Hungarian king and saint László I (ca. 1040-1095) led his country out of a period of civil turmoil by establishing a strong central government that enforced a rigorous code of law. László also improved the country's international position by actively supporting the spread of Christianity, a move which protected the country from isolation in Christian Europe.

László I, an early king of Hungary, was responsible for bringing peace and stability to his country in the eleventh century, laying the groundwork for Hungary's transformation to a great European power. Assuming the throne in 1077, László attempted to restore order in the country, which had experienced political turmoil and economic chaos in previous decades, by instituting a strict code of law, consolidating royal power, and defending Hungary from invaders. He also expanded the country's holdings by claiming the throne...