Work

Who Lies in the Five Mass Graves of the 1526 Battle of Mohács?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The 1526 Battle of Mohács represents a pivotal moment in Central European history with lasting implications for collective memory. Five mass graves at Sátorhely memorial site are undergoing renewed investigation before the battle’s 500th anniversary. This multidisciplinary study analyzes historical sources, geoinformatics reconstructions, and recent archaeological findings to examine burial identities. Evidence suggests the graves contain multiethnic soldiers—including German Landsknechts—killed in combat, not prisoners executed August 31, 1526, as previously hypothesized. Combat-related injuries contradict systematic execution theories. These findings challenge established narratives about Sátorhely burials and have significant implications for memorial interpretation and commemorative practices in Central European heritage management.

Source: International Journal of Historical Archaeology

DOI: 10.1007/s10761-025-00808-3

Authors: Norbert Pap, Pál Fodor, Péter Gyenizse, Erika Hancz, Máté Kitanics

Institutions: University of Pecs, ELTE Research Centre for the Humanities, Institute of History

Language: English

Topic: Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,290

Funder: Pécsi Tudományegyetem