Battle of the Terek River

The Battle of the Terek River was the last major battle of the Tokhtamysh–Timur war. It took place on 14 April 1395, at the Terek River, North Caucasus. The result was a victory for Timur.

Battle of the Terek River
Part of the Tokhtamysh–Timur war
Upper course of the Terek river, Northern Georgia
Date 14 April 1395 Location North Caucasus, Golden Horde Result Timurid victory
Belligerents
Timurid Empire	Golden Horde simsim
Commanders and leaders
Timur	Tokhtamysh
Strength
Unknown Modern estimates: ~300,000	Unknown Modern estimates: >300,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown Modern estimates: ~100,000	Unknown Modern estimates: >100,000 At least 10,000 deserted

Battle

Tokhtamysh's cavalry attacked the right flank and the center of Timur's army. Instead of forcing Timur's army back, some Golden Horde emirs went over to Timur's side. Timur, along with the defected emirs, defeated the left flank of Tokhtamysh's army, forcing his army into a rout. The victorious army of Timur dispersed Tokhtamysh's army.

Afterward

While pursuing Tokhtamysh, Timur annihilated the cities of Astrakhan, Sarai, and Azov.

Sources

• Manz, Beatrice (2000). "Timur Lang". In Bearman, P. J.; Bianquis, T.; Bosworth, C. E.; Van Donzel, E.; Heinrichs, W. P. (eds.). The Encyclopedia of Islam. Vol. X. Brill.
• Tucker, Spencer C., ed. (2010). "April 14, 1395: Central Asia and Russia". A Global Chronology of Conflict: From the Ancient World to the Modern Middle East. Vol. One: ca. 3000 BCE–1499 CE. ABC-CLIO.
• Van Donzel, E., ed. (1994). "Toqtamish, Ghiyath al-Din". Islamic Desk Reference. E.J. Brill.