Vasili_I_of_Russia Vasili_I_of_Russia

Vasili I of Russia - Definition and Overview

Vasili I Dmitriyevich (Василий I Дмитриевич in Russian) (1371 — February, 1425), Grand Prince of Moscow since 1389, oldest son of Dmitri Donskoi and Grand Princess Eudoxia (Yevdokiya in Russian) - daughter of the Grand Prince of Suzdal Dmitry Konstantinovich.

Vasili I continued the process of unification of the Russian lands: in 1392, he annexed the principalities of Nizhny Novgorod and Murom; in 1397-1398 - Bezhetsky Verkh, Vologda, Veliki Ustyug and komi people's lands.

During the reign of Vasili I, feudal landownership kept growing. With the growth of princely authority in Moscow, feudals' judicial powers were partially diminished and transferred to Vasili's deputies and heads of volosts.

To prevent Russia from being attacked by the Golden Horde, Vasili I entered into alliance with Lithuania in 1392, which turned out to be fragile, since Prince Vytautas (Vitovt) would later capture Vyazma and Smolensk in 1403—1404. When Timur defeated the Golden Horde in 1391 and 1395 and came to Russia, Vasili I refused to pay tribute. After the invasion of Yedigey in 1408, Vasili was finally forced to pay tribute to the Horde.

Preceded by:Grand Prince of MoscowSucceeded by:
Dmitri DonskoiVasili II


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