The Golden Horde ruled the principalities of Russia. Noble Russians were still allowed to serve as the princes of the great cities, but they owed their power to the Horde. A tribute system was established and in practice in 1262.

Those who collected the tax were known as the Besermeny. The were usually Muslim merchants or tax farmers working for the Golden Horde. They were foreigners and they were collecting the wealth of the native Russians. This made them hated. Prior to 1262 the Horde conducted a census in Russia to determine exactly what tributes needed to be paid. This had been met with great hostility.

In 1262 the besermeny had great power. The Russian chronicle notes that they “created great violence among the people.” It seems clear that they were willing to abuse their power to accomplish their jobs. In addition to monetary contributions by 1262 the Russian population also had to contribute their men to fight in the wars of the Golden Horde. This further angered the local populations.

The chronicle states that in 1262 “the people of the cities rose up against the tribute gathers.“ Cities like Rostov, Suzdal, and Vladimir rose up and murdered or expelled the tax collectors. Many feared that this would lead to direct conflict with the Golden Horde.

Alexander Nevsky took proactive measures to prevent retaliation. He traveled to the meet the leaders of the Horde and he negotiated a new system of tribute. Instead of the besermeny local Russians were placed in charge of the tribute system.

In this instance revolt brought about a systematic change that still benefited both sides. This is largely due to the efforts of men like Alexander Nevsky.