what significant contribution to Russian history did Prince Ivan III make?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_III_of_Russia

Unless you mean some other Ivan III.

Prince Ivan III, also known as Ivan the Great, made significant contributions to Russian history during his reign from 1462 to 1505. Here is an explanation of his major accomplishments:

1. Centralization of Power: Ivan III successfully unified various Russian territories, which were previously fragmented and controlled by local princes. He expanded the territory of Moscow and brought numerous regions under his rule. This centralization of power laid the groundwork for the transformation of Moscow into the capital of the future Russian Empire.

2. Defeat of the Mongols: Under Ivan III's leadership, Moscow was able to assert its independence from the Mongol-Tatar Golden Horde, which had ruled over Russia for hundreds of years. In 1480, Ivan III refused to pay tribute to the Mongols, marking a significant turning point and effectively signaling the end of Mongol domination in Russia.

3. Expansion of Territory: Ivan III pursued an aggressive territorial expansion policy, annexing several neighboring territories. He incorporated powerful medieval cities such as Novgorod, Tver, and Pskov into his realm, thereby consolidating his power and extending Russian influence.

4. Cultural Renaissance: Ivan III's reign witnessed a flourishing of culture and arts, often referred to as the "Moscow Renaissance." He actively patronized artists, architects, and scholars, attracting Italian architects to Moscow, which led to the development of distinctive Russian architectural styles, exemplified by the construction of the Kremlin and various churches.

5. Formation of a Strong Autocracy: Ivan III's reign marked the beginning of the centralized autocratic rule in Russia. By consolidating power, he laid the foundation for subsequent tsars to assert more control and establish an absolute monarchy, which shaped Russia's political structure for centuries to come.

In order to confirm or delve deeper into these contributions, you can refer to historical books, scholarly articles, or online resources specifically dedicated to the study of Russian history during Ivan III's reign.