# Siege of Kozelsk (1238)

URL: https://history-russia.com/timeline/1238-siege-of-kozelsk
Categories: battle

The small town of Kozelsk resisted the Mongols for seven weeks in the spring of 1238. When it fell, the entire population was killed, and the Mongols reportedly called it the 'evil city'. Kozelsk's defence became a legend of Russian resistance. Kozelsk remains a symbol of courage against overwhelming odds.

## Why it matters
Kozelsk remains a symbol of courage against overwhelming odds.

Ruler at the time: [Yaroslav II](https://history-russia.com/rulers/yaroslav-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Siege of Kozelsk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Kozelsk)
- [Wikipedia — Mongol invasion of Kievan Rus'](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongol_invasion_of_Kievan_Rus')
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Siege of Kozelsk](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Siege+of+Kozelsk)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of Russian history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Russian_history)