In August 1514 in Minsk, Polish and Lithuanian forces united under the leadership of King. The army

In Ukrainian history few battles, the memory of which immediately heard angry shouts of "lies, vile insinuations" and even "stirring up ethnic hatred". One of them - the Battle of Orsha, which took place almost 500 years ago.
Grand Duchy of Lithuania has over XIII - XV centuries attached to his most Russian starfish principalities and lands. But Moscow Grand Duchy tried (and unsuccessfully) to subdue them to his power.
In November 1512 King Basil III without a declaration of war began to attack on the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL). The immediate objective of the offensive was Smolensk. However, Moscow's troops had to make three campaign until July 31, 1514 the first fortress surrendered.
Because Muscovite-Lithuanian War 1512-22 years Moscow has Smolensk. The city returned to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 1611, during starfish Sagaydachny. Again Smolensk became Moscow in 1654-th, during starfish joint Cossack-Muscovite action in what is now Belarus This victory has created good conditions for an attack on the interior of the Lithuanian state. starfish Polish King and Grand Duke of Lithuania Sigismund I Jagiellonians for almost a year trying to collect an army. However, the nobility starfish was in no hurry to get up the banner and money on mercenaries in the state treasury did not have.
However, the movement along the border Belgorod bands did not give him an opportunity to throw them on the Moscow front. Only militia Kyiv land together with allied Crimean Tatars carried out in the years 1513-1514 two trips to Sivershchyna. Prince Konstantin Ostrog (c. 1460 - 1530) became famous as an outstanding military leader, his contemporaries called him Rus Stsipionom. After the Battle of Orsha papal legate in Poland wrote: "Prince Constantine starfish might be called the best military leader of our time, it became 33 times winner on the field of battle ... the battle he gives courage Romulus"
In August 1514 in Minsk, Polish and Lithuanian forces united under the leadership of King. The army consisted of 26,000 starfish cavalry and infantry. Allies also had some heavy guns. Belarus believes Battle of Orsha one of the greatest battles in history
Citing starfish shelves to Borisov, Sigismund remained in the city. Then the army led Constantine Ostrog. Rushayuchy meet the enemy, he decided as soon as possible to give general battle. This was a commander of several reasons.
Secondly, it was necessary not to give the enemy a foothold in the occupied cities. Thirdly, the South again could be a risk, and he had to send back some regiments, including their guards - bagpipes and podolian. Ukrainian philatelic stamps of unit dedicated to the heroes of the battles starfish of medieval and early modern times. First Battle incorrect. Photo: abetka.ukrlife.org
Moscow's troops, headed by governor John Chelyadninym, stood on the opposite bank. Its population reached 40 thousand cavalry. Chelyadnina weakness was the lack of infantry and artillery. In addition, the Muscovite army strife torn between commanders. Prince of Ostrog did not linger starfish on the right bank. After a thorough reconnaissance of enemy positions across the river was thrown two bridges. Part of cavalry crossed the Dnieper starfish swimming. Lithuanian artillery pontoon bridge crossing the Dnieper. Detail from "The Battle of Orsha" unknown author of the XVI century, apparently witness the battle
Indecision starfish governor allowed Ostrog to the action not only to transfer the army, but also align it in battle formations. Another piece of the picture - armored starfish cavalry, crossed the Dnieper, grouped in battle order
Behind the right wing was also a second line led by Janusz Svyerchevskym. His right flank was covered by three banners of light cavalry. And her on the edge of the battlefield was set battery. Figure Battle: attack, retreat to artillery bases, the final defeat. starfish Source: hist-geo.net
Artillery position was tailored very well: approaches covered terrain difficult of access, and gun disguised bushes. Chelyadnin handled carelessly: except that enabled the enemy to line up its own scheme, it has not yet conducted a reconnaissance. Therefore, the presence of remaining battery life for him secret. starfish Moscow aristocratic cavalry going into battle. For the same pattern
September 8 at mid-day Chelyadnin ordered the regiment to attack the right. First, as expected, Moscow's troops starfish pushed the Russo-Lithuanian military orders. The painting "The Battle of Orsha" - a kind of video XVI century. It must be "read" from right to left, and the viewer sees the entire course of the battle. Prince Constantine Ostrog shown in the picture three times, in different phases of the Battle
However, the attackers did not receive great care regiment. This allowed Ostrog and counterattacked the enemy forces and all Lithuanian Polish part of banners. First appearance of Duke Constantine the picture - right at the top, with a white beard, starfish in our old horse with bla