The Role of Lithuanian Troops During the Siege of Golubac in 1428: Their Sacrifice during Retreat

An Overview of the Siege of Golubac and Its Historical Context

The Siege of Golubac in 1428 was a significant military conflict that marked one of the earliest uses of significant artillery in Hungarian military history. It was a battle between the combined forces of the Hungarian–Wallachian–Lithuanian alliance and the Ottoman Empire. Despite initial successes, the alliance was ultimately defeated by Sultan Murad II's main army. In the aftermath, most of Serbia and Bosnia fell under Ottoman control. This historical tale offers insight into the strategic importance of Golubac and the complex political allegiances of the era.

Strategic Alliances and Fortifications

The roots of this conflict lay in the strategic agreements between key players. In 1426, Stefan Lazarevi?, the Serbian despot, entered into an agreement with Hungarian King Sigismund of Luxembourg. According to this agreement, the fortresses of Belgrade and Golubac were handed over to Hungary in exchange for Sigismund's protection of Serbia and his recognition of ura Brankovi? as the successor to Despot Stefan. Even after the death of Stefan Lazarevi? in 1427, Sigismund still pressed Brankovi? to honor the agreement. When Brankovi? refused, Sigismund resorted to military action to claim Belgrade. The Serbian constable of Golubac then ceded the fortress to the Ottomans for strategic reasons.

Fortress of Lászlóvára and the Bartholomew's War

To counter the Ottoman threat, Sigismund built the fortress of Lászlóvára across the Danube from Golubac. This strategic move initiated a campaign against the Ottomans. When the offensive began, Sigismund had a force of around 15000 to 20000 soldiers, including Lithuanian and Wallachian auxiliary regiments commanded by Zawisza Czarny and Dan II of Wallachia. Artillery and naval bombardment were key components of the siege, with Lászlóvára serving as a launching point for shelling the fortress of Golubac. The Ottoman defenders were able to hold their ground for a considerable time, but the walls suffered severe damage.

Reasons for the Armistice and Later Events

Sigismund's plans for an assault were abruptly interrupted when a large Ottoman army arrived, led personally by Sultan Murad II to rescue the fortress. Recognizing the outsized risk of an open battle, Sigismund chose to maintain an armistice, in which the Christians agreed to halt their attacks and withdraw in peace. The Christian forces began crossing the Danube in retreat, but the Ottomans broke the terms of the armistice, launching a surprise attack.

The Role and Sacrifice of Lithuanian Troops

During the ensuing battle, Lithuanian troops, commanded by Bogdan of Litva, were stationed to cover the withdrawal of Hungarian and Wallachian troops. As the retreat began, these soldiers faced a formidable task. While they managed to secure the passage of their fellow soldiers across the Danube, many of them, including their commander, lost their lives in the process. Their bravery and selflessness in the face of an overwhelming Ottoman force is a testament to their valor and dedication to their allies.

Conclusion and Impact

The Battle of Golubac in 1428 was a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle between the Christian alliance and the rapidly expanding Ottoman Empire. The subsequent Ottoman invasion of Bosnia, including the defeat of Tvrtko II of Bosnia and the capture of key fortresses, illustrated the ongoing threat posed by the Ottomans. The sacrifices of Lithuanian troops during the retreat from Golubac highlight the human cost of military conflicts and the often unsung heroes who played crucial roles in historical battles.

References

Goldberg, Jonathan. From the circular city to the cross: Ottoman history in the early modern period. Indiana University Press, 2006.

Lasaga, Richard. The Ottoman Hungarian Frontier: Military and Political History, 1458-1526. Brill, 2012.