The year of 1223 saw the
Mongol invasion of Belarus. The invasion of Belarus by Mongols started with the Battle of the Kalka River in 1223. The princes of Belarus worked as a cohesive unit to resist the Mongol invasion of Belarus.
The Mongols were led by Subutai. The nomadic Cumans had first informed the princes of Belarus about the approaching Mongol warriors towards Belarus. The settlements of the Cumans had already been invaded by the Mongols. The joined forces of the Belarus princes moved forward to protect their nation from the approaching Mongols. The battle took place near the Kalka River. Despite the brave efforts of the Belarus princes, they suffered a humiliating defeat in the hands of the Mongols.
After the defeat of Belarus in the Battle of the Kelka River, the people of Belarus felt highly insecure. But within a short time, the Mongols started backing out of Belarus. The princes of Belarus, once again regained their power. But after the Mongols backed out of Belarus, the princes of Belarus engaged in internal fights.
Belarus again experienced the Mongol invasion in 1237. The Mongols were led this time by Batu Khan. The army strength of 1, 50,000 of Batu Khan proved too strong for the princes of Belarus. From 1240, the Mongols started ruling Belarus. Their rule continued for the next 200 years. Historians feel that the Mongol invasion of Belarus had affected the development of Belarus.
