Russian Envoys in Venice at the Turn of the 15th-16th Centuries (the Analysis of the Reports of Marino Sanuto)

The article is devoted to examination of the unique facts about Russian embassy of 1499 in Venice, which never attracted the scholars' attention before. These unique details are contained in the "Diaries" of Marino Sanuto, the Senator of Venice. The particular attention is paid to the problems of intercultural communication and to the image of Muscovy in Venice at the turn of 15th-16th centuries. Muscovy was regarded by the Venetians as rich and strong State able to help European countries to repulse the Turkish aggression. Muscovy was interested in European war against the Ottoman Empire with Venice at the head, but had no intention to participate in this confrontation. The author of the article has given the supplement information about the purposes of the embassy. One of the main objectives of the mission was to purchase a precious necklace, probably for the wedding of Feodosia, the daughter of Ivan III. The high-heeled boots with precious stones were surely bought for this wedding.