In the 12th century many of these tribes became sedentary and town-based (within modern Cherkasy and southern Kiev oblasts). Their main city was Torchesk (next to the modern city of Kaharlyk). They also were used by Ruthenian princes for the defense of their southern borders against Cumans and took part in the political life of Ruthenia. After the Mongol invasion they were partially assimilated by neighboring people and partially deported by the Golden Horde rulers such as Uzbeg Khan (between 1340-1390) to the Central Asia.