deutschemark: September 12th, 1683 - Liberation of Vienna ’Venimus, vidimus, Deus vicit’
deutschemark:September 12th, 1683 - Liberation of Vienna’Venimus, vidimus, Deus vicit’Since July, the Austrian capital had been besieged by a large Turkish army under Grand Vizier Kara Mustafa. Inside the city, Count Starhemberg resisted with about 15 000 troops. A relief force was formed, consisting of troops from the Kingdom of Poland, the German electorates of Bavaria and Saxony, the Imperial Army under Charles of Lorraine and commanded overall by the King of Poland, Jan III Sobieski.The battle began in the early morning of 12 September, with the arrival of the combined Christian forces and the subsequent Ottoman counterattack. The Ottomans avoided full confrontation with the relief army, however, as they still expected to take the city by assault. After several hours of intense fighting, the Polish king personally led a massive cavalry charge that devastated the Ottoman camps, and was soon followed by the Viennese garrison. The Ottomans were forced to retreat, leaving their supplies, tents, and the bodies of Christian prisoners executed during the battle.The battle marked the end of Turkish expansion into Europe.To commemorate the victory, Pope Innocent XI extended the feast of the Holy Name of Mary to the universal Church, and transferred the date to 12 September. Sobieski was granted the title of Defensor Fidei by the Pope. -- source link
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