The Interpretation of the “Great Stand on the Ugra River” in 1480

Abstract

Objective: Based on a systematic method of historical information and a partial historical reconstruction using narrative sources, the objective here is to cast doubt on the interpretation of the Great Stand on the Ugra River in 1480 as the liberation of Rus’ian lands from dependence on the Horde. Research materials: A number of synchronous annalistic sources and acts containing information about the event. This material obviously contradicts the Soviet interpretation of the issue, which has remained popular in modern historiography. In addition, modern domestic and foreign studies also contain voluminous materials that do not allow us to consider this event as a release from Horde. Results and novelty of the research: The published sources do not allow us to consider the Great Stand on the Ugra River in 1480 as an event that put an end to the dependence of the Rus’ian lands on the Horde. Several obvious circumstances provide evidence for the judgment advanced here. Firstly, the chronicles attribute the resolution of this conflict to divine power and describe this event in a way that does not allow us to consider it as a victory for either the Rus’ian or the Horde’s military forces. Secondly, the continued payment of tribute to the Tatar khanates indicates both the long-term dependence of the Rus’ian lands and the preservation of the internal unity of the post-Horde political space which continued to pose a threat to the Moscow state. The research results are shared by modern experts on the history of the Golden Horde and the Tatar Khanates.

Keywords

• great stand on the ugra river
• akhmat khan
• grand duke of moscow ivan iii
• moscow state
• golden horde