Siege of Belgrade

In 1456 Sultan Mehmed II led a large Ottoman army against Belgrade, the key fortress guarding the southern approaches to the Kingdom of Hungary. The attack followed the Ottoman capture of Constantinople and raised fears of a much wider advance into central Europe.

John Hunyadi organised the defence and relief of the fortress, while crusading volunteers gathered under the preaching of John of Capistrano. Fighting on the Danube and around the walls culminated in a successful counterattack that forced the Ottoman army to withdraw.

The victory made Hunyadi one of the most celebrated commanders of the age, although he died of disease only weeks later.