Original scientific paper
The presence of Mongolian military detachments in medieval Slavonia and its surrounding counties during the 1241-42 campaign
Domagoj Smojver
; Sesvete, Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The Mongol invasion of 1241-42 resulted in King Béla’s call for strengthening the Kingdom of Hungary-Croatia with new castles. Many lords and counts received royal privileges, granting them either direct land possession, jurisdictional power, or the right to exert power over certain areas in the kingdom. These charters were a way of expressing gratitude to regional lords for their financial and military aid, in times of need. The king took refuge in many towns throughout Slavonia and Dalmatia over the two years, often changing castles to avoid being caught or killed. This publication’s goal is to recreate Mongol military detachments led by two army commanders: Batu and Qadan. Following modern road reconstruction and military troop movement, this study provides an overview and in-depth analysis of Mongol activity in medieval Slavonia, as well as the surrounding regions between the rivers Drava, Sava, and Danube. Research will be backed up with relevant archaeological finds, where such remains have been excavated. Major battles, minor clashes, and raids, carried out by the Mongols, will be reassessed with a focus on Croatian historiography. The conclusion will be drawn taking using medieval sources (Thomas of Split, Master Roger), reflection on secondary literature, and supplemented with recent historical and archaeological publications.
Keywords
medieval Slavonia; Mongols; Tatars; castles; King Béla
Hrčak ID:
320496
URI
Publication date:
3.9.2024.
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