Battle of Kulikovo - The Battle

The Battle

On the morning of September 8, thick fog covered the Kulikovo field. It cleared around 11 a.m., at which point both armies began advancing on each other.

The battle was opened by a single combat of two champions. The Russian champion was Alexander Peresvet, a monk from the Trinity Abbey sent to the battle by Saint Sergius. The Horde champion was Temir-murza (also Chelubey or Cheli-bey). The champions killed each other in the first run. According to Russian sources, Peresvet did not fall from the saddle, while Temir-murza did.

Dmitry exchanged his armor with young Moscow boyarin Mikhail Brenok, in order to pretend to be an ordinary knight. Brenok was to imitate the Prince himself, bearing his banner and wearing his armor. The trick was successful: the Tatars aimed at Dmitry's banner and ultimately killed Brenok, believing he was the Prince. Dmitry himself survived, although wounded, and immediately after the battle fainted from bleeding and exhaustion.

After approximately three hours of battle (from noon to 3 p.m.) the Russian forces were successful, despite great casualties, in holding off the Horde's attack. The cavalry of Vladimir, Prince of Serpukhov (Dmitri's cousin), led by Prince Bobrok (Dmitri's brother-in-law), launched a flanking surprise counterstrike and achieved victory over the Horde forces. Mamai escaped to the Crimea, where he was assassinated by his enemies, leaving the Horde under the command of Tokhtamysh.