Vladimir was founded in 1108 by Vladimir Monomakh. There is an alternative version that ascribes the foundation of the city to Vladimir the Red Sun in 990. The city's period of greatest importance was probably in the late 12th andIn 1238, Vladimir was besieged and taken by the Mongol hordes under Batu Khan. The city never recovered fully. early 13th century, up to the Mongol invasion.