‘Re-examining the Death of King Lajos II at Mohács’
The death of King Lajos II in 1526 remains one of the most consequential historical mysteries in Central Europe. Although it has traditionally been recorded as an accidental drowning, several contemporary sources merit closer examination.
The subsequent power struggle between Habsburg Ferdinand and Szapolyai János resulted in conflicting accounts of the king’s final moments. However, the tendency of historians to insist on drowning as the cause of death likely stems from the political convenience of avoiding a 500-year-old crime scene, as both ruling powers after Mohács benefited from the ambiguity. In short, the king who chose to ride into certain death at Mohács may well have been betrayed in the marshes by those closest to him.
📜To me, the available evidence and motifs strongly suggest that King Lajos II was murdered, rather than accidentally drowning. Was it the Habsburgs? The Szapolyais? The Fuggers?
In this episode, we explore forgotten sources, political motives, and the fate of those who were supposed to protect him.
Why does this matter?
The death of Lajos — a young king who rode bravely into battle — shaped Hungary’s fate. Yet the full story remains obscured by political agendas and conflicting accounts.
🎧 Listen now as we analyse the evidence without speculation, focusing on historical detective work.
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