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Battle of Drăgășani(1821)

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June 19, 1821·Ottoman Empire victory·land·plains

Background

Alexander Ypsilantis and the Etaireia had carried out an invasion of the Ottoman-dominated Danubian Principalities which coincided with an uprising in Wallachia. Ypsilantis, a general in the Russian Army and aide-de-camp to Tsar Alexander I, had hoped that his actions would cause the Russian Empire to intervene on behalf of the Greek insurgents, but the Emperor, a leading proponent of the Concert of Europe, disavowed any relation with him and effectively gave the Ottomans the "green light" to march into the Principalities to deal with the insurrection. At the same time, Ypsilantis clashed with the Wallachian Pandur leader Tudor Vladimirescu, who was ultimately tortured and killed by the Etaireia, causing the Wallachian rebel troops to withdraw from the conflict.

Campaign: Ypsilantis Expedition 1821

Forces Engaged

Defeated
Filiki Eteria
Commander: Alexander Ypsilantis
Strength: 7,500
Victor
Ottoman Empire
Commander: Kara Ahmed
Strength: 20,000

The Battle

Sketch of the Battle of Drăgășani in little Wallachia, from Thomas Gordon's History of the Greek Revolution (1832)
Sketch of the Battle of Drăgășani in little Wallachia, from Thomas Gordon's History of the Greek Revolution (1832) (c. 1832) — Thomas Gordon (1832). Public domain.

The Sacred Band (~500 elite Greek fighters) was annihilated by Ottoman cavalry. Tudor Vladimirescu had been assassinated days earlier by Ypsilantis' allies.

The Battle of Drăgășani was fought on 19 June 1821 in Drăgășani, Wallachia, between the Ottoman forces of Sultan Mahmud II and the Greek Filiki Etaireia insurgents as a part of the Greek War of Independence.

“"The Sacred Band stood and fought the four times larger Ottoman cavalry, even though every hope of victory was lost." — Thomas Gordon, History of the Greek Revolution (1832)

Casualties & Outcome

500
Filiki Eteria
casualties
?
Ottoman Empire
casualties

~300 Sacred Band killed, total Greek losses 500–800; Ottoman casualties unknown

Ottoman Empire achieved victory over Filiki Eteria.

Despite its failure, the revolution in the Danubian Principalities helped inspire the uprisings in the Peloponnese. Another aspect of the battle's aftermath entailed Alexander Ypsilantis' retreat to the Austrian-ruled area of Transylvania, after having written a forged letter to his troops stating that he was summoned by Francis I, the Emperor of Austria, to discuss military operations against the Ottomans on the Austrian frontier.

Historical Record

The Sacred Band of Filiki Etaireia volunteers at the Battle of Drăgășani, 1821
The Sacred Band of Filiki Etaireia volunteers at the Battle of Drăgășani, 1821 (c. 1821) — Unknown artist (19th century). Public domain.
One of the more popular designs used as flags by Greek rebels during the late 18th century and up to the early stages of the Greek War of Independence.
One of the more popular designs used as flags by Greek rebels during the late 18th century and up to the early stages of the Greek War of Independence. (c. 2006) — cs:User:-xfi-, modified by Mysid. Public domain.
Fanciful depiction of the Sacred Band fighting at the Battle of Dragatsani in 1821
Fanciful depiction of the Sacred Band fighting at the Battle of Dragatsani in 1821 (c. 1820) — Friedrich Campe. Public domain.
Icon of simple blue pencil
Icon of simple blue pencil (c. 2012) — User:VasilievVV and user:Jarekt. Public domain.
One of the more popular designs used as flags by Greek rebels during the late 18th century and up to the early stages of the Greek War of Independence.
One of the more popular designs used as flags by Greek rebels during the late 18th century and up to the early stages of the Greek War of Independence. (c. 2006) — cs:User:-xfi-, modified by Mysid. Public domain.
Fanciful depiction of the Sacred Band fighting at the Battle of Dragatsani in 1821
Fanciful depiction of the Sacred Band fighting at the Battle of Dragatsani in 1821 (c. 1820) — Friedrich Campe. Public domain.

Significance & Legacy

Ended the Ypsilantis expedition but ignited broader Balkan independence movements.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Battle of Drăgășani?
The Battle of Drăgășani took place in 1821. June 19, 1821.
Who won the Battle of Drăgășani?
The Ottoman Empire were victorious against the Filiki Eteria.
What was the significance of the Battle of Drăgășani?
Ended the Ypsilantis expedition but ignited broader Balkan independence movements.

Related Battles

Battle of Sculeni1821 · Ottoman Empire victorySkirmish near Slatina1821 · Ottoman Advance Guard victoryEngagement at Zavideni1821 · Ottoman Punitive Column victoryRaid on Galați1821 · Filiki Eteria victoryTudor's March to Bucharest1821 · Wallachian Pandurs victoryBattle of Galați1821 · Ottoman forces victory
View all Wallachian Uprising battles →

Sources

  • Dakin, D. — The Greek Struggle for Independence
  • Djuvara, N. — Între Orient și Occident
  • Gordon, T. — History of the Greek Revolution
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