Battle of Sculeni(1821)
Approximate site. The pin marks a locally accepted site or a nearby anchor point, not a survey-grade position.
Sculeni village at Prut River border crossing, Ungheni District, Moldova
Coordinate source: Wikipedia DMS 47°19'N 27°38'E + gazetteer sources
Background
Sculeni followed Ypsilantis's defeat at Drăgășani and his flight into Austria. Katakouzenos's force was the last organized Eterist unit in the Principalities.
Campaign: Ypsilantis Expedition 1821
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Last stand of Greek rebel forces at the Prut River crossing. Survivors fled into Russian-held Basarabia.
The Battle of Sculeni was fought on 29 June 1821 in Sculeni, Moldova between Ottoman forces and the Greek revolutionary forces raised by the Filiki Eteria led by Prince George Katakouzenos. The battle came about as the result of Ottoman reprisals for Alexander Ypsilantis' expedition in the two Danubian Principalities, and followed in the aftermath of the Battle of Drăgășani. When the Ottomans crossed the Bahlui River in Iaşi on 25 June 1821, Lieutenant Catakouzenos and his forces, originally stationed on the Russian frontier, crossed the Prut River.
“"The Russians on the opposite bank of the river applauded the bravery of the Greeks." — Edwin Emerson, chronicler of the Greek uprising
Casualties & Outcome
~350 Greeks killed or drowned; a fraction escaped into Russian territory; Ottoman casualties minimal
Ottoman Empire achieved victory over Greek Rebels.
After the battle, all Greek uprisings in the Danubian Principalities and other northern areas subject to the Ottoman Empire ceased. However, the primary task, which was to divert significant Ottoman military forces at all costs towards the Northern Balkans, that would otherwise be used to fight and crush the Greek War of Independence in the South, was accomplished.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Ended Greek revolutionary activity on Romanian soil.
However, the primary task, which was to divert significant Ottoman military forces at all costs towards the Northern Balkans, that would otherwise be used to fight and crush the Greek War of Independence in the South, was accomplished.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Sculeni?
- The Battle of Sculeni took place in 1821. June 29, 1821.
- What was the outcome of the Battle of Sculeni?
- The Ottoman Empire were victorious against the Greek Rebels.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Sculeni?
- Ended Greek revolutionary activity on Romanian soil.