Battle of Cecora(1620)
Background
The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth intervened in Moldavia to contest growing Ottoman influence, sending a relatively small force under Grand Crown Hetman Żółkiewski that was vastly outnumbered by the combined Ottoman-Tatar army.
Campaign: Polish-Ottoman War 1620–1621
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Moldavian auxiliaries defected to the Ottomans on the first day. After an 11-day standoff, the Polish retreat collapsed under Tatar pressure. Hetman Żółkiewski was killed; his head was sent to the Sultan in Constantinople.
The Battle of Cecora took place during the Polish–Ottoman War (1620–21) between the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and Ottoman forces, fought from 17 September to 7 October 1620 in Moldavia, near the Prut River.
Casualties & Outcome
2,000 to 3,000 killed, wounded, or deserted or only 1,000–1,500 survived | 1,500 killed or wounded
Ottoman Empire & Crimean Tatars achieved victory over Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth & Moldavia.
Between 1,000 and 1,500 Commonwealth men survived the battles, while the Tatars moved into Podolia, Wołyń and eastern Lesser Poland. In 1621 an army of 200,000–250,000 Ottoman veterans, led by Osman II, advanced from Edirne towards the Polish frontier. The Ottomans, following their victory in the Battle of Cecora, had high hopes of conquering the southern part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Polish commander Jan Karol Chodkiewicz crossed the Dniester in September with approximately 35,000 Polish troops and Cossack supporters and entrenched himself at the Chocim (Khotyn) Fortress, blocking the path of the slow Ottoman march. During the Battle of Khotyn, for more than a month (2 September – 9 October 1621), the Commonwealth hetman held the sultan at bay until the first autumn snow. The lateness of the season and the loss of approximately 40,000 men in battle compelled Osman II to initiate negotiations.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Catastrophic defeat that left the Commonwealth vulnerable and emboldened Sultan Osman II to plan total conquest of Poland. Prompted the massive Polish-Ottoman War of 1621 and the decisive Battle of Khotyn.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Cecora?
- The Battle of Cecora took place in 1620. Sep 17 – Oct 7, 1620.
- Who won the Battle of Cecora?
- The Ottoman Empire & Crimean Tatars were victorious against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth & Moldavia.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Cecora?
- Catastrophic defeat that left the Commonwealth vulnerable and emboldened Sultan Osman II to plan total conquest of Poland. Prompted the massive Polish-Ottoman War of 1621 and the decisive Battle of Khotyn.