Gyula II

Zombor, also referred to as Gyula II or Gylas, was a Hungarian tribal leader in the middle of the 10th century. He visited Constantinople, where he was baptized in 952 with the baptismal name of Stephen. Hungarian scholars identify him as Zombor (Zubor) who is mentioned in the 13th-century Gesta Hungarorum, although the anonymous author of the Gesta presents Gyula (Gyyla/Geula) and Zombor as being brothers.

Ioannes Skylitzes narrates that around 952 Instead of 952, Romanian historian Alexandru Madgearu put the date of Gyula's visit to Constantinople to the year 948, when chieftains Bulcsú and Termacsu were also sent to the city as envoys of Grand Prince Fajsz. While in Constantinople, he also received the honorary title patrikios. Gyula was given a bishop named Hierotheos who accompanied him back to Turkia (Hungary). Thus Gyula adopted the Christian faith, what is more, its Eastern Orthodox (Byzantine) variety. Gyula received the Christian name of Stephen (Stefan or Stephanos) according to Old Slavic sources, such as the Nikon Chronicle. Hierotheos, who was appointed bishop of Tourkia by Patriarch Theophylact of Constantinople, converted many Hungarians. Constantine Porphyrogenitus associated with lands to the east of the river Tisza in one of his books written around the same time, which covered the gyulas' territory. Finds of 10th-century Byzantine coins, earrings, reliquary crosses and similar artefacts abound in the region of Szeged. Both facts imply that Gyula's domains were located near the confluence of the Tisza and Maros, according to historian Paul Stephenson. In contrast, Hungarian historian Gábor Thoroczkay argued that Hierotheos' proselytizing mission took place in Transylvania, where Gyula had moved his seat by then.

The cooperative relationship between the Byzantine Empire and Gyula lasted plausibly until 958, when Constantine VII ceased the payment of tribute to the Hungarians following the latter's defeat at the Battle of Lechfeld. Bishop Hierotheos had to leave Hungary with immediate effect. Gyula II had a son, Prokui (Gyula III), his successor as tribal leader in Transylvania, and two daughters, Karold and Sarolt. The latter became the wife of Géza, Grand Prince of the Hungarians. Their only known son, Stephen I, was crowned as the first king of Hungary.