Siege of Lwów (1672)

The Siege of Lwów, also known as the Siege of Lviv, took place in September 1672 during the Polish-Ottoman War (1672-1676). Lwów (modern-day Lviv, Ukraine), then a major city and important trade center within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was besieged by Ottoman forces under the command of Sultan Mehmed IV.

The siege was a direct consequence of the Ottoman Empire's invasion of Poland-Lithuania following the Commonwealth's refusal to pay tribute. After capturing Kamieniec Podolski, the Ottomans advanced towards Lwów, hoping to secure a strategically important city and further weaken the Commonwealth.

The city of Lwów was well-fortified, and its defense was led by several experienced commanders, including Hetman Jan Sobieski, though his presence was not constant throughout the siege. The city's population, bolstered by refugees from surrounding areas, actively participated in the defense.

The Ottoman forces bombarded the city walls and attempted to breach them through mining operations and direct assaults. However, the defenders, aided by the city's strong fortifications and their own resilience, managed to repel the Ottoman attacks.

After approximately two weeks, the Ottomans lifted the siege. Several factors contributed to their decision, including the strong resistance of the defenders, the depletion of their supplies, and the approaching winter. Furthermore, news of Sobieski's movements with a relief army likely influenced the decision to withdraw.

While Lwów successfully resisted the siege, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth suffered significant losses in the war. The Treaty of Buchach, signed shortly after the siege, ceded Podolia to the Ottoman Empire and imposed a hefty tribute on the Commonwealth. The treaty was later rejected by the Polish Sejm. The Siege of Lwów, despite its successful defense, highlighted the weakened state of the Commonwealth and the growing threat posed by the Ottoman Empire.