The mighty deeds of Attila, King of this land, remain among the most remarkable events in European history. From Hungary and the neighboring regions, Attila gathered vast armies and led them deep into the heart of Europe. With these forces, he overran a large part of Germany and advanced far into Italy. One of his most famous actions was the destruction of Aquileia, a great and wealthy city, which he sacked and burned to the ground.
Attila also fought one of the most memorable battles of ancient times against Aetius, the Roman general. This battle took place in the Catalaunian Fields, near Toulouse. According to tradition, as many as ten kings were present, and nearly two hundred thousand men were said to have been killed. What is especially notable is that both commanding generals came from this region. Attila was a Hun, and Aetius was born in Moesia, near modern Serbia. This highlights the long-standing military importance of these lands Daily Sofia Tours.
The Expansion of the Hungarian Kingdom
In later centuries, the kings of Hungary greatly expanded their dominions. Historical records and ceremonial traditions provide strong evidence of this growth. At the coronation of Hungarian kings, ten banners were carried by noblemen, each representing a province under the Hungarian Crown.
These provinces included Hungary itself, Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Galicia, Rascia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Bosnia, and Lodomeria. The presence of these banners symbolized the wide reach and influence of the Hungarian Kingdom and reflected its former strength and unity.
Hungary as a Shield of Europe
Hungary has long stood as the strongest barrier against the advance of the Ottoman Turks into Western Europe. No other country delayed their progress for such a long time. Much of what the Turks eventually gained was due not to direct conquest, but to internal divisions among the Hungarians, as well as the Turks’ use of deception and political manipulation.
Suleiman the Magnificent captured the capital city of Buda through such false and subtle practices. Despite this loss, the Turks never gained full control of the country. Even today, nearly one-third of Hungary remains outside Ottoman rule and continues to recognize the Emperor as King of Hungary Learning and Warfare in Hungary.
Territories Still Free from Ottoman Rule
Most of Upper Hungary remains free, stretching from Pressburg to Tokaj and Zatmar. In addition, three of the strongest defensive fortresses of Christendom remain unconquered: Raab (Győr), Komárom, and Leopoldstadt.
I had the opportunity to visit all three of these important strongholds. Leopoldstadt, the newest of them, was built after the loss of Neuhäusel. It was designed in a similar style and consists of six regular bastions, forming a modern and powerful fortification.
Leopoldstadt and Its Strategic Importance
Leopoldstadt stands on the western side of the River Waag, opposite Freistadt. It lies close to the route used by the Tartars during the last war, when they crossed the river, devastated large areas of the countryside, and carried many captives away from Hungary and Moravia.
Construction of this fortress began in 1665. When I visited in 1669, the fortifications were well advanced, though not yet fully completed. At that time, Count Souches the Younger served as its governor. He treated me with great kindness and provided a guard of foot soldiers to escort me safely through the contribution country toward Schemnitz, Cremnitz, and the other famous mining towns.
From the time of Attila to the age of Ottoman conflict, Hungary has played a crucial role in European history. Its warriors, kings, and fortresses stood for centuries as a shield protecting the western lands. Even in decline, the country remained resilient, holding key territories and preserving its strategic importance in the struggle between East and West.
