jjares reviewed Medieval Russia: A Captivating Guide to Russian History during the Middle Ages (Exploring Russia's Past) on + 3275 more book reviews
These are fascinating pages about the middle ages of Russian history; it covers about 800 years from the 9th to the 17th centuries. The earliest independent state in Russia was in Kyiv. With the murder of Prince Igor, the Kievan Rus were without a leader. So, Olga, the widow of Igor, ruled for several years until her son was old enough to rule. She maintained good relations with the Byzantines. During her time, she converted to Christianity -- even though Kyiv was pagan.
The Mongols ruled Russia for 240 years, between the 1200s and 1400s CE. They allowed the Russians to maintain their customs, language, and government. It took the Muscovites 100 years to earn independence from the Golden Horde. Ivan III was the grand duke of Moscow from 1462 to 1505. He unified Russian lands and started the Muscovite Russia.
As Moscow became a more important city, the Orthodox See moved there, making it the spiritual capital of Russia. Moscow was called "the third Rome." This book illustrates the Russians' incredible difficulty in creating their own country. The author ends the book at the time of the Romanov's rising to power. Much of Russia's Middle Ages was a time of great stress and instability.
The Mongols ruled Russia for 240 years, between the 1200s and 1400s CE. They allowed the Russians to maintain their customs, language, and government. It took the Muscovites 100 years to earn independence from the Golden Horde. Ivan III was the grand duke of Moscow from 1462 to 1505. He unified Russian lands and started the Muscovite Russia.
As Moscow became a more important city, the Orthodox See moved there, making it the spiritual capital of Russia. Moscow was called "the third Rome." This book illustrates the Russians' incredible difficulty in creating their own country. The author ends the book at the time of the Romanov's rising to power. Much of Russia's Middle Ages was a time of great stress and instability.
