Medieval Moscow
Today (and tomorrow), we will clarify why Moscow became the political and cultural center of Russia, after the Mongol destruction of Kiev.
There are several reasons that Moscow became the center of Russia. First, it was a small town that received a huge influx of refugees after the Mongol destruction of Kiev. Secondly, it became the center of the Russian Orthodox church for the same reason (Kiev). Additionally, it was located near the headwaters of four rivers and three land trade routes, and quickly replaced Kiev as a trade center in Russia. It also received a protective iarlyk from the Mongols in return for the loyalty of Ivan I, and Moscow quickly became a favored Russian city of the Mongols. Moscow eventually grew so powerful that it was able to challenge the Mongol overlords in 1376, and lead Russia to its independence from the khan.
There are several reasons that Moscow became the center of Russia. First, it was a small town that received a huge influx of refugees after the Mongol destruction of Kiev. Secondly, it became the center of the Russian Orthodox church for the same reason (Kiev). Additionally, it was located near the headwaters of four rivers and three land trade routes, and quickly replaced Kiev as a trade center in Russia. It also received a protective iarlyk from the Mongols in return for the loyalty of Ivan I, and Moscow quickly became a favored Russian city of the Mongols. Moscow eventually grew so powerful that it was able to challenge the Mongol overlords in 1376, and lead Russia to its independence from the khan.