The Battle of Kulikovo is one of the key events in the history of our Fatherland. But do we know everything about its causes? Why did the confrontation between the Horde and Dmitry Donskoy escalate to such an extent that it could only be resolved by force of arms? What is the essence of the conflict? Who did the Grand Duke of Vladimir fight against on the Kulikovo field and what goal did he pursue? Historians find the basis for the confrontation in the refusal to pay tribute to Mamai, who was not recognized by Dmitry Donskoy as Khan of the Golden Horde. But is this so? By examining numerous sources and restoring the events of the past, Andrei Sinelnikov shows the complete inconsistency of the historical point of view on the confrontation between Rus' and the Golden Horde on economic and religious grounds and offers an extraordinary interpretation of the events of that era.