The assassination of King Charles III of Naples and Hungary occurred in Buda, a city central to the political dynamics of the region. Charles, who had been reigning since 1385, took the throne amid contested claims and unrest stemming from his predecessors' legacies. His rule faced considerable resistance, particularly from local noble factions unhappy with his policies and the influence of foreign powers embedded in his court. This tumult in Hungarian leadership, exacerbated by the geopolitical tensions of the era, set the stage for the events leading to his assassination.

On this fateful day, members of the Hungarian nobility, dissatisfied with the king's authority and aiming to restore traditional rights and powers to the local governing bodies, orchestrated the act. The specific motivations included grievances over tax increases and military levies essential for maintaining stability against external threats, especially from the Ottomans. Thrust into a situation of peril, Charles was fatally attacked, an act that shocked his supporters and instigated chaos within the royal succession. The immediate aftermath saw infighting amongst his potential successors, which ultimately weakened central authority.

The assassination altered Hungary's turbulent landscape, resulting in a fragmented power structure that hindered effective governance. Succession disputes led to protracted conflict and instability, as various factions vied for control. This political vacuum not only emboldened rival claimants but also carved a path for foreign intervention. The repercussions of Charles III's assassination echoed beyond Hungary as neighboring regions reacted to the ensuing chaos, changing the political alliances and territorial ambitions in Central Europe.