Was the Ottoman sultan’s heart buried on a battlefield in Hungary nearly 450 years ago? Archaeologists are trying to find out. In the summer of 1566, Szigetvár was the site of a bloody siege that French diplomat Cardinal Richelieu would later call “the battle that saved civilization.” For five desperate weeks Szigetvár castle, the garrison of the hopelessly outnumbered forces, held off an advancing army of more than 100,000 Ottoman troops led by Süleyman. This event remains one of great significance to Hungarian history – indeed European history.

After 450 Years, Archaeologists Still Hunting for Magnificent Sultan’s Heart