Editing Notes on Muscovite Affairs (section)

==Background==

Herberstein was an Austrian diplomat who was twice sent to Russia as [[Austria]]n ambassador, in 1517 and 1526. Born in [[Vipava, Slovenia|Vipava]] ([[German language|German]] ''Wippach''), [[Carniola]], he was familiar with [[Slovene language|Slovene]], which became important later on his mission in Russia, when he was able to communicate with ordinary [[Russians]] as Slovene and [[Russian language|Russian]] are both [[Slavic languages]].

These visits occurred at a time when very little was known about Russia outside the region. The few published descriptions of Russia were in some cases wildly inaccurate.