Gábor Bethlen was a prominent Hungarian nobleman and politician who lived from 1580 to 1629. He is best known for serving as the Prince of Transylvania from 1613 until his death. Bethlen played a significant role in the political landscape of Central Europe during the early 17th century, particularly in the context of the Habsburg conflicts and the Thirty Years' War. Under his leadership, Transylvania experienced a period of relative stability and economic growth. Bethlen sought to strengthen the region's autonomy and foster alliances with other powers, including the Ottoman Empire. His reign is often remembered for promoting religious tolerance and supporting the Reformation in Transylvania.