János Zápolya

János Zápolya was a significant figure in 16th-century Eastern European politics, serving as the King of Hungary from 1540 until his death in 1541. He emerged during a turbulent period marked by the Ottoman Empire's expansion and internal conflicts within Hungary. Zápolya was initially a nobleman and later claimed the throne amidst rivalries, notably against Ferdinand I of the Habsburg dynasty. His reign was characterized by efforts to unify Hungary and resist Ottoman domination, but he faced challenges from both external and internal forces. Zápolya's legacy includes his role in shaping Hungary's historical and political landscape during a critical era.