Timeline Friday 27 September 1529

Events on Friday 27 September 1529 3

• 1529 First Siege of Vienna Suleiman the Magnificent The first attempt by the Ottoman Empire to capture Vienna, marking the peak of their expansion into Central Europe.
• 1529 First Siege of Vienna -- the high-water mark Suleiman's siege of Vienna (27 September - 14 October 1529) is the furthest Ottoman advance into Europe. The city holds: the Ottomans arrive late in the season (logistics problems slow the march from Istanbul), the artillery is too light (the heavy guns cannot be transported through the Balkans in time), and the weather deteriorates. After two weeks Suleiman withdraws -- but the psychological impact on Europe is enormous. Vienna becomes the symbol of Christian resistance to Ottoman expansion. Suleiman attempts a second campaign toward Vienna in 1532 but turns back without battle when Charles V assembles a massive defensive force.
• 1529 Vienna -- the limit of empire The siege of Vienna (27 September - 14 October 1529) is Suleiman's greatest military disappointment. He arrives late in the season -- the march from Istanbul through rain and mud has taken four months; the heavy artillery has had to be left behind. The city is defended by approximately 20,000 troops under Philip the Palatine. The Ottoman trenches cannot reach the walls before the autumn rains make further operations impossible. Three assaults are repulsed. On 14 October Suleiman orders withdrawal, burning his camp. The weather and logistics defeat him as much as the defenders. He withdraws saying he will return -- and does attempt Vienna again in 1532, but turns back without engaging Charles V's massive defensive force.