Battle of Qatwan

Battle of Qatwan

Configuration of the Battle of Qatwan.
Date9 September 1141
Location
North of Samarkand
39°48′N 66°54′E / 39.8°N 66.9°E / 39.8; 66.9
Result Qara Khitai (Western Liao) victory[1]
Belligerents
Qara Khitai (Western Liao)
Karluks		 Great Seljuq Empire
Kara-Khanids
Kakuyids
Commanders and leaders
Yelü Dashi Ahmed Sanjar
Garshasp II  †
Mahmud Qarakhan
Strength
20,000[2]–300,000–700,000 (exaggerated Muslim figure)[3][a] 100,000[4]
Casualties and losses
Unknown 50,000[5]
Battle of Qatwan is located in West and Central Asia
Battle of Qatwan
Battle of Qatwan
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Location within West and Central Asia

The Battle of Qatwan (Chinese: 卡特萬之戰) was fought in September 1141 between the Qara Khitai (Western Liao dynasty) and the Seljuk Empire and its vassal-state the Kara-Khanid Khanate. The battle ended in a decisive defeat for the Seljuks, signaling the beginning of the end of the Great Seljuk Empire.

  1. ^ Biran 2005, p. 41.
  2. ^ Asimov 1999, p. 238.
  3. ^ Biran 2001, p. 61.
  4. ^ a b Nowell 1953, p. 442.
  5. ^ Bosworth 1970, p. 90.


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