Ivan III, also known as Ivan the Great, was the first Russian ruler to call himself “tsar” and “Ruler of All Russia.” He also managed to achieve independence for Russia by resisting the weakened khan of the Golden Horde during the 15th century.
Ivan III as a Gatherer of Russian Lands
Ivan III attempted to unify all Russian lands under one ruler – himself. Even though it interrupted the traditional lines of succession, he often claimed Russian cities for himself instead of allowing the next claimant to inherit the rights to rule. Novgorod, used to centuries of independence and strength, resisted Ivan. However, Ivan II took over Novgorod and removed the bell that called the city council to meetings, symbolically as well as literally removing their ability to administrate independently from Moscow.
Most of Russia's land was owned by the tsar, the church, or noble landowners; the tsar had plenty of land to spare. To raise a loyal army, Ivan III granted land in return for military service. Peasants were not permitted to own land, so land granted by the tsar served to raise individuals in society's hierarchy. With his army, Ivan III was able to gain for Russia lands whose leaders desired to stay separate from Moscow.
Ivan III and the Mongols
Ivan the Great was able to resist the Golden Horde towards the end of the 15th century. By this time, tribute was not officially paid to the khan, but regular monetary gifts were still sent to the Golden Horde. Ivan finally decided to oppose the Mongols. The Golden Horde was too weak to subjugate Russia once again, even though they Mongols attempted military force against Ivan III's army.
Marriage to Sophie
Ivan the Great's marriage to Zoe Palaeologus was his second marriage. Zoe, who took the name Sophia, was the niece of the last emperor of Byzantium. The marriage passed onto Ivan III the responsibilities of defender of the Orthodox faith. In addition, Sophia introduced Byzantine court life to Moscow and encouraged other influences from Byzantium. Ivan the Great took as Russia's symbol the double-headed eagle (a symbol of Byzantium), accepted Sophia's request for Italian architects to beautify Moscow, and introduced the coronation ceremony into court.
Ivan III's strengthening power was also encourage by Sophia. Ivan the Great grew to see Moscow as the “third Rome” - following Rome and Constantinople as the centers for Christianity.
References
Duffey, James P. and Ricci, Vincent L. Czars: Russia's Rulers for Over One Thousand Years. New York: Barnes & Noble Books, 1995.
Dvornik, Frances. The Slavs in European History and Civilization. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1962.
Massie, Suzanne. Land of the Firebirds: The Beauty of Old Russia. Blue Hill: HeartTree Press, 1980
Kerry Kubilius - A graduate of Ohio State University, Kerry has a BA in Russian and a BA in History of Art with a focus on Eastern European art. She also ...
