Dmitrii Donskoi (1350–1389)

Abstract In 1359, at the age of 9, Dmitrii succeeded his father on the Muscovite throne. Three years later Dmitrii, supported by the Russian Church, managed to be given the title and office of grand prince of Vladimir by the Mongol khan, who presumably saw the youngster as a minor threat to Mongol domination. As grand prince, Dmitrii was responsible for collecting taxes to the Mongols from all the Russian principalities, which, if necessary, he could enforce with the help of Mongol forces. It gave him supreme authority among the Russian princes and also allowed him to cash in on his own behalf. Nevertheless, during his early years he had to fight off more senior rivals for the title of grand prince, just as he had to defend himself against constant inroads from fast‐expanding Lithuania. However, Dmitrii proved a skillful politician, and during the 1370s he was able to create alliances with other Russian princes, who had formerly opposed him. By then Dmitrii must also have felt ready to challenge the Mongols.