Ladislaus the Posthumous, Hungarian king (d. 1457)

Ladislaus the Posthumous (known by various names across his realms, including Hungarian: Utószülött László; Croatian: Ladislav Posmrtni; Czech: Ladislav Pohrobek; German: Ladislaus Postumus), a figure born into immense political turbulence on 22 February 1440, would unfortunately see his life cut short on 23 November 1457. His brief existence was marked by a constant struggle for control over the vast and fragmented territories he inherited: the Duchy of Austria and the Kingdoms of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia. His very epithet, "the Posthumous," tells a significant part of his story, as he was born after the death of his father, Albert of Habsburg, who had passed away leaving his realms to his unborn son.

Albert's deathbed wish was for all his dominions to pass to his future child, but this testament was only fully accepted by the estates of Austria. The political landscape of Central Europe was precarious, with the looming threat of an Ottoman invasion unsettling the nobility. Consequently, a significant portion of Hungarian lords and prelates, seeking strong leadership, offered their crown to Vladislaus III of Poland. Meanwhile, in Bohemia, the Hussite noblemen and towns, wary of hereditary succession from Albert's line, declined to acknowledge Ladislaus's claim and also refrained from electing a new monarch, leaving a power vacuum.

A Child King Amidst Civil War

Ladislaus's mother, Elizabeth of Luxembourg, a woman of formidable will, took decisive action following her son's birth. She orchestrated the seizure of the Holy Crown of Hungary and, on 15 May 1440, had Ladislaus—who would be known as Ladislaus V in Hungary—crowned king in Székesfehérvár. This bold move, however, was swiftly countered by the Diet of Hungary, which declared his coronation invalid and instead elected Vladislaus III of Poland as their king. This ignited a protracted civil war that plunged the region into years of conflict.

In these tumultuous times, Elizabeth initially entrusted her late husband's distant cousin, Albert VI, with her child's guardianship. Yet, Albert VI, representing the complex interests of the Austrian and Hungarian estates, proved unable to withstand the political machinations of his more powerful rival, Frederick III, the King of the Romans. Frederick shrewdly maneuvered to assume the role of Ladislaus's guardian, effectively taking control of the young king. Albert VI was compelled to relinquish his guardianship, receiving in return the strategically vital Hungarian border castle of Forchtenstein and a principality within the Hungarian-Styrian-Carinthian region. Ladislaus consequently spent his formative years at Frederick III's court, primarily in Wiener Neustadt, where he received an education befitting a future monarch, with figures like Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini (who would later become Pope Pius II) even writing treatises on his upbringing.

Shifting Tides and Emerging Powers

The political maneuvering continued even after Ladislaus's mother passed away in late 1442. In Hungary, a Czech condottiere named John Jiskra of Brandýs championed Ladislaus's interests, while in Bohemia, the influential Catholic lord Ulrich II of Rosenberg took up his cause. A significant turning point occurred in November 1444 when Ladislaus's rival in Hungary, Vladislaus III, met his demise at the Battle of Varna. The following year, the Hungarian Diet, seeing an opportunity for stability, offered to recognize Ladislaus as king, but only if Frederick III would renounce his guardianship. When Frederick rebuffed this offer, the Diet, in 1446, elected the renowned military leader John Hunyadi as regent, signaling a new era of powerful local control.

Meanwhile, in Bohemia, George of Poděbrady, the astute leader of the moderate Hussites (also known as Utraquists), consolidated his power, taking control of Prague in 1448. The Austrian Estates, growing increasingly dissatisfied with Frederick III's prolonged guardianship and its implications, finally forced him to resign and hand over Ladislaus to them in September 1452. Royal administration was formally reinstated in Hungary in early 1453 after Hunyadi's regency concluded, though Hunyadi’s immense influence meant he retained control over most royal castles and revenues, underscoring the fragmented nature of true authority.

Ascension, Advisors, and Unrest

Upon his release, Ulrich II, Count of Celje—his mother's cousin and a powerful figure in his own right—became Ladislaus's chief advisor. However, this ascent was not without challenge. An Austrian baron, Ulrich Eytzinger, soon forced Ladislaus to expel Celje from his court, illustrating the constant power struggles even within the king's inner circle. Despite being formally crowned King of Bohemia on 28 October 1453, George of Poděbrady retained full governmental control, a testament to the limited real power Ladislaus wielded in many of his titular realms.

For several years, a pragmatic cooperation emerged between Eytzinger, Hunyadi, and Poděbrady, each working to secure their own positions and influence. Ladislaus, demonstrating a degree of political acumen, reconciled with Ulrich II of Celje in early 1455. With the crucial support of leading Hungarian barons, he managed to persuade Hunyadi to withdraw his troops from most royal castles and relinquish the administration of a portion of the royal revenues, a significant step towards asserting monarchical authority, albeit a tenuous one.

Tragedy, Treachery, and a Swift End

The constant external threat of the Ottoman Empire remained a major concern. When Sultan Mehmed II decided to invade Hungary, Ladislaus and Ulrich II temporarily left the kingdom. The sultan's forces laid siege to the crucial fortress of Belgrade. It was John Hunyadi who heroically relieved the fortress on 22 July 1456, a victory that resonated across Christendom. Tragically, Hunyadi himself succumbed to illness and died just two weeks later, leaving a void in Hungarian leadership.

Ladislaus and Ulrich II returned to Hungary, attempting to capitalize on Hunyadi's death by forcing his son, also named Ladislaus (Ladislaus Hunyadi), to surrender all royal castles and revenues. However, the younger Ladislaus Hunyadi, refusing to yield, shockingly murdered Ulrich II on 9 November 1456. This dramatic act forced Ladislaus the Posthumous to grant an amnesty to the perpetrator. Yet, the majority of Hungarian barons harbored deep hostility towards Ladislaus Hunyadi. With their support, Ladislaus the Posthumous captured both Ladislaus Hunyadi and his brother, Matthias.

The execution of Ladislaus Hunyadi in March 1457 ignited a furious rebellion from his powerful relatives, compelling Ladislaus the Posthumous to flee Hungary. Just months later, Ladislaus died unexpectedly in Prague, a sudden and mysterious end to a life defined by inherited power struggles and political instability. His passing marked the final male member of the Albertinian Line of the House of Habsburg, bringing an end to a direct lineage that had briefly held sway over some of Central Europe's most important kingdoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ladislaus the Posthumous

Who was Ladislaus the Posthumous?
Ladislaus the Posthumous was a 15th-century monarch who served as Duke of Austria and King of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia. His reign was largely consumed by political intrigue, civil war, and the control of various regents due to his young age.
Why was he called "the Posthumous"?
He earned his epithet because he was born on 22 February 1440, several months after his father, Albert of Habsburg, died in October 1439. He literally was "born after death."
What territories did he rule?
He was the titular ruler of the Duchy of Austria and the Kingdoms of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia. However, his actual power and control over these realms were often limited by powerful regents and local nobility.
Who were his most influential guardians and regents?
Key figures included his mother Elizabeth of Luxembourg, Frederick III (King of the Romans), John Hunyadi (Regent of Hungary), and George of Poděbrady (leader in Bohemia).
What was the significance of the Ottoman threat during his time?
The Ottoman Empire's expansion was a constant and significant threat, directly influencing political decisions, alliances, and the need for strong leadership, particularly in Hungary. The siege of Belgrade and John Hunyadi's relief were pivotal events during his nominal reign.
How did Ladislaus the Posthumous die?
He died unexpectedly in Prague on 23 November 1457, at the young age of 17. The exact cause is debated, with theories ranging from plague (leukemia is now the most accepted medical theory) to poisoning, though there is no definitive proof of the latter.