Tokhtamysh Khaan’s letter of decree.

Tokhtamysh khaan rose to power during tumultuous period in the Golden Horde, which was severely weakened after a long period of division and internecine conflict. From a fugitive, Tokhtamysh had become a powerful monarch, quickly solidifying his authority in both wings of the Golden Horde. Encouraged by his success, as well as the growth of his manpower and wealth, Tokhtamysh went on a military expedition to the Russian principalities, sacking Moscow in 1382. He reasserted the Tatar-Mongol hegemony over its Russian vassals and brought about the resumption of payment of tribute by the vassals.