| The period of fragmentation (until the beginning of the XVI century). The period from the middle of the 12th century to the beginning of the 16th century covers fragmentation in Russia, the invasion of the Mongol-Tatars, dependence on the Golden Horde, and the formation of a centralized Moscow state. Here are the key events of this time: |
After the death of Mstislav the Great in 1132, Kievan Rus finally broke up into several independent principalities: Vladimir-Suzdal, Galicia-Volhynia, Chernigov, Novgorod Land and others. The principalities were constantly fighting among themselves for control of Kiev and other important lands, which weakened the Russian lands.
Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky of Vladimir and Suzdal captured and plundered Kiev, showing that the political center of Russia was shifting to the northeast, to the lands of Vladimir and Suzdal. This event marked the decline in the importance of Kiev and the strengthening of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality.
The troops of the Mongol Khan Batu invaded the territory of Russia, destroying major cities, including Ryazan, Vladimir, and Kiev. In 1240, the Mongols captured Kiev, finally destroying its political power. This marked the beginning of the Mongol-Tatar yoke, which lasted about 240 years. The Russian principalities were forced to pay tribute and submit to the Golden Horde.
Novgorod was able to avoid complete destruction from the Mongols due to its remote location and diplomacy. During this period, the Novgorod Republic became an important center of trade, self-government, and culture, remaining independent of the Horde's rule.
The Grand Duchy of Moscow, under the leadership of Prince Dmitry Donskoy, defeated the troops of the Golden Horde led by Khan Mamai on Kulikovo Field. Although the Horde's dependence was not completely lifted, this victory strengthened Moscow's authority and awakened hope for liberation from the Horde yoke.
Prince Ivan III the Great of Moscow refused to pay tribute to the Horde, which led to a confrontation with Khan Akhmat. The stand on the Ugra River ended with the withdrawal of the Horde troops, and Russia was finally freed from dependence. This event is considered the end of the Mongol-Tatar yoke and an important step towards strengthening the Moscow state.
Ivan III began the unification of the Russian lands around Moscow, annexing Novgorod in 1478 and Tver in 1485. He assumed the title of "sovereign of all Russia" and approved a system of centralized government. Ivan III also strengthened relations with Europe by marrying Sophia Palaiologos, the niece of the last Byzantine emperor, which allowed him to adopt Byzantine symbols of power.
The judicial Code became the first set of laws of the Moscow state, regulating the relationship between various strata of society and establishing the order of the court. He also consolidated the beginning of serfdom, limited the transfer of peasants from one feudal lord to another only on St. George's Day.
By the beginning of the 16th century, the Moscow Principality had become the main center of the unification of Russian lands. After the reign of Ivan III, the Muscovite state established itself as the heir of Kievan Rus and the successor of Byzantine traditions, becoming the dominant force in the Eastern European arena.