For decades, Prokhorovka was immortalized as the largest and fiercest tank battle in history — 1,200 tanks clashing in a day of steel and fire. But newly opened archives reveal a very different story.

The Battle of Kursk in July 1943 is often remembered as the turning point on the Eastern Front and the largest tank battle in history, with the clash at Prokhorovka on July 12th frequently cited for ...