The stories of five Hungarians who were first in Hungarian history – Photo Gallery

Achieving something in the field of science, sport, engineering, etc. is always an extraordinary thing, especially if it is the first significant discovery or result in the history of the world or the nation. These five famous Hungarians below ensured that their names would not be forgotten in the history of the country. They were the first ones who achieved something great in their field; something no one has ever achieved before them.

Emília Aranyváry (1839–1868)

The first Hungarian dancer and choreographer

Hungary’s first professional ballet dancer and choreographer was born in a wealthy family and danced since the first day she saw the sunlight. Her first trainer was the French François Crambé who was the choreographer of the Hungarian-German Theatre in the capital city. After her first tutor, her father decided to send her daughter to Paris to learn from more excellent masters.

After many lessons and hard work, Aranyváry debuted in the National Theatre in Budapest, 1848 with great success.

She left the country to try herself in foreign countries. For many years she danced in Paris and was a guest performer in London and Vienna. She returned in 1854 and signed a life-long contract with the Hungarian National Theatre. Dancing in the capital and the countryside, Aranyváry was considered to be the best in the golden era of the Hungarian ballet. In 1868, among mysterious circumstances, she suddenly disappeared and was never seen again.

András Csonka (1852–1939)

The inventor of the first Hungarian motorcycle and motorboat

On January 22, Csonka was born as the seventh child in his family. From an early age, he examined carefully when his father worked in his forge and decided to become an engineer. He was an excellent student and spoke German and Latin fluently. Besides his studies, he was keen on examining different kinds of machines and the shifts in engineering.

In 1893, he and his fellow engineer Donát Bánki invented the carburetor and their invention spread across the world with sensation.

Csonka was also enthusiastic about designing and building new types of vehicles. By his great effort and exceptional mind, the first Hungarian automobile, motorcycle, motorboat, motor-tricycle, and postal car were constructed in the early 1900s.

Mária Vendl (1890–1945)

The first Hungarian professor and scientist

Vendl was born in Ditró (today: Gyergyóditró, Transylvania) and dedicated her life to the scientific research of minerals and rocks. After graduating from university, she continued her research and taught in two elementary schools. Because of her hard work and exemplary research, the National Museum of Hungary hired her and Vendl became the first female scientist in the institution.