How did Moscow become an important city?

Moscow became an important city due to its strategic location along trade routes, which facilitated commerce and cultural exchange. In the late 13th century, it rose to prominence as the center of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, gradually uniting surrounding territories and resisting foreign invasions. The establishment of Moscow as the capital of Russia in the late 15th century solidified its status, further enhanced by its role in politics, religion, and the arts. Over time, significant infrastructure development and its position as a political and cultural hub contributed to its importance on both national and international stages.