Lists of battles of the Mongol invasion of Europe facts for kids
This article shares information about the many battles that happened during the Mongol invasion of Europe. These invasions took place in the 13th century. The Mongol Empire was a huge empire that spread across Asia and into Europe. Their armies were very powerful.
Understanding the Mongol Invasions
The Mongol invasions were a series of attacks by the Mongol Empire. These attacks happened across different parts of Europe. The Mongols were led by famous leaders like Genghis Khan and his grandsons. Their goal was to expand their empire.
Battles in Eastern Europe
The Mongol armies first moved into Eastern Europe. They fought many battles there.
The Mongol Invasion of Kievan Rus' (1223, 1237–1241)
One of the first big invasions was into Kievan Rus'. This area is now parts of Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. The Mongols first attacked in 1223. Later, a larger invasion happened from 1237 to 1241. They conquered many cities and regions.
The Mongol Invasion of Volga Bulgaria (1223–1236)
The Mongols also fought in Volga Bulgaria. This was a state located near the Volga River.
- 1223: The first Mongol attack on Volga Bulgaria happened. The Battle of Samara Bend took place, where the Mongols were defeated.
- 1229–1230: A second Mongol invasion occurred.
- 1236: The third Mongol invasion led to the conquest of Volga Bulgaria. Parts of Cumania were also taken over.
Mongol Invasions of the North Caucasus
The Mongols also moved into the North Caucasus region. This area includes modern-day Chechnya and Ingushetia.
- 1237–1242: The Mongols invaded Cumania.
- 1237–1253: The Mongol invasion of Circassia took place.
- 13th century: The Mongols invaded Durdzuketia.
Golden Horde Battles (from 1242)
After 1242, many battles in Eastern Europe involved the Golden Horde. This was a Mongol state that formed in the western part of the Mongol Empire. It was led by Batu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan.
Battles in Central Europe (1240–1288)
The Mongol armies also pushed into Central Europe. They fought in countries like Poland and Hungary.
- 1237–1240: The first Mongol invasions of Lithuania happened.
- Late 1240–1241: The First Mongol invasion of Poland took place. This included parts of Bohemia.
- March 1241 – April 1242: The First Mongol invasion of Hungary occurred.
- 1241: Two very important battles happened: the Battle of Legnica and the Battle of Mohi. The Mongols won both. This led to a lot of damage in Poland and Hungary. Some Mongol troops even reached areas near Vienna and Udine. The Mongol army then retreated because their leader, Ögedei Khan, died.
- Spring 1241 – early 1242: Mongol armies also raided parts of the Holy Roman Empire. This included Austria and northeast Italy.
- 1241–1242: The Mongols invaded Croatia and Dalmatia.
- 1258–1259: A second Mongol invasions of Lithuania occurred.
- 1258–1260: The Second Mongol invasion of Poland happened. This also involved Halych-Volhynia and Lithuania.
- 1275, 1279, 1325: More Mongol invasions of Lithuania took place.
- 1284–1285: The Second Mongol invasion of Hungary occurred.
- 1287–1288: The Third Mongol invasion of Poland happened.
- 1337, 1340: Ruthenian-Tatar groups also raided Poland.
Battles in Southeastern Europe
The Mongols also invaded parts of Southeastern Europe.
- 1241–1242: The Mongols invaded Moldavia and Wallachia.
- 1241–1242: They also invaded Bulgaria and Serbia.
- 1242–1243: The Mongol invasion of the Latin Empire took place.
- 1264/1265: The Mongols invaded Byzantine Thrace.
- 1271, 1274, 1282 and 1285: There were several raids against Bulgaria.
- 1291: A conflict between Serbia and the Nogai Horde occurred.
- 1324 and 1337: Tatar groups made incursions into Byzantine Thrace.
See also
- Destruction under the Mongol Empire
- Genghis Khan
