Battle of Mohi
Muhi, on the Sajó River, Hungary
What happened
King Béla IV of Hungary fought the Mongol army of Batu Khan and the general Subutai. During the Mongol invasion of Europe, the Hungarian army camped behind a circle of wagons near the Sajó River. At night a Mongol force captured the bridge, and Mongol stone-throwing machines then bombarded the Hungarian camp. When the trapped Hungarians fled through a gap the Mongols had left open on purpose, most of the royal army was destroyed.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was one of the worst defeats in Hungarian history, and the Mongols ravaged the kingdom for a year. The disaster led Hungary to build many stone castles to defend itself.
What came next
Béla IV escaped to the Adriatic coast, and in March 1242 the Mongols unexpectedly withdrew. Béla returned and allowed nearly 100 new stone fortresses to be built, earning the name 'second founder of the state'.
Did you know?
Two days before Mohi, another Mongol army had defeated a Polish army at Legnica, far to the north.
Timeline
- 9 April 1241Mongols win at Legnica in Poland.
- 11 April 1241Mongols defeat the Hungarians at Mohi.
- March 1242The Mongols withdraw from Hungary.
- May 1242Béla IV returns to Hungary.
- 1270Béla IV dies.