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Period: 1350 to 1389
From the mid 14th century
Until the end of the 14th century the presence of the Ottomans didn't mean a close threat, as Serbia, Bosnia and other Balkan states were between them and Hungary. Louis the Great had these as bufferstates, but didn't have to pay too much attention to this direction -
1396
Nicapolis - The first loss from the Turks
After the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 where Serbia fell Sigismund hungarian king realized that he has to face the problem of the Turks. He used his diplomacy and gathered a crusade against them and they encountered in Nicapolis - they got defeated and the battle proved that the cavalry of Europe was outdated against the Turks. -
1397
Defense I by Sigismund
Sigismund's first measure to protect the country was the reformation of the army - after every 20 serfs a baron should provide a soldier -
1402
Defense II by Sigismund
Sigismund also created a line of fortresses on the border to defend it from the Turkish expansion. He lost Galambóc, which was a big loss, but the system could still keep up for centuries after. -
1442
We can stop the Turks!
Hunyadi János, protecting Transylvania was able to stop the Turkish invasion into Hungary at Marosszentimre. -
Period: 1443 to 1444
Long Campaign
Hunyadi János with his experience in the Hussite wars was a match for the Turks - he was able to break into Ottoman territory and went all down until Sofia (Bulgaria). Murad II and the empire was surprised by the attack - as it started in winter - and made a peace treaty with Hunyadi, and gave Serbia and some parts of Bosnia back. -
1446
Death of Wladislaw
In 1446 Hunyadi and the king, Wladyslaw tried to crush the Turks again at Várna, but they failed and Wladyslaw died -
1448
Second Battle of Kosovo
After the first one in 1389, in 1448 there was another encounter - the Sebrian prince betrayed Hunyadi and the battle was lost, so as the lands gained back by the Long campaign -
1456
Siege of Belgrade
In 1453 Constantinople fell - Hunyadi prepared with Szilágyi Mihály and Giovanni Capisrtano who lead a revolt in the south against the Turks. At Belgrade Hunyadi was able to break the blockade of the Turks on the Danube and win the battle. For some time this secured Hungatry and it was acknowledged in Europe as well.