Matthias Corvinus becomes king of Hungary.

Matthias Corvinus, often referred to as Matthias I, was a pivotal figure in Central European history, reigning as King of Hungary and Croatia from 1458 until his death in 1490. Born on February 23, 1443, he was known by various names across the regions he governed, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of his kingdom: Hunyadi Mátyás in Hungarian, Matei Corvin in Romanian, Matija or Matijaš Korvin in Croatian, Matej Korvín in Slovak, and Matyáš Korvín in Czech. His ambitious foreign policy led him to be elected King of Bohemia in 1469 following significant military campaigns, and he further expanded his influence by adopting the title Duke of Austria in 1487.

Matthias's ascent to the throne was marked by political turmoil and personal hardship. He was the younger son of John Hunyadi, the esteemed Regent of Hungary and a celebrated military leader renowned for his campaigns against the Ottoman Empire. Following his father's death in 1456, Matthias and his older brother, Ladislaus Hunyadi, faced the wrath of King Ladislaus the Posthumous, who ordered their imprisonment in 1457. The execution of Ladislaus Hunyadi sparked widespread outrage and a rebellion among the Hungarian nobility, compelling King Ladislaus to flee the country. The young king's sudden and unexpected death soon after left a power vacuum. Seizing the moment, Matthias's influential uncle, Michael Szilágyi, skillfully persuaded the Estates of the Realm to unanimously proclaim the 14-year-old Matthias as king on January 24, 1458. Despite initially ruling under his uncle's guardianship, Matthias quickly demonstrated remarkable political acumen, consolidating effective control over the government within a mere two weeks of his coronation.

Upon assuming full power, King Matthias immediately confronted significant domestic and external challenges. He engaged in military campaigns to reassert royal authority, notably against the unruly Czech mercenary bands who had established a strong presence and virtually controlled Upper Hungary, a region encompassing modern-day Slovakia and parts of Northern Hungary. Concurrently, he faced the persistent territorial claims of Frederick III, the Holy Roman Emperor, who harbored ambitions of incorporating Hungary into the Habsburg domains.

A more existential threat loomed from the south. During this critical period, the formidable Ottoman Empire, having recently conquered Constantinople in 1453, expanded aggressively into the Balkans, successfully subjugating Serbia and Bosnia. This rapid Ottoman advance eliminated a crucial network of independent buffer states that had historically shielded the southern frontiers of the Kingdom of Hungary, exposing its borders directly to Ottoman incursions.

Recognizing the immediate need to stabilize his northern and western flanks, Matthias pursued a pragmatic diplomatic strategy. In 1463, he signed a peace treaty with Frederick III, a pivotal agreement that, while acknowledging the Emperor's ceremonial right to style himself King of Hungary, secured the return of the revered Holy Crown of Hungary. This ancient and sacred relic, central to Hungarian sovereignty and legitimacy, was returned to Matthias, who was then formally crowned with it on April 29, 1464, solidifying his undisputed claim to the throne in the eyes of his subjects and European powers. In the same year, Matthias launched an offensive against the Ottomans, successfully invading territories they had recently occupied and seizing key fortresses in Bosnia. However, his initial anti-Ottoman fervor waned as he quickly realized the profound lack of substantial, coordinated military or financial aid from other European Christian powers, who were often preoccupied with their own internal conflicts or rivalries. This stark reality compelled Matthias to shift his primary foreign policy focus away from large-scale anti-Ottoman crusades towards other strategic objectives in Central Europe.

Fiscal Policies and Internal Strife

To fund his ambitious military campaigns, maintain a lavish court, and support his extensive reforms, Matthias implemented significant changes to the kingdom's fiscal system. He introduced new taxes and frequently set taxation at unprecedented, extraordinary levels. While these measures provided the necessary revenue, they also sparked discontent, culminating in a notable rebellion in Transylvania in 1467, which Matthias swiftly and decisively subdued, demonstrating his firm control over the realm.

The Bohemian Wars and Central European Ambitions

The year after the Transylvanian rebellion, Matthias embarked on a major military endeavor by declaring war on George of Poděbrady, the Hussite King of Bohemia. This conflict, rooted in religious and political differences, saw Matthias successfully conquer the rich territories of Moravia, Silesia, and Lausitz. However, despite these gains, he was unable to fully occupy Bohemia proper, where Hussite resistance remained strong. On May 3, 1469, the Catholic Estates of Bohemia, dissatisfied with their Hussite ruler, proclaimed Matthias as their king. Yet, the Hussite lords, staunchly loyal to their faith, refused to recognize his claim, even after George of Poděbrady's death in 1471. Instead, they elected Vladislaus Jagiellon, the eldest son of Casimir IV of Poland, as their new monarch. This succession dispute triggered further political instability, including an internal rebellion by a faction of Hungarian prelates and lords who, seeking to replace Matthias, offered the Hungarian throne to Vladislaus's younger brother, Casimir; Matthias, however, quickly suppressed this challenge.

Renewed Focus on the Ottoman Threat and Austrian Conquests

After decisively routing the combined forces of Casimir IV of Poland and Vladislaus Jagiellon at Breslau (modern-day Wrocław, Poland) in Silesia in late 1474, Matthias pivoted his military focus back towards the relentless Ottoman Empire, which had continued to devastate the eastern regions of Hungary. Recognizing the strategic importance of regional alliances, he dispatched crucial military reinforcements to Stephen the Great, the resilient Prince of Moldavia, a vital buffer state against Ottoman expansion. This timely aid enabled Stephen to successfully repel a series of significant Ottoman invasions throughout the late 1470s, safeguarding Hungary's eastern flank. In a notable victory in 1476, Matthias personally led the siege and capture of Šabac (modern-day Serbia), a strategically vital Ottoman border fortress. By 1478, having secured his western and eastern borders, Matthias concluded a peace treaty with Vladislaus Jagiellon, formally confirming the pragmatic division of the Lands of the Bohemian Crown between their respective realms. With his position consolidated, Matthias renewed his rivalry with Emperor Frederick III, launching a sustained campaign that resulted in the occupation of significant portions of Lower Austria between 1482 and 1487, further expanding Hungarian influence westward.

The Enduring Legacy of Matthias Corvinus

Matthias Corvinus's reign left an indelible mark on Hungary and Central Europe, characterized by profound reforms and a flourishing of culture. Among his most significant achievements was the establishment of the Black Army of Hungary (Fekete Sereg), one of the earliest professional standing armies in medieval Europe. Composed largely of skilled mercenaries, including Czech, German, and Polish soldiers, alongside Hungarian nobles, this highly disciplined and well-equipped force played a crucial role in his military successes, distinguishing itself from the traditional feudal levies. This innovation provided him with a reliable military instrument independent of the often-unreliable feudal barons.

Beyond military might, Matthias implemented widespread administrative and judicial reforms. He meticulously restructured the administration of justice, aiming for a more centralized and equitable legal system. Crucially, he systematically reduced the exorbitant power wielded by the powerful baronial families, who often challenged royal authority. Instead, Matthias fostered a meritocratic system, actively promoting talented individuals to positions of power based on their abilities and competence, rather than solely on their noble birth or social status, thereby strengthening the central government and professionalizing the bureaucracy.

Patron of the Renaissance and the Bibliotheca Corviniana

Matthias was a fervent patron of arts, sciences, and humanist learning, transforming his court into a vibrant center of the Renaissance north of the Alps. His passion for knowledge culminated in the creation of the Bibliotheca Corviniana, his magnificent royal library. At its peak, this collection was one of the largest and most prestigious in Europe, rivaled only perhaps by the Vatican Library. It housed an extraordinary array of illuminated manuscripts, ancient classical texts, and contemporary humanist works, brought to Buda from Italy and other centers of learning. Through Matthias's direct patronage and his marriage to Beatrice of Aragon, daughter of the King of Naples, Hungary became the first country outside Italy to enthusiastically embrace and integrate the artistic, architectural, and intellectual currents of the Italian Renaissance. This period ushered in an unprecedented cultural blossoming in the kingdom.

Matthias Corvinus's enduring appeal is also rooted in his popular image as "Matthias the Just" (Mátyás, az Igazságos). This epithet stems from numerous Hungarian and Slovak folk tales and legends, which often depict him as a benevolent monarch who, disguised as a commoner, would wander among his subjects to personally observe their lives and dispense fair justice. This portrayal has cemented his place as a beloved hero in the collective memory of the region, embodying ideals of fairness, wisdom, and accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matthias Corvinus

When did Matthias Corvinus rule Hungary?
Matthias Corvinus ruled as King of Hungary and Croatia from 1458 until his death in 1490, a significant reign of 32 years.
What was the Black Army of Hungary?
The Black Army (Fekete Sereg) was Matthias Corvinus's professional standing army, one of the earliest and most effective of its kind in medieval Europe. Comprising highly trained mercenaries and Hungarian soldiers, it was instrumental in his military successes and distinguished itself from traditional feudal levies.
How did Matthias Corvinus promote the Renaissance in Hungary?
Matthias was a passionate patron of arts and sciences, establishing the magnificent Bibliotheca Corviniana, a vast royal library that became a major center for humanist learning. His direct support for Italian artists and scholars, coupled with his marriage to Beatrice of Aragon, made Hungary the first country outside Italy to enthusiastically embrace and integrate the Italian Renaissance.
Why is Matthias Corvinus known as "Matthias the Just"?
He earned the epithet "Matthias the Just" from popular Hungarian and Slovak folk tales and legends. These stories often portray him as a fair and benevolent ruler who would venture among his subjects in disguise to personally understand their plights and ensure justice was served to the common people.