The Ambition of Mihai: The Battle of Șelimbăr

At the end of the sixteenth century, Central-Eastern Europe was not a land

of balance. Instead, it was a dangerous collision zone between three powerful

and competing empires. Three empires stared at each other across the Carpathians, each seeking total

dominance. For Vienna, Transylvania was a defensive wall against the might of

the Ottomans. For Poland, it was an opportunity, a friendly vassal

under the Bathory dynasty. For the Ottoman Empire, it was simple:

pay your tribute or be destroyed. Cardinal Andrew Bathory was pushed onto the throne of

Transylvania by force. He was backed by Poland, supported by Rome, and armed by