All Battles

Battle of the Kalka River

1223 • Pontische Steppe Feldschlacht

Historical Overview

A Mongol reconnaissance unit destroyed a numerically superior Rus' army using a feigned retreat tactic.

Quick Facts

Outcome:Crushing Mongol victory.

Mongol Empire

  • Commander: Subutai / Jebe
  • Strength: ca. 20.000
  • Casualties: Gering

Kievan Rus' & Cumans

  • Commander: Mstislaw der Kühne
  • Strength: ca. 40.000 - 80.000
  • Casualties: ca. 90% Verluste

Strategic Context

First contact between the Mongols and European principalities during the Western campaign.

Conflict / War

Mongol Expansion

Decisive Mongol victory; initiated the fall of the Jin Dynasty.

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Historical Locations

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