How the Mongols Lost Russia - Medieval History Animated DOCUMENTARY

Kings and Generals・2 minutes read

The Mongol conquest of the Rus’ principalities resulted in reorganized society and economic changes, leading to the decline of the Golden Horde due to internal strife and external challenges from rival khans. Ivan III of Moscow's defiance of paying tribute to the Khan in 1471 sparked tensions and conflicts, culminating in Ahmad Khan's unsuccessful attacks and eventual murder, followed by internal strife within his successor Shaykh Ahmad Khan's reign until defeat by Mengli Giray of Crimea in 1502.

Insights

  • The Mongol conquest of the Rus’ principalities led to the reorganization of society under Mongol elite control, establishing settlements and cities like Sarai al-Jadid.
  • The decline of the Golden Horde began with environmental changes and internal strife after the death of Khan Özbeg, leading to fragmentation and rival khans vying for power, ultimately impacting the succession in neighboring regions like Kazan and Astrakhan.

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Recent questions

  • How did Mongol rule impact society in the steppes?

    It reorganized society into uluses controlled by Mongols. The Mongol elite divided people and established settlements and cities, with Sarai al-Jadid being one of the largest.

  • What factors contributed to the decline of the Golden Horde?

    Environmental changes like desertification and the Black Death played a role. Internal strife after Khan Özbeg's death and challenges from claimants to the throne weakened the Horde.

  • Who reestablished central authority in the Golden Horde?

    Toqtamish reestablished central authority but faced opposition from Tamerlane, leading to the Horde's decline. Edigü, empowered by Tamerlane, controlled succession, reducing khans to puppets.

  • How did Ivan III of Moscow interact with the Golden Horde?

    Ivan III maintained dominance over other principalities and recognized the Khan's overlordship. Tensions arose when Ivan stopped paying tribute in 1471, leading to conflicts with Ahmad Khan.

  • What led to Shaykh Ahmad Khan's final defeat?

    Shaykh Ahmad faced internal strife and external challenges, including Ivan III's alliance with Crimea against him, famine, and failed military alliances. His defeat in 1502 by Mengli Giray of Crimea led to his capture and imprisonment.

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Summary

00:00

Mongol Conquest and Decline of Golden Horde

  • The Mongol conquest of the Rus’ principalities was a gradual process involving political, economic, military, and environmental shifts.
  • The Rus’ principalities were vassals of the Golden Horde, providing tax, tribute, and soldiers to the khan.
  • Mongol rule reorganized society in the steppes, dividing people into uluses controlled by the Mongol elite.
  • The Mongol rule led to the establishment of settlements and cities, with Sarai al-Jadid being one of the largest.
  • The Golden Horde's economy thrived on agricultural production, livestock, and overland trade routes.
  • The decline of the Golden Horde began with environmental changes, including desertification and the Black Death.
  • After the death of Khan Özbeg, the Golden Horde faced internal strife and challenges from various claimants to the throne.
  • Toqtamish reestablished central authority in the Golden Horde but faced opposition from Tamerlane, leading to the Horde's decline.
  • Edigü, empowered by Tamerlane, controlled the succession in the Golden Horde, reducing the khans to puppets.
  • The Golden Horde fragmented into smaller powers in the early 15th century, with rival khans vying for control and stability remaining elusive.

13:24

Ivan III defies Khan, Ahmad Khan defeated.

  • Ivan III of Moscow maintained dominance over other principalities and recognized the Khan's overlordship, but stopped paying tribute in 1471, leading to tensions with Ahmad Khan.
  • Ahmad Khan, frustrated by Ivan's defiance, attempted attacks in 1472 and 1480, the latter in cooperation with Casimir IV of Poland, but retreated after Casimir failed to show up, and was later murdered.
  • Shaykh Ahmad Khan, Ahmad's successor, faced internal strife and external challenges, including Ivan III's alliance with Crimea against him, famine, and failed military alliances.
  • Shaykh Ahmad's final defeat in 1502 by Mengli Giray of Crimea led to his capture and imprisonment, while the Giray Khans continued to rise in power, influencing the succession in Kazan and Astrakhan.
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