Who did more to advance Russian rule during the rise of Russia? the Byzantine, the mongols, Ivan the great, or Ivan the terrible. and WHY?
To determine who did more to advance Russian rule during the rise of Russia - the Byzantine Empire, the Mongols, Ivan the Great, or Ivan the Terrible - we need to consider the historical context and the impact each entity had on Russia's political, cultural, and territorial development.
1. Byzantine Empire:
The Byzantine Empire, centered around Constantinople, had a significant influence on medieval Russia. The Byzantines introduced Eastern Orthodox Christianity to the region, which became a vital element of Russian society. Byzantine culture, art, and architecture also played a role in shaping Russia's identity. However, the Byzantine Empire did not directly impact the rise of Russian rule as much as the other options.
2. Mongols:
The Mongol Empire, specifically the Golden Horde, conquered and ruled over vast territories, including Russia, during the 13th and 14th centuries. The Mongols implemented a system of indirect rule, known as the "Tatar Yoke," which greatly impacted Russian society. Under Mongol rule, Russia had to pay tribute to the Khan and suffered from economic and political subservience. However, the Mongols inadvertently helped unify the fragmented Russian principalities through their shared oppression, and their presence stimulated cultural exchanges with other parts of the Mongol Empire.
3. Ivan the Great (Ivan III):
Ivan III, also known as Ivan the Great, ruled as the Grand Prince of Moscow from 1462 to 1505. He played a crucial role in consolidating Russian lands and challenging Mongol rule. Ivan III successfully expanded the territory of Moscow and refused to pay tribute to the Mongols, setting the stage for the decline of Mongol influence. He also married Sophia Paleologue, the niece of the last Byzantine Emperor, which further enhanced the Byzantine influence on Russian culture. Ivan the Great's strong leadership and territorial gains laid the foundation for a more centralized and powerful Russian state.
4. Ivan the Terrible (Ivan IV):
Ivan IV, also known as Ivan the Terrible, was the first Tsar of Russia, reigning from 1547 to 1584. His rule marked a significant transition in Russian history, characterized by both expansion and brutality. Ivan IV expanded Russia's territory eastward, adding vast regions to the Russian state. However, his reign was also marked by severe repression, including the infamous oprichnina, a period of mass executions and persecutions. While Ivan the Terrible expanded Russian borders, his tyrannical rule hindered long-term stability and progress.
Considering the historical impact and the scale of their contributions, the person who did more to advance Russian rule during the rise of Russia would be Ivan the Great (Ivan III). He managed to consolidate Russian lands, challenge Mongol rule, and lay the groundwork for a more centralized state, thus paving the way for subsequent expansion and development. However, it's important to note that all of the mentioned entities played significant roles and contributed to different aspects of Russian history and culture.