedia
Black Magyars were a (semi-)independent group of the Magyars before and after the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin at the end of the 9th century. The nomadic tribes sign the four cardinal points by colors: The North is "black", West is "white", South is "red", and East is "blue".
Black Magyars are mentioned in just a few contemporary sources (sometimes in opposition to White Magyars); none of the sources expands upon the exact nature of the relationship between the Black Magyars and the "mainstream" Hungarian population, nor is the origin and meaning of their name clear.
It is known that they participated in some military campaign in Kiev; after the conquest, they resisted the Christian
mission
even after the coronation of King Stephen I of Hungary in 1000 or 1001. In 1003, Bruno of Querfurt
tried to convert the Black Magyars, then Azzo, the legate of the pope
led the missionary work among them, but they insisted on their faith; therefore some of them were blinded.
Around 1008, King Stephen I made a campaign against them and conquered their territories ("Black Hungary"). He probably set up the Diocese of Pécs on the conquered region in 1009.
Black Magyars are mentioned in just a few contemporary sources (sometimes in opposition to White Magyars); none of the sources expands upon the exact nature of the relationship between the Black Magyars and the "mainstream" Hungarian population, nor is the origin and meaning of their name clear.
It is known that they participated in some military campaign in Kiev; after the conquest, they resisted the Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
mission
Mission (Christian)
Christian missionary activities often involve sending individuals and groups , to foreign countries and to places in their own homeland. This has frequently involved not only evangelization , but also humanitarian work, especially among the poor and disadvantaged...
even after the coronation of King Stephen I of Hungary in 1000 or 1001. In 1003, Bruno of Querfurt
Bruno of Querfurt
Saint Bruno of Querfurt , also known as Brun and Boniface, is a sainted missionary bishop and martyr, who was beheaded near the border of Kievan Rus and Lithuania while trying to spread Christianity in Eastern Europe...
tried to convert the Black Magyars, then Azzo, the legate of the pope
Pope
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, a position that makes him the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church . In the Catholic Church, the Pope is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter, the Apostle...
led the missionary work among them, but they insisted on their faith; therefore some of them were blinded.
Around 1008, King Stephen I made a campaign against them and conquered their territories ("Black Hungary"). He probably set up the Diocese of Pécs on the conquered region in 1009.
Sources
- Korai Magyar Történeti Lexikon (9-14. század), főszerkesztő: Kristó, Gyula, szerkesztők: Engel, Pál és Makk, Ferenc (Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, 1994)