Battle of Kosovo
Kosovo field, District of Branković
What happened
Prince Lazar of Serbia, with Vuk Branković and the Bosnian commander Vlatko Vuković, fought the Ottoman army of Sultan Murad I and his son Bayezid. The Ottoman Empire was expanding into the Balkans, and the two armies met on Kosovo Field, about 5 km northwest of Pristina. Reliable accounts of the battle are scarce. Both armies lost most of their strength, and both Prince Lazar and Sultan Murad were lost in the battle.
Why it matters
Result: Inconclusive. Leaders: Murad I / Şehzade Bayezid against Prince Lazar / Vuk Branković. Why it matters: Both sides were badly weakened, and the Serbian lands soon came under Ottoman rule. The battle became central to Serbian national identity, and its anniversary, Vidovdan, celebrated on 28 June, is still a national holiday.
What came next
Bayezid became sultan after his father's death. In 1390, Lazar's widow Milica, ruling as regent for their son Stefan, accepted Ottoman rule.
Did you know?
Lazar is honoured as a saint by the Serbian Orthodox Church, and his relics were moved to Ravanica Monastery in 1390 or 1391.
Timeline
- 15 June 1389 CESerbian and Ottoman armies fight on Kosovo Field.
- 1389 CEBayezid I becomes Ottoman sultan.
- 1390 CELazar's widow Milica accepts Ottoman rule.