Red Ivan, or Ivan 2, is one of a kind of grand duke.He was born in Moscow on March 30, 1326.He was the second son of Ivan Kalita 1 and Princess Elena - the first wife of the king.His nickname was Red Ivan, according to some chronicles, because of its exceptional beauty.According to another version, because his birthday fell on the holy day Quasimodo or as it is called Red hill.
right to rule
In 1340, died Ivan Kalita 1, but a year before his death, he, along with the older sons Simeon and Ivan, went to the Khan of the Horde.The king wanted to get the first label on the management of the state is home to Moscow, as at this time revived the Tver principality, the head of which was placed a strong ruler Alexander.It's the competition was the eldest son of Ivan Kalita, and also claimed supreme power.As a result, Simeon received the label on the great reign and after his father's death began to rule the state.
Zvenigorod Prince
second son of Ivan Kalita, Ivan Red, according to the will of his father, gained control of 23 towns and villages, the most important of which were Ruza and Zvenigorod.In addition, its management was still a third of Moscow and entered into a joint ownership of three brothers.Thus, Ivan Red received the title of Prince of Zvenigorod.
When his father died, he was 14 years old.In those days it was considered almost a grown man.Even then, the young prince is not perceived as an independent politician.Ivan has always remained in the shadow of the activities of his brother Simeon the Proud, and any special talents possessed.
striking example of this statement is the following fact.In 1348, the territory of the Novgorod land suddenly invaded the Swedish king Magnus 2 with his army.Simeon the Proud sent to the aid of their neighbors brother Ivan, but he feared clashes with the army of the enemy, and hurried back to Moscow.By that time, the Swedes managed to capture the castle nut and capture a dozen nobles.As a result, by the Novgorod had to deal with his enemy, and Ivan Red never courted military glory himself.
Grand Duke
In 1353 in Moscow, an epidemic of plague that claimed a lot of lives.Not spared the family she and Simeon the Proud.After his death, the younger brother of Ivan the Red suddenly found himself acquired the title of Grand Duke.He was completely unprepared for this, because he was not able to effectively govern.
Horde at this time the situation had not intervened.At that time, just died Khan Uzbek, so the rulers were changing so fast that they had neither the time nor the energy to get into the case of Russian principalities.It should be noted that few wanted to see Ivan as their ruler.Specific princes always intrigued to prevent power Ivana 2. Nevertheless, all their machinations were not successful.
The reign of Ivan
2 Red will hold power only 6 years old.According to historians, it was the faceless representative of all the princes Kalitichey kind that has ever occupied the throne.Most likely, Ivan 2 and he knew he had to act decisively and to continue the policies pursued by his father and older brother, but could not do anything.
weakness of the new Grand Duke emerged almost immediately.Began multiple attacks on its land.Ryazan prince was able to capture Lopasnya located between Moscow and Serpukhov.Lithuanians, in turn, led the troops to the Mozhaisk and imposed his Kiev Metropolitan.Novgorod in the Horde began to intrigue against Ivan 2 and his place prochit protege - Prince Konstantin of Suzdal.And to top it all, in Moscow itself started internal strife knights, and there was a fire.
All these circumstances could not in any way contribute to strengthening the power of Ivan 2. Most likely, he will not be able to hold the reins of power in their hands, as the weakness in those days was a luxury, if not for two factors.First - support for the Moscow boyars, who did not want to give up their privileges, and the second - the church.
History knows many examples when the weak personality of the ruler rises more powerful figure.In this case, it was the then head of the Orthodox Church, which has an exceptional mind, a remarkable diplomatic skills and a strong will, Metropolitan Alexy.It was through his support of Ivan 2 Red managed to keep his title of Grand Duke of Moscow until his death in 1359.
Results
Many historians tend to believe that the reign of Ivan the Red Moscow has not brought Russia nothing but relief its impact on the neighboring principality.The only merit of this prince believe the accession of Dmitrov and Kostroma lands to Moscow.He also is known for being the father of Dmitry Donskoi - the great Russian commander, win the Battle of Kulikovo.
