Mamai the Kingmaker and the Horde's Last Gasp

In the 1370s, the Golden Horde faced its greatest internal crisis since the Great Troubles. This episode focuses on Mamai, the powerful military commander who never held the title of khan but ruled the Horde from behind the throne. We explore how Mamai seized power after the death of Khan Berdibek, his manipulation of puppet khans, his disastrous defeat at the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380 against Dmitry Donskoy, and how his ambitions collapsed when Tokhtamysh, backed by Tamerlane, reunited the Horde. We also discuss the political maneuvering among the Genoese in Caffa, the role of the Mamluks, and the ultimate legacy of Mamai's failed bid for legitimacy. The episode sheds light on a pivotal moment when Mongol control over Russia teetered but did not fall. #GoldenHorde #Mamai #Kulikovo #DmitryDonskoy #Tokhtamysh #Tamerlane #Sarai #Caffa #Genoese #MongolEmpire #GreatTroubles #MedievalRussia #JochidDynasty #BattleOfKulikovo #SteppeHistory #MamlukSultanate #History #FexingoHistory #BatuKhan #Kyiv1240 Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo