The Cuman Threat to Rus'

Timeline

1. 1161–1165Pereyaslavl and Chernihiv frontier · UkraineCuman cavalry tribes repeatedly crossed the Dnieper defensive line, attacking Rus' towns and trade routes, forcing the southern principalities to build fortresses and levy troops to cope with the persistent steppe threat.
2. 1165–1170Southern steppe of Rus' · UkraineThe Rus' grand princes organized joint expeditions deep into the steppe while simultaneously using marriage alliances and tribute to purchase temporary peace. This dual strategy became a typical pattern of southern politics in the 1160s, but failed to eradicate the Cuman threat.