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{{short description|Battle in 15th-century Serbia}}
{{multiple issues|
{{refimprove|date=August 2015}}
{{POV|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox military conflict
{{story|date=August 2015}}
| conflict =
| width =
| partof =
| image = Stefan Lazarevic and Djuradj Brankovic.JPG
| caption = Stefan Lazarević and Đurađ Branković
| date = 21 November 1402
| place = Tripolje, near [[Gračanica, Kosovo|Gračanica]], [[Serbian Despotate]] (now Kosovo)
| coordinates =
| map_type =
| map_relief =
| latitude =
| longitude =
| map_size =
| map_marksize =
| map_caption =
| map_label =
| territory =
| result = Despotate victory
| status =
| combatants_header =
| combatant1 = {{Plainlist|
* [[Serbian Despotate]]
* [[Zeta under the Balšići]]}}
| combatant2 = {{Plainlist|
* [[District of Branković]]
* [[Ottoman Empire]]}}
| commander1 = [[Stefan Lazarević]]<br>[[Vuk Lazarević]]<br>[[Đurađ II Balšić]]
| commander2 = [[Đurađ Branković]]
| units1 =
| units2 =
| strength1 =
| strength2 =
| casualties1 =
| casualties2 =
| notes =
| campaignbox =
{{Serbian-Ottoman Wars (Medieval)}}
{{Campaignbox Campaigns of Stefan Lazarević}}
}}
}}
The '''Battle of Tripolje''' ({{lang-sr-cyr|битка код Трипоља/бој на Трипољу}}), also known as the '''Battle of Gračanica''' ({{lang|sr|Грачаничка битка}}), was fought in November 1402 between the [[Serbian Despotate]], ruled by the [[Lazarević dynasty]], and the [[Branković dynasty|Branković family]], aided by the [[Ottoman Empire]].
{{Infobox military conflict|
image=|
caption=|
partof=the [[Ottoman wars in Europe]]|
date=21 November 1402|
place=Tripolje, near [[Gračanica, Kosovo|Gračanica]]|
result= Serbian victory|
combatant1=[[Serbian Despotate]] ([[House of Lazarević]])|
combatant2=[[House of Branković]] <br> [[Ottoman Empire]]|
commander1=[[Stefan Lazarević]]<br>[[Vuk Lazarević]]<br>[[Uglješa Vlatković]]<br>[[Đurađ II Stracimirović]]|
commander2=[[Đurađ Branković]]|
strength1=unknown|
strength2=unknown<br />Ottoman troops from Suleiman<ref>Fine, John Van Antwerp, ''The Late Medieval Balkans'', Vol.2, (University of Michigan Press, 1994), 502</ref>|
casualties1=|
casualties2=|
}}
{{Serbian-Ottoman Wars (Medieval)}}
{{Campaigns of Stefan Lazarević}}


Following the Ottoman defeat at Ankara in 1402, Serbian ruler [[Stefan Lazarević]] saw an opportunity to free himself of Ottoman overlordship. Awarded the high honorary title of ''despot'' by [[List of Byzantine emperors|Byzantine Emperor]] [[Manuel II Palaiologos]], Lazarević began to wield increasing autonomy in his political decision making. Following a quarrel, said to have arisen because of his nephew [[Đurađ Branković]]'s intent to join forces with the new Ottoman sultan, Lazarević had Branković imprisoned. Freed by a friend, Branković joined the Ottoman ranks and was set to fight Lazarević. Buoyed by Ottoman reinforcements, Branković set up in Kosovo, along the route through which Lazarević would return from the [[Adriatic Sea|Adriatic]] coast to the Serbian interior. The two sides clashed at the field of Tripolje on 21 November 1402. The larger part of Lazarević's army, commanded by his brother Vuk, engaged Branković's forces while Lazarević clashed with the Ottomans. While Vuk experienced setbacks fighting Branković's forces, Lazarević encountered more success in fending off the Ottomans, thereby deciding the battle in his favor.
The '''Battle of Tripolje''' took place in November 1402 between the [[Serbian Despotate]] and the [[Brankovic]] family. The [[Brankovic]] family, who were attempting to seize the Serbian throne for themselves, entered the battle along with Ottoman troops given to them by [[Suleiman]], and were decisively defeated by [[Stefan Lazarević]].<ref>Fine, John Van Antwerp, ''The Late Medieval Balkans'', Vol.2, 502.</ref>


The Lazarević brothers fell out following the battle. Lazarević allied himself with Hungary in 1403, ending his subservience to the Ottomans, while the Lazarević–Branković conflict continued over the years.
The Serbian Lazarevic army had come from [[Zeta (state)|Zeta]] (in modern-day [[Montenegro]]). A local Serb lord, [[Đurađ II]] of the [[Balšić]] dynasty, the Despot's brother-in-law, had prepared the Despot for establishment of his rule on the field of battle as well.


== Background ==
==Background==
The Ottoman defeat at the [[Battle of Ankara]] in July 1402, the subsequent capture by [[Timur]] of Sultan [[Bayezid I]] and his death in captivity in March 1403, which triggered the [[Ottoman Interregnum]], presented an opportunity for the Serbian magnates to take advantage of the turmoil and wield more autonomy in their political decision making.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=65}} Having fought on the side of the Ottomans, they returned from Ankara through Byzantine-held territory. The new political landscape made for closer Byzantine–Serbian cooperation, and in August 1402, at [[Constantinople]], Byzantine Emperor [[Manuel II Palaiologos]] awarded one of the Serbian magnates, [[Stefan Lazarević]], the very high title of ''[[Despot (court title)|Despot]]''.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=65}} Second only to imperial dignity, the title brought the bearer great honor.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=65}} From Constantinople, Lazarević was hoping to pave the way for an independent Serbia.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=66}} While staying there, he came to quarrel with another Serbian magnate, his nephew [[Đurađ Branković]]. Although the reasons remain unknown, fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Ragusan chronicler [[Mavro Orbini]] attributes the quarrel to Lazarević's suspicions that Branković wanted to join forces with [[Süleyman Çelebi]], Bayezid's oldest son, who held power in [[Rumelia]].{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=66}} The historian Dimitris Kastritsis notes that the rivalry between Branković and Lazarević dated back to the time of Bayezid, who had expelled Branković's father from his lands and granted some of them to Lazarević. Although Lazarević aimed to induce Emperor [[John VII Palaiologos|John VII]] to imprison Branković, it is not certain if he succeeded.{{sfn|Kastritsis|2007|p=57}} In 1402, Lazarević ordered Branković imprisoned, but the latter spent little time in captivity, as he was freed with the help of a friend in September of that year.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=67}} Branković immediately went to Süleyman Çelebi, whom he asked for troops to fight Lazarević.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=67}}
Open conflict between [[House of Lazarević|Lazarević]] and [[House of Branković|Branković]], started a few months earlier, during their stay in [[Constantinople]]. They were returning home after [[battle of Ankara|the battle of Ankara]] in which they participated as vassals of the Ottoman sultans. [[Đurađ Branković]], on the order of [[Stefan Lazarević]], was imprisoned in the dungeon. The real reason is not known, but most likely it was the Đurad’s plan to approach [[Süleyman Çelebi]], one of the sons of Sultan [[Bayezid I]] who fought for the throne.


==Prelude==
After Lazarević left Constantinople with the ships, Đurađ managed to escape from prison and went to Süleyman . Süleyman gave him [[auxiliary force]] in order to stop Stefan’s return to his country. With these troops and with his own forces, Đurađ blocked all the main roads throughout [[Kosovo and Metohia]]. He expected brothers to return from [[Kingdom of Zeta|Zeta]]. Süleyman didn’t trust Đurađ and sent his own commander to command Ottoman forces and to oversee Đurađ.
The Lazarević–Branković conflict became an opportunity for the Ottomans, who readied for war, to regain the power they had once wielded in the Balkans. A Serbian contingent returning home from [[Asia Minor]] was abruptly attacked and destroyed near [[Edirne]] on the orders of an Ottoman commander. It became clear to Lazarević that the rest of his army could not return using that route. Branković and the Ottomans sought to prevent Lazarević and his brother [[Vuk Lazarević|Vuk]] from returning home. Branković's forces were joined by an Ottoman contingent, ordered by Süleyman to take control of local roads and prevent the Lazarević brother's crossing, which was expected to take place in the Branković-controlled territory of [[Kosovo]].{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=67}} Still mistrustful of Branković's intentions, Süleyman sent one of his commanders to monitor Branković,{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=68}} to ensure that he was truly loyal.{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=69}} The Lazarević brothers and a detachment of about 260 men left Constantinople and embarked for the coast of [[Zeta under the Balšići|Zeta]] by ship.<ref>{{harvnb|Purković|1978|pp=67–68}}, {{harvnb|Kalić|1982a|p=67}}</ref> Before landing in Zeta, Lazarević had become aware of Branković's plans; the brothers prepared for battle. They met with their brother-in-law [[Đurađ II Balšić]], who supported them militarily, and had their mother [[Princess Milica of Serbia|Milica]] raise an army in the Despotate.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=67}} Lazarević's army made its way inland in late October 1402, on detouring roads towards the [[Žiča]] monastery.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|pp=67–68}} Branković's forces and the Ottoman contingent gathered near the [[Gračanica Monastery]].{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=68}}


==Battle==
Stefan and [[Vuk Lazarević|Vuk]] had about 260 man who traveled with them. They were reinforced with the forces of [[Đurađ II Balšić|Đurađ Balšić]], who was married with their sister [[Jelena Balšić|Jelena]]. Their mother [[Milica Hrebeljanović|Milica]] also sent some military detachments from [[Serbian Despotate|Serbia]]. Using side roads, they traveled from [[Bar, Montenegro|Bar]] across [[Shkodër]] and reached [[Gračanica, Kosovo|Gračanica]] in Kosovo, where they met with rest of their forces.
[[File:Manastiri i Graçanicës, Kosovë 13.jpg|left|thumb|The 14th-century [[Gračanica Monastery]], near the site of the battle]]
The two sides clashed on 21 November 1402, at Tripolje, near the Gračanica Monastery.{{Cref2|a}} The date of the battle coincided with the [[Presentation of Mary]].{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=69}} Lazarević divided his army into two groups. [[Constantine of Kostenets]], [[Life of Despot Stefan Lazarević|Lazarević's biographer]] (ca. 1431), wrote that the army was divided between the two brothers, in case one fell the other would be saved and stay a "good shepherd of the flock".<ref>{{harvnb|Purković|1978|p=69}}, {{harvnb|Ruvarac|1879|p=190}}</ref> Lazarević assigned the larger group to his brother Vuk, while he took the smaller group.{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=69}} It is unknown whether the army that Balšić contributed as security was present at the battle.{{sfn|Purković|1978|pp=69–70}} Branković enjoyed significant Ottoman support.{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=69}}


While Lazarević engaged the Ottomans, Vuk engaged Branković's forces.{{Cref2|b}} Upon seeing Lazarević's bravery on the battlefield, it is said that many Ottoman soldiers felt like retreating. Lazarević had been famed for his bravery at the earlier battles of [[Battle of Nicopolis|Nicopolis]] and Ankara.{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=69}} Among the Ottoman vassals were ''[[Caesar (Byzantine title)|kesar]]'' [[Uglješa Vlatković]] and his troops. Vlatković is believed to have divulged the Ottomans' battle plans, and perhaps even turned on them during the battle,{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=68}} thereby contributing to its outcome in Lazarević's favor.<ref>{{harvnb|Kalić|1982a|p=68}}, {{harvnb|Purković|1978|p=70}}</ref> Orbini claims that Vlatković discouraged the Ottomans by telling them that they would not be able to withstand the first rush.{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=70}} According to Orbini, Lazarević "chased Turks by the bunch".{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=69}} Meanwhile, Branković inflicted great damage on Vuk's forces.{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=70}} As he was unable to resist Branković's pressure, it was Lazarević who decided the battle.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=68}} Ultimately, Branković and the Ottomans were decisively defeated.{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=70}}
== The battle ==
Lazarević’s and Branković’s forces clashed on November 21 at Tripolje, near [[Gračanica monastery|Gračanica]]. Despot Stefan divided his forces. His brother Vuk commanded the main part of the army who attacked Đurađ’s forces, while he commanded smaller part and attacked Ottomans.


Constantine of Kostenets wrote how Lazarević "bloodied the right hand of his" in battle.{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=60}} Orbini wrote that Lazarević won the battle "more with strategy than the courage of his soldiers".{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=70}} After the battle, the Lazarević brothers withdrew to the fortified city of [[Novo Brdo Fortress|Novo Brdo]].<ref>{{harvnb|Purković|1978|p=79}}, {{harvnb|Kalić|1982a|p=68}}</ref>
Stefan’s forces managed to rout Ottomans and the big part that event played [[Caesar (title)|kesar]] [[Uglješa Vlatković]], who was in the ranks of the Ottoman forces as their vassal. He told Stefan all about Ottoman battle plans and he spread the stories among Ottomans of how Stefan’s forces were powerful. This caused drop of the moral among Ottoman soldiers and when the battle started he crossed to the Stefan’s side. On the other side Vuk Lazarević has been suppressed, but ultimately battle has been ended with the Branković's defeat.


== Aftermath ==
==Aftermath==
Lazarević managed to take power in the country, bolstered by the reputation and work of his mother Milica, who was also politically active. The Lazarević–Branković conflict continued. In December 1402, the [[Republic of Ragusa]] expressed great regret regarding the conflicts in Serbia. Sultan Bayezid died in Tatar captivity in March 1403, which [[Ottoman Interregnum|ignited a war]] between his four sons.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=68}} There are accounts that Lazarević and Süleyman agreed to a truce shortly after the battle.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=69}} Through the Gallipoli treaty in early 1403, Süleyman promised not to interfere in Serbia, on the condition that Lazarević accept his obligations towards the Ottoman Empire, which were in effect prior to the Battle of Ankara, and consisted primarily of tribute and military support.<ref>{{harvnb|Kalić|1982a|p=69}}, {{harvnb|Blagojević|1982|p=115}}</ref> Lazarević [[:wikt:renege|reneged]] on his previous obligations and continued fighting Branković and the Ottomans.
After the battle, Lazarević brothers went to [[Novo Brdo]]. In Novo Brdo, there was verbal confrontation between Stefan and Vuk. Stefan was angry at Vuk’s ignorance in the [[art of war]] and high casualties in the Vuk’s rank. This confrontation had high impact on their relationship and would later lead to open conflict between them.
[[File:Stefan i Vuk Rudenica (1402-1405).jpg|thumb|There was a rift between the Lazarević brothers following the battle]]
Around this time, the Lazarević brothers had a falling-out.<ref>{{harvnb|Purković|1978|p=79}}, {{harvnb|Kalić|1982a|p=68}}</ref> The rift apparently stemmed from Vuk's perception that he had not emerged from the battle as a victor.{{sfn|Trifunović, ed.|1979|p=23}} Lazarević complained about the casualties under Vuk's command and wanted him to train in the art of war. Lazarević took to instructing his brother in military matters, but Vuk felt slighted after Lazarević said "some hard words" during instructions.{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=79}} Feeling hurt, with a gap between them,{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=68}} Vuk "waited some time, and finding the right time" ran off to Süleyman in the summer of 1403.{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=79}} Kalić believes that there was also a disagreement on the division of lands,{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=68}} while Blagojević believes that Lazarević's continued opposition to the Ottomans in light of the truce played a role.{{sfn|Blagojević|1982|p=115}} Vuk thus decided to leave the country and enter the ranks of Süleyman Çelebi.<ref>{{harvnb|Kalić|1982a|p=68}}, {{harvnb|Blagojević|1982|p=115}}</ref>


In order to retain his independence from the Ottomans, who were closing in from the south, Lazarević turned to the [[Kingdom of Hungary (1301–1526)|Kingdom of Hungary]], which could be counted on militarily.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=69}} After becoming a Hungarian vassal in 1403, Lazarević was offered peace by the Ottomans on his terms, and the Despotate was no longer a subject of the Ottoman Empire.{{sfn|Blagojević|1982|p=115}} Vuk returned to the Despotate shortly thereafter and the brothers ruled in accord.{{sfn|Blagojević|1982|p=115}} The Ottoman–Serbian peace, Hungarian–Serbian alliance, Hungarian ceding of large territories in the north to the Despotate, and the merger of Vlatković's province to Lazarević's domain, resulted in Lazarević expanding his claims on all the Serbian lands.{{sfn|Blagojević|1982|p=115}}
Because of his great contribution in battle, Stefan confirmed Uglješa Vlatković’s authority over [[Vranje]], Ingošt (modern-day [[Surdulica]]) and [[Preševo]], also Uglješa became Stefan’s vassal.


==Annotations==
Stefan Lazarević managed to return to Serbia and regain his power. Battle alone started civil war between Lazarević and Branković, who would last for a decade. The war will end in 1412, when two only remaining representatives of the two families, Stefan and Đurađ, made peace and started together to strengthen Serbia.
{{Cnote2 Begin|liststyle=upper-alpha}}

{{Cnote2|a|Tripolje ({{lang-sr-cyr|Трипоље}}, archaic: {{Script|Cyrs|на Триполю}}, from ''tri''–three and ''polje''–field) was a field located near the Gračanica Monastery, at [[Kosovo field (region)|Kosovo Field]]. Kosovo Field was the site of the [[Battle of Kosovo]] in June 1389, in which Lazarević's father, [[Lazar of Serbia|Prince Lazar]], lost his life fighting the Ottomans.}}
==Notes==
{{Cnote2|b|According to Purković, while Lazarević engaged the Ottomans, Vuk's force were attacked by those of Branković.{{sfn|Purković|1978|p=69}} According to Kalić, Vuk was tasked with attacking Branković's forces while Lazarević began an assault against the Ottomans.{{sfn|Kalić|1982a|p=68}} }}
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Cnote2 End}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|3}}
* {{cite book | first = John Van Antwerp | last = Fine | authorlink = John Van Antwerp Fine | title = The Late Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest | publisher = University of Michigan Press | location = Ann Arbor | year = 1994 | isbn = 978-0-472-08260-5 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hh0Bu8C66TsC | ref=harv}}


==External links==
==Sources==
*{{cite book|last1=Bogdanović|first1=Dimitrije|last2=Mihaljčić|first2=Rade|last3=Ćirković|first3=Sima|last4=Kalić|first4=Jovanka|last5=Kovačević-Kojić|first5=Desanka|last6=Blagojević|first6=Miloš|last7=Babić-Đorđević|first7=Gordana|last8=Đurić|first8=Vojislav J.|last9=Spremić|first9=Momčilo|last10=Božić|first10=Ivan|last11=Pantić|first11=Miroslav|last12=Ivić|first12=Pavle|editor=Kalić, Jovanka|title=Историја српског народа: Доба борби за очување и обнову државе (1371–1537)|year=1982|publisher=Srpska književna zadruga|location=Belgrade}}
* {{MLCC |external links=1 |url=http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/SERBIA.htm |title=SERBIA <!--Bot generated--> |date=November 2016}}
**{{cite book|last=Blagojević|first=Miloš|chapter=Врховна власт и државна управа|title=Историја српског народа: Доба борби за очување и обнову државе (1371–1537)|year=1982|pages=109–127}}
**{{cite book|last=Kalić|first=Jovanka|chapter=Велики преокрет|title=Историја српског народа: Доба борби за очување и обнову државе (1371–1537)|year=1982a|pages=64–74}}
*{{cite book|last=Kastritsis|first=Dimitris J.|year=2007|title=The Sons of Bayezid: Empire Building and Representation in the Ottoman Civil War of 1402–1413|publisher=Brill|location=Leiden, Netherlands|isbn=978-90-04-15836-8|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=71gecaO-m9oC}}
*{{cite book|last=Purković|first=Miodrag|title=Knez i despot Stefan Lazarević|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uNlBAAAAYAAJ|year=1978|publisher=Sveti arhijerejski sinod Srpske pravoslavne crkve}}
*{{cite journal|last=Ruvarac|first=Ilarion|journal=Гласник|volume=47|title=Прилошци...|publisher=Državna štamparija|year=1879|url=https://archive.org/stream/glasniks47srpsuoft}}
*{{cite journal|editor=Trifunović, Đorđe|title=Stefan Lazarević|journal=Књижевни радови|volume=477|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-xoHAQAAIAAJ|year=1979|publisher=Srpska književna zadruga|ref={{harvid|Trifunović, ed.|1979}} }}


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{{Wars and battles involving Serbs}}
[[Category:1402 in Europe]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tripolje}}
[[Category:Conflicts in 1402|Tripolje]]
[[Category:1402 in the Ottoman Empire]]
[[Category:15th century in Serbia]]
[[Category:15th century in Serbia]]
[[Category:Battles of the Ottoman–Serbian Wars|Tripolje]]
[[Category:Battles involving Serbia in the Middle Ages|Tripolje]]
[[Category:Battles involving Serbia in the Middle Ages|Tripolje]]
[[Category:Battles involving the Ottoman Empire|Tripolje]]
[[Category:Civil wars of Serbia in the Middle Ages|Tripolje]]
[[Category:Civil wars of Serbia in the Middle Ages|Tripolje]]
[[Category:Battles involving the Ottoman Empire|Tripolje]]
[[Category:Gračanica, Kosovo]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1402|Tripolje]]
[[Category:Military history of Kosovo]]
[[Category:Serbian Despotate]]

Latest revision as of 10:29, 17 December 2024

Battle of Tripolje

Stefan Lazarević and Đurađ Branković
Date21 November 1402
Location
Tripolje, near Gračanica, Serbian Despotate (now Kosovo)
Result Despotate victory
Belligerents
Commanders and leaders
Stefan Lazarević
Vuk Lazarević
Đurađ II Balšić		 Đurađ Branković

The Battle of Tripolje (Serbian Cyrillic: битка код Трипоља/бој на Трипољу), also known as the Battle of Gračanica (Грачаничка битка), was fought in November 1402 between the Serbian Despotate, ruled by the Lazarević dynasty, and the Branković family, aided by the Ottoman Empire.

Following the Ottoman defeat at Ankara in 1402, Serbian ruler Stefan Lazarević saw an opportunity to free himself of Ottoman overlordship. Awarded the high honorary title of despot by Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos, Lazarević began to wield increasing autonomy in his political decision making. Following a quarrel, said to have arisen because of his nephew Đurađ Branković's intent to join forces with the new Ottoman sultan, Lazarević had Branković imprisoned. Freed by a friend, Branković joined the Ottoman ranks and was set to fight Lazarević. Buoyed by Ottoman reinforcements, Branković set up in Kosovo, along the route through which Lazarević would return from the Adriatic coast to the Serbian interior. The two sides clashed at the field of Tripolje on 21 November 1402. The larger part of Lazarević's army, commanded by his brother Vuk, engaged Branković's forces while Lazarević clashed with the Ottomans. While Vuk experienced setbacks fighting Branković's forces, Lazarević encountered more success in fending off the Ottomans, thereby deciding the battle in his favor.

The Lazarević brothers fell out following the battle. Lazarević allied himself with Hungary in 1403, ending his subservience to the Ottomans, while the Lazarević–Branković conflict continued over the years.

Background

[edit]

The Ottoman defeat at the Battle of Ankara in July 1402, the subsequent capture by Timur of Sultan Bayezid I and his death in captivity in March 1403, which triggered the Ottoman Interregnum, presented an opportunity for the Serbian magnates to take advantage of the turmoil and wield more autonomy in their political decision making.[1] Having fought on the side of the Ottomans, they returned from Ankara through Byzantine-held territory. The new political landscape made for closer Byzantine–Serbian cooperation, and in August 1402, at Constantinople, Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos awarded one of the Serbian magnates, Stefan Lazarević, the very high title of Despot.[1] Second only to imperial dignity, the title brought the bearer great honor.[1] From Constantinople, Lazarević was hoping to pave the way for an independent Serbia.[2] While staying there, he came to quarrel with another Serbian magnate, his nephew Đurađ Branković. Although the reasons remain unknown, fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Ragusan chronicler Mavro Orbini attributes the quarrel to Lazarević's suspicions that Branković wanted to join forces with Süleyman Çelebi, Bayezid's oldest son, who held power in Rumelia.[2] The historian Dimitris Kastritsis notes that the rivalry between Branković and Lazarević dated back to the time of Bayezid, who had expelled Branković's father from his lands and granted some of them to Lazarević. Although Lazarević aimed to induce Emperor John VII to imprison Branković, it is not certain if he succeeded.[3] In 1402, Lazarević ordered Branković imprisoned, but the latter spent little time in captivity, as he was freed with the help of a friend in September of that year.[4] Branković immediately went to Süleyman Çelebi, whom he asked for troops to fight Lazarević.[4]

Prelude

[edit]

The Lazarević–Branković conflict became an opportunity for the Ottomans, who readied for war, to regain the power they had once wielded in the Balkans. A Serbian contingent returning home from Asia Minor was abruptly attacked and destroyed near Edirne on the orders of an Ottoman commander. It became clear to Lazarević that the rest of his army could not return using that route. Branković and the Ottomans sought to prevent Lazarević and his brother Vuk from returning home. Branković's forces were joined by an Ottoman contingent, ordered by Süleyman to take control of local roads and prevent the Lazarević brother's crossing, which was expected to take place in the Branković-controlled territory of Kosovo.[4] Still mistrustful of Branković's intentions, Süleyman sent one of his commanders to monitor Branković,[5] to ensure that he was truly loyal.[6] The Lazarević brothers and a detachment of about 260 men left Constantinople and embarked for the coast of Zeta by ship.[7] Before landing in Zeta, Lazarević had become aware of Branković's plans; the brothers prepared for battle. They met with their brother-in-law Đurađ II Balšić, who supported them militarily, and had their mother Milica raise an army in the Despotate.[4] Lazarević's army made its way inland in late October 1402, on detouring roads towards the Žiča monastery.[8] Branković's forces and the Ottoman contingent gathered near the Gračanica Monastery.[5]

Battle

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The 14th-century Gračanica Monastery, near the site of the battle

The two sides clashed on 21 November 1402, at Tripolje, near the Gračanica Monastery.[a] The date of the battle coincided with the Presentation of Mary.[6] Lazarević divided his army into two groups. Constantine of Kostenets, Lazarević's biographer (ca. 1431), wrote that the army was divided between the two brothers, in case one fell the other would be saved and stay a "good shepherd of the flock".[9] Lazarević assigned the larger group to his brother Vuk, while he took the smaller group.[6] It is unknown whether the army that Balšić contributed as security was present at the battle.[10] Branković enjoyed significant Ottoman support.[6]

While Lazarević engaged the Ottomans, Vuk engaged Branković's forces.[b] Upon seeing Lazarević's bravery on the battlefield, it is said that many Ottoman soldiers felt like retreating. Lazarević had been famed for his bravery at the earlier battles of Nicopolis and Ankara.[6] Among the Ottoman vassals were kesar Uglješa Vlatković and his troops. Vlatković is believed to have divulged the Ottomans' battle plans, and perhaps even turned on them during the battle,[5] thereby contributing to its outcome in Lazarević's favor.[11] Orbini claims that Vlatković discouraged the Ottomans by telling them that they would not be able to withstand the first rush.[12] According to Orbini, Lazarević "chased Turks by the bunch".[6] Meanwhile, Branković inflicted great damage on Vuk's forces.[12] As he was unable to resist Branković's pressure, it was Lazarević who decided the battle.[5] Ultimately, Branković and the Ottomans were decisively defeated.[12]

Constantine of Kostenets wrote how Lazarević "bloodied the right hand of his" in battle.[13] Orbini wrote that Lazarević won the battle "more with strategy than the courage of his soldiers".[12] After the battle, the Lazarević brothers withdrew to the fortified city of Novo Brdo.[14]

Aftermath

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Lazarević managed to take power in the country, bolstered by the reputation and work of his mother Milica, who was also politically active. The Lazarević–Branković conflict continued. In December 1402, the Republic of Ragusa expressed great regret regarding the conflicts in Serbia. Sultan Bayezid died in Tatar captivity in March 1403, which ignited a war between his four sons.[5] There are accounts that Lazarević and Süleyman agreed to a truce shortly after the battle.[15] Through the Gallipoli treaty in early 1403, Süleyman promised not to interfere in Serbia, on the condition that Lazarević accept his obligations towards the Ottoman Empire, which were in effect prior to the Battle of Ankara, and consisted primarily of tribute and military support.[16] Lazarević reneged on his previous obligations and continued fighting Branković and the Ottomans.

There was a rift between the Lazarević brothers following the battle

Around this time, the Lazarević brothers had a falling-out.[17] The rift apparently stemmed from Vuk's perception that he had not emerged from the battle as a victor.[18] Lazarević complained about the casualties under Vuk's command and wanted him to train in the art of war. Lazarević took to instructing his brother in military matters, but Vuk felt slighted after Lazarević said "some hard words" during instructions.[19] Feeling hurt, with a gap between them,[5] Vuk "waited some time, and finding the right time" ran off to Süleyman in the summer of 1403.[19] Kalić believes that there was also a disagreement on the division of lands,[5] while Blagojević believes that Lazarević's continued opposition to the Ottomans in light of the truce played a role.[20] Vuk thus decided to leave the country and enter the ranks of Süleyman Çelebi.[21]

In order to retain his independence from the Ottomans, who were closing in from the south, Lazarević turned to the Kingdom of Hungary, which could be counted on militarily.[15] After becoming a Hungarian vassal in 1403, Lazarević was offered peace by the Ottomans on his terms, and the Despotate was no longer a subject of the Ottoman Empire.[20] Vuk returned to the Despotate shortly thereafter and the brothers ruled in accord.[20] The Ottoman–Serbian peace, Hungarian–Serbian alliance, Hungarian ceding of large territories in the north to the Despotate, and the merger of Vlatković's province to Lazarević's domain, resulted in Lazarević expanding his claims on all the Serbian lands.[20]

Annotations

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  1. ^
    Tripolje (Serbian Cyrillic: Трипоље, archaic: на Триполю, from tri–three and polje–field) was a field located near the Gračanica Monastery, at Kosovo Field. Kosovo Field was the site of the Battle of Kosovo in June 1389, in which Lazarević's father, Prince Lazar, lost his life fighting the Ottomans.
  2. ^
    According to Purković, while Lazarević engaged the Ottomans, Vuk's force were attacked by those of Branković.[6] According to Kalić, Vuk was tasked with attacking Branković's forces while Lazarević began an assault against the Ottomans.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Kalić 1982a, p. 65.
  2. ^ a b Kalić 1982a, p. 66.
  3. ^ Kastritsis 2007, p. 57.
  4. ^ a b c d Kalić 1982a, p. 67.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Kalić 1982a, p. 68.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g Purković 1978, p. 69.
  7. ^ Purković 1978, pp. 67–68, Kalić 1982a, p. 67
  8. ^ Kalić 1982a, pp. 67–68.
  9. ^ Purković 1978, p. 69, Ruvarac 1879, p. 190
  10. ^ Purković 1978, pp. 69–70.
  11. ^ Kalić 1982a, p. 68, Purković 1978, p. 70
  12. ^ a b c d Purković 1978, p. 70.
  13. ^ Purković 1978, p. 60.
  14. ^ Purković 1978, p. 79, Kalić 1982a, p. 68
  15. ^ a b Kalić 1982a, p. 69.
  16. ^ Kalić 1982a, p. 69, Blagojević 1982, p. 115
  17. ^ Purković 1978, p. 79, Kalić 1982a, p. 68
  18. ^ Trifunović, ed. 1979, p. 23.
  19. ^ a b Purković 1978, p. 79.
  20. ^ a b c d Blagojević 1982, p. 115.
  21. ^ Kalić 1982a, p. 68, Blagojević 1982, p. 115

Sources

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  • Bogdanović, Dimitrije; Mihaljčić, Rade; Ćirković, Sima; Kalić, Jovanka; Kovačević-Kojić, Desanka; Blagojević, Miloš; Babić-Đorđević, Gordana; Đurić, Vojislav J.; Spremić, Momčilo; Božić, Ivan; Pantić, Miroslav; Ivić, Pavle (1982). Kalić, Jovanka (ed.). Историја српског народа: Доба борби за очување и обнову државе (1371–1537). Belgrade: Srpska književna zadruga.
    • Blagojević, Miloš (1982). "Врховна власт и државна управа". Историја српског народа: Доба борби за очување и обнову државе (1371–1537). pp. 109–127.
    • Kalić, Jovanka (1982a). "Велики преокрет". Историја српског народа: Доба борби за очување и обнову државе (1371–1537). pp. 64–74.
  • Kastritsis, Dimitris J. (2007). The Sons of Bayezid: Empire Building and Representation in the Ottoman Civil War of 1402–1413. Leiden, Netherlands: Brill. ISBN 978-90-04-15836-8.
  • Purković, Miodrag (1978). Knez i despot Stefan Lazarević. Sveti arhijerejski sinod Srpske pravoslavne crkve.
  • Ruvarac, Ilarion (1879). "Прилошци..." Гласник. 47. Državna štamparija.
  • Trifunović, Đorđe, ed. (1979). "Stefan Lazarević". Књижевни радови. 477. Srpska književna zadruga.

42°36′N 21°12′E / 42.600°N 21.200°E / 42.600; 21.200

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