Esterházy de Galantha, one of the most powerful families of Hungary, raised in the 17th century to the rank of princes of the empire, the representative of which is at present one of the greatest landed proprietors in Austria. The family divided into three main branches—the Csesznek, Altsohl or Zolyom, and Fraknó or Forchtenstein lines. Count Paul Esterházy of Fraknó (1635-1713) served in the Austrian army with such distinction as to gain a field-marshal's baton at the age of thirty, and for his successes against the Turks, and still more for his support of the House of Hapsburg, was made a prince of the empire in 1687. A descendant, Prince Nicholas IV. (1765-1833), founded the splendid collection of pictures at Vienna, and by this and other expenses brought his vast estates into sequestration. When Napoleon, in 1809, entertained the notion of weakening Austria by the separation of Hungary, he made overtures to Prince Esterházy respecting the crown of Hungary, which, however, were declined. His son, Prince
Paul Anton (1786-1866), entered at an early age on a diplomatic career, and represented the Austrian government at London until 1842. In 1848 he was for some time Minister of Foreign Affairs under Batthyanyi. He added greatly, by his profusion, to the burdens imposed on the family property. The Esterházy estates include 29 lordships, with 21 castles, 60 market-towns, and 414 villages in Hungary, besides lordships in Lower Austria, and a county in Bavaria; but until its liabilities have been met, the family receives from its vast possessions only a limited yearly rental.