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