We have been familiar with the concept of the Golden Horde, closely associated with the Mongol invasion of Rus', since school. What was this state formation, why were the Golden Horde khans able to keep many neighboring peoples, including the Russian principalities, under their subordination? The reader will find the answer to these and a number of other questions in this brochure. The brochure is intended for lecturers, teachers and students of public universities, a wide range of readers.