After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, a powerful idea began to take shape in the forests and courts of Eastern Europe: that Moscow was now the rightful heir to the legacy of Rome. In this episode of History Shorts, we explore the origins of the "Third Rome" theory—a sweeping vision that placed Russia at the center of the Christian world following the collapse of the Byzantine Empire.

We trace how this belief emerged through religious authority, political ambition, and the influence of figures like Ivan III, who strengthened ties to the Byzantine past through marriage and symbolism. The idea would later be reinforced by the Russian Orthodox Church, shaping a national identity built on divine purpose and imperial destiny.

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast

ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise

LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/

SPONSORED BY: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/get-it-now