Battle of Vaslui
Podul Înalt ('the High Bridge') on the Bârlad River, near Vaslui, Romania
What happened
Prince Stephen III of Moldavia ('Stephen the Great') fought an Ottoman army under Hadım Suleiman Pasha. The Ottoman Empire sent an army to bring Moldavia under its control. Stephen chose a marshy valley ringed by forest near Vaslui. Moldavian musicians lured the Ottomans forward, a wooden bridge collapsed under their cavalry, and bugles sounding behind their lines spread confusion until Suleiman ordered a retreat.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a decisive Moldavian victory over the Ottomans. Pope Sixtus IV gave Stephen the title 'Athleta Christi' (Champion of Christ).
What came next
The victory was short-lived: Sultan Mehmed II invaded in 1476 and defeated Stephen at Valea Albă. In 1488 Stephen built Voroneț Monastery to mark the victory at Vaslui.
Did you know?
Stephen fasted for forty days after the battle and forbade anyone to give him credit, saying the victory belonged to God.
Timeline
- 10 January 1475Moldavia wins at Vaslui.
- July 1476Stephen is defeated at Valea Albă.
- 1484The Ottomans capture the ports of Chilia and Cetatea Albă.
- 1488Voroneț Monastery is built to mark the victory.