Poland's Winged Calvary wins at Vienna - Victoria Wiedenska

All we have to do is look out our window and we see history relived. This afternoon we were surprised to see soldiers in all kinds of custumes parading by the apartment. We quickly headed out the door and up to the square. There we found the stage set up and television crews. This was a presentation to commemorate the 325 anniversary of the Battle of Vienna.


12 September 1683, Jan Sobieski, Jan III, led 30,000 Polish forces, along with 50,000 or so, Germans and Austrians, to defeat the Ottoman Empire's advance across Europe.
This "struggle" had been going on for 300 years. And we Americans think everybody ought to get along. War is the way of the world. Poland has been fighting for it's boundaries and independence for many centuries. Anyway, back to the 17th century and the Battle of Vienna. This victory in Vienna was the begining of the end of the Ottoman expansion into Europe. (remember Constantinoble? Istanbul?)

After asking around, and doing a little internet research, we have learned that The King of Poland, Jan III, was the crucial factor in the battle against the Turks for Vienna. When I asked one young lady, who was handing out Discovery Channel flags, she responded that this battle saved Europe. I took this as the usual Polish response to our questions, everything here is met with the answer that it is the best, biggest, the first, ect! (And most of the time I find out that they are correct!) This battle was a turning point for 17th century central Europe.

Also because of this battle, croissants and cappuccino, and bagels were have to been discovered, or invented!



If anyone reading this really does understand the history of Eastern Europe, please accept my apologies, for not getting the facts straight! Nevertheless, we are fascinated by the history here. Krakow is a wonderful place to be living, they do a great job of keeping their national pride. I just can't keep up with the twists and turns!

The winged soldiers on horseback are especially interesting. These are Hussaria, or Hussars. The legend surrounding them is that the feathers created a noise that startled the enemy's horses, and distracts the soldiers too. Making the Turkish lasso attempts difficult, because of the structure of the wings. Another explanation, is that it creates the impression of a mythical creature, as they often wore tiger skins, or other pelts, over their shoulders. The wings are probably just a uniform ornament that is worn in parades and at military funerals. But it is something to see! At this battle for Vienna, it is said that 3000 of these elite marksmen led the charge!

Jan III was an interesting King. I found out that he and his French born wife, Maria, had 14 children. But with the times being what they were, only four lived to adulthood. After the king and queen's deaths, a book was published of the letteres they wrote to each other, while he was off engaging in military persuits, or while she was off to Paris. They are considered to be love letters between two people that genuinely loved each other and are valued for their day to day accounts of life during that century.

We have just returned from a quick visit to the states. Seeing family and friends was a great treat for us. We may have enjoyed the beach days even more, had we known that we would be greeted to autumn weather. I thought about "enhancing" these photos, with the computer, but I think they accurately portray the chilly day!

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