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 contacts of the East Slavs with the world beyond the borders of their territory were long, extensive, and defining. The first Russian state was founded in the 9th century by Vikings from Scandinavia in the north; Kievan Rus' received its religious and cultural orientation from the Byzantine Empire in the south; trading and cultural relations were established with European countries in the west; and a series of fierce nomadic tribes from the east had threatened the territory since the 7th century B.C.E., with the Mongols destroying Kievan Rus' in the 13th century C.E. Under Mongol domination, Russians were cut off from their previous international contacts until the 15th century, when a new state, Muscovy, slowly began to emerge from isolation.