The Battle of Kulikovo: the date of the beginning and the end, briefly the most important, the meaning

The Battle of Kulikovo, which took place in 1380 on September 21, New style (September 8, old style), became the most important event in the history of Russia, which determined the course of further political processes in the country. The victory of Dmitry Donskoy's troops in this battle over Mamai's Horde forces became a symbol of the unification of the Russian lands and the first major victory over the Golden Horde. The battle had not only strategic, but also spiritual significance, strengthening the role of the Orthodox Church and increasing Moscow's authority. The key moments of the battle, its significance and consequences for the future history of Russia are in the material of Izvestia.

What preceded the Battle of Kulikovo

Since the 1240s, the territory of Russia was under the rule of the Golden Horde, the Russian principalities regularly paid tribute and were dependent on the Horde. The heavy burden oppressed the development of the Russian lands.

After the Mongol conquest, Russia was split into many principalities, which prevented its unification. The Moscow Principality has entered the historical arena, which is beginning to gain strength and is striving to unite the Russian lands. This became especially noticeable during the reign of Prince Dmitry Ivanovich (Donskoy), who in the 1370s managed to strengthen the central government and declare his independence from the Horde.

However, during this period, the power of the Golden Horde prisoner (warlord) Mamai, who really sought to strengthen his influence in Russia, increased on the Don and Volga. His main goal was not only to "suppress the Moscow resistance," but to maintain the Horde's hegemony and stabilize the situation within the Horde itself, where internal conflicts existed.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Kirill Kallinikov

In 1375, during the wars for leadership in Northeastern Russia, Moscow Prince Dmitry Donskoy defeated the Tver troops, which strengthened his position and allowed him to focus on an external enemy. In response to the threat from the Horde, Dmitry Donskoy began actively seeking allies among other Russian principalities. The victory in the Tver War was an important, but not the only factor that contributed to the unification of the principalities.

Mamai continued to seize Russian lands, especially in the south, seeking to bring them back under the full control of the Horde.

The wind from Nepryadva: how the Russians defeated Mamai's horde

645 years ago, the Battle of Kulikovo ended in victory.

The Battle of Kulikovo — the beginning and the end

The Battle of Kulikovo began at dawn on September 8, 1380, and lasted for one day until late in the evening.

Painting "Morning on Kulikov field" by Alexander Bubnov

According to modern chronology, which is conducted according to the Gregorian calendar, the date of the battle is September 21, 1380.

The course of the battle

The battle began with a duel between the Russian warrior-monk Alexander Peresvet and the Tatar hero Chelubey. This duel became a symbol of the clash of two worlds — Orthodox Russia and the Gentile conquerors. According to historical legend, both warriors died during the duel.

After the duel, the main battle began, which included several major clashes between the main forces of both sides. At the very beginning, the fighting was quite intense, but the Tatar army could not gain a decisive advantage. At this point, the main role was played by the numerical and strategic component.

The painting "Peresvet's duel with Chelubey on Kulikovo Field" by Mikhail Avilov

Photo: Global Look Press

It is believed that the Ambush Regiment, which was secretly stationed in the rear of the Russian army, had a decisive influence on the outcome of the battle. This regiment, led by voivodes Sukhoruky and Dmitry Bobrok, was waiting for the moment when the main forces of the Horde would be drawn into battle and weaken their ranks. When such an opportunity arose, Russian soldiers from the Ambush Regiment struck at the Tatar rear.

Mamai's main forces were drained of blood, the rest fled, and the pursuit of the enemy continued until nightfall. Dmitry Donskoy and his soldiers finally destroyed the combat capability of Mamai's army.

By kind of friendship: how the USSR and China fought Japanese militarism

And why is the West trying to downplay the role of the USSR in the end of World War II

The significance of the Battle of Kulikovo

Although the complete liberation of Russia from the Tatar-Mongol yoke took place only at the end of the XV century, the Battle of Kulikovo was an important step towards this. Russian Russian victory showed that the combined efforts of the Russian principalities are able to resist the Horde rule.

This victory also strengthened Dmitry Donskoy's authority and increased Moscow's prestige as a center for uniting Russian lands. The Moscow Principality eventually became the core of the future Russian state.

In the Orthodox Church, the Battle of Kulikovo was perceived as a kind of holy crusade against the Gentiles. Before the battle, St. Sergius of Radonezh (abbot of the Trinity Monastery) blessed the prince. The Russian clergy actively supported participation in the battle, and the victory was perceived as a divine blessing for the fight against the infidel invaders. After his death, Dmitry Donskoy was canonized.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Grigory Sysoev

The Battle of Kulikovo left a deep mark in the historical memory of the Russian people. In 1995, Federal Law No. 32-FZ "On Days of Military Glory and Memorable Dates of Russia" established Military Glory Day on September 21, in honor of the victory of Russian troops in the Battle of Kulikovo.

The Kulikovo Field State Military Historical and Natural Museum Reserve was established at the site of the battle, which is an important center for the study and preservation of the historical heritage of this event.