Simeon of Moscow

Simeon Ivanovich Gordyi (the Proud) (Семён Иванович Гордый in Russian;) (7 November 1316 - 27 April 1353), Prince of Moscow and Grand Prince of Vladimir, oldest son of Ivan Kalita. He was designated "epi trapezes offikios" ( _gr. ό επί τραπέζης όφφίκιος). i.e. waiter by the Byzantine court. [ [http://www.krotov.info/library/k/kartash/kart102.html Anton Kartashev. History of the Russian church] ]

Simeon became the Grand Prince of Moscow in 1340 and a year later he was granted the Golden Horde's permission to rule Vladimir. His military campaign against the city of Torzhok in 1341 favored the strengthening of his princely authority over Novgorod. Ten years later, Simeon's army launched an attack against Smolensk. He continued his father's policies of supporting the Golden Horde and acting as its leading enforcer in Russia. Simeon was given more and more powers by the Khan Ozbeg to counter Lithuania's growing power that threatened the Mongols' dominance. Unlike most other Russian princes, Simeon remained completely loyal to the Horde.Simeon’s will was written on paper, it is considered to be the first usage of paper in Russia, before parchment was used.

He was married to Augusta (Anastazja), daughter of Grand Duke of Lithuania Algirdas. Before his death in 1353, Simeon took monastic vows and took the name of Sozont. He and two of his sons died of the Black Death. Semyon is buried in the Archangel Cathedral of Moscow Kremlin.

ee also

*Rulers of Russia family tree

References