A Croatian victory at Vrpile pass halted an Ottoman raiding force returning from Carniola with captives and plunder, demonstrating effective local resistance during the Croatian-Ottoman War.
Key Facts
- Date
- Early September 1491
- Location
- Vrpile pass, Krbava, central Croatia
- Croatian commanders
- Ban Ladislav of Egervár and Knez Bernardin Frankopan
- Ottoman objective
- Returning from raid into Carniola with booty and captives
- Also known as
- First Battle of Krbava Polje
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Ottoman forces from the Sanjak of Bosnia conducted a raid into Carniola, a neighboring region of the Kingdom of Croatia, seizing plunder and Christian captives intended for the slave trade. Their return journey through the Vrpile pass in Krbava brought them into Croatian-controlled territory.
In early September 1491, Croatian forces under Ban Ladislav of Egervár and Knez Bernardin Frankopan intercepted the Ottoman raiding party at the Vrpile pass near Korenica. The Croatians engaged and defeated the Ottomans, who were encumbered with looted goods and prisoners taken from Carniola.
The Croatian victory at Vrpile prevented the Ottoman force from safely returning its captives and plunder to the Sanjak of Bosnia. The battle stands as one of the notable Croatian military successes during the prolonged Croatian-Ottoman War, temporarily checking Ottoman raiding in the region.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Ban Ladislav of Egervár, Knez Bernardin Frankopan.
Side B
1 belligerent