Battles & Campaigns · 1673
Battle of Khotyn (1673)
Khotyn, Chernivtsi Oblast, Ukraine
What happened
A Polish–Lithuanian army under John Sobieski fought an Ottoman army under Hüseyin Pasha. At dawn Sobieski's infantry and dragoons broke through the earth walls of the Ottoman camp, and the winged hussars charged through the gaps. An Ottoman counter-attack failed and the camp was thrown into panic.
Why it matters
It reversed the Commonwealth's weak position after the harsh 1672 Treaty of Buchach. It helped Sobieski become King of Poland.
What came next
The Ottomans withdrew from Poland but kept most of western Ukraine. Sobieski returned to Warsaw and was elected king.
Did you know?
The Turks reportedly called Sobieski the 'Lion of Khotyn'.
Timeline
- 1672Treaty of Buchach.
- 10 Nov 1673Sobieski's scouting attacks.
- 11 Nov 1673Battle of Khotyn.
- 1676Treaty of Żurawno eases the Buchach terms.