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Battle of Sculeni(1821)

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June 29, 1821·Ottoman Empire victory·land·Prut River floodplain

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

Defeated
Greek Rebels
Commander: George Katakouzenos
Strength: 500
Victor
Ottoman Empire
Commander: Various
Strength: 5,000

The Battle

Alexander Ypsilantis in Russian hussar uniform — he led the Hetairist forces at Sculeni on the Prut
Alexander Ypsilantis in Russian hussar uniform — he led the Hetairist forces at Sculeni on the Prut (c. 1815) — Unknown artist (1810s). Public domain.

Last stand of Greek rebel forces at the Prut River crossing. Survivors fled into Russian-held Bessarabia.

The Battle of Sculeni was fought on 29 June 1821 in Sculeni, Moldavia 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
Greek Rebels
casualties
?
Ottoman Empire
casualties

~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

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.
Αθανάσιος Αγραφιώτης. Ο Αθανάσιος εξ Αγράφων με 500 μάχεται περί Προύτον προς 12000 ιππικόν.
Αθανάσιος Αγραφιώτης. Ο Αθανάσιος εξ Αγράφων με 500 μάχεται περί Προύτον προς 12000 ιππικόν. — Peter von Hess. 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.
Αθανάσιος Αγραφιώτης. Ο Αθανάσιος εξ Αγράφων με 500 μάχεται περί Προύτον προς 12000 ιππικόν.
Αθανάσιος Αγραφιώτης. Ο Αθανάσιος εξ Αγράφων με 500 μάχεται περί Προύτον προς 12000 ιππικόν. — Peter von Hess. Public domain.

Significance & Legacy

Ended Greek revolutionary activity on Romanian soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Battle of Sculeni?
The Battle of Sculeni took place in 1821. June 29, 1821.
Who won 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.

Related Battles

Battle of Drăgășani1821 · 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
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