In 1395, the invincible commander Tamerlane marched to Russia. It could end badly for Russia in General and for us in particular. The fate of Russia hung in the balance. Tamerlane would have won-Russia would have turned into ashes. Lost to Tamerlane — Russia would be ceded to Lithuania, and we would never have grown into the Russian Empire.
To better understand the threat hanging over the young Moscow Principality and Russia as a whole, let's take a closer look at who is Tamerlane and what kind of Empire he created.
Tamerlane was, as we would say now, a tough Jock for his time-muscular and fit. Strength was superior to most fighters. Examination of the remains and further genetic analysis showed that he was 172 cm tall (slightly above the average for his century). Belonged to the South Siberian race. A similar genome is most often found in modern Kazakhs and Kirghiz. Curiously, despite the fact that he died at 68 years old, his skeleton and skull are devoid of serious age-related changes. At 68, Tamerlane's biological age did not exceed 50 years!
Tamerlan
Tamerlan was wounded in the right leg, which is why he was nicknamed "Lame". But this did not prevent him from remaining a strong warrior for the rest of his days.
Tamerlane's Empire stretched over 4.4 million square meters and covered Iran, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, most Central Asia, etc.more than 40 million people lived on its territory. In fact, half the population of the world at that time!
Russia, which by that time, in fact, shrank into the Moscow Principality, was not the most tasty morsel. Therefore, the capture of Russia with its subsequent control is a waste of time and effort and was not part of Tamerlane's plans.
Why then did Tamerlane go to Russia, because the geography of his interests is quite different? Tamerlane had a big quarrel with Khan Tokhtamysh. Tamerlane was very friendly with him and helped Tokhtamysh to lead the Golden Horde. But the former one, as is often the case, having collected the army began to destroy the land of the Tamerlane.
In 1395 Tamerlane defeated the army of Tokhtamysh, who fled to Russian lands. Tamerlane would have been confused, searching for a former colleague in the Russian forests, and he, a steppe fighter, knew it. Therefore, instead of chasing Tokhtamysh's army, Tamerlane decided to strike at his resource base — Russia. In fact, the main source of income for Tokhtamysh was the tribute he levied from the Russian princes.
Tamerlane reasoned simply. He will destroy the resource base Tokhtamysh and the troops themselves will flee from him. Well, or give up his former Khan Tamerlane.
Tamerlane led to our borders 400 thousand fighters. We have all over Russia lived a little more than 2 million people, and combat-ready and experienced in handling weapons would have accumulated only a few tens of thousands.
Tamerlane-severe commander, he completely ravaged the city and completely exterminated the population. Not that he was maniacally violent. This he considered the only correct tactic. And Tamerlane was completely deprived of humanity and related experiences. War is war, “ said the legendary commander.
Could Russia fight back? In 1395 our country was in distress. Yes, we had experience of victories over the Tatar-Mongols — in 1380 we defeated the enemy in the battle of Kulikovo. But after that we received a devastating invasion of Tokhtamysh. Besides, in Russia there raged a plague that has decimated entire cities and villages.
The history of Tamerlane's campaign to Russia, thank God, is very brief. He invaded the Ryan Principality, ravaged the city of Eyelets. And, having stood under Eyelets two weeks, unexpectedly returned to the capital — Samarkand.
Have not turned to Tamerlane ago — nothing good to expect Russia would not have had. In 1395, Russia was not strong enough to repel the terrible commander. Even if— in the most fantastic scenario — Russia would be able to withstand the war with Tamerlane, she wouldn't have been the same. With the help of Russian princes was Lithuanian Prince Vytautas, who called Tokhtamysh. And if the United army had fought off Tamerlane, it was Vytautas who would have led Lithuania, Novgorod and the Moscow Principality, becoming a single ruler of the three Slavic powers. And, in any case, Russia in its current form and status, we would definitely not have seen ever.
What saved our country?
Historians do not fully know what guided Tamerlane, when abruptly turned back. They put forward the main reason-the news of the uprisings in the country. Small conquered peoples regularly protested the rule of Tamerlane. Could the General have turned around because of that? OK no problem Russia was not a strategically important object. And he was not so angry with the defeated Tokhtamysh. After 10 years, he, in General, will again talk peacefully with his former enemy.
The second reason-this is my personal speculation, not historians. Therefore, you have the right to disagree with them. Here saved our diplomacy. The head of Russia Prince Easily was in no hurry to withdraw troops, and sent to Tamerlane ambassadors with gifts. Some other princes did the same. If lined up in the defensive line — just would have triggered Tamerlane's attack and sweep all areas. And here-without battlefield brought gifts, not triggering aggression. Loyalty to Tamerlane's enemy-Tokhtamysh-was also not demonstrated. Why waste energy and smash them, especially at home in Samarkand urgent business. Logical theory? Quiet.
The Vladimir icon of the blessed virgin Mary
Ah and Orthodox Christians add here the third argument. On August 26, 1395, when Tamerlane turned back, the image of the Vladimir icon of the blessed virgin was brought to Moscow. This icon is a gift from Byzantium, copied from icons painted by the Evangelist Luke. And since then, the icon is revered as miraculous and is considered the patroness of Moscow. Now the icon is stored in the temple Museum at the Tretyakov gallery.
Brought the icon and here same-truce. Coincidence? That's possible. But there were too many of them in our history. On the other hand, our entire history is a chain of such random events that led to the creation of a powerful state. The biggest on the planet!