[Fiji Hill]

The chaos Russia is experiencing right now seems rather tame compared to the Смутное время (Time of Troubles) from 1598-1613, a period of foreign invasion, famine, coups and revolutions that killed a goodly portion of Russia’s population. Russia also bore the brunt of the Mongol invasion of Europe in the 1230’s, during which the Mongols razed many of Russia’s cities and put their populations to the sword. Other chaotic periods would include the Swedish invasion during the Great Northern War, Napoleon’s invasion, and the Stalinist purges of 1929-1953.

[cdcdawg]

Excellent points. I’d bet they had some chaos-inducing plagues along the way too. Another poster suggested that this article reads like it was translated into English from another language. Solid theory.

[Right_Wing_Madman]

Russia also bore the brunt of the Mongol invasion of Europe in the 1230’s, during which the Mongols razed many of Russia’s cities and put their populations to the sword.

Keep in mind that the foundation of Russian civilization was formed by the remnants of the Byzantine Empire, after it collapsed in 1453. Russians would fight the Golden Horde later, but they really weren't around in the 1200s.