The Battle of Kulikovo was fought between the armies of the Golden Horde under the command of Mamai, and various Russian principalities under the united command of Prince Dmitri of Moscow. The battle took place on September 8, 1380, at the Kulikovo Field near the Don River (now Tula Oblast, Russia). After approximately three hours of battle (from noon to 3pm) the Russian forces were successful, despite great casualties, in holding off the Horde's attack. The cavalry of Vladimir, Prince of Serpukhov (Dmitri's cousin), led by Prince Bobrok (Prince Dmitri's brother-in-law), launched a surprise counterstrike on the Horde's flank, which led to the collapse of the Horde's line. After the horde was routed, the Russians chased the Tatars for over 50 kilometers, until theiy reached Mecia. Although the victory did not end the Mongol domination over Russia, it is widely regarded by Russian historians as the turning point when Mongol influence began to wane and Muscovite power to rise. This process eventually led to Muscovite independence and formation of the modern Russian state.