How a 1522 Battled Transformed Russia from a Minor Duchy into Earth’s Largest Empire

The Russian Siege of Kazan in 1552 and the conquest of Kazan and Astrakhan by Muscovy can be seen as the birth of a Russian Empire. It had profound consequences for the steppe region and beyond, allowing Russian expansion eastwards, eventually as far as the Pacific.

Today’s guest is Carl Rylett, host of A History of Europe—Key Battles Podcast. He has put together a battle history podcast that shows how so much of the history of Europe was shaped by military forces.

In Carl’s podcast he provides perspectives on each side of the battle in major European conflicts to provide an alternative to traditional national narratives and focuses on how each battle was won or lost by particular decisions, tactics, technology, or fortune.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

A History of Europe, Key Battles