Battle of Rovine(1395)
Background
Bayezid I returned to Wallachia the year after his repulse, this time with a Wallachian pretender (Vlad I) in tow to install as puppet ruler. Mircea chose ground that negated Ottoman cavalry superiority.
Campaign: Mircea vs Bayezid Campaigns 1394–95
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Major Wallachian victory in forested terrain near Craiova. Mircea's use of terrain, infantry in forests, and coordinated Wallachian tactics routed a much larger Ottoman-backed force. Vlad I (the pretender) killed in battle.
The Battle of Rovine took place on 17 May 1395. The Wallachian army led by Voivod Mircea the Elder opposed the Ottoman invasion personally led by Sultan Bayezid I the Thunderbolt. The Turkish force heavily outnumbered the Wallachian troops. The legend says that on the eve of the battle, dressed as a peace emissary, Mircea cel Bătrân talked to Bayezid asking him to leave Wallachia and promised him safe passage back. The Sultan proudly insisted on fighting and later suffered a humiliating loss.
Casualties & Outcome
Heavy | Heavy
Wallachia achieved victory over Ottoman Empire / Wallachian pretender.
Some historians record the battle as a Wallachian victory. Whereas, Tony Jaques, Halil İnalcık, Şerif Baştav and Jean Sedlar state the battle was an Ottoman victory. Other sources state the battle may have been inconclusive.
Historical Record
![A red pennant flag. Variously attributed to the "Ottlman Sultanate" ad to the "Aydinids Dynasty"[1]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/Fictitious_Ottoman_flag_1.svg)
Significance & Legacy
Greatest victory of Mircea the Elder. Preserved Wallachian autonomy for a decade. Celebrated in Romanian national memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Rovine?
- The Battle of Rovine took place in 1395. May 17, 1395.
- Who won the Battle of Rovine?
- The Wallachia were victorious against the Ottoman Empire / Wallachian pretender.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Rovine?
- Greatest victory of Mircea the Elder. Preserved Wallachian autonomy for a decade. Celebrated in Romanian national memory.