Post on 19-Dec-2015
THE RISE OF MOSCOW
THE RISE OF MOSCOW
THE RISE FROM OBSCURITY
Prince Yuri Dolgorukii (Long-arm) laid foundations in 1156
Sacked by Mongols in 1238
Recognized as principality, 1263
THE RISE OF MOSCOW
THE MUSCOVITE PRINCES
Daniil (son of Alexander Nevskii)
Began building & extending
Yuri gained control of Moscow River
Rivalry with TverPrince Daniil (r. 1283-1303)
Prince Yuri (r.1303-1325)
THE RISE OF MOSCOW
THE MUSCOVITE PRINCES
Ivan Kalita (Moneybag) = Ivan I
Defeated Tver
“Gathering of Russian lands”
Moscow as religious center
Simeon the Proud
Continues expansion
First to call himself Prince “of all Russia”
Ivan I (r. 1325-1341)
Metropolitan Peter
THE RISE OF MOSCOW
CHALLENGE TO MONGOLS
As Moscow strengthened, Mongols weakened
Grand Prince Dmitrii
Builds stone walls of Kremlin, 1368
Gets ready for confrontation
THE RISE OF MOSCOW
CHALLENGE TO MONGOLS
Dmitrii engages Mongols
Defeats them on Vozha River, 1378
Defeats them at Battle of Kulikovo near Don River, 1380
THE RISE OF MOSCOW
CHALLENGE TO MONGOLS
Significance of Kulikovo victory:
Marks new role for Moscow
Ends image of Mongols as invincible
Does not end Mongol rule, but weakens its grip
THE RISE OF MOSCOW
UNIFICATION OF MUSCOVY
Vasilii I = new prince, 1389
Gained significant territory
Vasilii’s death caused succession struggle (only one in Muscovy)
Vasilii II (the Blind) emerges as Prince, 1448
Asserts independence against fragmented Mongol Empire
After 1452, Moscow practically free of Mongol rule
THE RISE OF MOSCOW
UNIFICATION OF MUSCOVY
Ivan III (the Great) = new prince, 1462
Begins new period – Muscovite Russia
End of disunity & rise of autocracy
Ivan III solidified Moscow’s position
Continues expansion, absorbs old rivals
Greatly increases authority & prestige of Grand Prince
Ivan III (r. 1462-1505
THE RISE OF MOSCOW
WHY DID MOSCOW SUCCEED?
Geographic location
Role of princes
Relationship with Mongols
Role of Church