Miklós Zrínyi’s Efforts in Strengthening the Military Defenses of Međimurje, Hungary

Abstract

Knowledge of the terrain and its use are essential for successful combat. This paper highlights the importance of these facts through the deeds of general Miklós VII Zrínyi (1620—64). His efforts to strengthen the defense of Međimurje resulted in a complex defense system that actively used the terrain to its advantage, established primarily for the protection of the Kakonya Crossing. The selection of the location of Novi Zrin, its strengthening, and the construction of the Zrínyi Ditch all prove that he was thinking of a complex system, and actively used the terrain to his advantage.