Bakócz, Tamás

Bakócz, Tamás (Erdőd, 1442 – Esztergom, 15th June 1521) archbishop of Esztergom (1497-1521), originally a priest of the Dominican Order, patron of arts. He studied in Krakow, Bologna and Ferrara. He began working in the chancellery in 1474, in 1480, he became a royal secretary, in 1486, Bishop of Győr, in 1493, bishop and chancellor of Eger, and later, Archbishop of Esztergom. In 1500, he ascended to the rank of cardinal. For decades, Bakócz was the most powerful man in Hungary. He was the only Hungarian to have a high chance to become pope. By the order of the pope, he started the crusade of 1514, which later led to the rebellion led by György Dózsa. After this his power decreased gradually. He used his wealth not only to support culture and propagandize, but in his testament, he left a significant sum for Louis II to help him fortify the country’s defences. In the title of the Tabula Hungariae, he is mentioned only as archbishop because in 1503, Vladislav II named György Szatmári, the Bishop of Várad, as chancellor. Although Bakócz could still bear the title of arch chancellor, he didn’t have the powers associated with it.

We can see that how much it meant to be a secretary of the chancellor, but Lazarus wasn’t one. Despite his testament, his properties were auctioned. Today, we only know of one codex that was his, although several books were made for him. If the original manuscript of the Tabula Hungariae had been in his possession, Cuspinianus would never have found it because of the auctions.

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