The Mongols had invaded eastern Persia several decades previously, overthrowing the Shansabanid Dynasty that had provoked it. Regular skirmishes with the Bagratid realms of the west soon became commonplace, but neither side was yet willing to allow war to break out. However, by the 1250s, relations had become more hostile, and the Mongol Great Khan sent his brother Hulagu to subdue the Bagratids once and for all.