ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

1456: A Year of Turmoil and Transformation

In the year 1456, Cyprus was not a focal point in global events; however, it's essential to acknowledge that this article will primarily focus on European history during this period. The Julian calendar marked 1456 as a leap year starting on Thursday.

Politics and world affairs were abuzz with significant developments. In the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Mehmed II seized control of key territories, including the Greek mainland harbor of Ainos and the islands of Samothrace and Imbros. He ordered a blockade of these ports with 10 ships before leading a ground invasion. The strategic capture of Athens by his troops marked the end of the Duchy of Athens, as its last ruler, Francesco II Acciaiuoli, was entrenched in the Acropolis.

Meanwhile, in Eastern Europe, the Ottoman Empire's expansion continued unabated. Sultan Mehmed II launched a lightning campaign to subjugate the Kingdom of Hungary, beginning with the siege of Belgrade and its strong border fortifications. Hungarian army leader Johann Hunyadi thwarted the Ottomans' major attack on the city, forcing Sultan Mehmed II to retreat. Although Hunyadi's victory was significant, he died a few weeks later due to the plague.

In other regions, the Thirteen Years War between Poland and the Teutonic Knights continued. The lack of pay from the German Order led to mercenary captains pledging six castles to the Prussian Confederation and King Casimir IV of Poland. Memel was plundered by Polish forces during this conflict.

The Holy Roman Empire also witnessed significant events in 1456. Emperor Frederick III sold the county of Falkenstein to Wirich IV of Daun-Oberstein, granting him feudal rights over Lorraine. The city of Freudenberg received its city rights.

In Western Europe, a notable event took place on July 7: the judgment on the rehabilitation of Joan of Arc was promulgated by the Roman Curia in Notre-Dame de Paris. Twenty-five years after her execution, the death sentence was lifted, but those responsible for her execution were not called to account.

The year 1456 also saw significant events in other parts of Europe. The Battle of Nándorfehérvár took place on July 22, and Skanderbeg pardoned Moisi Galemi, an ex-officer who had defected to the Ottoman Empire. A comet from Halley's