Muscovy

: This article is about Muscovite Russia. For the duck see Muscovy Duck

Western European knowledge of Muscovy

Muscovy remained a fairly unknown society in western Europe until Baron Sigismund von Herberstein published his Rerum Moscoviticarum Commentarii (literally Notes on Muscovite Affairs) in 1549. This provided a comprehensive view of what had been a rarely visited and poorly reported state. In the 1630s, Muscovy was visited by Adam Olearius, whose lively and well-informed writings were soon translated into all major languages of Europe.

Related Topics:
Sigismund von Herberstein - Rerum Moscoviticarum Commentarii - 1549 - Adam Olearius

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Further exploration of the Russian lands was conducted by English and Dutch merchants. One of them, Richard Chancellor, sailed to the White Sea in 1553 and continued overland to Moscow. Upon his return to England, the Muscovy Company was formed by him, Sebastian Cabot, Sir Hugh Willoughby, and several London merchants. Ivan the Terrible used these merchants to exchange letters with Elizabeth I and probably even made a proposal to her.

Related Topics:
Merchant - White Sea - 1553 - Muscovy Company - Sebastian Cabot - Hugh Willoughby - Elizabeth I

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