When considering the question, “Who Was John Smith?”, many immediately think of the famous Jamestown settlement and his interactions with Pocahontas. However, Captain John Smith’s life was rich and adventurous long before he set foot in America. His early years were defined by a thirst for adventure and military service in Europe, fighting battles and navigating perilous situations that shaped him into the leader he would later become in the New World. This period of his life, often overshadowed by his American exploits, is crucial to understanding the full scope of who John Smith truly was.
In 1600, driven by news of the conflict between the Holy Roman Empire and the Ottoman Turks, John Smith embarked on a journey to Austria to enlist in the Christian forces. This was no simple trip; it was the beginning of a series of daring escapades. Along the way, Smith’s adventurous spirit led him to serve on a pirate ship in the Mediterranean. This experience, though perhaps morally ambiguous, proved lucrative, earning him 500 gold pieces. This newfound wealth funded his continued travels through Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia, ultimately reaching Austria and the ranks of the Holy Roman Empire’s army.
Smith quickly distinguished himself as a brave and capable soldier in the battles fought across Slovenia, Hungary, and Transylvania (modern-day Romania). His valor did not go unnoticed, and he received several commendations for his courage. Among these honors was a promotion to the rank of captain, a title he proudly carried for the rest of his life. Furthermore, the Prince of Transylvania bestowed upon Smith the title of “English gentleman” along with a coat of arms. This coat of arms was particularly symbolic, featuring three Turks’ heads, reputedly representing three Ottoman soldiers Smith had personally defeated and beheaded in jousting duels. By this point, John Smith had solidified his reputation as an accomplished soldier and a natural leader.
However, Smith’s fortunes took a downturn in 1602. During battle, he was wounded, captured, and subsequently sold into Turkish slavery. His captivity began with a grueling 600-mile march to Constantinople. In a twist of fate, Smith was presented as a gift to Charatza Tragbigzanda, his master’s fiancée. According to Smith’s own accounts, Charatza became enamored with him. Intriguingly, she sent him to work for her brother, Tymor Bashaw, who managed an agricultural estate near Rostov in present-day Russia, potentially with the intention of converting Smith to Islam. Instead of instruction, Tymor subjected Smith to harsh treatment, including shaving his head, shackling him with an iron neck ring, and inflicting frequent beatings and starvation.
In a dramatic turn of events, Smith’s resilience and fighting spirit resurfaced. During one particularly brutal beating, he overpowered Tymor, killed him, and made a daring escape. Using Tymor’s horse and clothing, Smith fled his enslavement. His journey back to freedom was arduous and uncertain, traversing through vast territories. He encountered a Russian man and his wife, Callamatta, whom Smith affectionately called “this good lady.” Their kindness and assistance were instrumental in his recovery and enabled him to continue his travels across Russia, Ukraine, Germany, France, Spain, and Morocco. Finally, in 1604, after an estimated 11,000 miles traveled across Europe and beyond in just four years, Captain John Smith returned to England. His European adventures were over, but this seasoned soldier was about to embark on a journey that would etch his name into the annals of American history.
