Battle of Khotyn (1673)


The Battle of Khotyn or Battle of Chocim or Hotin War was a battle held on 11 November 1673, where Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth forces under hetman John Sobieski defeated Ottoman Empire forces under Hussain Pasha. It reversed the fortunes of the previous year, when Commonwealth weakness led to the signing of the Treaty of Buchach, and allowed John Sobieski to win the upcoming royal election and become the king of Poland.
Polish-Lithuanian forces and Wallachian regiments were 30 thousand strong. The Turks commanded 35 thousand troops and 120 guns. In this battle rockets of Kazimierz Siemienowicz were deployed successfully. The victory allowed the Poles to revoke the unfavourable Peace of Buchach and set the stage for the role Sobieski was to play in the Battle of Vienna in 1683.

Name

Khotyn was conquered and controlled by many states, resulting in many name changes. Other name variations include Chotyn, or Choczim.

Aftermath

The Turkish forces withdrew from Poland after their supplies and most of their artillery were captured. Sobieski and the nobles returned to Warsaw for elections following the death of Michael Wisniowiecki, King of Poland, the day before the battle.