The Story of Moscow
1903
The Story of Moscow
1903
Moscow has always been a city of contradictions: a fortress that fell to conquerors, a spiritual capital that outlasted empires, a place where Byzantine gold meets Tatar steel and European ambition collides with Slavic soul. Wirt Gerrare's 1903 history traces this legendary city from its muddy origins as a trading post on the Moskva River through the Mongol invasions, the rise of the Tsars, and the dramatic transformation wrought by Peter the Great. The narrative captures Moscow's unique position as Russia's crucible, where the Rurik dynasty consolidated power, where Orthodox cathedrals rose alongside Mongol-built walls, and where every street seems to hold centuries of ambition, rebellion, and reverence. Gerrare writes with the affectionate eye of a historian who understands that Moscow is not merely a city but a living symbol of Russian identity itself. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how a wooden outpost became the heart of an empire that would reshape the modern world.
About The Story of Moscow
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Describes the early Slavic peoples and their migrations into Russia. Covers the arrival of the Varangians under Rurik and the establishment of early Russian principalities at Kiev and Novgorod.
- 2
- The founding of Moscow in 1147 by Yuri Dolgoruki. Describes the early wooden fortress on the Kremlin hill and the murder of Stephen Kutchko to establish control.
- 3
- Moscow's rise under Mongol rule through the cunning of Ivan Kalita. The city becomes a tax collection center and gains religious prominence while paying tribute to the Golden Horde.
Key Themes
- East vs. West
- The constant tension between Russian Orthodox traditions and Western European influences. Moscow represents the heart of Eastern Christianity while facing pressure to adopt Western customs and technologies.
- Religious Authority
- The central role of the Orthodox Church in Moscow's identity and governance. The city is portrayed as 'Holy Moscow,' with religious leaders often wielding power equal to or greater than secular rulers.
- Tyranny and Resistance
- The cycle of brutal autocratic rule and popular resistance, from Ivan the Terrible's reign of terror to Peter the Great's violent westernization efforts and the people's stubborn adherence to tradition.
Characters
- Ivan the Terrible (Ivan IV)(major)
- The first Tsar of Russia, known for his extreme cruelty and tyrannical rule. He built the church of Vasili Blajenni and terrorized Moscow with mass executions and torture.
- Peter the Great(major)
- Tsar who despised Moscow and attempted to westernize Russia through brutal means. He exterminated the Streltsi and tortured his own family members.
- Boris Godunov(major)
- Powerful boyard who became Tsar after Theodore's death. A capable ruler who tried to modernize Moscow but was unpopular due to his non-royal origins.
- Dmitri Donskoi(major)
- Prince of Moscow who defeated the Tartars at Kulikovo and built the first stone wall around the Kremlin. A heroic figure in Russian history.
- Yuri Dolgoruki(major)
- Prince of Suzdal who founded Moscow in 1147. Known as 'Long-arm' for his reach and ambition in expanding his territory.
- Michael Romanof(major)
- First Tsar of the Romanof dynasty, elected in 1613 after the Time of Troubles. A young ruler who restored stability to Moscow.
