Croatia year 1996 stamp Famous people – Zrinski and Frankopans

Croatia year 1996 stamp Famous people – Zrinski and Frankopans

The Zrinski and Frankopan families were two prominent noble families in Croatian history, known for their significant roles in politics, military affairs, and cultural patronage during the Middle Ages and the early modern period.

1. Zrinski Family: The Zrinski family, also known as Zrínyi in Hungarian, originated from Croatia and Hungary. They rose to prominence in the Kingdom of Croatia and the Kingdom of Hungary during the 15th and 16th centuries. One of the most notable members of the Zrinski family was Nikola Šubić Zrinski, a Croatian Ban (viceroy) and military commander who led the defense of Szigetvár against the Ottoman Empire in 1566. His heroic defense and death during the Siege of Szigetvár made him a symbol of Croatian and Hungarian resistance against the Ottomans. Other notable members of the Zrinski family include Petar Zrinski and Fran Krsto Frankopan, who were involved in the failed Magnate conspiracy against the Habsburgs in the 17th century.
2. Frankopan Family: The Frankopan family, also known as Frangepán in Hungarian, was another influential noble family in Croatia and Hungary. They played significant roles in Croatian and Hungarian politics, serving as Bans of Croatia and holding various other offices. The Frankopans were known for their support of culture, education, and the arts. Notable members of the family include Nikola Frankopan, who was a prominent diplomat and military commander, and his nephew, Petar Zrinski, who married into the Zrinski family and was involved in the aforementioned Magnate conspiracy against the Habsburgs.

Both the Zrinski and Frankopan families left a lasting legacy in Croatian history, contributing to the country’s cultural and political development during the Middle Ages and the early modern period. They are remembered as symbols of Croatian national identity and resistance against foreign domination.