Batu Khan was a prominent Mongol ruler and the founder of the Golden Horde (also known as the Kipchak Khanate). As the second son of Jochi and the grandson of Genghis Khan, he inherited the westernmost territories of the Mongol Empire. In 1235, the Great Khan รgedei appointed Batu to command a massive expeditionary force of over 100,000 warriors to conquer the lands of Eastern Europe. He was accompanied and advised by the legendary Mongol strategist Subutai, who had previously explored the region during a scouting raid.
Under his leadership, the Mongol forces began their campaign in 1236, systematically defeating Volga Bulgaria and conquering the principalities of Kyivan Rus'. The campaign reached a major turning point with the brutal siege and destruction of the historic capital of Kyiv in 1240. Pushing further west, Batu's armies split into multiple columns, defeating the Polish and Teutonic coalition at the Battle of Legnica and crushing the Hungarian army at the Battle of Mohi in 1241. However, upon learning of the death of Great Khan รgedei in late 1241, Batu decided to withdraw his forces to the Volga River region to participate in the succession council, establishing his capital at Sarai.
According to historical legends, Batu was known as a leader who valued justice and fairness among his subjects. In Mongolian tradition, he was referred to as 'Sain Khan' (the Good/Merciful Khan) due to his benevolent rule over his own people, contrasting with his terrifying military reputation in Europe. The name 'Golden Horde' itself is believed by legend to have originated from the magnificent gilded tent (ordo) that Batu pitched along the banks of the Volga River, demonstrating the immense wealth and power of his court. The legend of the 'Invisible City of Kitezh' also stems from his campaign, where a mythical city allegedly sank into a lake to escape destruction by Batu's army.