Researchers believe they may have found the remains of one of Hungary’s most celebrated rulers—King Matthias Corvinus—at a national memorial site in Székesfehérvár. Though the findings are not yet confirmed by DNA, experts say there’s a high chance the skeleton unearthed in the ruins of the old royal basilica belongs to the 15th-century king.

Portrait of Matthias Corvinus, by Andrea Mantegna (1431–1506). Credit: Minnetonka Lapkiadó Kft.

The discovery centers on a skull labeled “individual I/10,” excavated in 2002 from the site of the former Basilica of the Virgin Mary. The basilica, once the coronation and burial site for medieval Hungarian kings, was destroyed in the early 19th century after centuries of neglect and damage, including damage by the Ottoman Turks.

Matthias Corvinus was King of Hungary and Croatia between 1458 and 1490. He is best known for having one of the first standing armies in Europe, driving out the invading Ottomans, and reforming the judicial system. He was a patron of science and culture and founded the famous Bibliotheca Corviniana, as well as defying the old nobility by promoting talent over birth.

In 2024, Gábor Emese of the Gyula László Research Center created a series of graphic reconstructions from skulls found at the basilica. One skull stood out. The facial structure of individual I/10 bore an uncanny resemblance to the skull of János Corvinus—Matthias’ illegitimate but recognized son—whose remains were found earlier in Lepoglava, Croatia.

Ruins of the basilica of the ᴀssumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Credit: Andres rus

To test the theory, Emese’s team built a 3D model and completed a full scientific plastic facial reconstruction of the skull. This data, stripped of any identifying information, was sent to German forensic anthropologist Martin Trautmann for independent review.

Trautmann agreed with Emese’s analysis. In his expert opinion, the two skulls were likely from people closely related. “This could suggest a twin-level relationship,” he noted, “but Corvinus’ son had no known twin.” Given the skull’s royal burial location and its genetic link to János Corvinus, researchers believe the only likely candidate is King Matthias himself.

The Matthias Corvinus Monument in Piața Unirii, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Credit: Matei Domnita

Still, Hungarian officials urge caution. The Insтιтute of Hungarian Research stated: “The claims made in the press about the skeleton of King Matthias are not yet confirmed. Scientific verification of the hypothesis is ongoing. We will be able to make a final statement after the verification.”

A final confirmation will depend on DNA tests. Fortunately, scientists already have genetic markers from János and Kristóf Corvin—descendants of Matthias—thanks to previous research done in 2021. This gives researchers a reference point for the next steps.

Until then, the evidence rests on strong visual and anatomical clues. As scientists work to confirm the findings, Hungarians are left wondering if the bones of their famed Renaissance king have, after centuries, finally been found.