Rakóczi

The Rákóczi (older spelling Rákóczy) were a Hungarian noble family in the Kingdom of Hungary between the 13th century and 18th century. Their name is also spelled Rákoci (in Slovakia), Rakoczi and Rakoczy in some foreign (English) sources.

The family originated from the Bogátradvány clan which had Bohemian roots, according to Simon of Kéza's chronicle. The foundations for the family's wealth and power were laid down by Sigismund Rákóczi; some decades into the 17th century, the Rákóczis became the wealthiest aristocrats of Hungary.

The last member of the family was György (George) Rákóczi, the son of Francis II Rákóczi, who died in France in 1756.

The mysterious Count of St. Germain is believed by some to have been the son of Prince Francis (Ferenc) II Rákóczi.

The Rákóczi March by János Bihari and (memorably orchestrated by Hector Berlioz) refers to them.

The Hungarian Rhapsody No. 15 by Franz Liszt refers to the rebellion led by Francis II Rákóczi.

Sigismund Rákóczi briefly reigned as Prince of Transylvania from 1607 to 1608.

George Rákóczi I (Born June 8, 1593, Szerencs – Oct. 11, 1648) was the prince of Transylvania from 1630. In 1643, Rákóczi formed an alliance with Sweden. In February 1644, leading a 30,000-man army, he launched a campaign against the Habsburgs in the Thirty Years War. Peasants who struggled for national liberation in the Kingdom of Hungary supported him. He also encouraged the development of the mining industry and commerce.

George Rákóczi II (30 January 1621, Hungary – June 7, 1660) was a Hungarian nobleman and prince of Transylvania (1648-1660). In 1657, he led an army of 40,000 men against King John II Casimir of Poland in the third part of the Second Northern War (1655-1660). He took Kraków and entered Warsaw with the Swedes, but the moment his allies withdrew, he was defeated by the Poles at Czarny Ostrów. Finally, the Poles allowed him to return to Transylvania. When the Turks invaded Transylvania, he died at the battle of Gyalu (Gilău) (May 1660).

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