Grand Principality of Moscow

A medieval and early modern Russian state centered on Moscow, which expanded from the thirteenth century and became the core of the Tsardom of Russia.

Mongol invasion of Rus': The thirteenth-century Mongol conquest that brought the Rus’ principalities under Mongol domination. The invasion reshaped regional power and created the political conditions in which Moscow rose.
Ivan II of Moscow: The prince of Moscow from 1353 to 1359, whose reign followed the Black Death’s arrival in the region. His succession continued the dynasty’s rule during a period of instability.
Fall of Constantinople: The Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, which ended the Byzantine Empire. Its aftermath helped shape Moscow’s later claims to inherit Byzantine religious and imperial standing.
Novgorod Republic: A medieval polity in northwestern Rus’ governed through institutions dominated by its city and elite. Novgorod was Moscow’s major northern rival before its annexation in 1478.
Golden Horde: A Mongol khanate that ruled much of eastern Europe and western Siberia from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century. Moscow’s princes gained authority and resources through their relationship with the Horde.
Dmitry Donskoy: The grand prince of Moscow from 1359 to 1389, remembered for his victory at Kulikovo. His military leadership expanded Moscow’s prestige and challenged Mongol power.
Ugra standoff: The 1480 confrontation between Ivan III’s forces and those of the Golden Horde that ended without a battle. It is commonly treated as the end of Mongol political supremacy over Moscow.
Grand Duchy of Lithuania: A medieval and early modern European state that ruled extensive territories across eastern Europe. Lithuania competed with Moscow for authority over former lands of Kyivan Rus’.
Daniil of Moscow: The youngest son of Alexander Nevsky and the first prince of Moscow, ruling from 1276 to 1303. His rule established the local dynasty that began Moscow’s territorial expansion.
Battle of Kulikovo: A 1380 battle in which forces led by Dmitry Donskoy defeated a Mongol army associated with Mamai. The victory became a landmark in Moscow’s claims to lead resistance against the Horde.

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