Ivan III the Great

Ivan III becomes Grand Prince of Moscow - begins 'gathering of Russian lands', refuses tribute to Golden Horde

Ivan III conquers Novgorod Republic - ends medieval democracy, centralizes Russian state under Moscow

Ivan III adopts title 'Sovereign of All Russia' - claims inheritance of Byzantine Empire after marrying Sophia Paleologus

Ivan III issues Sudebnik (law code) - first unified legal code for all Russia, establishes centralized justice