How a chained fortress of oak halted the Crimean horde
In short: In 1572, a vastly outnumbered Russian force faced a massive Crimean invasion. This video explores the Battle of Molodi, where a desperate defensive strategy neutralized the most feared tactic of the Ottoman-aligned forces.
Following the rapid burning of Moscow in 1571, the Khan of Crimea launched a massive campaign in 1572 to conquer the entire Russian country. Led by Devlet Giray, the Crimean force numbered between 40,000 and 60,000 men, while Russia could only field approximately 20,000.
The Russians utilized a unique defensive tactic at Molodi: a chained fortress made of oak and gunslits. By creating a stationary position, they rendered the Tatars' signature mass horse archery ineffective. The Crimean forces attacked for days, eventually losing their commanding general, but were unable to break the timber defenses.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Why Didn't the Ottomans and Crimean Tatars Conquer Russia? - The Battle of Molodi
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