The Black Army of Hungary: A 15th Century Military Marvel
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Chapter 1: The Rise of the Black Army
The Black Army of Hungary is renowned as an elite military force that played a pivotal role in establishing Hungary as a European superpower during the late 15th century. Led by the formidable Matthias Hunyadi, commonly known as Corvinus, this army was comprised of highly trained mercenaries armed with the most advanced weaponry of the time.
Corvinus, influenced by historical figures like Julius Caesar, understood the importance of a professional standing army. His childhood education introduced him to Caesar's strategies, inspiring him to implement a similar military structure in Hungary.
Section 1.1: Inspiration from Julius Caesar
Matthias Corvinus (1458-1490) was deeply influenced by the works of Julius Caesar during his youth. This inspiration led to the establishment of a standing army and the creation of hussars, light cavalry units adept at skirmishing and reconnaissance.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Hussar Origins
The term "hussar" derives from the Hungarian word husz, which translates to twenty. This reflected a law requiring noblemen to provide a mounted soldier for every twenty acres of land they owned.
Section 1.2: The Structure of the Black Army
Corvinus strategically recruited seasoned mercenaries, granting him a distinct advantage over the peasant armies of rival rulers. Notably, the Black Army earned its name from the black armor worn by its soldiers, who were symbolically linked to the raven, representing the Hunyadi lineage.
Chapter 2: The Technological Edge
The Black Army's strength lay not only in its numbers—approximately 28,000 soldiers—but also in its advanced weaponry, including arquebuses, an early form of gun. This technological superiority allowed Corvinus's forces to outmatch their contemporaries, who were typically only equipped with firearms in about ten percent of their ranks.
The army's composition included heavy and light cavalry, alongside a well-equipped infantry. The use of pavises—large rectangular shields—was a tactical innovation that provided cover for archers and crossbowmen on the battlefield.
Chapter 3: Victories Against Major Adversaries
The Black Army achieved significant victories, notably against the Ottoman Empire and Frederick III, the Holy Roman Emperor. In the Battle of Breadfield (1479), Corvinus's forces decisively defeated the Ottomans, securing Hungary's safety during a time of aggressive expansion.
During the Austrian-Hungarian War (1477-1488), the Black Army consistently outmaneuvered and outperformed Frederick III's forces, culminating in the capture of Vienna—an unprecedented achievement at that time.
Chapter 4: The Decline of the Black Army
The financial burden of maintaining the Black Army led to widespread resentment among the nobility. Following Corvinus's death in 1490, the absence of strong leadership and the dismantling of the tax system resulted in the disbanding of the army. The mercenaries quickly sought new employment, leading to Hungary's vulnerability.
The consequences were dire; just thirty-six years later, in 1526, the Ottomans decisively defeated the Hungarian forces at the Battle of Mohács, marking the end of an independent Hungary.
Conclusion: A Legacy Remembered
The brief period of strength under Matthias Corvinus and the Black Army remains a significant chapter in Hungary's history. The memory of Corvinus is preserved in folklore, illustrating the fleeting nature of power and the eventual decline of all great empires.