| MATTHIAS CORVINUS (the Just), the son of John Hunyadi and one of the greatest of the Hungarian kings. He was only 15 at his election, but soon distinguished himself as a soldier, statesman, and patron of art and learning. He reestablished the power of the crown, once again broke the power of the oligarchs, and drew on the support of the lesser nobility. Development of a central administration; regulation and increase of the taxes. The Bibliotheca Corvina, consisting of more than 10,000 manuscripts and books, many beautifully illuminated by Italian artists. Matthias the patron of Renaissance learning. Famous law code (1486). University of Buda (c. 1475) refounded 1635. Development of Magyar literature. Creation of a standing army (Black Troop), composed first of Bohemian, Moravian, and Silesian mercenaries. This gave Matthias one of the most effective fighting forces in the Europe of his day. Matthias's aims: to secure the Bohemian throne and ultimately the empire and then to direct a united central Europe against the Ottomans. Long struggles against George Podiebrad of Bohemia ended with George's death in 1471, after Matthias had been proclaimed king of Bohemia (1470). Equally prolonged struggle against Emperor Frederick III, who had been elected king of Hungary by a faction of nobles in 1439. Matthias, disposing of much greater funds and forces than Frederick, conquered not only Silesia and Moravia, but also lower Austria. His capital established at Vienna (1485). Matthias died at 47, leaving Hungary the dominant state in central Europe and a decisive factor in European diplomacy. (See Hungary) | 4 |
