The Swedes against the Estonians: the battle for the castle of Lihula

On this day, 800 years ago, a battle between the Swedes and Estonians took place near the walls of Lihula castle. The battle went down in history as the battle Of Lihula, and although the exact date remains unknown, many historians agree that on August 8, 1220, the Estonians recaptured the castle captured by Swedish soldiers.

In that year, the Swedish army, led by king John, invaded Estonia, passing through the Western borders. The area of läänemaa and the fortress of Lihula were quickly captured. The Swedes planned to settle in this part of the country, but after the departure of the king, the castle was surrounded by newly arrived Estonians and stormed. During the battle, the Swedes lost more than 450 soldiers.

Lihula castle was first built in the XIII century and was a settlement. After its burning in 1220, a stone fortress was built on the site of fortifications. Later, the fortifications were repeatedly completed, adding earthen bastions and ditches. During the Livonian war, the castle fell and it was decided not to restore it. In the photo you can see the ruins of the fortress.