Anjou Dynasty in Hungary (1308-1395)

• The Anjou Dynasty in Hungary (1308-1395) marked a significant period in Hungarian medieval history, characterized by political stability, economic reforms, and cultural flourishing.

Foundation and Consolidation

• Charles I, also known as Charles Robert of the Anjou dynasty, claimed the Hungarian throne in 1301 after the Árpád dynasty ended.
• Charles I faced opposition from powerful Hungarian nobles (oligarchs) who controlled large territories and challenged royal authority.
• Charles I spent years consolidating power through military campaigns and strategic alliances, gradually weakening the oligarchs’ influence.
• Royal power was strengthened after the Battle of Rozgony in 1312, due to a victory against the most powerful oligarchs.
• Charles I implemented economic reforms, including introducing the gold florin, and promoted trade which boosted the royal treasury.
• These economic reforms increased royal revenues, allowing for a strong standing army, and for patronage of arts and sciences.

Louis I (the Great)

• Louis I was the son of Charles I, and expanded the Hungarian kingdom's power and influence during his reign from 1342-1382.
• Louis I led military campaigns against Naples, Lithuania, and the Golden Horde, expanding Hungarian territory and influence.
• He signed the Golden Bull of 1351, reaffirming the privileges of the nobility but also standardizing laws and land ownership.
• Louis I established a university in Pécs in 1367, to promote education and culture within Hungary.
• After becoming King of Poland in 1370, Louis I created a personal union between Hungary and Poland.

Sigismund of Luxembourg

• Sigismund of Luxembourg became King of Hungary in 1387, after a period of instability following Louis I's death, and reigned until 1437.
• Sigismund faced challenges from internal factions and external threats, including the Ottoman Empire.
• The Battle of Nicopolis in 1396 was a major crusade against the Ottoman Empire, led by Sigismund, which resulted in an Ottoman victory.
• Following the defeat at Nicopolis, Sigismund focused on strengthening Hungary's defenses and building alliances to contain Ottoman expansion.
• Sigismund established the Order of the Dragon in 1408, which was aimed at fighting enemies of the Christian faith, especially the Ottomans.
• He served as Holy Roman Emperor from 1433 until his death, enhancing his prestige and influence in European politics.

Under the Shadow of the Turkish Threat

• The rise of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans posed an increasing threat to Hungary starting in the late 14th century.
• Ottoman raids and incursions into Hungarian territories became more frequent, causing widespread devastation and instability.
• Hungarian southern border regions suffered greatly from Ottoman attacks, leading to demographic changes and economic decline.
• Fortifications were strengthened along the southern border to defend against Ottoman advances, but resources were stretched thin.
• The ongoing Ottoman threat led to a greater emphasis on military readiness and the need for strong leadership to protect Hungary.

Matthias Hunyadi (Matthias Corvinus)

• Matthias Hunyadi, also known as Matthias Corvinus, reigned as King of Hungary from 1458 to 1490.
• Matthias was elected king by the Hungarian Diet, defying imperial ambitions and representing national aspirations.
• Matthias created the "Black Army," which defended Hungary against the Ottomans and other enemies.
• With this army, Matthias fought campaigns against the Ottomans, Bohemia, Poland, and the Holy Roman Empire, expanding Hungarian influence.
• Matthias implemented legal and administrative reforms, centralizing power and promoting justice.
• He was a patron of the arts and sciences, transforming Buda into a major cultural center of the Renaissance.
• The Bibliotheca Corviniana was Matthias's collection of books and manuscripts, becoming a significant library in Europe.
• After Matthias's death in 1490, Hungary entered a period of decline, leading to the Battle of Mohács in 1526.

The Anjou Dynasty (1308-1395) brought political stability and economic reforms to Hungary. Charles I consolidated power through military campaigns and strategic alliances, weakening the oligarchs' influence. Economic reforms, like the introduction of the gold florin, boosted the royal treasury.