Peresvetov's more prominent works were ostensibly an account of the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmed II but actually provided a covert, allegorical denunciation of the privileges still enjoyed by the boyars. Peresvetov’s support of the demands of the military class over that of the boyars presumably found favour with Ivan IV, who had to overcome boyar direction of the government to establish himself as the first Tsar. Peresvetov advocated strong, autocratic rule coupled with a well-organized army and administration. His advocacy of promotion based on merit and military service was too radical for his time, however, as was his call for the abolition of all indenture.