Battle of Lipnic (against the Tatars)(1470)
Approximate site. The pin marks a locally accepted site or a nearby anchor point, not a survey-grade position.
Lipnic on the Dniester — Stefan intercepted the Tatar crossing at a known ford site
Coordinate source: Wikipedia Battle of Lipnic
Background
The Golden Horde had been raiding Moldova regularly. Eminek Mirza led a major force across the Dniester to pillage and extort tribute. Stefan chose the Dniester crossing as his killing ground.
Campaign: Moldavian-Tatar Wars
Forces Engaged
The Battle
A massive Tatar raiding force crossed the Dniester into Moldova. Stefan met them at Lipnic on the Dniester. Devastating Moldavian victory — nearly the entire Tatar force was destroyed or captured.
The Battle of Lipnic was a battle between the Moldavian forces under Stephen the Great, and the Volga Tatars of the Golden Horde led by Ahmed Khan, and which took place on the August 20, 1470.
“Chronicles speak of several clashes and two other battles, both of which were won by the Moldavians.
Casualties & Outcome
Nearly entire Tatar force destroyed — estimated 20,000 Tatar casualties; ~1,000 Moldavian losses
Moldova achieved victory over Golden Horde Tatars.
The victory broke up the Tatar raid and strengthened Moldova’s control of the Dniester frontier. It reinforced Stephen’s reputation as a ruler able to defeat major steppe incursions in open battle.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Stefan's most complete victory. Eliminated Tatar threat from the north-east for a generation. Demonstrated Moldavian military capability on multiple fronts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Lipnic (against the Tatars)?
- The Battle of Lipnic (against the Tatars) took place in 1470. Aug 20, 1470.
- What was the outcome of the Battle of Lipnic (against the Tatars)?
- The Moldova were victorious against the Golden Horde Tatars.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Lipnic (against the Tatars)?
- Stefan's most complete victory. Eliminated Tatar threat from the north-east for a generation. Demonstrated Moldavian military capability on multiple fronts.