Allied Forces Defeat Ottoman Empire at Vienna
September 12th, 1683
September 12th, 1683

How Long Ago?
341 years, 6 months, 3 days ago
Location
Vienna, Austria
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Austro-Ottoman War
People
- Jan III Sobieski
- Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg
- Kara Mustafa
Links & References
Tags
Allied Forces Defeat Ottoman Empire at Vienna
The Battle of Vienna marked a pivotal conflict where several European armies united to defend against the advancing Ottoman forces. In September 1683, the siege of Vienna reached its climax as Polish King Jan III Sobieski led a large coalition army that included troops from the Holy Roman Empire, various German states, and other European allies. The fierce battle erupted outside the city, resulting in a decisive defeat for the Ottoman Empire and ultimately saving Vienna from occupation.
Ottoman siege lasted from July to September.
Coalition included Poles, Germans, and Austrians.
Victory marked the decline of Ottoman influence.
Jan III Sobieski became a celebrated hero.
What Happened?
The Battle of Vienna was a significant clash during the Austro-Ottoman War, reflecting the intense struggle between the Christian and Islamic powers in Europe during the Late 17th century. By 1683, the Ottoman Empire had been expanding into Central Europe, posing a formidable threat to the Austrian Habsburg Monarchy. The siege of Vienna began in July of that year, with the Ottomans, commanded by Grand Vizier Kara Mustafa, encircling the city and cutting off supplies and reinforcements. The situation became desperate for the city’s defenders, who were led by the Austrian military leader, Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg.In response to the siege, a call for help was sent out across Europe. The rallying cry was answered by various kingdoms, most notably the Kingdom of Poland under King Jan III Sobieski. On September 12, Sobieski, leading a coalition army composed of Poles, Germans, and Austrians, launched a surprise attack on the Ottoman forces. The battle was notable not only for its scale but also for the effective use of cavalry and strategic tactics by the allied commanders. The overwhelming assault led to a devastating defeat for the Ottoman troops, which resulted in their retreat and the eventual lifting of the siege of Vienna.
Why Does it Matter?
The Battle of Vienna is often viewed as a turning point in the long-standing conflict between the Ottoman Empire and the Christian powers of Europe. It not only marked the beginning of the decline of Ottoman influence in Central Europe but also inspired further coalitions among European nations against common threats. The victory at Vienna served as a powerful symbol of Christian unity and resistance, enhancing Jan III Sobieski's reputation and ensuring that the Ottomans would never again threaten Vienna as they had before.
Discover More Historic Events from September 12th
Siberian Light Aviation Flight 51 Crash
Siberian Light Aviation Flight 51, a domestic flight, crashed short of the runway while attempting to land at Kazachinskoye Airport, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives. The aircraft, a Let L-410 Turbolet, encountered difficulties while approaching the airport, leading to its premature descent. The incident highlights ongoing air safety challenges in the region and raises questions about the operational conditions at smaller airports in Siberia.
Continue ReadingDeadly Explosions in Petlawad, Madhya Pradesh
A series of explosions occurred in Petlawad, Madhya Pradesh, when propane erupted and ignited illegally stored mining detonators. The incident resulted in at least 105 fatalities and more than 150 injuries. This catastrophe raised alarms about unsafe storage practices and the lack of regulation in the area, particularly regarding explosives and flammable materials.
Continue ReadingDeadly Collapse at T.B. Joshua's Synagogue Church
On September 12, 2014, a six-story guesthouse at the Synagogue Church of All Nations, led by T.B. Joshua in Lagos, Nigeria, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 115 individuals and injuring many others. The church complex, known for its charismatic Christian services, was hosting guests at the time, creating a tragic atmosphere. The reasons behind the collapse were subject to investigations, with allegations of substandard construction practices surfacing, complicating an already sensitive situation for the church and its followers.
Continue ReadingVoyager 1 Enters Interstellar Space
NASA confirmed that its Voyager 1 probe has officially entered interstellar space, making it the first human-made object to do so. Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 was designed to study the outer planets of our solar system. As of September 12, 2013, it crossed the heliopause, the boundary where the solar wind from the Sun slows down and merges with the interstellar medium. This milestone marks a significant achievement in human exploration and understanding of the cosmos.
Continue ReadingPetropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Flight 251 Crash
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Air Flight 251 crashed while approaching Palana Airport in Russia. The accident claimed the lives of ten individuals and left four others injured. The incident occurred in challenging weather conditions, with fog and low visibility reported at the time of the flight's approach. Investigations into the crash revealed pilot error as a contributing factor.
Continue ReadingNational September 11 Memorial & Museum Opens
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum opened to the public, honoring the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Located at the World Trade Center site in New York City, this memorial and museum preserves the memory of those who lost their lives and educates visitors about the events of that tragic day. The site features two reflecting pools set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers, surrounded by the names of nearly 3,000 victims. The museum showcases artifacts, stories, and multimedia presentations to convey the impact of the attacks and their aftermath.
Continue Reading