Battle of Catlabuga Lake(1485)
Approximate site. The pin marks a locally accepted site or a nearby anchor point, not a survey-grade position.
Catlabuga Lake, southern Basarabia — Stefan ambushed the Ottoman force near the lake
Coordinate source: Wikipedia Battle of Catlabuga
Background
The Ottomans had taken Chilia and Cetatea Albă in 1484, severing Moldova's Black Sea access. Stefan, unable to reconquer the fortresses, sought to punish the Ottoman frontier forces.
Campaign: Moldavian-Ottoman Frontier Wars 1484–1487
Forces Engaged
The Battle
After Stefan lost the fortress of Chilia (1484) and Cetatea Albă (1484) to the Ottomans — the most severe territorial losses of his reign — he struck back. At Catlabuga Lake in southern Basarabia, Stefan ambushed and routed an Ottoman punitive force.
The Battle of Cătlăbuga was fought on 16 November 1485 between the forces of Stephen the Great of Moldavia and Ottoman troops near Chilia. Stephen, aided by Polish forces, won the battle but could not recapture the fortresses of Chilia and Cetatea Albă, which had been lost to the Ottomans in 1484.
Casualties & Outcome
Moldova achieved victory over Ottoman Empire.
Despite the victory, Chilia and Cetatea Albă remained in Ottoman hands permanently. Stefan could not reconquer the fortresses.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Partial revenge for the 1484 losses. Demonstrated Moldavian resilience after territorial defeats.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Catlabuga Lake?
- The Battle of Catlabuga Lake took place in 1485. Nov 16, 1485.
- What was the outcome of the Battle of Catlabuga Lake?
- The Moldova were victorious against the Ottoman Empire.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Catlabuga Lake?
- Partial revenge for the 1484 losses. Demonstrated Moldavian resilience after territorial defeats.