For the purpose of warding off the danger he called together the neighbouring Princes, and urged them to join him in an expedition against the new enemy.

The expedition was undertaken, and ended in disaster.

On the Kalka, a small river falling into the Sea of Azof, the Russian host met the invaders, and was completely routed.

The country was thereby opened to the victors, but they did not follow up their advantage.

After advancing for some distance they suddenly wheeled round and disappeared.
Thus ended unexpectedly the first visit of these unwelcome strangers.
Thirteen years afterwards they returned, and were not so easily got rid of.