Siege of Krujë
1450 · Krujë (in today's Albania) · World · Medieval
The large Ottoman army besieged Krujë for more than four months but failed to take it and was forced to retreat
Belligerents
Albanian garrison and Skanderbeg
- Commanders
- Skanderbeg, Vrana Konti
- Strength
- About 1,500 in the citadel; several thousand mobile troops outside
Ottoman army
- Commanders
- Murad II
- Strength
- Tens of thousands to 100,000 (accounts vary)
Background
After Skanderbeg broke with the Ottomans and rebelled in 1443, Sultan Murad II personally led a large army against Krujë, the key fortress of Albania.
Course of the battle
- The SiegeThe Ottoman army surrounded the hilltop castle of Krujë and bombarded its walls with cannon
- Attacked from within and withoutVrana Konti held the castle, while Skanderbeg led his men in constant raids on the besiegers from the mountains
- Bribery failsThe sultan tried to induce surrender with money and titles, but was refused
- Siege liftedWith the autumn rains setting in and supplies running short, the Ottoman army retreated
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1450 |
|---|---|
| Place | Krujë (in today's Albania) |
| Result | The large Ottoman army besieged Krujë for more than four months but failed to take it and was forced to retreat |
| Winner | Albania |
| Casualties | Heavy Ottoman losses; exact figures unknown |
| Territorial change | Skanderbeg's prestige soars |
Impact
The successful defense of Krujë made Skanderbeg famous throughout Europe, and he went on to repel many more Ottoman attacks.
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