Have you read about the period of Tatar domination in Russian history? What do you remember about the period of Tatar rule or about Dmitrii Donskoi? If you know something about this period of Russian history, try to remember the main facts. When reading the chapter, rely on this knowledge and note new facts and opinions that you might not have considered before. Specifically, consider the following questions:

1. Who were the Tatars? Where did they come from? What do you know about their language, culture, and customs?
2. What was the historical relationship between the Tatars and the Russian state in the early Middle Ages?
3. Consider the relationship between Russia and the Tatars in the context of historical patterns of relationships between occupying powers and occupied people or countries. What do you expect the Russian historical perspective on this period in Russian history to be?
4. Who are the most famous Russian figures in this period of Russian history? To what do they owe their historical fame? What are the most famous events from this period in Russian history? Why are they famous? What does this pattern tell you about how this period has been viewed in Russia and in the West?