Muscovy

Muscovy was a historic Russian principality centered around Moscow, emerging in the late 13th century. It grew in power as it resisted Mongol influence and expanded its territory, eventually forming the core of the modern Russian state. By the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Muscovy transformed into the Tsardom of Russia, unifying various Russian lands and establishing Moscow as the political and cultural center. It played a crucial role in shaping Russia's national identity and laid the groundwork for the vast Russian Empire.