The Siege of Nándorfehérvár was part of the extended conflict known as the Ottoman–Hungarian Wars, reflecting the ongoing struggle for territorial dominance between the powerful Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary. At the helm of the Ottoman offensive was Sultan Mehmed II, known for his ambition to expand Ottoman territories further into Europe following the conquest of Constantinople just a few years earlier in 1453. The fortress of Nándorfehérvár was of significant strategic importance; it guarded the entry point to the Hungarian plain and controlled trade routes along the Danube River.

In response to this threat, John Hunyadi, a prominent Hungarian military leader and the de facto ruler of Hungary during this period, mobilized his forces to defend the stronghold. Hunyadi's leadership was characterized by his experience in earlier military engagements against the Ottomans, allowing him to effectively rally troops from various regions to augment the defense. As the siege commenced, Hunyadi and his forces faced overwhelming numbers, as the Ottomans sought to overwhelm Nándorfehérvár with artillery and a large infantry contingent.

As the situation escalated, it developed into a protracted battle with a series of assaults by the Ottomans and fierce resistance from the defenders. The siege would eventually culminate in dramatic clashes, utilizing innovative military strategies by both sides, and it featured legendary moments, including the Hungarian defenders' use of a small, surprise counterattack that would challenge the Ottomans. The outcome of this siege would not only influence the immediate territorial boundaries of power in Central Europe but lay the groundwork for future confrontations and the evolving conflict in this culturally rich region.