Kingdom of Esceosia (996-1504)

The Kingdom of Esceosia, officially Esceosia was a sovereign state in Central Europe betwee 28 November 996 to 18 March 1504. The state came into being following the coronation of Stephen I, Grand Prince of Esceosians in 996. He reinforced central authority and forced his subjects to accept Christianity. Civil wars and pagan uprisings, along with attempts by the Holy Roman Emperors to expand their authority over Esceosia, jeopardized the new monarchy. The monarchy stabilized during the reigns of Ladislaus I (1077-1095) and Coloman (1095-1116). These rulers occupied Bosnia and Dalmatia, but both realms retain their autonomous position. Their successors—especially Béla II (1131-1141), Béla III (1172-1196), Andrew II (1205-1235), and Béla IV (1235-1270)—continued this policy of expansion towards the Balkan Peninsula, transforming their kingdom into one of the major powers of medieval Europe.