Ridiculous History Badass of the Week, with Ben Thompson - Part 2: the Battle of Karánsebes
Mar 27, 2025
Join Ben Thompson, creator of the Badass of the Week podcast, as he dives into the absurdity of the Battle of Karánsebes, a military mishap where a panicked army turned on itself. They discuss the chaos of friendly fire among 172,000 disorganized troops and the hilarity that ensued despite the grim backdrop of war. Ben shares insights on ambition in leadership and the unforeseen consequences of miscommunication during conflicts. Humor and hidden histories intertwine, making this a captivating exploration of one of history's most ridiculous moments.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Overconfident Emperor
- Joseph II, overly confident, marched 230,000 soldiers to the Ottoman border.
- He aimed to liberate Belgrade, expecting a hero's welcome, but the locals weren't thrilled.
Turkish Advance
- Turks mobilized a larger army than anticipated, causing panic among the Austrians.
- Exaggerated stories of Turkish atrocities circulated, further demoralizing the troops.
Retreat and Repositioning
- Joseph II retreated to a mountain pass in Transylvania after hearing of a second Turkish army.
- He planned to defend the Timiscerna Gap, a strategic location near Caransebes.