Golden Horde

Battle of Mohi 1241

Batu Khan on the Throne by Rashid al-Din

Dzhuchi khan mausoleum

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MongolMap

Golden Horde. Berke. AH 655-665 AD 1257-1267 Qrim (Crimea) mint. Struck circa AH 662-665 (AD 1263-1267)

Bataille du Terek (1262)

Golden Horde was a Mongol and later Turkicized khanate established in the 13th century, which comprised the northwestern sector of the Mongol Empire. The khanate is also known by its original Mongol name, Ulug Ulus (Great State). After the death of Genghis Khan, his empire was divided among his sons and grandsons into several khanates, with the Golden Horde being one of them, led initially by Batu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan. Its territory covered much of today's Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and the Caucasus.

History

The foundation of the Golden Horde is traditionally dated to 1240, after the Mongol invasion of Rus', when Batu Khan established his capital at Sarai, located near the Volga River. The Golden Horde's influence extended over the Volga, Ural, and Dnieper rivers, making it a dominant trading and political entity, especially in controlling the Silk Road's northern route.

During its zenith, the Golden Horde played a crucial role in the politics of Eastern Europe, particularly with the Kievan Rus', the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Byzantine Empire. It exacted tribute from these states, influencing their internal affairs and military campaigns.

The decline of the Golden Horde began in the late 14th century, marked by internal strife, civil war, and the emergence of powerful regional successors such as the Crimean Khanate, the Kazan Khanate, the Astrakhan Khanate, and the Siberian Khanate. The final blow came from the invasion of Timur (Tamerlane) in 1396, which greatly weakened the Golden Horde, leading to its fragmentation and eventual absorption by the emerging Russian Tsardom in the 16th century.

Government and Society

The Golden Horde was ruled by a Khan, who was considered the supreme ruler. The state's administrative system was influenced by Mongol military organization, with significant roles played by nomadic aristocracy and military commanders. The khanate was known for its religious tolerance, with Islam gradually becoming the dominant religion among the ruling elite, while Orthodox Christianity spread among the Slavic subjects.

Economy

The economy of the Golden Horde was based on a combination of pastoral nomadism, agriculture, and trade. The khanate controlled several important trade routes, including those connecting the East and West. The cities of the Golden Horde, such as Sarai, became major trading centers where goods from the Silk Road were exchanged.

Legacy

The legacy of the Golden Horde is significant in the history of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It facilitated the spread of Islam in the region, influenced the political and economic development of Russia, and contributed to the cultural exchange between the East and West during the medieval period.