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Novgorod , unique status, rich trade center, called "Lord the
Great Novgorod". Ruled by the town meetings (veche) called by a special
"veche bell", princes were elected and hired by citizens. Was
not destroyed by Tatar-Mongols since preferred to pay them. But had to reflect
attacks from the West. Novgorod had paved roads and high percent of literacy
among its population. |
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Mongol Invasion (1237-1240),
followed by almost two centuries of Tatar (Tatar-Mongol) Yoke. Majority
of Russian cities destroyed (except for Novgorod and Pskov). Russia pays
taxes to Golden Horde Empire. |
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Alexander Nevsky (1220-1263). While being Prince of Novgorod defeated
the Teutonic knights in the "Massacre on Ice" battle on the narrow
channel between the Lakes Chud and Pskov. This famous victory became a central
episode in the movie by Sergei Eisenstein (1938) "Alexander
Nevsky" (music by S. Prokofiev). |
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St. Sergius of Radonezh. Sergey Radonezhsky founded The Holy Trinity
Lavra (Monastery), inspired unification of Russia and struggle against Mongols,
denounced fuedal strife. |
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The Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra. Became the center of spirituality
and ideas of togetherness. |
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Holy
Trinity by Andrei Rublev (1360-1430) painted in 1411. Adrei Rublev's
beliefs conformed with the ideas of St. Sergius. |
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St. Sergius of Radonezh is giving his blessing to Dmitry (Donskoi) before
the battle on Kulikovo Field, 1380, the first significant victory of Russians
over Mongols. |
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The Vladimir Mother of God, 12th century, is said to have shielded Moscow
from many attacks, and protected the army of Dmitry at the Kulikovo Battle. |
