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The Siege of Vienna

Why was the Siege of Vienna a turning point in European history?

In the summer of 1683, Vienna was under siege. A vast Ottoman army surrounded the city, poised to breach the walls and clear the way for Ottoman expansion into Central Europe. Inside the city, famine and fear took hold. But as the city teetered on the brink of collapse, a thunderous cavalry charge broke the Ottoman lines, and shattered the siege.

To tell us all about this mighty clash, we're joined by Martyn Rady, Professor Emeritus of Central European History at University College London. He explains why this event marked a turning point in European history.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3 Media.

Dan Snow's History Hit is a History Hit podcast.

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47 minutes