ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Knowledgia Battle of Vaslui | How to Win Against a 100,000 Ottoman Army – Stephen The Great – Part 2
The political landscape of Eastern Europe in the late 15th century was turbulent, with power struggles and shifting alliances. In the midst of this chaos, the relationship between Moldavia and the Ottoman Empire was deteriorating. Basarab Laiota, once a supporter of Stephen, the ruler of Moldavia, turned against him and pledged allegiance to the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed. This betrayal set the stage for a significant conflict.
Anticipating a confrontation with the Ottomans and Wallachians, Stephen sought support from fellow Christian nations. Although he reached out to the Pope, the assistance he received was minimal. However, Hungary and Poland, recognizing the threat of a Moldavian defeat, each contributed around 2,000 troops. Stephen also rallied 5,000 Szekely warriors, bringing his army to about 40,000 men. Despite these efforts, Stephen’s forces were significantly outnumbered by the Ottoman army, which was estimated to be between 60,000 and 100,000 strong, bolstered by Basarab’s 17,000 troops.
Stephen employed a strategy of scorched earth and guerrilla tactics to weaken the advancing Ottoman forces. By poisoning wells and destroying supplies, he left the invaders in a precarious position. His ultimate goal was to draw the Ottomans to Vaslui, a location he knew well and believed would favor his troops. The marshy valley, surrounded by forested hills, presented a challenging terrain for the exhausted Ottoman forces.
As the Ottomans advanced, they were met with thick fog that concealed Moldavian archers, cavalry, and cannons. Stephen cleverly used the sounds of drums and bugles to mislead the Ottomans about the location of his main forces. When the battle commenced, Moldavian archers and artillery unleashed a devastating assault. The fragile Podul Înalt bridge collapsed under the weight of the Ottoman cavalry, adding to the chaos. Stephen seized the opportunity to unleash his remaining troops, overwhelming the Ottomans and forcing a retreat.
The victory at Vaslui was a remarkable achievement for Stephen, who managed to inflict heavy casualties on the Ottoman forces, estimated at over 40,000. Basarab Laiota, who had allied with the Ottomans, withdrew his troops, further contributing to the Ottoman defeat. This triumph was celebrated as one of the greatest in European history, and Pope Sixtus honored Stephen as an “Athlete of Christ” for his bravery.
Despite his success, Stephen faced ongoing challenges. The Poles and Hungarians, despite recognizing his capabilities, failed to provide further support. With Mehmed plotting revenge, Stephen sought to reclaim Wallachia by allying with his cousin, Vlad the Third Dracula. Vlad, who had been imprisoned due to betrayal, was released with Stephen’s intervention. Together, they aimed to unite Moldavia and Wallachia against the Ottoman threat.
Although their initial plans were thwarted by lack of support from Hungary, Stephen’s opposition to Ottoman actions in Crimea earned him Venetian backing. Mehmed’s subsequent invasion of Moldavia led to a temporary setback for Stephen, but he eventually regrouped with the help of Stephen the Fifth Bathory, forcing the Ottomans to withdraw.
With Moldavia momentarily at peace, Stephen sought to solidify his position by supporting Vlad’s claim to the Wallachian throne. Despite initial success, Vlad’s reign was short-lived, as he was killed in a subsequent Ottoman invasion. Stephen’s efforts to stabilize Wallachia continued, but the Ottomans remained a formidable adversary. Basarab IV, reinstated by the Ottomans, made peace with Sultan Mehmed, leaving Stephen with limited options.
Stephen’s attempts to replace unreliable allies with new leaders were met with mixed results. Despite these challenges, his strategic brilliance and determination left a lasting legacy. The Battle of Vaslui remains a testament to his military prowess and ability to overcome overwhelming odds.
Examine historical maps of Eastern Europe during the 15th century. Identify key geographical features that influenced the Battle of Vaslui. Create a strategic plan detailing how you would have approached the battle, considering the terrain and available resources.
Participate in a role-playing debate where you represent different historical figures involved in the battle, such as Stephen of Moldavia, Basarab Laiota, or Sultan Mehmed. Argue your character’s perspective on the conflict and their strategic decisions.
Conduct research on guerrilla warfare tactics used throughout history. Present your findings, focusing on how Stephen’s use of these tactics contributed to his victory at Vaslui. Discuss the effectiveness of such tactics in modern warfare.
Write a short story or diary entry from the perspective of a soldier in Stephen’s army during the Battle of Vaslui. Describe the challenges faced, the atmosphere of the battlefield, and the emotions experienced during the conflict.
Analyze the alliances formed by Stephen with Hungary, Poland, and other entities. Compare these alliances to modern-day military alliances. Discuss the factors that lead to successful or unsuccessful alliances in both historical and contemporary contexts.
As Basarab Laiota and Radu fought for control over Wallachia, the relationship between the heads of Moldavia and the Ottoman Empire was deteriorating. In the midst of this chaos, Basarab turned away from his biggest supporter, Stephen. Once established on the Wallachian throne, Basarab succumbed to the pressure of the Ottoman Sultan, essentially agreeing to vassalship under Mehmed instead of Stephen and his allies. Tensions escalated, and war loomed on the horizon.
Stephen, aware that he would soon face the Ottomans and Wallachians again, began to seek support from fellow Christians. His efforts reached the Pope, but the aid he received was less than he had hoped for. Both Hungary and Poland, likely motivated by their proximity to Moldavia and the potential dangers of a Stephen defeat, offered support in the form of troops. The kings of both neighboring countries contributed around 2,000 men each, while Stephen managed to rally about 5,000 Szekely men. The Moldavian Army numbered around 40,000, highlighting the reluctance of Stephen’s Hungarian and Polish allies to fully commit to the fight. Consequently, the Moldavians found themselves significantly outnumbered.
The Ottoman cavalry numbered around 30,000, with the total invading force estimated at least 60,000, and some estimates suggesting it exceeded 100,000. Additionally, Basarab Laiota had fully committed to his alliance with Mehmed, offering another 17,000 soldiers to join those under Hadim Suleiman Pasha at Mehmed’s command.
As the armies prepared for battle, Stephen had already been making preparations for the Ottoman arrival. Like other military strategists of his time, he employed a strategy of scorched earth and tactical sabotage. Wells were poisoned, and any potential food or supplies were destroyed, leaving the weary Ottomans in a challenging position. Guerrilla attacks followed, and it seemed that Stephen and his men were off to a strong start.
The goal was to lure the Ottoman forces near Vaslui, a battlefield familiar to Stephen from his youth. He knew the terrain well and believed it would favor his troops. The marshy valley he aimed to utilize was surrounded by forested hills, making it difficult for the exhausted invaders to advance. To reach the Moldavian troops, the Ottomans would have to cross the fragile Podul Înalt bridge over the Barlad River, which could barely support an army’s crossing. Nevertheless, Suleiman Pasha led his men forward, and Stephen prepared his forces.
Thick fog enveloped the valley, concealing Moldavian archers, cavalry, and cannons. The Ottomans, unable to see their enemies, assumed they would find Stephen’s entire force in the direction of the sounds of drums and bugles played by a portion of the Moldavian Army and its Szekely allies. However, Stephen had a different plan in mind.
As the Ottoman forces approached, Moldavian archery and artillery opened fire. Cavalry engaged in close combat, and soon the battle was in full swing. At one point, the bridge collapsed under the weight of Ottoman cavalry, and Suleiman’s forces struggled. Stephen ordered the engagement of his remaining troops, flooding the valley with Moldavian defenders. Chaos ensued on the Ottoman side, leading Suleiman Pasha to order a hasty retreat.
Stephen and his defenders pursued the fleeing Ottomans for days, inflicting heavy casualties that totaled over 40,000. The Wallachian troops, who were supposed allies of Suleiman Pasha, left the battlefield without engaging, as Basarab Laiota abruptly changed his allegiance once again. He also expelled any remaining Ottomans from his lands, marking the end of the Battle of Vaslui. This victory would be regarded as one of the greatest triumphs in European history. Despite being outnumbered and receiving limited external support, Stephen’s ingenuity and military skill led to a remarkable victory.
In recognition of his fearless efforts against the Ottomans, Pope Sixtus named Stephen an “Athlete of Christ.” However, the Poles and Hungarians failed to provide further assistance despite Stephen’s proven capabilities against their common enemy. With Mehmed plotting revenge, Stephen recognized the need for a new strategy. Aware of Basarab Laiota’s early support for the Ottoman war efforts, Stephen sought to reclaim Wallachia by turning to an old ally—his cousin, Vlad The Third Dracula.
Vlad’s life had taken a tragic turn after being imprisoned due to a betrayal by Matthias Corvinus in 1462. Now, 13 years later, Stephen reached out to the Hungarian king with an unusual request: he wanted Vlad freed. With no reliable allies left, Stephen saw his cousin as his only hope for retaking Wallachia and resisting the Ottoman Empire. Vlad had been steadfast in his opposition to Sultan Mehmed, and if Stephen could secure his forgiveness, they would form a formidable alliance for Eastern Europe. Although Corvinus initially refused to support their joint effort, he eventually agreed to release Vlad.
The details of their reconciliation are lost to history, but upon his return, Vlad quickly restored his relationship with Stephen. They agreed to unite their principalities, making Moldavia and Wallachia friendly neighbors once more. However, without support from the Hungarian king for a war with Wallachia, Stephen had to pause his plans with Vlad. Meanwhile, the Ottomans were causing chaos in Crimea and the Principality of Theodoro, which Stephen opposed, earning him further support from the Venetians. Mehmed was also preparing for another invasion of Moldavia.
With the assistance of Laiota and Crimean Tartars, the Sultan aimed to settle the score after his defeat at Vaslui. By the summer of 1476, Stephen and Mehmed clashed at Valea Alba. Initially, the Moldavians seemed to have the advantage, but the tide soon turned. The Ottomans, led by their commander, brutally overwhelmed Stephen’s defenders. The battlefield was littered with casualties, and Stephen was forced to retreat to avoid joining his fallen men. He escaped possibly as far as Poland as the Ottomans advanced to seize more Moldavian territory.
Despite Mehmed’s success at Valea Alba, he soon faced an outbreak of disease and Stephen’s return with an army led by Stephen The Fifth Bathory, forcing the Ottomans to withdraw from Moldavia. This provided Stephen with an opportunity to revisit his plans involving Wallachia and Vlad Dracula.
With Moldavia temporarily at peace, Stephen sought to solidify his loyalty to Matthias Corvinus, anticipating approval for his invasion plan. Fortunately for Stephen, he received the green light from the King of Hungary. Vlad Dracula and Stephen of Moldavia laid siege to Wallachia, and by the end of the year, Basarab Laiota was on the run. Vlad III Dracula, after years of unjust imprisonment, reclaimed the throne he had lost alongside his cousin.
Stephen returned to Moldavia after supporting Vlad’s invasion of Wallachia, celebrating a hard-won victory over their neighbor. However, this triumph was short-lived. Before January 1477 ended, Vlad and nearly all of Stephen’s bodyguards were killed when the Ottomans reinvaded. Speculation arose regarding whether betrayal or simply the chaos of war led to Vlad’s downfall. Regardless, Stephen had supported Vlad with all his efforts in the final year of his life, but now he found himself without an ally and no clear successor to groom for leadership.
Nevertheless, he had a man named Basarab The Fourth, nicknamed Țepeluș, who would suffice for the time being. The Ottomans reinstated Laiota in place of Vlad Dracula, but Stephen was determined to change this situation. He entered Wallachia once more to oust his former ally and successfully placed the younger Basarab on the throne, hoping for a more stable rule.
The following months showed promise as peace treaties were signed, relationships strengthened, and future plans discussed. Unfortunately for Stephen, the Ottomans remained a formidable threat. Basarab IV, like his predecessor, made peace with Sultan Mehmed, forcing Stephen to reluctantly follow suit. His work in Wallachia was far from over, and he was running out of options. Stephen attempted to replace another failed ally with a man named Mircea, believed by many historians to be one of his sons, but this effort failed. With Ottoman support behind Basarab IV, the Moldavians struggled to overpower them. War erupted once again on Moldavia’s battered soil, and Stephen faced the harsh reality that peace remained elusive.
Battle – A military fight between groups, often part of a larger conflict or war. – The Battle of Hastings in 1066 was a pivotal moment in English history, marking the beginning of Norman rule in England.
Vaslui – A historical battle site in present-day Romania, known for the 1475 victory of Moldavian forces over the Ottoman Empire. – The Battle of Vaslui is considered one of the greatest victories in the history of Moldavia, where Stephen the Great successfully defended his territory against the Ottomans.
Ottomans – A powerful empire that controlled much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa from the 14th to the early 20th century. – The expansion of the Ottoman Empire into Europe was a significant factor in the political dynamics of the region during the Renaissance.
Stephen – Referring to Stephen the Great, a notable ruler of Moldavia known for his military prowess and defense against the Ottoman Empire. – Stephen the Great’s leadership and strategic acumen were crucial in maintaining Moldavian independence during his reign.
Moldavia – A historical region in Eastern Europe, which was a principality during the medieval period and played a significant role in regional politics. – Moldavia’s strategic location made it a focal point of conflict between larger empires such as the Ottomans and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Alliances – Agreements or partnerships between nations or groups to achieve common goals, often for mutual defense or cooperation. – The complex web of alliances in Europe prior to World War I is often cited as a contributing factor to the outbreak of the conflict.
Troops – Soldiers or military personnel collectively, especially when organized for a specific mission or operation. – The deployment of troops to the front lines was a critical component of military strategy during the Napoleonic Wars.
Strategy – A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim, particularly in military or political contexts. – The strategy employed by the Allies during the D-Day invasion was crucial to the success of the operation and the eventual liberation of Western Europe.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, encompassing a wide range of topics and periods. – Understanding the history of the Roman Empire provides valuable insights into the development of modern Western civilization.
Europe – A continent that has been the site of significant historical events, cultural developments, and political changes throughout history. – The Renaissance was a period of great cultural and intellectual growth in Europe, influencing art, science, and philosophy.
