Description: (King of Hungary and Croatia (1131 - 1141))
Béla II of Hungary, also known as Béla the Blind, overcame opposition to secure his rule through violent purges. He successfully defeated pretenders seeking to dethrone him, notably King Coloman's alleged son Boris in 1132. His reign was marked by an active foreign policy, expanding Hungary's influence evidenced by Bosnia and Split acknowledging his suzerainty around 1136. Béla was known for strategic political maneuvering, military prowess, and efforts to maintain and expand Hungary's power.