The Battle of Kulikovo: Russia's First Stand Against the Horde

In 1380, a coalition of Russian principalities led by Dmitry Donskoy of Moscow met the Mongol army of Mamai at Kulikovo Field. This episode unpacks the battle itself — the controversial 'ambush regiment' tactic, the duel between Alexander Peresvet and Chelubey, and the aftermath that saw Moscow emerge as the leader of Russian resistance. We discuss the political maneuvering before the battle, including Dmitry's alliance with other princes and the role of the Orthodox Church. Was Kulikovo truly a turning point, or just a bloody prelude to Tokhtamysh's sack of Moscow two years later? We examine the primary sources — including the Zadonshchina and the Nikon Chronicle — and what they reveal about the battle's mythmaking. Plus, we explore the impact on the Jochid ulus, the decline of Mamai's power, and how the memory of Kulikovo later fueled Russian nationalism. No generic overviews — just the gritty details of the clash that changed the steppe. #BattleOfKulikovo #DmitryDonskoy #Mamai #JochidUlus #GoldenHorde #MedievalRussia #MoscowPrincipality #Tokhtamysh #Zadonshchina #NikonChronicle #Peresvet #Chelubey #1380 #KulikovoField #RussianHistory #MongolEmpire #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo