The Russian conquest of Siberia, a pivotal early European colonial campaign, unfolded from 1581 to 1778, largely driven by adventurous Cossack explorers. It traditionally began in July 1581 when Yermak Timofeyevich led a force into the territory of the Sibir Khanate, ruled by Kuchum Khan. Despite fierce resistance from indigenous peoples and often committing atrocities, Yermak's forces successfully captured the capital, Qashliq, on October 26, 1582.
However, Yermak was ambushed and killed by Kuchum Khan in August 1584. The Russians returned in 1586, establishing forts like Tyumen, and continued their expansion. Kuchum Khan ultimately met his defeat in August 1598 at the Battle of Irmen, where his royal family was captured, effectively ending his political influence. This persistent, often brutal, annexation integrated vast Siberian territories and their diverse peoples into the growing Russian state.