The Siege of Buda in 1684

Through the Eyes of a Soldier

Abstract

The National Archives of Hungary acquired a manuscript written in Italian language accompanied by sketches and drawings, describing a period of the siege of Buda in 1684. The text appears to be written in two distinct hands. One records the troop movements in June, while presumably a different author recounts the events from July 14 until August 12. There are depictions of people, buildings, landscapes, and a drawing of a device. To identify the writers and illustrators, their military units and backgrounds, further research is needed, however, the document by itself provides a good insight into the conditions the Christian troops faced during the siege.