[Phillip Augustus]

I would have to say, with all due respect, that you are wrong on several counts.

First, Muscovy was considered Asian by Western Europeans at the time...what time? Are you referring to the time when Western Europeans thought the East Indies could be reached by sailing across the Atlantic, with nothing in between? Given the geographical knowledge of the world at the time, Russia by way of comparision to Western Europe could indeed be considered Asian and/or exotic but keep in mind that for much of Europe's history, there were only 3 continents even known.

You will have to excuse me as I will respond in greater detail in a day or so.

[Classicaliberalconservative]

At the time which was after Columbus sailed the Ocean blue, Western Europe considered Muscovy the East because for many years it had been under the yoke of the Mongolian Golden Horde. But what about the fact that many Russians themselves think that they are not Western? BTW I could tell my post got you thinking. :)