Stugna River, Battle of the
1093 CE
The Battle of the Stugna River (26 May 1093) is a battle between the princes of Kievan Rus', Sviatopolk II of Kiev and Vladimir Monomakh of Chernigov, and the nomadic Cumans tribe (Turkic speaking peoples).
The Kievan forces are defeated.
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The Cumans had raided Rus' soon after the death of Vsevolod and sought to buy peace with the new great prince, Sviatopolk.
However, Sviatopolk has incarcerated the Cumans ambassadors, and the Cumans have come in force to attack Kiev.
Facing an enemy army of eight thousand, Sviatopolk takes the advice of counsel and calls for help from Vladimir Monomakh, prince of Chernigov.
Monomakh comes with his troops and also calls upon his only brother, Rostislav of Pereyaslav.
Monomakh insists on peace with the Cumans while Sviatopolk wants war.
Union against the Cumans is achieved, and Sviatopolk releases the Cuman ambassadors.
The armies of the three princes join together and set out for the city of Trepol'.
Approaching the Stugna River, the princes are undecided, so they halt their advance to hold a council.
The Cumans are across the river.
Monomakh (whose wife is a Cuman princess) continues to demand that they sue for peace, but the Kievan troops want battle.
They cross the river and meet the Cumans in a valley at the rampart of Trepol'.
Svyatapolk deploys on the right, Rostislav in the center, and Vladimir on the left.
The Cumans first attack Sviatapolk's troops, and after a bloody battle, Sviatapolk's troops run.
Then Vladimir Monomakh is crushed and all the Kievan troops retreat.
Sviatapolk takes cover in Trepol', but Rostislav and Monomakh attempt to swim the Stugna River.
Rostislav, in a heavy chain armor, drowns.
Monomakh retreats to Chernigov and Sviatapolk retreats at night to Kiev.