The ancient Romans believed strongly in their power and destiny. One famous Roman inscription declares that the strength of Rome, guided by divine providence, could conquer all things. Even the great River Danube, according to this belief, was brought under Roman control. This idea was not only expressed in words but also recorded in lasting symbols.
As a memorial of this achievement, many Roman coins were minted. Some of these coins were made of silver and can still be found today. They carry the inscription “Danubius,” honoring the river as a conquered and controlled force of nature. These coins remind us of how important the Danube was to the Roman Empire, both as a boundary and as a vital route for movement and trade.
The Many Islands of the Danube
No other river produces so many large and inhabited islands as the Danube. Between Visegrád and Vác lies a wide and beautiful island called Szentendre Island. It is fertile, well watered, and suitable for settlement Sofia Guided Tours.
Another large island lies just below Buda on the western side of the river. This island stretches for nearly forty miles and is larger than the Isle of Thanet in England. It contains many villages and valuable farmland. During the time when the Turkish forces marched to raise the Christian siege of Buda, they camped on part of this island. A great mistake was made by the Christian army, which failed to fortify the island and secure this important position.
There are also notable islands near Mohács, near the mouth of the Drava River, and close to Belgrade. One island near Belgrade was formed naturally by mud and soil carried down by the Sava and the Danube. About thirty-five years earlier, there was no sign of this island. Now it is covered with trees. Whether this change will benefit or harm Belgrade in the future remains to be seen.
Security and Borders Along the River
The Turks feel so secure in these regions that they give little thought to possible dangers arising from such natural changes. They believe no force could seriously threaten them there. If we accept the River Leitha as the boundary of Austria, then the island of Schütt, also known as Insula Cituorum, becomes the most important island of all Strength of the Burned Bridge.
This large island contains several good towns, including Komárno and Šamorín, as well as many villages. When I traveled through it, I found it well populated and carefully organized to defend against attacks. In earlier times, it had suffered several invasions by Turks, Tartars, and rebellious forces, which taught the inhabitants the value of preparation.
Naval Strength Far From the Sea
No river, at such a great distance from the sea, supports so many strong and well-equipped naval vessels as the Danube. It has witnessed many important naval battles far inland, something rarely seen elsewhere in Europe.
The Emperor maintains several war vessels on the Danube. These ships are well built, similar in design to galleys, and are stationed at Vienna, Pressburg, and Komárno. There is also an arsenal where ships and supplies can be prepared when needed. The Turks likewise keep armed vessels at Strigonium, Buda, Belgrade, and other locations downstream.
Famous Battles on the Danube
During the siege of Belgrade, Sultan Mehmed brought two hundred Turkish ships and galleys up the river, fully armed and ready for battle. In response, the Hungarians sent many vessels down the river from Buda. After a fierce naval fight, they captured twenty Turkish ships and forced the rest onto the riverbank near the camp.
To prevent these ships from falling into enemy hands, Sultan Mehmed ordered them to be burned. This event shows how serious and destructive river warfare could be, even far from the sea.
Christian Fleets and Defense of Vienna
The Christians also maintained powerful fleets on the Danube. At the siege of Buda, although the campaign failed under Count Regensdorf, the Christian fleet was very large. It included twenty-four galleys, about eighty small pinnaces, and nearly one hundred large transport ships.
These naval forces proved their value earlier, when Suleiman besieged Vienna. Wolfgang Hoder led armed vessels from Pressburg and successfully destroyed Turkish ships carrying heavy cannons meant to attack Vienna’s walls. This action played an important role in the defense of the city.
The Danube was not only a river but a battlefield, a highway, and a source of power. Its islands, ships, and history show its importance to empires, armies, and nations across centuries.
