Diplomacy and trade - resuming relationships

In the last quarter of the 15th century, the Vatican and Venice established diplomatic relations with a stronger Muscovy. After 1500, the German Kaiser strengthened relationships with Muscovy with the intention of forging an alliance against Poland-Lithuania and later against the Turks.

In the middle of the 16th century, the English explored a new trade route to Russia via the White Sea. This advance resulted in the founding of the trade organization known as the "Muscovy Company" in 1555.

Encounters with Muscovy resulted in the first printed reports on Russia in modern times.

One result of such a mission was Sigismund von Herberstein's "commentary" on Muscovy. This book made him the founder of the study of modern Russia.