Vasily II of Moscow

Vasily II ruled as Grand Prince of Moscow from 1425 to 1462. Known as Vasily the Blind, he prevailed in a prolonged dynastic war and strengthened Moscow’s authority over rival principalities.

Vasily I of Moscow: Vasily I ruled as Grand Prince of Moscow from 1389 to 1425 and was Vasily II’s father. His death in 1425 left the succession contested between his son and brother.
Battle of the Lipitsa River: The Battle of the Lipitsa River was a 1445 defeat of Vasily II by forces associated with the Kazan Khanate. His capture after this battle left Moscow vulnerable to Dmitry Shemyaka’s coup.
Moscow Kremlin: The Moscow Kremlin is a fortified complex that served as the political and religious center of Muscovy. It was the seat of the government Vasily reclaimed and strengthened.
Grand Duchy of Moscow: The Grand Duchy of Moscow was a medieval Russian state centered on Moscow that expanded into a major power. Vasily’s reign strengthened this state against rival principalities.
Dmitry Donskoy: Dmitry Donskoy was Grand Prince of Moscow and Vladimir, remembered for his victory at Kulikovo in 1380. His testament helped create the inheritance dispute between Vasily II and Yuri of Zvenigorod.
Kazan Khanate: The Kazan Khanate was a Tatar state established in the middle Volga region in the fifteenth century. Its forces captured Vasily II after the 1445 battle and demanded a ransom.
Metropolitan Jonah of Moscow: Jonah was the Russian Orthodox metropolitan of Moscow from 1448 until his death in 1461. His election without Constantinople’s approval advanced the independence of the Moscow church under Vasily.
Muscovite Civil War: The Muscovite Civil War was a dynastic conflict from 1425 to 1453 over control of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Vasily II’s struggle with Yuri of Zvenigorod and his descendants dominated his reign.
Yuri of Zvenigorod: Yuri of Zvenigorod was a son of Dmitry Donskoy who challenged his nephew Vasily II for Moscow’s throne. His rival claim turned Vasily II’s succession into a civil war.
Battle of Suzdal: The Battle of Suzdal was a 1445 engagement in which Muscovite forces were defeated by the Kazan Khanate. The defeat led to Vasily II’s captivity and a crisis in Moscow.

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