A. BONFINIUS ON THE WAR BETWEEN MATTHIAS CORVINUS AND GEORGE OF PODEBRADY

Abstract

A. Bonfinius, an Italian humanist, in his work Rerum Ungaricarum decades describes the reign of Matthias Corvinus [1458-1459] in considerable detail, covering the period from his coronation until his death. Narrating the facts, Bonfinius also gives us important insight on Matthia's war against the Bohemian king George of Podebrady [1458-1471]. He elaborates on Matthia's reasons to start the war and then describes all relevant military operations until George's death, i.e. until a new king was elected. While insisting on justifying Matthia's invasion of Bohemia merely by faith matters - which was not completely true, Bonfinius still provides us with an objective description of military operations. A long-lasting and rather futile war campaign was soon to provoke a rebellion against the king, headed by the chief dignitaries.