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  5. Ottoman Subjugation of Wallachia / Fall of Giurgiu

Ottoman Subjugation of Wallachia / Fall of Giurgiu(1417)

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1417·Ottoman Empire victory·siege·Wallachian plain, Danube fortress

Background

After reuniting the Ottoman state following the civil war, Mehmed I turned to reasserting control over the Danubian borderlands. The elderly Mircea could not resist.

Campaign: Ottoman Subjugation of Wallachia 1417

Forces Engaged

Defeated
Wallachia
Commander: Mircea cel Bătrân (aged, ill)
Strength: 8,000
Victor
Ottoman Empire
Commander: Sultan Mehmed I
Strength: 30,000

The Battle

Period illustration contextualizing Ottoman Subjugation of Wallachia / Fall of Giurgiu (1417) — medieval warfare in the Romanian principalities
Period illustration contextualizing Ottoman Subjugation of Wallachia / Fall of Giurgiu (1417) — medieval warfare in the Romanian principalities (c. 1417) — OrionNimrod. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Sultan Mehmed I launched a large campaign into Wallachia. Giurgiu fortress fell. Mircea was forced to accept Ottoman suzerainty and tribute. The Turnu and Giurgiu fortresses passed to Ottoman control.

During summer 1417, Sultan Mehmed I’s forces, numbering a large overwhelming force, initiated a campaign against Wallachia, targeting Danube fortresses on the Wallachian plain. After a 30-day siege, Giurgiu fortress fell to the Ottomans. Wallachian defenders, under Mircea, were unable to prevent the loss. The campaign concluded with Mircea accepting Ottoman suzerainty and tribute, and the transfer of Turnu and Giurgiu to Ottoman control.

Casualties & Outcome

1,000
Wallachia
casualties
2,000
Ottoman Empire
casualties

Ottoman Empire achieved victory over Wallachia.

Wallachia became an Ottoman vassal state, paying tribute. Mircea died the following year. The Danube fortresses remained in Ottoman hands for generations.

Historical Record

Chronicon Pictum illumination depicting medieval warfare in Wallachia — contextual illustration for Ottoman Subjugation of Wallachia / Fall of Giurgiu (1417)
Chronicon Pictum illumination depicting medieval warfare in Wallachia — contextual illustration for Ottoman Subjugation of Wallachia / Fall of Giurgiu (1417) (c. 1360) — Chronicon Pictum (c. 1360). Public domain.

Significance & Legacy

Formal beginning of Wallachian tributary status to the Ottomans. Last major event of Mircea's reign.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Ottoman Subjugation of Wallachia / Fall of Giurgiu?
The Ottoman Subjugation of Wallachia / Fall of Giurgiu took place in 1417. 1417.
Who won the Ottoman Subjugation of Wallachia / Fall of Giurgiu?
The Ottoman Empire were victorious against the Wallachia.
What was the significance of the Ottoman Subjugation of Wallachia / Fall of Giurgiu?
Formal beginning of Wallachian tributary status to the Ottomans. Last major event of Mircea's reign.

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