The reasons for the rise of Moscow

Moscow is a hero city, the capital of Russia, the oldest stronghold of Russian culture and statehood.

During its history, it has experienced many crises, has seen competent rulers and despots. However, the most interesting history for the researchers is the history of the city. How was the small settlement that emerged under the leadership of Yuri Dolgoruky, turned into the main city of Russia?

The reasons for the rise of Moscow are ambiguous and very peculiar. In fact, every ruler contributed to the creation of the greatest city on Russian soil. However, this article is devoted to revealing the true and underlying reasons for its elevation.

1) Moscow was located in a surprisingly convenient and comfortable for trade area. The main trade routes passed through it, almost all roads ran. We can say that Moscow is located in the heart of Russia. Actually the first mention of the city reached the contemporaries and dates back to 1147. Judging by the annals, the city was ordered to lay Yuri Dolgoruky. Some of the modern scientists are not sure that it was he who took part in the creation of Moscow, however, this is an established historical fact that has been deposited in the memory of generations. If you believe the chronicles, Dolgoruky was fascinated by this land, its favorable location and fertility of soils. Soon, the Muscovites themselves realized that in their hands is a true treasure, which has incredible value for the entire state. The city began to grow rich before our very eyes.

2) The competent policy of the princes is another reason for the rise of Moscow. The reasons for this might not have been, had it not been for the notorious fragmentation. Each prince strove to conquer as much territory as possible, and after receiving a tangible income from them. As a great warrior and strategist Daniil Alexandrovich became famous, who actually set the development of the policy of conquering new territories. He became not only the first prince of Moscow, but also a role model for future rulers. Father's policy was continued by Prince Yuri. It was thanks to the competent and deliberate policy of the first princes that the city rose.

3) There was one more reason for the rise of Moscow. Ivan Kalita is still considered the most wise ruler of Moscow. He managed to achieve not only the exaltation of the city, but also the raising of its cultural level. Moscow under Kalita gradually acquired the status of a capital city, although officially it had not yet received it.

4) The reasons for the rise of Moscow are ambiguous, but one of them can be considered fundamental. It's about moving the metropolia to this city. Of course, this process was gradual. At first, after the complete decline of Kiev, the metropolitan faced a difficult question of where to move. He decided to move to Vladimir-on-Klyazma. The next Metropolitan Peter had great sympathy for Moscow, he often stayed in the city, sometimes for months. Kalita gladly accepted Peter, realizing that the transfer of the metropolia would bring his city the final and indisputable status of the capital. However, Peter did not dare to move to Moscow. But this was done by his successor Theognost, who settled in the principality of Kalita. Religion in Russia has always played a special, important role. In a moment Moscow turned into the very place where all the citizens of the country flocked in search of a religious refuge.

5) The reasons for the rise of Moscow are also directly related to the sympathy of the boyars in relation to the city and its princely elite. Boyars always helped the Moscow princes not with words, but with deeds, also influencing the change in the positive side of the status of the city.

These are the main reasons for the rise of Moscow. Of course, there were more of them, about 20. Despite everything, the city achieved the supreme position in the country. On Moscow itself, throughout its history, many trials have fallen, but they all met with dignity and honor.