The Night Attack at Târgoviște (Vlad's Night Attack)(1462)
Approximate site. The pin marks a locally accepted site or a nearby anchor point, not a survey-grade position.
Ottoman camp near Târgoviște — Vlad's night cavalry raid targeted the sultan's tent
Coordinate source: Wikipedia Night Attack at Târgoviște
Background
Mehmed II invaded Wallachia with 90,000 troops in retaliation for Vlad's Danube campaign. Unable to meet this force in open battle, Vlad attempted to end the war in a single night by killing the sultan.
Campaign: Mehmed II's Wallachian Invasion 1462
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Vlad led a night cavalry raid directly into the Ottoman camp, attempting to kill Mehmed II personally. Reached the sultan's tent but killed a vizier instead. Caused massive chaos and Ottoman casualties. Mehmed was unharmed; Vlad withdrew.
The night attack at Târgoviște was a battle fought between forces of Prince Vlad III of Wallachia and Sultan Mehmed II of the Ottoman Empire on Thursday, 17 June 1462. The battle started after Mehmed II, who already had tense relations with Vlad, discovered his alliance with Hungary's king Matthias Corvinus and ordered his forces to ambush him.
“The population and animals were evacuated to the mountains and as Mehmed advanced for seven days, his army suffered from fatigue as "he found no man, nor any significant animal, and nothing to eat or drink." Vlad adopted guerrilla tactics as his cavalry made several hit-and-run attacks. Mehmed was said to have commended the soldier by saying, "if your master had many soldiers like yourself, in a short time he could conquer the world!" The Turks continued with their advance towards Târgoviște, after failing to capture the fortress of Bucharest and the fortified island of Snagov. Historians credit Vlad Țepeș as one of the first European crusaders to use gunpowder in a "deadly artistic way".
Casualties & Outcome
Ottoman Empire achieved victory over Wallachia.
Mehmed ordered for a deep trench to be dug out around the Turkish encampment in order to prevent enemy penetration and the following day (22 June), the Turks retreated. A few days later, Vlad's cousin, Stephen III of Moldova, who wanted to retake Akkerman and Chilia, decided to launch an attack on the latter. The Wallachians rushed to the scene with 7,000 men and managed to defend the town, while wounding Stephen in his foot by artillery fire. Vlad, who was returning from Chilia, met the Sultan's army near Buzău. The Wallachians attacked the Ottomans but were repelled with heavy losses. On June 29, the Sultan reached Brăila, which he burned down, and then sailed to Adrianople, where they arrived on 11 July. On 12 July, the Turks called for a celebration for their "Great victory" over Vlad Țepeș.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
One of the most audacious attacks in medieval warfare. Mehmed continued his advance but was shaken — he retreated after reaching the Forest of the Impaled near Târgoviște.
Vlad Țepeș's campaign was celebrated among the Saxon cities of Transylvania, the Italian states, and the Pope.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the The Night Attack at Târgoviște (Vlad's Night Attack)?
- The The Night Attack at Târgoviște (Vlad's Night Attack) took place in 1462. Jun 16–17, 1462.
- What was the outcome of the The Night Attack at Târgoviște (Vlad's Night Attack)?
- The Ottoman Empire were victorious against the Wallachia.
- What was the significance of the The Night Attack at Târgoviște (Vlad's Night Attack)?
- One of the most audacious attacks in medieval warfare. Mehmed continued his advance but was shaken — he retreated after reaching the Forest of the Impaled near Târgoviște.