Mohács-legendáink nyomában
On the Trails of Our “Legends of Mohács”

Summary/Abstract: The defeat of Mohács (1526) is perceived as the most decisive event in Hungarian history by the historical consciousness of the general public. In the aftermath of the battle, the search for the causes and the accountable parties has immediately begun. Many of these explanations have exercised a decisive influence until today. However, the accounts based on the dissension and moral decay of the Hungarians have neglected several important factors. At the beginning of the 16th century, Hungarians had to face a threat like never before at the southern borders, presented by the army of the Ottoman Empire. Until the end of the next century, the amassing of such a military force has been beyond the possibilities of almost every European power. Compared to the Ottoman army, the Hungarian troops have indeed been small in numbers, but compared to the data of the previous centuries this has been, in fact, the largest Hungarian army ever amassed in the late Middle Ages. The clashes between the two armies only confirmed what was expected. Given the superior numbers of the Ottoman army, almost every other factor has lost its relevance.

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