Battle of Orsha
Orsha, Vitebsk Region, Belarus
What happened
A Polish-Lithuanian army under Konstanty Ostrogski fought a Muscovite (Russian) army under Ivan Chelyadnin. Moscow had just captured the city of Smolensk from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Near Orsha on the Dnieper, the Muscovite attacks on the Polish-Lithuanian flanks failed. Polish cavalry pretended to retreat, drawing Muscovite horsemen toward hidden cannons, and the Muscovite army broke.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It stopped Muscovite advances for about four years and was celebrated across Europe. But Smolensk stayed in Moscow's hands.
What came next
Ostrogski entered Vilnius in triumph. In the peace of 1522 Lithuania gave up Smolensk, and it was not regained until 1611.
Did you know?
The words 'ORSZA 8 IX 1514' are carved on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw.
Timeline
- 1514Moscow captures Smolensk.
- 8 September 1514The Polish-Lithuanian army wins at Orsha.
- 1522Lithuania gives up Smolensk in a peace.
- 1611Smolensk is regained.