Crusade of Varna

The Crusade of Varna (1443–1444) was a military campaign aimed at defending the Christian Ottoman Empire’s expansion into Europe. A coalition of European armies, mainly from Hungary and Poland, attempted to halt the Ottomans’ advance into the Balkans by capturing the key city of Varna in modern-day Bulgaria. Despite initial hopes, the crusaders faced tough resistance and internal disagreements, ultimately suffering a decisive Ottoman victory. This defeat allowed the Ottomans to consolidate their control over southeastern Europe, reinforcing their dominance in the region for years to come.