Battle of St. Matthew's Day

For the 20th century battle in Belfast, see Battle of St. Matthews.

Date	September 21, 1217
Location	Near Viljandi, Estonia
Result	Crusaders victory

Belligerents

Counties of Ancient Estonia

Sword Brethren
Livonians
Latgalians

Commanders and leaders

Lembitu of Lehola †
Vootele †
Manivald †
Unnepeve

Volquin
Caupo of Turaida †
Bernard II of Lippe

Strength

6000

3000

Casualties and losses

1000 - 1400

Livonian Crusade

Cēsis Ümera Viljandi Turaida Lehola Riga Otepää St. Matthew's Day Lyndanisse Lihula Tallinn Viljandi Tartu Muhu Memel Durbe Karuse Aizkraukle Garoza

The Battle of Matthew's Day (Estonian: Madisepäeva lahing) was fought near Viljandi (probably in Vanamõisa) on September 21, 1217 ^[1]^[2] during the Livonian Crusade. The adversaries were the German crusading order the Sword Brethren with their recently converted Livonian and Latgalian allies and an army of 6000 Estonian men from different counties, led by Lembitu, who had attempted to unify the Estonians. The Germans won, Lembitu and Caupo of Turaida (converted Livonian chieftain, fought on the order's side) were killed. Also many others were forced to convert.

References

↑ Battle of St. Matthew's Day on September 21, 1217 @ Frucht, Richard (2005). Eastern Europe. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-57607-800-6.
↑ Battle of St. Matthew's Day (September 21) @ Miljan, Toivo (2004). Historical Dictionary of Estonia. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-4904-4.

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