Golden Horde, 1242–1502

The Golden Horde developed from the territories assigned to Jochi and his descendants after the Mongol conquests. From its centres on the lower Volga, it controlled steppe routes and exercised authority over a wide region extending towards the Black Sea and the Rus principalities.

Its rulers drew revenue from trade, tribute and pastoral resources while maintaining relationships with Italian merchant colonies, Islamic states and neighbouring khanates. Islam became increasingly important at court, although the population and political elite remained diverse.

Internal conflict and the rise of rival powers weakened the horde from the late fourteenth century. Its fragmentation produced successor khanates whose political and cultural influence continued across Russia, Ukraine, Crimea and Central Asia.