Muscovy and the Mongols Cross-Cultural Influences on the Steppe Frontier, 1304–1589

Study of the impact of the Mongols on the Rus lands using a broad and extensive source base.

The importance of the Mongols' impact on the Rus lands has been recognised by many scholars, but its precise nature and extent is very contentious. While diverse opinions exist on the origins and development of Muscovy, the author argues that no society arises ex nihilo and that Muscovy is no exception. In this 1998 book, Donald Ostrowski considers the outside origins and influences, as well as indigenous origins and development, in order that the reader may gain a clearer understanding of Muscovy as a political entity, its political institutions and political culture. He shows that during the early period of Muscovy (1304–1448) the ecclesiastical and secular institutions were affected by two different outside influences, Byzantium and the Qipchaq Khanate, respectively. In considering these outside influences, he has set out to study Muscovy as an integral and important part of world history.

Preface; Introduction: understanding Muscovy; Part I. Mongol Influence: What's What and What's Not: 1. Setting the scene; 2. Administration, political institutions and the military; 3. Seclusion of women; 4. Oriental despotism; 5. Economic oppression; Part II. Development of an Anti-Tatar Ideology in the Muscovite Church: 6. Defining ideology; 7. Anti-Tatar interpolations in the Rus' chronicles; 8. Fashioning the Khan into a Basileus; 9. Byzantine political thought and Muscovy; 10. Third Rome - delimiting the ruler's power and authority; 11. The myth of the 'Tatar Yoke'; Addendum: types of cross-cultural influence; Glossary; Chronology; Works cited; Abbreviations; Sources; Studies.

In examining the Mongol influence on Muscovy, Donald Ostrowski places Muscovy in the context of world history. In this 1998 book, he discusses the different cultures which influenced its development and shows that the ecclesiastical and secular establishments were affected by two dominant influences: Byzantium and the Qipchaq Khanate.