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Archaeologists believe that the mysterious skull found years ago could be that of Matthias Corvinus, one of the most important monarchical figures in Hungarian history.
The skull was found in 2002 during archaeological excavations at the site of an ancient basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Székesfehérvár, central Hungary. Categorized as “I/10,” the skull was brought back to attention in 2024 after a new forensic-anthropological analysis. Gábor Emese from the Gyula László Research Center revealed that the morphological features of the skull bore significant resemblance to the remains of János Corvinus, the biological son of Matthias Corvinus, previously found in Croatia.
Preliminary assessments reveal cranial morphological similarities strong enough to suggest a possible genetic relationship.
A facial reconstruction was performed on the skull, and the individual’s facial features were digitally rebuilt through 3D plastic modeling. The reconstruction process was based on craniofacial prediction algorithms, using standardized craniometric parameters such as nasal index, zygomatic arch length, and frontal bone curvature.
To enhance the methodological reliability of the study and ensure an unbiased evaluation, the digitally reconstructed facial model was anonymized, excluding any identifying information about the individual. The model was then submitted for independent analysis to German forensic anthropologist Dr. Martin Trautmann. Upon detailed morphological examination, Dr. Trautmann reported a remarkable similarity between the reconstructed face and the cranial features of the scientifically confirmed remains of János Corvinus, previously excavated in Lepoglava, Croatia.
According to Dr. Trautmann, the structural correspondence observed between the two faces suggests a degree of genetic proximity consistent with a first-degree biological relationship. He described the similarity as approaching the level typically seen in monozygotic (identical) twins. However, historical records and archival sources contain no reference to János Corvinus having a twin sibling. This led the research team to consider the hypothesis of a direct biological father-son relationship between Matthias Corvinus and the unidentified individual as the most plausible explanation for the observed phenotypic overlap.
Skull’s Age Consistent with the Time of Matthias Corvinus’s Death
The city of Székesfehérvár has historically served as one of the sacred sites where Hungarian kings were both crowned and buried. The exact location where the skull was discovered holds particular significance. It reflects the uppermost tier of the sociopolitical hierarchy and corresponds with established burial traditions within the basilica. If the skull is scientifically confirmed to belong to Matthias Corvinus, the discovery would not only constitute a major anthropological finding but could also prompt a re-evaluation of Hungarian historiography.
However, experts emphasize that the current findings remain hypothetical and lack definitive proof. Scientific confirmation can only be achieved through DNA analysis.
The remains are believed to date to the final quarter of the 15th century. This chronological frame corresponds with the year 1490, which marks the recorded death of Matthias Corvinus.
Who was Matthias Corvinus?
Matthias Corvinus (Hungarian: Hunyadi Mátyás) was one of the most influential and intellectual rulers in 15th-century Central European history. He was born in 1443 in Kolozsvár (present-day Cluj-Napoca, Romania) and ruled the kingdoms of Hungary and Croatia from 1458 to 1490.
(Budapest History Museum)
Unlike traditional dynastic succession, Corvinus ascended to the throne by unanimous consent of the nobles. This made his reign a rare example of an “elective monarchy” during a period otherwise dominated by absolute rule. His rise to power marked a shift in the Hungarian feudal system, introducing a new dimension to political legitimacy.
Corvinus moved away from classical feudal practices and steered the kingdom toward a more centralized and institutionalized form of governance. His reforms in both Hungary and Croatia aimed to curtail the political influence of local nobility and strengthen royal authority. As part of this agenda, he restructured the financial administration. Tax collection mechanisms were centralized, and royal expenditures were brought under strict control. He also established a salaried, professional army, which was an innovative development in the military systems of the time.
Matthias Corvinus played a key role in bringing the European Renaissance to the north. As a patron of intellectual activity, he amassed a vast collection of classical Greek and Latin texts. This collection, later known as the Bibliotheca Corviniana, eventually became one of the largest secular libraries in Europe.
