BELA

the name of four kings of Hungary longing to the Aipad dynasty. — ^Bela L, son Ladlslaf, competed for the crown with his brother Andrew, and at first so unsucce fully that he obliged to take refuge in Poland. Having obtioned a istance, he returned at the head powerful force, defeated his brother, who perished the action, and mounted the throne in 1061. immediately began a series of important reforms, was contemplating others when he was suddenly in 1068. ^Bela II., sumamed the Blind, because his eyes had been put out in early life by his succeeded to the throne in 1131, and at first seemed inclined to act with moderation and justice, but yindictive spirit of his queen involved him in quarrels with his nobles, and his own intemperate brought on a dLseaae which terminated his life 1141. Beul III. succeeded his brother Stephen m. in 1173, and held the reins of government a strong hand, vigorously correcting the abuses patting down the turbulent spirit which the troubles of previous reigns had engendered. He also repelled the incursions of the Bohemians, Poles, and Austrians, and retaking the towns of which the Venetians po e ed themselves, compelled them to accept peace in 1189. He died in 1196, and was succeeded by Emeric, one of two sons by his queen, a sister Philip August us, king of France. ^Bela IV. ceed^ his father An£ew II. in 1235, and was shortly after obliged to collect an army to oppose the Tartars, who had invaded the country and were committing fearful ravages. In the battle which ensued he signally defeated, and obliged to take refuge Austrii^ where he was detained prisoner, and recovered his liberty by the payment of a rauaom. To escape the Tartars, who still continued their ravages, he retired to Dalmatian but ultimately regained his throne in 1244 by the aid of the knighto of Rhodes. In a war with Austria he defeated slew Duke Frederick, but in that with the Bohemians, headed by King Ottokar, fortune turned against and he was obliged to submit to a disadvantageous peace. He died in 1270.