Russia Engages the World

From the Fall of Constantinople to the Reign of Ivan the Terrible: A Summary of Russian History

Introduction

Prior to 1453

The Period of Mongol Invasion and Rule, 1237–1480

Muscovy Emerges as a Power

1453–1584: Moscow Becomes the "Third Rome"

Ivan IV Descends into Madness

From the Fall of Constantinople to the Reign of Ivan the Terrible: A Summary of World History

Europe

Eurasia

Russia's Globalization:
A Key

Events marked are specific to Muscovy/Russia's internal development.
Those marked are important world historical or cultural events.
indicates specific points of sociocultural or military engagement between Muscovy/Russia and foreign powers or individuals.

The English View Muscovy as Brutish

Photographic Service & Permissions ID:1167857

Giles Fletcher (ca. 1549–1611) Of the Russe Common Wealth London: Printed by T[homas] D[awson] for Thomas Charde, 1591 NYPL, Rare Books Division Westerners frequently complained of their treatment at the hands of the Russians, whom they found brutish by the refined standards of Europe. Judging by the severe tenor of Giles Fletcher’s work, the English ambassador seems to have been mistreated more than most – indeed, he spent some three weeks sequestered in poor lodgings before even receiving an audience with Tsar Fedor (r. 1584–98). Fletcher describes the tsar’s rule as a perfect tyranny, and his subjects as ignorant slaves. Such attitudes were not at all uncommon among European visitors.