Siege of Neamț Citadel

The siege of Neamț Citadel in 1476 was a significant event in the history of Moldavia.

Siege of Neamț Citadel
Part of the Moldavian-Ottoman Wars
Date 1476 Location Neamț Citadel Result Moldavian victory
Belligerents
Ottoman Empire	Moldavia
Commanders and leaders
Mehmed the Conqueror	Moldavian Garrison
Strength
unknown	unknown
Casualties and losses
unknown	unknown

Neamț Citadel was a fortress rumored to have been constructed in the thirteenth century by the Teutonic Knights, as a defense against Tatar incursions.

In 1476, after defeating the Moldavian armies in the Battle of Valea Albă, Sultan Mehmet II of the Ottoman Empire compelled Moldavian voivode Ștefan cel Mare to retreat to Cetatea Neamţului. However, according to legend, his mother refused to let him enter the stronghold, and instead advised him to go north into what is now Bukovina and gather a new army. While Ștefan was in Bukovina gathering more forces, Mehmet II laid siege to Neamț Citadel. He positioned his cannons on a nearby hill, and began bombarding the stronghold, causing significant damage. The Moldavian garrison was at the point of surrender, when a German prisoner held in the dungeons had the idea of using the cannons against the Ottoman position on the hill. His idea was put into practice, and soon the camp of the Turks was being bombarded, forcing Mehmet II to leave the area. The event is recorded in the late Moldavian chronicle of Ion Neculce.

Siege of John III Sobieski

A historical but romanticized event is said to have taken place during the early years of Dimitrie Cantemir's rule in Moldavia, in the latter part of the 17th century and early 18th century. The story goes as follows: During their return from a raid on Moldavia, the 25,000 men-strong army of Polish king John III Sobieski encountered Neamț Citadel, which was defended by fewer than 20 men. The Poles attacked the stronghold, believing that it contained necessary provisions. After over a week of siege, the small Moldavian garrison eventually surrendered. Legend has it that, deeply impressed by the fierce resistance shown by such a minuscule force, the Polish monarch granted the Moldavians in the garrison their lives and allowed them safe passage, even offering them ranks within the Polish army.

Although a few historians contest the authenticity of this legendary siege, it nonetheless held a significant place in 19th century Romanian consciousness, finding its most popular version in Costache Negruzzi's novelette called Sobieski și românii (Sobieski and the Romanians: the title in itself indicates his attitude towards the events described), but also in the poem Cetatea Neamțului by George Coșbuc.