Lupta de la Șoplea, pe Teleajen (16/26 iunie 1655)
The Battle of Șoplea on River Teleajen (June 16/26, 1655)

Summary/Abstract: Since 1636, Prince Matei Basarab has organised an army of Serbian mercenaries, mentioned in Seymens era sources, which reached a number of roughly 4 000 soldiers in 1654. At first, they were led by a Great Captain, named in Turkish language baș-buluc-bași, who was subordinated to the Great Aga. The Seymens were wearing purple clothing, were armed with a sword, a dagger and two pistols. Their duties involved guarding the Prince’s Court, participating in the royal suite and fulfilling the Prince’s orders. In compensation to their services, the Seymens were receiving a monthly payment and a daily portion of food. The Trabants were Wallachian warriors, wore vivid blue robes and were led by captains. Those who served the Prince’s Court were receiving a monthly payment and a daily portion of food (tain). The others, who were working for boyars or for monasteries, benefited from certain tax exemptions, and once a year they were receiving a fine piece of cloth from the Prince from which they would make clothes. The present study bring to the attention of historians an aspect of pre-modern military history, which is well known, namely the rebellion of the Seymens and Trabants from spring 1655 and the battle of Șoplea, at Teleajen river, from 16/26 June 1655, the battle was between the rebel army and the army of the Prince of Transylvania.

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