In this special episode, I talk with Katerina Dunne, author of the historical novel Lord of the Eyrie.
Set in the time of Hunyadi János, her story brings 15th-century Hungary to life—told through the eyes of both a nobleman and his wife, caught in the chaos of war, politics, and survival.

Katerina is a Greek-born writer who lived in Ireland for 25 years and recently moved to Cyprus.
She learned Hungarian, fell in love with our history, and now shares it with the world in English.
We talk about her creative journey, historical reenactment, buhurt fighting, and why this era still matters today.

Her books are available in English, Hungarian, and German:https://www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/historium-press-katerina-dunne?fbclid=IwAR0QZnKvss4i2oQyFxMjY7BIz9W9kldle2BMwrr7W7vvwS0dDBZeo8xWDuo

and:

https://www.lira.hu/hu/konyv/szepirodalom/sasfeszek-ura#

In this electrifying episode, we uncover how King Matthias Corvinus – the legendary Raven King – stood as the last true Christian monarch to confront the rising Ottoman threat with both pen and sword.

⚔️ Matthias rebuilt Hungary's second line of defense on the southern borderland, held strongholds deep in enemy territory, and risked his own life in combat to beat back the Turks.

🏇 His feared Black Army not only terrified Europe but also marched to Italy’s rescue, liberating Otranto from Ottoman occupation. What if he had not sent there troops?

🛡️ And when the Sultan’s troops swarmed into Transylvania, it was his general Kinizsi Pál who met them in open battle at Kenyérmező (Breadfield)—and shattered the myth of Ottoman invincibility that had haunted Europe since the disastrous Battle of Várna in 1444.

📜 When Pope Innocent VIII considered handing over the Ottoman prince Djem to the sultan for some money, Matthias fired off a furious letter warning that if Christendom betrayed the cause, Hungary would not fall silently. Was his response heard? What if he could receive the Turk usurper in his court and launch his long-dreamed campaign after taking Vienna?

🔥 An epic tale of diplomacy, strategy, and sheer defiance against overwhelming odds.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
👉 Support the project: Patreon | BuyMe a Coffee | Substack | www.hungarianhistory.com

🚩 The ONLY English-language podcast dedicated entirely to Hungarian history.

You can also read some more details on my page: https://www.hungarianottomanwars.com/essays/was-king-matthias-related-to-sultan-mohamed-ii/

🔥A Century of Struggle. One Historic Stand.

In this episode of the Hungarian History Podcast, wejourney through nine turbulent decades—from the first Ottoman war in 1366 to the epic Siege of Nándorfehérvár / Belgrade in 1456.

We must investigate the way that led to the siege ofNándorfehérvár / Belgrade—how betrayals, invasions, andresistance shaped the fate of Hungary and Europe.

Hear the dramatic tale of kings betrayed, cities lost, battleswon—and how Hunyadi János defied the seemingly unstoppable OttomanEmpire at the gates of Belgrade.

This is the story behind the noon bell that still rings acrossEurope today.
It’s not just Hungarian history—it’s European destiny.

🎧 Listen now and step into the fight for Christendom.

Visit: https://www.hungarianottomanwars.com/

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