In 1788, the Austrian army accidentally attacked itself in what became known as the “Battle of Karansebes.”

It started when some Austrian soldiers, out scouting for enemies, found a group of locals selling alcohol. They got drunk and refused to share with another unit that arrived later. A fight broke out, someone fired a shot, and in the confusion, the army mistook its own troops for the enemy. Chaos ensued, commanders thought they were under attack, and the Austrian army ended up retreating—from itself. By the time the actual enemy, the Ottomans, arrived two days later, they found 10,000 dead and wounded Austrians… and easily claimed victory.

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