The first years of the 13th century saw death and destruction throughout Eastern Europe. The Mongols had worked their way through central Asia, into, Russia and beyond. The Mongol army killed everyone in its path, bringing down cities, torturing captives, and striking fear into peasants and noblemen alike. By the middle of the century, most of Russia was under Mongol control.
The Golden Horde's Headquarters in Sarai
Although Temuchin, better known as Genghis Khan, was the instigator of the Mongol conquest, other khans followed his lead. The khan set up a headquarters outside of Mongolia on the lower Volga River in Sarai. This stronghold became known as the Golden Horde. It was to Sarai that many Russian grand princes, as well as would-be grand princes or those who coveted the title, would go to pay tribute and to gain the khan's favor. Yaroslav II was the first Russian grand prince to act as vassal of the khan.
The Khan's Appointment of Grand Princes
While the khan appointed the grand prince, Russian princes could rule as they chose as long as tribute was paid. The khan favored strong grand princes who could maintain order and encourage or force his people to pay taxes for tribute. When one grand prince died, those claiming the right to rule would visit the khan in hopes of the khan granting him charter. This situation encouraged political maneuvering, and intrigue, and murder. Nevertheless, the khan sometimes appointed grand princes according to whim. Though traditions of succession were often followed, the khan had final word in the appointment of Russian grand princes.
Tribute Money
In order to maintain relative peace, Russian princes were forced to pay tribute money to the khan. Tribute money was collected in the form of taxation. The poorest peasants dealt with increasing taxes as tribute requirements increased. The ensuing unrest created resistance against the Mongols, which lead ultimately to more murder and destruction of property. While legends tell of the residents of Russian cities like Ryazin who died rather than give into the demands of the Golden Horde, it was understood that tribute money was the only way to keep the Mongols from slaughtering the population. Alexander Nevsky was one leader who set an example for dealing with the Horde by accepting the khan's terms.
References
Duffey, James P. and Ricci, Vincent L. Czars: Russia's Rulers for Over One Thousand Years. New York: Barnes & Noble Books, 1995.
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 ...
