Principality of Transylvania: Map & History
The Principality of Transylvania was a semi-independent state ruled by Hungarian princes.
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The Principality of Transylvania was a semi-independent state ruled by Hungarian princes. It existed as an Ottoman vassal state for the majority of the 16th and 17th centuries, overseen by Ottoman Turkish sultans. At various points during this period, the Habsburgs also exerted a degree of suzerainty in the region. Its territory, in addition to the traditional Transylvanian lands, also included the other major component called Partium, which was in some periods comparable in size with Transylvania proper. The establishment of the principality was connected to the Treaty of Speyer. However, Stephen Báthory's status as king of Poland also helped to phase in the name Principality of Transylvania.
Modern Countries Once Part of Principality of Transylvania
At its mapped extent, Principality of Transylvania covered territory in 2 present-day countries. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Principality of Transylvania's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Principality of Transylvania in Depth
Background
On 29 August 1526, the army of Sultan Suleiman of the Ottoman Empire inflicted a decisive defeat on the Hungarian forces at Mohács. John Zápolya was en route to the battlefield with his sizable army but did not participate in the battle for unknown reasons. The youthful King Louis II of Hungary and Bohemia fell in battle, as did many of his soldiers. When Zápolya was proclaimed king of Hungary, Ferdinand from the House of Habsburg also claimed the throne. In the ensuing struggle, John Zápolya received the support of Suleiman, who after Zápolya's death in 1540, occupied Buda and central Hungary in 1541 under the pretext of protecting Zápolya's son, John II Sigismund.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Principality of Transylvania (1570–1711) (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Principality of Transylvania: Key Facts
| Capitals | Sibiu, Alba Iulia |
|---|---|
| Official languages | Hungarian, German, Romanian |
| Form of government | elective monarchy |
| Founded | 16 August 1570 |
| Dissolved | 1711 |
Preceded by
Succeeded by
- Principality of Transylvania
Facts from Wikidata Q655621 (CC0).
Principality of Transylvania Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 111,717 km² in 1642 CE.
Principality of Transylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Principality of Transylvania exist?
Principality of Transylvania is dated to 1572 CE – 1695 CE, in the Early Modern & Age of Discovery era.
What was the capital of Principality of Transylvania?
The capital of Principality of Transylvania was Gyulafehérvár (Alba Iulia) 1570–1692, Cibinium (Nagyszeben/Hermannstadt/Sibiu) 1692–1711.
How large was Principality of Transylvania at its peak?
At its peak in 1642 Principality of Transylvania covered about 111,717 km².
Other Sovereign Realms
High & Late Middle Ages • Capital: Avarga
Early Modern & Age of Discovery • Capital: Söğüt, Bursa, Edirne, Constantinople
Industrial Era • Capital: London
Early Modern & Age of Discovery • Capital: Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Lahore, Delhi