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Battle of Ankara

History -- Military history -- List of battles

The Battle of Ankara took place on the field of Çubukovasi between the forces of the Ottoman sultan Beyazid I and the Mongol horde of Timur Lenk in August, 1402. The battle began with a large-scale attack from the Ottomans, countered by swarms of arrows from the Mongolian horse archers. Several thousands were killed and many surrendered to Timur Lenk's men. During the battle the well in the nearby village of Çubukovasi had been captured by the Mongols. The well was the Ottoman army's only source of water, and the Turkish generals had no choice but to try to recapture it. The Turkish army was attacked from behind and Timur Lenk could claim victory. The Turkish army was slaughtered and Sultan Beyazid captured.