Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Moscow subdues its rival principalities, and the Russian army defeats the Mongols at
the Ugra River. Ivan III is crowned Ruler of all Russia, earning him the moniker 'Ivan the
Great'.
1505-08
Construction within the Kremlin continues, with the erection of the Ivan the Great Bell
Tower, which would remain the highest structure in Moscow until the 20th century.
1508-16
Alevizov moat is built outside the eastern wall of the Kremlin. The area outside the
moat - present-day Red Square - is the town's marketplace.
1524
Novodevichy Convent is founded in honour of the conquest of Smolensk 10 years be-
fore. The fortress is an important link in the city's southern defence.
1560
Provoked by the death of his wife, the ever-suspicious Ivan IV commences a reign of
terror over the boyars (high-ranking nobles), thus earning him the moniker 'Ivan the
Terrible'.
1571
Moscow is burned to the ground by Crimean Tatars. As the city rebuilds, a stone wall
is erected around the commercial quarters outside the Kremlin.
1592
An earthen rampart is constructed around the city, punctuated by some 50 towers,
marking the city limits at the location of the present-day Garden Ring.
1591-1613
Ivan IV dies with no capable heir, leaving the country in chaos. His death ushers in the
so-called 'Time of Troubles', when Russia is ruled by a string of pretenders to the
throne.
1601-03
Russia suffers from widespread famine, which kills as much as two-thirds of the popu-
lation. Over 100,000 people are buried in mass graves around Moscow.
