CHAPTER VIII.
RESURRECTION OF THE RUSSIAN MONARCHY.
From 1304 to 1380.
Defeat of Georges and the Tartars--Indignation of the Khan .-- Michel Summoned to the Horde .-- His Trial and Execution .-- Assassination of Georges .-- Execution of Dmitri .-- Repulse and Death of the Embassador of the Khan .-- Vengeance of the Khan .-- Increasing Prosperity of Russia .-- The Great Plague .-- Supremacy of Simon .-- Anarchy in the Horde .-- Plague and Conflagration .-- The Tartars Repulsed .-- Reconquest of Bulgaria .-- The Great Battle of Koulikof .-- Utter Rout of the Tartars.
The Tartars, now fierce Mohammedans, began to oppress severely, particularly in Kief, the Christians.

The metropolitan bishop of this ancient city, with the whole body of the clergy, pursued by persecution, fled to Vladimir; and others of the Christians of Kief were scattered over the kingdom.
The death of Andre was as fatal to Russia as had been his reign.

Two rival princes, Michel of Tver, and Georges of Moscow, grasped at the shadow of a scepter which had fallen from his hands.

In consequence, war and anarchy for a long time prevailed.

At length, Michel, having appealed to the Tartars and gained their support, ascended the frail throne.