An Ancient & Illustrious Lineage
From the mists of the 11th century emerges one of Europe's most powerful noble houses. The Báthory family, descended from the Swabian Gutkeled clan, shaped the destiny of kingdoms and principalities for over six centuries.
Red marble coat of arms, 1484
Scientific Breakthrough: DNA Proves the Legacy
In 2023, archaeogenetic analysis confirmed what history had recorded: the Báthory family's Swabian-Germanic origins and their integration into Hungarian nobility. DNA from burial sites in Pericei, Romania connects modern descendants to medieval royalty.
Y-Chromosome Haplogroup
R1b-S498
Confirms documented Swabian-Germanic ancestry from the Gutkeled clan
Archaeological Discovery
Burial site of Elek & Ferencz Báthory discovered in their family chapel in Pericei, with armor, weapons, and royal insignia
Living Descendants
Thousands worldwide now connect through 23andMe and MyTrueAncestry to PER04, PER11, and other samples - proving the family lives on
A Dynasty Through the Ages
Swabian Origins
Brothers Gut and Kelad immigrate from Castle Staufen in Swabia to the Kingdom of Hungary during King Peter's reign, founding the Gutkeled clan.
The Báthory Name is Born
King Ladislaus IV grants the estate of Bátor to Andrew's sons. Briccius, founder of the dynasty, adopts the name "Báthory" - meaning "of Bátor".
The Royal Coat of Arms
The iconic Báthory coat of arms is granted: Gules, three wolf's teeth argent - symbolizing ferocity, courage, and noble blood. The dragon surrounding the teeth represents their membership in the Order of the Dragon.
Rise to Supreme Power
Stephen III Báthory becomes Palatine of Hungary and falls heroically at the Battle of Varna (1444) as flag-bearer to King Władysław.
Stephen V Báthory becomes the first Voivode of Transylvania, beginning a dynasty of Transylvanian rulers.
👑 King Stephen Báthory of Poland
Stephen IX Báthory - Prince of Transylvania and elected King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania. A brilliant military commander and statesman, he transformed Poland into a major European power.
✦ Founded Vilnius University
✦ Reformed the Polish army
✦ Defeated Ivan the Terrible of Russia
The Transylvanian Dynasty
Sigismund Báthory - Prince of Transylvania (1586-1602), led resistance against Ottoman expansion
Cardinal Andrew Báthory - Prince of Transylvania, Grand Master of the Order of the Dragon
Gabriel I Báthory - Prince of Transylvania (1608-1613)
The Family's Twilight
The male lines of both major branches - Ecsed and Somlyó - come to an end. The family estates and titles pass through daughters, but the Báthory name fades from the annals of power.
🔬 The DNA Renaissance
Archaeological excavations in Pericei uncover the Báthory family chapel. DNA analysis confirms the family's Germanic origins and reveals living descendants worldwide carry Báthory DNA.
✦ Y-haplogroup R1b-S498 identified
✦ Thousands of descendants discovered via genetic genealogy
✦ The Báthory legacy lives on
The Sacred Emblems of Power
The Blazon
"Gules, three wolf's teeth argent issuing from the sinister side, encircled by a dragon biting its own tail Or, crowned with a royal crown, mantled Gules doubled Argent."
Sacred Symbolism
Representing ferocity, protection, and the warrior spirit that defined the family. According to legend, these commemorate Vitus's victory over a dragon with three lance thrusts.
Symbol of the Order of the Dragon, an elite chivalric order. The ouroboros (tail-biting dragon) represents eternity and the cyclical nature of power.
Denoting royal rank achieved by Stephen Báthory as King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania.
Courage, valor, and the noble blood spilled in defense of Christendom and kingdom.
Peace, sincerity, and purity of purpose in governance and war.
Generosity, elevation of mind, and the divine right of nobility.
The Legend of Vitus
Ancient chronicles tell of a warrior named Vitus who slew a fearsome dragon lurking in the swamps near Ecsed Castle with three mighty thrusts of his lance. For this heroic deed, he was granted the castle and honored with the title "Báthory" - meaning "Good Hero" - and "animus magnanimus" (magnanimous spirit).
Archaeological Treasures Unearthed
The 2017-2021 excavations in Pericei, Romania revealed the lost family chapel and burial sites of Báthory nobility, complete with armor, weapons, and royal insignia.
Renaissance Knight Tombstones
Two magnificent tomb slabs depicting Báthory knights in full armor, dated to the 16th century. The coat of arms is clearly carved on the gravestones.
The Knight's Burial
Lead coffin containing a noble warrior with helmet, niello-decorated armor with gold ornaments, sabers, spurs, and an ornate mace - clear markers of supreme nobility.
The Family Tree
Genealogical research traces the Ecsed and Somlyó branches through centuries, showing the intricate web of European noble marriages and alliances.
The Family Lives On
Thanks to modern DNA testing, thousands of living descendants have discovered their connection to this ancient royal house. Are you one of them?
23andMe Matches
Search for these historical matches in your 23andMe account:
- PER04A & PER04B - Elek Báthory
- PER11 - Ferencz Báthory
- PER02, PER05, PER08, PER09 - Related nobility
Haplogroups: Y-R1b1a1b1a1a1c2a1, mtDNA: H, T2, U5a1b
MyTrueAncestry
Upload your raw DNA data to discover matches with:
- Medieval Hungarian Báthory Nobility (Pericei)
- Elite Celtic and Germanic burials
- Merovingian royal bloodlines
- Order of the Dragon members
Join the Community
Connect with fellow descendants and researchers exploring Báthory heritage. Share your genealogy, DNA matches, and family stories.
0.06% Báthory DNA can connect you to medieval royalty!
Discover Your Noble Heritage
Have you discovered Báthory DNA in your genetic testing? Are you researching your family connection to this ancient house? We welcome all descendants and researchers to connect with us and share in this remarkable legacy.
🏰 Coming Soon: Exclusive members area for verified Báthory descendants at bathory.us