Siege of Kiev

Siege of Kiev
Part of Mongol conquest of Russia
Date November 28-December 6, 1240 Location Kiev Result Mongol victory; Kiev captured and plundered
Belligerents
Mongol Empire	‎ Halych-Volhynia
Commanders
Batu Khan	Voivode Dmytro
Strength
Unknown; probably large	~1000
Casualties and losses
Unknown; not very heavy	~48 000 (including noncombatants) killed

The Siege of Kiev by the Mongols took place between November 28th and December 6th, 1240, resulting in a Mongol victory. It was a heavy moral and military blow to Halych-Volhynia and allowed Batu Khan to proceed westward into Europe.^[1]

Background

In 1237, the Mongols began their invasion of Rus by conquering the northern principalities of Ryazan and Vladimir-Suzdal. In 1239, they advanced against southern Rus, capturing the cities of Pereyaslav and Chernihiv.

The next year, the Mongol general Batu Khan reached Kiev. At the time, the city was ruled by the principality of Halych-Volhynia. The chief commander in Kiev was Dmytro, general of Danylo of Halych's who fled to Central Europe. The number of defenders inside the city was only about 1000.

The Siege

The vanguard army under Batu's cousin Mongke came near the city. Mongke was apparently taken by the splendor of Kiev and offered the city surrender, but his envoys were killed. The Mongol had no choice but assault. Batu Khan crushed the forces of the Rus vassals, the Chorni Klobuky, who were on their way to relieve Kiev, and the entire Mongol army camped outside the city gates, joining Mongke's troops.

On November 28th the Mongols set up catapults near Kiev's Polish gates, where tree cover extended almost to the city walls, and began a bombardment that lasted several days. On December 5th, Kiev's walls were breached, and hand to hand combat followed in the streets. The Kievans suffered heavy losses and Dmytro was wounded by an arrow.

When night fell the Mongols held their positions while the Kievans retreated to the central parts of the city. Many people crowded into the Church of the Tithes. The next day, as the Mongols commenced the final assault, the church's balcony collapsed under the weight of the people standing on it, crushing many. After the Mongols won the battle, they plundered Kiev. Most of the population was massacred (out of 50 000 inhabitants before the invasion, 2000 survived). Most of the city was burned and only six out of forty major buildings remained standing. Dmytro, however, was shown mercy for his bravery.

After their victory at Kiev, the Mongols were free to advance into Halych-Volhynia and Poland.

References