Branković, George (c. 1367–1456)

Prince of Serbia from 1427, when he succeeded his uncle, Stephen Lazarevic. He was driven into Hungary by Sultan Murad II in 1437. After a period of exile, he organized an expedition against the Turks, under himself, the Hungarian general János Hunyadi, and Ladislas III of Poland. Murad won the Battle of Varna in November 1444, in which Ladislas was killed; Hunyadi narrowly escaped. Branković was allowed to keep his principality.

He is remembered as the builder of the great fortress of Smederovo on the Danube, parts of which still survive.

When threatened by the Serbian–Hungarian–Polish alliance, Murad asked for a ten-year truce, offering excellent terms, which were accepted. However, on receiving news that a Venetian fleet was about to attack Murad, the allies broke their agreement and marched south. Branković, fearing Muslim vengeance, sent secret intelligence to Murad, and also dissuaded Albania from joining the league, allowing Murad to emerge the victor at Varna.