c. 1203-c. 1255

Mongol military commander and ruler who extended the Mongol Empire in Europe. The grandson of Genghis Khan (founder of the Mongol Empire), Batu was chosen in 1235 by his uncle Ogodei Khan, Genghis Khan's successor, to command the western part of the Mongol Empire. During 1237-1241, he conquered Russia, Poland, and Hungary. Batu succeed Ogodei Khan in 1242 and established Kipchak Khanate, known as the Golden Horde because of its beautiful tents.