Russian Fur Trade

Timeline

1. 1101–1478Novgorod · RussiaThe Novgorod Republic controlled northern forest trapping areas, exporting furs such as sable and squirrel to Western Europe via Hanseatic merchants and Baltic ports. The fur trade sustained the city's prosperity and also had links to Volga Bulgaria and eastern trade routes.
2. 1478–1490Moscow · RussiaAfter annexing Novgorod, Ivan III brought trapping rights under the grand prince, establishing the system of collecting tribute (yasak) in furs from forest tribes. Moscow became the hub of the fur trade, with sable serving as diplomatic gift and hard currency, supporting centralized finances.
3. 1491–1500Forestlands west of the Urals · edge of SiberiaFrom the late reign of Ivan III to the early reign of Vasily III, Moscow continued to push trapping rights into Perm and the Komi forestlands. Furs were shipped via Moscow and Novgorod's old trade routes to Livonia and Hanseatic ports; trade profits drove the later eastward expansion beyond the Urals.