Hello and welcome to the history of the Germans.

Episode 212, the Library of the Raven King, which is also episode 10 of season 11, the fall

and rise of the House of Habsburg.

Now today we'll talk a lot about a man called Matthias Covinus, the legendary Renaissance

King of Hungary, whose library outshone that of the Medici in Florence, and whose standing

army was one of the greatest and the most expensive military forces in 15th century Europe.

So why are we talking about a Hungarian ruler and a series about the Habsburgs?

Well, trust me, there's a good reason beyond it being a fascinating life story.

But before we start, it's just me again in my saffron robes holding out my begging bowl.

Now I cannot offer the dama, the teachings of the Buddha, nor can I explain the principles

that help you live a fulfilling life.

All I can offer is the absence of ever more hyperbolic praise for humdrum consumer products,

let alone the promotion of sports betting sites, which I've just heard is now the number two podcast advertising group.

If that is enough for you and you want to drop your grains of rice into my bowl,

you can do that at History of the Germans.com slash support.

And there you can join the immensely generous Clement M. Michael N., Sophia G to B.S.P. Ben H., Paul James V. and Scott P.

And with that, back to the show.

Last week, we ended on a cliffhanger.

Emperor Friedrich III and his young family were huddling together in the cellars of

the Hofburg as cannon pounded the ancient fortress.

Walls and towers were crumbling and just one errant projectile, one falling piece of masonry,

or the simple lack of food could have wiped out the dynasty than was destined to rule

...