Battle of Codrii Cosminului (Battle of Cosmin Forest)(1497)
Background
Jan Olbracht used the pretext of organizing a crusade against the Ottomans while his true aim was to install his brother on the Moldavian throne. Stefan allowed the Polish army to march deep into Moldavia before springing the ambush.
Campaign: Polish Invasion of Moldavia 1497
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Jan Olbracht invaded Moldavia under pretext of crusade, actually seeking to install his brother Sigismund on the Moldavian throne. Stefan feigned retreat, then ambushed the Polish army in the Cosmin Forest (Bucovina). Trees pre-cut to fall on the column; Polish cavalry trapped in the forest. Catastrophic Polish defeat; Jan Olbracht barely escaped.
The Battle of Codrii Cosminului (Cosmin Forest) took place on 26 October 1497 in the forests of northern Bukovina. Stephen the Great of Moldavia ambushed the retreating Polish army of King Jan I Olbracht, using pre-felled trees to trap the column. The catastrophic Polish defeat — with approximately 20,000 casualties — ended Poland's attempts to subjugate Moldavia.
“"Za króla Olbrachta wyginęła szlachta" (Under King Olbracht the nobility perished) — Polish proverb commemorating the catastrophe
Casualties & Outcome
Polish losses: ~20,000 dead or captured; Moldavian losses: ~2,000
Moldova achieved victory over Kingdom of Poland.
The Polish army suffered a disastrous defeat, which dissuaded the Polish king from challenging Ottoman supremacy on the Black Sea. Shortly after the battle, in 1498, the Ottomans and the Crimeans began launching raids on Poland, sacking Polish cities. Poland sued for peace in 1499.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Greatest Moldavian victory against a European power. Gave rise to the proverb: "Under Stephen's reign, the graves of Poles were made." Secured Moldavia's northern border.
Stefan the Great's Oak (Stejarul lui Ștefan cel Mare) stands near the battlefield site in the Cosmin Forest, Chernivtsi Oblast, Ukraine. The battle gave rise to the Polish proverb "Za króla Olbrachta wyginęła szlachta" (Under King Olbracht the nobility perished). One of the most celebrated victories in Romanian national memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Codrii Cosminului (Battle of Cosmin Forest)?
- The Battle of Codrii Cosminului (Battle of Cosmin Forest) took place in 1497. Oct 26, 1497.
- Who won the Battle of Codrii Cosminului (Battle of Cosmin Forest)?
- The Moldova were victorious against the Kingdom of Poland.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Codrii Cosminului (Battle of Cosmin Forest)?
- Greatest Moldavian victory against a European power. Gave rise to the proverb: "Under Stephen's reign, the graves of Poles were made." Secured Moldavia's northern border.