The Christianization of Hungary began in the 10th century, primarily under the leadership of Stephen I of Hungary, who became the first king of Hungary in 1000 AD. He sought to unify the diverse tribes within his kingdom and believed that adopting Christianity would strengthen his rule and promote stability. Stephen established the Roman Catholic Church as the state religion and encouraged the construction of churches and the establishment of dioceses. By the end of the 11th century, Christianity had become deeply rooted in Hungarian society. The conversion process involved both peaceful missionary work and political alliances, as many tribal leaders accepted Christianity to gain favor with the king. This transformation laid the foundation for Hungary's cultural and political identity, influencing its development for centuries to come.