Description

Samuel Aba (before 990 or c. 1009 – 1044) reigned as King of Hungary from 1041 to 1044. Born into a prominent family with extensive lands in the Mátra Hills, the Abas are believed to have led the Kabar tribes that joined the Hungarians in the 9th century after seceding from the Khazar Khaganate.

Around 1009, Samuel or his father married a sister of Stephen I, Hungary's first king, leading the originally pagan or possibly Jewish Aba family to convert to Christianity. King Stephen later appointed Samuel as palatine. After Stephen's death in 1038, the new king, Peter the Venetian, removed Samuel from his post.

In 1041, Hungarian lords dethroned Peter and elected Samuel as king. Samuel's preference for commoners over nobles caused discontent, and his execution of many opponents led to conflict with Bishop Gerard of Csanád. In 1044, Peter returned with the support of the German monarch, Henry III, and defeated Samuel at the Battle of Ménfő. Samuel fled but was captured and killed.