Battle of Slankamen
Slankamen, on the Danube, Serbia
What happened
The Habsburg Imperial army under Margrave Louis William of Baden fought the Ottoman army of Grand Vizier Köprülü Fazıl Mustafa Pasha. Louis William took up a fortified position near Slankamen on the Danube to draw the Ottomans into battle. The Ottomans surrounded his army and burned many of his supply wagons. He broke out and attacked their flanks with cavalry, and when the Grand Vizier fell, the Ottoman army retreated.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It secured Hungary, Croatia and Transylvania for the Habsburgs. It stabilised the Hungarian front.
What came next
After another Ottoman defeat at Zenta in 1697, the war ended with the Treaty of Karlowitz in 1699.
Did you know?
Louis William's victories over the Ottomans earned him the nickname 'Türkenlouis' (Turkish Louis), and the Ottomans called him the 'red king' after his red coat.
Timeline
- 8 April 1655Louis William of Baden is born.
- 1689Louis William wins at Niš.
- 19 August 1691The Habsburgs win at Slankamen.
- 1699The Treaty of Karlowitz is signed.