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→Stephen I of Hungary
Initially, Hungarian history and politics developed in close association with that of [[Poland]] and [[Bohemia]], driven by the interventions of various Popes and Emperors of the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. Between 1241–1242, under [[King Béla IV]], Hungary was devastated, suffering great loss of life at the hands of the [[Mongol]] ([[Tatar]]) armies of [[Batu Khan]] who defeated the Hungarians at the [[Battle of Muhi]]. Despite the victory, the Mongols did not occupy Hungary, but withdrew shortly after upon the news of the death of [[Ögedei Khan]], leaving behind a country in ruins. The famous "Bent Cross" atop the crown has become a symbol of Hungary. Originally the cross was upright but was bent when the crown was stolen in the eleventh century.
Initially, Hungarian history and politics developed in close association with that of [[Poland]] and [[Bohemia]], driven by the interventions of various Popes and Emperors of the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. Between 1241–1242, under [[King Béla IV]], Hungary was devastated, suffering great loss of life at the hands of the [[Mongol]] ([[Tatar]]) armies of [[Batu Khan]] who defeated the Hungarians at the [[Battle of Muhi]]. Despite the victory, the Mongols did not occupy Hungary, but withdrew shortly after upon the news of the death of [[Ögedei Khan]], leaving behind a country in ruins. The famous "Bent Cross" atop the crown has become a symbol of Hungary. Originally the cross was upright but was bent when the crown was stolen in the eleventh century.
===Árpáds===
Gradually, under the rule of the dynasty of the [[Árpáds]] and even before it (since the ninth century), Hungary joined the greater West European [[civilization]]s. Ruled by the [[Angevins]] since [[1308]], the Kingdom of Hungary slowly lost control over territories later called [[Wallachia]] ([[1330]]) and [[Moldavia]] ([[1359]]).
[[János Hunyadi]], the Regent of Hungary, fought defensive wars against the invading [[Ottoman Empire]]. The custom of sounding the [[noon bell]] is closely related to an important battle against the Ottomans that took place on [[June 29]], [[1456]], at [[Siege of Belgrade|Nándorfehérvár]].
János's son, King [[Matthias Corvinus of Hungary|Matthias Corvinus]], ruled the Kingdom of Hungary from [[1458]] to [[1490]]. He strengthened Hungary and its government: under his rule, Hungary became an important artistic and [[Cultural center|cultural centre]] of Europe during the [[Renaissance]]. Matthias, whose wife was [[Italy|Italian]], imported artisans from Italy and France. Likewise, [[Culture of Hungary|Hungarian culture]] influenced others--for example, the [[Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth]]. King [[Matthias Corvinus of Hungary|Matthias Corvinus]] was also successful in many battles against the [[Ottoman Empire]].