Ivan Kalita

Ivan Kalita (1325-1340) was a famous Moscow prince. He is associated with Moscow’s rise to primacy, because he attained the trust of the Mongol Khan and was granted the authority to collect tribute from all of Rus’. Thus, the tax-collecting prince was also able to enrich himself, which is how he got his nickname – “Kalita” – which means “moneybag.” The proceeds from his collection of tribute allowed Ivan Kalita to begin construction of stone buildings in Moscow, which was important for increasing the prestige of the princedom and for strengthening relations with the Orthodox Church, whose support was vital at that time.