Who was the first Kiev prince and other secrets of Ancient Russia. The first princes of Kievan Rus

Problem of origin

RURIK (862 - 879)

OLEG (879 - 912)

IGOR (912 - 945)

OLGA (945 - 969)

SVYATOSLAV (964 - 972)

Carried out military campaigns:
- to the Baltics;
- to the Polish-Lithuanian lands;
- to Byzantium.

Economy and socio-political system of Kievan Rus

Socio-economic system

By the end of the 10th century, an early or proto-state headed by the Rurik dynasty was formed on the territory of the Eastern Slavs. The feudolization of this state gradually begins, which comes from two sides. First, the community allocates to the prince a part of their landlords as a payment for patronage. Secondly, the prince gives his boyars the right to collect tribute from some of the conquered territories. Those could distribute to their warriors, and they, in turn, could settle on this land. If the boyars built a house, then the property became a fiefdom and personally belonged to the boyars, and could also be inherited. Part of the land was transferred to land owners as payment for patronage. Thus, the feudal hierarchy took shape. The prince was the supreme owner of the land, then the patrimonials went, then the boyars, who received the right to full inheritance of their lands. Smallholders of the land were at the end of the feudal ladder, their holding of the land was supported by a contract of service.

Social

In the first all-Russian law "Russkaya Pravda", the following categories of the population were stipulated: free community members and dependent, that is, not full-fledged in court and without the right to participate in military service. Free community members, who in turn were divided into smerds and people, necessarily served in the army. The dependent population was divided into several categories: servants (family members of smerds), slaves (servants, slaves), ordinary people, temporarily dependent, they were also called purchases (a person received a loan that he had to work out or give).

NOVGOROD LAND

The main source of enrichment for the largest landowners of Novgorod - the boyars - was the profit from the sale of products of the crafts - beekeeping, hunting for fur and sea animals.

The annexation of the vast territory of Pomorie from the Kola Peninsula to the Urals was of great importance for Novgorod. Novgorod's sea and forest industries brought enormous wealth.

Trade relations between Novgorod and its neighbors, especially with the countries of the Baltic basin, have been strengthened since the middle of the 12th century. Furs, walrus bone, bacon, flax, etc. were exported to the West from Novgorod. The objects of import to Russia were cloth, weapons, metals, etc.

But despite the size of the territory of the Novgorod land, it was distinguished by a low level of population density, a relatively small number of cities in comparison with other Russian lands. All cities, except for the "younger brother" of Pskov (which had been isolated since 1268), were noticeably inferior in terms of the number of inhabitants and their importance to the main city of the Russian medieval North - Lord Veliky Novgorod.

The economic growth Novgorod prepared the necessary conditions for its political isolation into an independent feudal boyar republic in 1136. service functions... The princes acted in Novgorod as military leaders, their actions were under the constant control of the Novgorod authorities. The right of the princes to court was limited, their purchase of land in Novgorod was prohibited, the income they received from certain holdings for the service was strictly fixed. From the middle of the XII century. the Grand Duke of Vladimir was formally considered the prince of Novgorod, but until the middle of the 15th century. he had no opportunity to really influence the state of affairs in Novgorod.

The supreme governing body of Novgorod was veche, real power was concentrated in the hands of the Novgorod boyars.

From the environment and under the control of the boyars, election to posts was carried out posadnik ( head of the city administration) and tysyatsky ( the head of the militia). Under the boyar influence, the post of the head of the church was replaced - archbishop. The archbishop was in charge of the treasury of the republic, external relations of Novgorod, the right of court, etc. The city was divided into 3 (later 5) parts - "ends", the trade representatives of which, along with the boyars, took a noticeable part in the management of the Novgorod land.

The socio-political history of Novgorod is characterized by private urban uprisings (1136, 1207, 1228-29, 1270). were used in their struggle for power by representatives of rival boyar groups, who, with the hands of the people, dealt with their political opponents.

Novgorod was reluctant to participate in all-Russian affairs, in particular, the payment of tribute to the Mongols. The richest and largest land in the Russian Middle Ages, Novgorod, could not become a potential center for the unification of Russian lands. The boyar nobility ruling in the republic strove to protect the "old times", to prevent any changes in the existing balance of political forces within Novgorod society. Moscow's offensive against Novgorod independence, a significant part of Novgorod society, including the agricultural and trade elite not belonging to the boyars, either went over to the side of Moscow, or took a position of passive non-interference.

5.Invasion of Batu

1237-1238 - the campaign to North-Western Russia (R-t - the capture of Ryazan, Vlvdimiro-Suzdal prince. They did not reach Novgorod the Great. March 4, 1238 - the battle on the river Sit (the Tatars won)

1239-1241 years (campaign against South-Eastern Russia (region of capture and subordination of the Chernigov prince, the fall of Kiev, the capture of Galicia-Volynsky. Western countries Batu did not dare to go.

1243 - Formation of the Golden Horde (Russia did not enter the Horde, but became dependent on it)

As a result of Batu's invasion of Russia, the so-called Mongol Tatar yoke is established - a complex of economic and political methods that ensured the domination of the Golden Horde over that part of the territory of Russia that was under its control

The main among these methods was the collection of various tributes and duties - "popluzhnoye", the trade duty "tamga", food for the Tatar ambassadors - "honor", etc. The most difficult of them was the Horde "exit" - tribute in silver, which began to be levied as early as 40 -th years XIII century, and since 1257, by order of Khan Berke, the Mongols have made a census of the population of North-Eastern Russia ("record in the number"), establishing fixed rates.

Only the clergy were exempted from paying the “exit” (before the adoption of Islam by the Horde at the beginning of the 14th century, the Mongols were distinguished by their religious tolerance). To control the collection of tribute, representatives of the khan, the Baskaks, were sent to Russia. The tribute was collected by the tax farmers "besermens" (Central Asian merchants). By the end of the XIII - beginning of the XIV centuries. The Basque institute was abolished due to the active opposition of the Russian population and mass urban uprisings. From that time on, the princes of the Russian lands themselves began to collect the Horde tribute.

In case of disobedience, punitive campaigns followed. Having become dependent on the Horde, the Russian principalities lost their sovereignty. Their receipt of the princely table depended on the will of the khan, who issued them with labels (letters) for the reign. The measure that consolidated the domination of the Golden Horde over Russia was the issuance of labels for the great reign of Vladimir.

Those who received such a label added the Vladimir principality to their possessions and became the strongest among the Russian princes in order to maintain order, stop strife and ensure an uninterrupted flow of tribute. The Horde rulers did not allow any significant strengthening of any of the Russian princes and a long stay on the grand prince's throne.

In addition, having taken away the label from the next Grand Duke, they gave it to the rival prince, which caused princely strife and a struggle to obtain the right to Vladimir reign at the khan's court. A well-thought-out system of measures provided the Horde with firm control over the Russian lands.

TICKET 10 Ivan 4

Heir to the deceased in 1533 Basil III his three-year-old son Ivan IV (1533-1584) became. In fact, the mother, Elena Glinskaya, ruled for the child. The short regency of Elena Glinskaya (1533-1538) was marked not only by the struggle against numerous conspirators and rebels, but also by reform activities. The monetary reform carried out unified the system of monetary circulation. Single banknotes - kopecks - were introduced, and the standard for the weight of coins was determined. The measures of weight and length were also unified. Reform of local government began. With the aim of limiting the power of the governors in the country, the institution of laborers was introduced. This elective position could only be held by a nobleman. Representatives were elected to help him upper layers urban and rural population. Such people received the right to occupy the position of the zemstvo headman. The government of Elena Glinskaya paid great attention to strengthening the country's defense. To protect the Moscow posad, the walls of Kitai-gorod were being built.

After Elena's sudden death in 1538, the next few years passed in the struggle for power between the Shuisky and Belsky boyar groups.

In January 1547, when the heir to Vasily III was 17 years old, Ivan Vasilyevich took the royal title. The political meaning of this event was to strengthen the power of the Moscow sovereign, his authority excluded from that moment any claims to the supreme power of the descendants of aristocratic families. The new title equated the head of the Russian state with the khans of the Golden Horde and the emperors of Byzantium.

At the very end of the 1540s. around the young tsar, a circle of confidants was formed, which received the name of the government of the Chosen Rada (1548 / 9-1560), which carried out a number of important transformations in the life of the country aimed at strengthening the centralized state.

In 1549 the Zemsky Sobor was convened for the first time. This was the name for the meetings periodically convened by the tsar to resolve and discuss the most important issues of domestic and foreign policy of the state. The Zemsky Sobor included representatives of the boyars, nobility, clergy, and the top of the townspeople. He became the supreme deliberative estate-representative body. The Zemsky Sobor in 1549 considered the problems of abolishing the "feeding" and suppressing the abuses of the governors, therefore it was named the Sobor of Reconciliation. The Boyar Duma continued to play an important role in governing the country. Orders appeared - bodies in charge of individual branches government controlled... Among the first were formed petitions, local, zemstvo and other orders, and their employees were called clerks and clerks.

In 1550, a new Code of Law of the Russian State was adopted. The Code of Laws introduced legal norms defining the punishment of officials for an unjust trial and bribery. The judicial powers of the royal governors were limited. In the Code of Laws there were instructions on the activities of orders. The right of a peasant transition on St. George's Day was confirmed. The Code of Law of 1550 introduced a significant restriction on the enslavement of the children of slaves. A child born before his parents found themselves in bondage was recognized as free.

The principles of local government were radically changed. In 1556, the "feeding" system was abolished throughout the state. Administrative and judicial functions were transferred to lab and zemstvo elders.

A significant reorganization of the armed forces began. A horse army was formed from service people (noblemen and boyar children). In 1550, a permanent rifle army was created. Infantrymen armed with firearms began to be called archers. The artillery was also strengthened. From the general mass of servicemen, the "chosen thousand" were formed: it included the best noblemen endowed with lands near Moscow.

A unified system of land taxation was introduced - the “big Moscow plow”. The amount of tax payments began to depend on the nature of land tenure and the quality of the land used. Secular feudal lords, landowners and patrimonials received great benefits in comparison with the clergy and state peasants.

In February 1551, a Council of the Russian Church was convened, which received the name Stoglavy, since its decisions were set forth in 100 chapters. The council discussed a wide range of issues: church discipline and morality of monks, enlightenment and spiritual education, appearance and the norms of Christian conduct. The unification of the rituals of the Russian Orthodox Church was especially important.

The reform activities of the Chosen Rada lasted about ten years. Already in 1553, disagreements between the tsar and his entourage began. Conflict situation increased after the death of Tsarina Anastasia in 1560. Ivan IV accused the Chosen Rada of poisoning his beloved royal wife. At the same time, the disagreements between the tsar and members of the Chosen Rada on the implementation of foreign and domestic policy led to the cessation of its existence. Reforms were suspended.

TICKET 11 Reason ...

In December 1564, the tsar, unexpectedly for his subjects, left Moscow and took refuge with his family in Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda, which was located about a hundred kilometers from the capital. Messengers sent from there brought two letters to Moscow. One of them accused the boyars and the higher clergy of treason and conspiracies against the tsar. Another, addressed to the townspeople, announced that the tsar did not hold "anger and disgrace" against them. With this dexterous maneuver, Ivan hoped to gain allies in the person of the population. A few days later, the tsar received a delegation from the Boyar Duma and the higher clergy. As a condition for returning to the throne, Ivan named the institution oprichnina... Existing very a short time(1565-1572) oprichnina left a deep mark on Russian history.

Oprichnina (from the word "oprich" - except) began to call the land lot specially allocated to the tsar, and the staff of the tsar's entourage, and a special army. The oprichnina possessions included a number of cities and counties in the center of the country (Suzdal, Mozhaisk, Vyazma), the rich lands of the Russian North, and some counties on the southern borders of the state. The rest of its territory was named "Zemshchina". The entire state apparatus was divided into two parts - oprichnina and zemstvo. The feudal lords who entered the oprichnina (initially there were one thousand, and by 1572 - six thousand) wore a special uniform: a black caftan and a black pointed hat. Loyalty to their sovereign, readiness to “sweep and gnaw out” the traitors were symbolized by brooms and dog heads tied to the necks of horses and quivers for arrows.

Already the first months of the existence of the oprichnina were marked by the monstrous executions of people objectionable to the tsar in their cruelty. The victims of the bloody massacres were the boyars suspected of treason and statesmen, their family members and servants. One of the most terrible crimes of Ivan the Terrible was the punitive expedition to Novgorod in the winter of 1570. The false denunciation of the betrayal of the Novgorod boyars and clergy served as a pretext for the murder of thousands of innocent residents of the city. The rural and commercial population suffered from the raids of the oprichnina army. From constant bloody orgies, the tsarist army decomposed. In 1571 it demonstrated complete incapacity against an external enemy. During his raid, the Crimean Khan Devlet-Girey reached Moscow, the Tatars set fire to the Moscow posad and took more than 100 thousand Russian prisoners into slavery. In the summer of the following year, the raid was repeated. The enemy was stopped and defeated by a small army, which included guardsmen, zemstvo boyars and nobles.

In the fall of 1572, the oprichnina was officially canceled. Under threat of punishment, the king forbade his subjects even to pronounce this word. Many former guardsmen turned from executioners into victims. They were charged with state crimes and executed. After the abolition of the oprichnina, the tsar created the so-called "courtyard" and again divided the country into zemstvo and courtyard parts. But this did not play a big role in the political and economic life of the country. With the abandonment of the oprichnina orders, the mass terror was reduced.

Oprichnina had far-reaching political implications... It led to the elimination of the vestiges of the specific time and the strengthening of the regime of personal power of the tsar. Its socio-economic order proved to be disastrous. Oprichnina and protracted Livonian war ruined the country. The deep economic crisis that gripped Russia in the 1570s-1580s was called by contemporaries "ruin". One of the pernicious consequences of the domestic policy of Ivan the Terrible was the enslavement of the Russian peasantry. In 1581, the "Reserved Summer" was established, until the abolition of which peasants were forbidden to leave their owners. In fact, this meant that the peasants were deprived of the ancient right to go to another owner on St. George's Day.

SEASON 13 Time of Troubles

Troubles at the beginning of the 17th century - one of the most difficult and tragic periods in Russian history, which had a fateful impact on the fate of our state. The name itself - "Troubles", "Time of Troubles" very accurately reflects the atmosphere of that time. The name has, by the way, folk etymology.

Problem of origin

The process of property and social stratification among the community members led to the separation of the most prosperous part from their midst. The tribal nobility and the well-to-do part of the community, subjugating the mass of ordinary members of the community, needs to maintain their domination in state structures.

The embryonic form of statehood was represented by the East Slavic unions of tribes, which united into super-unions, albeit fragile ones. Eastern historians talk about the existence on the eve of the formation of the Old Russian state of three large associations of Slavic tribes: Kuyaba, Slavia and Artania. Kuyaba, or Kuyava, was then the name of the area around Kiev. Slavia occupied the territory in the area of ​​Lake Ilmen. Its center was Novgorod. The location of Artania, the third large association of the Slavs, has not been precisely established.

According to The Tale of Bygone Years, the Russian princely dynasty originates in Novgorod. In 859, the northern Slavic tribes, who then paid tribute to the Varangians, or Normans (according to most historians, immigrants from Scandinavia), expelled them across the sea. However, soon after these events, an internecine struggle began in Novgorod. To end the clashes, the Novgorodians decided to invite the Varangian princes as a force standing over the opposing factions. In 862, Prince Rurik and his two brothers were called to Russia by the Novgorodians, laying the foundation for the Russian princely dynasty.

The first Russian princes and their activities

RURIK (862 - 879)

The founder of the Rurik dynasty, the first ancient Russian prince.
According to the Tale of Bygone Years, he was called to reign in 862 by the Ilmenian Slovenes, Chud and all of the Varangian lands.
He reigned first in Ladoga, and then in all Novgorod lands.
Before his death, he handed over power to his relative (or senior vigilante) - Oleg.

OLEG (879 - 912)

The first real ruler of Ancient Rus, who united the lands of the Slavic tribes along the path "from the Varangians to the Greeks."
In 882 he captured Kiev and made it the capital of the Old Russian state, killing Askold and Dir, who had reigned there earlier.
He subdued the tribes of Drevlyans, northerners, Radimichs.
He strengthened his foreign policy position. In 907 he made a successful military campaign against Constantinople, which resulted in two peace treaties that were beneficial for Russia (907 and 911).

IGOR (912 - 945)

He expanded the boundaries of the Old Russian state, subjugating the tribe of the Ulitsa and facilitating the founding of Russian settlements on the Taman Peninsula.
Repulsed the raids of the Pechenegs nomads.
Organized military campaigns against Byzantium:
1) 941 - ended in failure;
2) 944 - the conclusion of a mutually beneficial contract.
Killed by the Drevlyans while collecting tribute in 945.

OLGA (945 - 969)

The wife of Prince Igor, ruled in Russia during the early childhood of his son Svyatoslav and during his military campaigns.
For the first time, she established a clear procedure for collecting tribute ("polyudya") by introducing:
1) lessons in determining the exact size of the tribute;
2) graveyards - establishing places for collecting tribute.
She visited Byzantium in 957 and converted to Christianity under the name Elena.
In 968, she led the defense of Kiev from baking

SVYATOSLAV (964 - 972)

The son of Prince Igor and Princess Olga.
Initiator and leader of many military campaigns:
- Defeat of the Khazar Kaganate and its capital Itil (965)
- Hiking to Danube Bulgaria. Wars with Byzantium (968 - 971)
- Military clashes with the Pechenegs (969 - 972)
- Treaty between Russia and Byzantium (971)
Killed by the Pechenegs while returning from Bulgaria in 972 on the Dnieper rapids.

VLADIMIR THE FIRST SAINT (978 (980)) - 1015)

In 972 - 980 the first internecine war for power takes place between the sons of Svyatoslav - Vladimir and Yaropolk. Vladimir wins and is established on the Kiev throne.
980 - Vladimir carries out a pagan reform. A pantheon of pagan gods was created, headed by Perun. An attempt to adapt paganism to the needs of the Old Russian state and society ended in failure.

988 - adoption of Christianity in Russia.
YAROSLAV THE WISE (1019 - 1054)

He established himself on the Kiev throne after lengthy strife with Svyatopolk the Accursed (he received the nickname after the murder of his brothers Boris and Gleb, later canonized) and Mstislav Tmutarakansky.
He contributed to the flourishing of the Old Russian state, patronized education and construction.
He contributed to the rise of the international authority of Russia. Established extensive dynastic ties with European and Byzantine courts.
Carried out military campaigns:
- to the Baltics;
- to the Polish-Lithuanian lands;
- to Byzantium.
He finally defeated the Pechenegs.
Prince Yaroslav the Wise - the founder of written Russian legislation ("Russian Truth", "Yaroslav's Truth").

VLADIMIR SECOND MONOMACH (1113 - 1125)

Mary, daughter of the Byzantine emperor Constantine the Ninth Monomakh. Prince of Smolensk (from 1067), Chernigov (from 1078), Pereyaslavl (from 1093), Grand Duke of Kiev (from 1113).
Prince Vladimir Monomakh - organizer of successful campaigns against the Polovtsi (1103, 1109, 1111)
He advocated the unity of Russia. Participant of the congress of ancient Russian princes in Lyubech (1097), which discussed the perniciousness of civil strife, the principles of ownership and inheritance of princely lands.
Was called to reign in Kiev during popular uprising 1113, which followed the death of Svyatopolk II. Prince until 1125
He put into effect the "Charter of Vladimir Monomakh", where by law interest on loans was limited and it was forbidden to enslave dependent people working off their debt.
He stopped the disintegration of the Old Russian state. He wrote "Instructions", in which he condemned strife and called for the unity of the Russian land.
He continued the policy of strengthening dynastic ties with Europe. He was married to the daughter of the English king Harold II - Geeta.

MSTISLAV THE GREAT (1125 - 1132)

Son of Vladimir Monomakh. Prince of Novgorod (1088 - 1093 and 1095 - 1117), Rostov and Smolensk (1093 - 1095), Belgorod and co-ruler of Vladimir Monomakh in Kiev (1117 - 1125). From 1125 to 1132 - autocratic Kiev ruler.
He continued the policy of Vladimir Monomakh and managed to preserve a single Old Russian state.
Annexed the Principality of Polotsk to Kiev in 1127.
He organized successful campaigns against the Polovtsy, Lithuania, Prince Oleg Svyatoslavovich of Chernigov.
After his death, almost all the principalities come out of obedience to Kiev. A specific period begins - feudal fragmentation.

Rurik(? -879) - the founder of the Rurik dynasty, the first Russian prince. Chronicle sources claim that Rurik was called from the Varangian lands by Novgorod citizens to reign together with his brothers - Sineus and Truvor in 862. After the death of the brothers, he ruled over all Novgorod lands... Before his death, he handed over power to his relative - Oleg.

Oleg(? -912) - the second ruler of Russia. He reigned from 879 to 912, first in Novgorod, and then in Kiev. He is the founder of a single ancient Russian state, created by him in 882 with the capture of Kiev and the subordination of Smolensk, Lyubech and other cities. After the transfer of the capital to Kiev, he also subdued the Drevlyans, northerners, and Radimichs. One of the first Russian princes undertook a successful campaign against Constantinople and concluded the first trade agreement with Byzantium. He enjoyed great respect and authority among his subjects, who began to call him "prophetic," that is, wise.

Igor(? -945) - the third Russian prince (912-945), the son of Rurik. The main direction of his activity was the protection of the country from the raids of the Pechenegs and the preservation of the unity of the state. Undertook numerous campaigns to expand the possessions of the Kiev state, in particular against the coal. He continued his campaigns to Byzantium. In the course of one of them (941) he failed, in the course of the other (944) he received a ransom from Byzantium and concluded a peace treaty that consolidated the military-political victories of Russia. Undertook the first successful campaigns of the Russians in the North Caucasus (Khazaria) and Transcaucasia. In 945 he tried to collect tribute from the Drevlyans twice (the order of its collection was not legally fixed), for which he was killed by them.

Olga(c. 890-969) - the wife of Prince Igor, the first female ruler of the Russian state (regent under her son Svyatoslav). Installed in 945-946. the first legislative procedure for collecting tribute from the population of the Kiev state. In 955 (according to other sources, 957) she made a trip to Constantinople, where she secretly adopted Christianity under the name of Helena. In 959, the first of the Russian rulers sent an embassy to Western Europe, to the emperor Otto I. His answer was a direction in 961-962. with missionary purposes to Kiev, Archbishop Adalbert, who tried to bring Western Christianity to Russia. However, Svyatoslav and his entourage refused to Christianize and Olga was forced to transfer power to her son. In the last years of her life, she was actually removed from political activity. Nevertheless, she retained a significant influence on her grandson - the future Prince Vladimir the Saint, whom she was able to convince of the need to adopt Christianity.

Svyatoslav(? -972) - the son of Prince Igor and Princess Olga. Ruler of the Old Russian state in 962-972 He was distinguished by a warlike character. He was the initiator and leader of many aggressive campaigns: on the Oka Vyatichi (964-966), the Khazars (964-965), on North Caucasus(965), Danube Bulgaria (968, 969-971), Byzantium (971). He also fought against the Pechenegs (968-969, 972). Under him, Russia turned into the largest power in the Black Sea. Neither the Byzantine rulers, nor the Pechenegs, who agreed on joint actions against Svyatoslav, could reconcile to this. During his return from Bulgaria in 972, his army, drained of blood in the war with Byzantium, was attacked by the Pechenegs on the Dnieper. Svyatoslav was killed.

Vladimir I Saint(? -1015) - the youngest son of Svyatoslav, who defeated his brothers Yaropolk and Oleg in an internecine struggle after the death of his father. Prince of Novgorod (from 969) and Kiev (from 980). He conquered the Vyatichi, Radimichi and Yatvingians. He continued his father's struggle with the Pechenegs. Volga Bulgaria, Poland, Byzantium. During his reign, defensive lines were built along the Desna, Sturgeon, Trubezh, Sula and others rivers. Kiev was re-fortified and for the first time built up with stone structures. In the years 988-990. introduced Eastern Christianity as a state religion. Under Vladimir I, the Old Russian state entered the period of its heyday and power. The international authority of the new Christian state has grown. Vladimir was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church and is referred to as a Saint. In Russian folklore, he is named as Vladimir Red Sun. He was married to the Byzantine princess Anne.

Svyatoslav II Yaroslavich(1027-1076) - son of Yaroslav the Wise, Prince of Chernigov (from 1054), Grand Duke of Kiev (from 1073). Together with his brother Vsevolod, he defended the southern borders of the country from the Polovtsians. In the year of his death, he adopted a new code of laws - "Izbornik".

Vsevolod I Yaroslavich(1030-1093) - Prince of Pereyaslavl (from 1054), Chernigov (from 1077), Grand Duke of Kiev (from 1078). Together with the brothers Izyaslav and Svyatoslav, he fought against the Polovtsians, took part in the compilation of the Pravda of the Yaroslavichs.

Svyatopolk II Izyaslavich(1050-1113) - grandson of Yaroslav the Wise. Prince of Polotsk (1069-1071), Novgorod (1078-1088), Turov (1088-1093), Grand Duke of Kiev (1093-1113). He was distinguished by hypocrisy and cruelty both in relation to his subjects and to those close to him.

Vladimir II Vsevolodovich Monomakh(1053-1125) - Prince of Smolensk (from 1067), Chernigov (from 1078), Pereyaslavl (from 1093), Grand Duke of Kiev (1113-1125). ... Son of Vsevolod I and daughter of the Byzantine emperor Constantine Monomakh. He was called to reign in Kiev during the popular uprising of 1113, which followed the death of Svyatopolk P. He took measures to limit the arbitrariness of the usurers and the administrative apparatus. He managed to achieve the relative unity of Russia and the end of strife. He supplemented the codes of laws that existed before him with new articles. He left the "Instructions" for his children, in which he called for strengthening the unity of the Russian state, living in peace and harmony, and avoiding blood feud

Mstislav I Vladimirovich(1076-1132) - son of Vladimir Monomakh. Grand Duke Kiev (1125-1132). From 1088 he ruled in Novgorod, Rostov, Smolensk and others. Participated in the work of the Lyubech, Vitichevsky and Dolobsky congresses of Russian princes. He took part in campaigns against the Polovtsians. He headed the defense of Russia from its western neighbors.

Vsevolod P Olgovich(? -1146) - Prince of Chernigov (1127-1139). Grand Duke of Kiev (1139-1146).

Izyaslav II Mstislavich(c. 1097-1154) - Prince of Vladimir-Volyn (from 1134), Pereyaslavsky (from 1143), Grand Duke of Kiev (from 1146). Grandson of Vladimir Monomakh. Member of feudal strife. Supporter of the independence of the Russian Orthodox Church from the Byzantine Patriarchate.

Yuri Vladimirovich Dolgoruky (90s of the XI century - 1157) - Prince of Suzdal and Grand Duke of Kiev. Son of Vladimir Monomakh. In 1125 he moved the capital of the Rostov-Suzdal principality from Rostov to Suzdal. Since the beginning of the 30s. fought for southern Pereyaslavl and Kiev. Considered the founder of Moscow (1147). In 1155. seized Kiev for the second time. Poisoned by the Kiev boyars.

Andrey Yurievich Bogolyubsky (c. 1111-1174) is the son of Yuri Dolgoruky. Prince of Vladimir-Suzdal (from 1157). Moved the capital of the principality to Vladimir. In 1169 he conquered Kiev. Killed by boyars in his residence in the village of Bogolyubovo.

Vsevolod III Yurievich Big Nest (1154-1212) - the son of Yuri Dolgoruky. Grand Duke of Vladimir (from 1176). Severely suppressed the boyar opposition, which took part in the conspiracy against Andrei Bogolyubsky. Subdued Kiev, Chernigov, Ryazan, Novgorod. During his reign, Vladimir-Suzdal Russia reached its heyday. He received the nickname for a large number of children (12 people).

Roman Mstislavich(? -1205) - Prince of Novgorod (1168-1169), Vladimir-Volyn (from 1170), Galician (from 1199). Son of Mstislav Izyaslavich. Strengthened the princely power in Galich and Volhynia, He was considered the most powerful ruler of Russia. Killed in the war with Poland.

Yuri Vsevolodovich(1188-1238) - Grand Duke of Vladimir (1212-1216 and 1218-1238). During the internecine struggle for the Vladimir throne, he was defeated in the Lipitsk battle in 1216. and ceded the great reign to his brother Constantine. In 1221 he founded the city of Nizhny Novgorod. He died during the battle with the Mongol-Tatars on the river. City in 1238

Daniil Romanovich(1201-1264) - Prince of Galician (1211-1212 and from 1238) and Volyn (from 1221), the son of Roman Mstislavich. He united the Galician and Volyn lands. Encouraged the construction of cities (Holm, Lvov, etc.), crafts and trade. In 1254 he received the title of king from the Pope.

Yaroslav III Vsevolodovich(1191-1246) - son of Vsevolod the Big Nest. He reigned in Pereyaslavl, Galich, Ryazan, Novgorod. In 1236-1238. reigned in Kiev. Since 1238 - Grand Duke of Vladimir. Traveled to The Golden Horde and to Mongolia.

According to history sources, the Old Russian state belongs to the early feudal powers. At the same time, the old communal formations and new ones, which the lands of Russia borrowed from other peoples, are closely intertwined.

Oleg became the first prince in Russia. He was from the Varangians. The power that he created was, in fact, only a very peculiar association of settlements. He became the first prince of Kiev and “under his hand” there were many vassals - local princes. During his reign, he wanted to liquidate petty reigns, creating a single state.

The first princes in Russia played the role of generals and not only controlled the course of the battle, but also personally took part in it, and quite actively. Power was hereditary, through the male line. After Prince Oleg, Igor Stary (912-915) ruled. He is believed to be the son of Rurik. After that, power passed to Prince Svyatoslav, who was still a small child and, therefore, his mother, Princess Olga, became regent under him. During the years of reign, this woman was rightfully considered a reasonable and just ruler.
Historical sources indicate that in about 955 the princess went to Constantinople, where she adopted the Christian faith. When she returned, she officially handed over power to her grown-up son, who ruled from 957 to 972.

Svyatoslav's goal was to bring the country closer to the level of world powers. During his militant reign, this prince crushed the Khazar Kaganate, defeated the Pechenegs near Kiev, and carried out two military campaigns in the Balkans.

After his death, Yaropolk (972-980) was the heir. He started a quarrel with his brother - Oleg for power and began to wage a war against him. In this war, Oleg died, and his army and lands passed into the possession of his brother. After 2 years, another prince - Vladimir decided to go to war on Yaropolnok. Their most fierce battle took place in 980 and ended with the victory of Vladimir. Yaropolk was killed after a while.

Domestic policy

The internal policy of the first Russian princes was carried out as follows:
The king had the main advisers - the squad. It was divided into an older one, whose members were boyars and rich men, and a younger one. The latter consisted of children, greedy and youths. The prince consulted with them on all issues.

The princely squad carried out worldly court, collection of court fees and tributes. During the development of feudalism, most of the vigilantes were the owners of various land plots. They enslaved the peasants and thus created their own profitable economy. The squad was an already formed feudal class.

The prince's power was not unlimited. The people also took part in the government. Veche, a national assembly, existed from the 9th-11th centuries. Even much later, people gathered to make important decisions in some cities, including Novgorod.

To strengthen the position of the Russian state, the first legal norms were adopted. Their earliest monuments were the agreements of the princes of Byzantium, which date back to 911-971. They contained laws on prisoners of war, inheritance and property. The first set of laws is Russkaya Pravda.

Foreign policy of Russia

The main tasks of the Russian princes during foreign policy It was:
1. Protection of trade-formed routes;
2. Conclusion of new alliances;
3. Fight against nomads.
Of particular state importance were trade relations between Byzantium and Rus. Any attempts by Byzantium to limit the trade opportunities of an ally ended in bloody clashes. In order to achieve trade agreements with Byzantium, Prince Oleg laid siege to Byzantium and demanded the signing of an appropriate treaty. It happened in 911. Prince Igor in 944 concluded another contract of a commercial nature, which has survived to this day.

Byzantium constantly sought to confront Russia with other states in order to weaken it. Thus, the Byzantine prince, Nikifor Foka, decided to use the troops of the Kiev prince Svyatoslav, so that he went to war on Danube Bulgaria. In 968 he occupied many cities along the banks of the Danube, including Pereyaslavets. As you can see, the Byzantine failed to weaken the Russian position.

The success of Svyatoslav insulted Byzantium, and she sent the Pechenegs to capture Kiev, whose military forces were activated as a result of a diplomatic agreement. Svyatoslav returned to Kiev, freed it from the invaders and went to war against Byzantium, having concluded an alliance with the Tsar of Bulgaria - Boris.

Now the fight against the Russian power was led by the new tsar of Byzantium, Ioan Tzimiskes. His squads were defeated in the first battle with the Russians. When Svyatoslav's troops reached Andrianapolis, Tzimiskes made peace with Svyatoslav. The last major campaign against Byzantium took place in 1043, according to historical sources - due to the murder of a Russian merchant in Constantinople.

Bloody war lasted for several years, until in 1046 a peace was signed, which resulted in the conclusion of a marriage between the son of the Russian prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich and the daughter of the Byzantine emperor Constantine Monomakh.

The activities of the ruling princes of the Rurik dynasty were concentrated on the desire to expand the borders of the state while maintaining the unity of Russia. Important milestones in Old Russian history were the unification of Novgorod and Kievan Rus by Prince Oleg, the military campaigns of Prince Svyatoslav, the baptism of Prince Vladimir, and the spread of the Orthodox faith to his subject population. In the conditions of the feudal fragmentation of Kievan Rus, the progressive reigns of Yaroslav the Wise, Vladimir Monomakh and Mstislav the Great were remarkable in their own way.

Prince's name	Years of reign	Political position	Basic deeds
Rurik Varangian "Falcon"		Moderately aggressive. He strove to expand and secure the borders of the subject territories.	According to the chronicle legend, he founded the Old Russian state.
Prince Oleg "Prophetic"		Dynamic. In every way he strengthened the princely power in Kiev and by force forced the enemy to equal cooperation.	He united the North and South of Russia, went on campaigns to Constantinople, made the first written agreement with Byzantium.
Prince Igor Rurikovich "Old"		Maximalist. He tried to continue the policy of Prince Oleg without much success.	He continued his campaigns to Constantinople. Killed by the Drevlyans during polyudya
Olga "Wise" "Holy"		Moderate. She strove to streamline the internal affairs of Kievan Rus.	Established norms for collecting tribute (lessons), places of collection (churchyards) and replaced the polyudye with a "cart".
Svyatoslav Igorevich "Warrior", "Bars"	Really began to rule in 964	Aggressive and adventurous. He destroyed sources of danger by military means and expanded the territory of the state.	He conquered the Vyatichi tribes, destroyed the Khazar Kaganate, fought in Bulgaria, with Byzantium and the Pechenegs who killed him.
Yaropolk Svyatoslavich		Moderately centrist. He strove to establish the integrity and authority of Russia.	He established ties with Germany, did not interfere with the spread of Christianity in Russia.
Vladimir Svyatoslavich "Red Sun" "Saint"		Progressive maximalist. He sought the full entry of Russia into a number of full-fledged European states.	Streamlining local government policies. Baptism of Russia. Strengthening the borders of the state.
Svyatopolk Vladimirovich "Cursed"	For a year, the Poles helped to return Kiev	Reactionary and adventurous. The prevailing desire was to preserve their power in Kiev at any cost.	The policy of rapprochement with Poland to the detriment of Russia. The murder of the brothers Boris and Gleb.
Yaroslav Vladimirovich	For a year he was expelled from Kiev by Svyatopolk		The prince's stormy activity improved life in Russia in all spheres. Dynastic marriages strengthened the interstate ties of Kievan Rus.
Izyaslav Yaroslavich	Lost and returned the Kiev table twice	Confrontational. Striving to maintain their power in Kiev.	He was at enmity with his brothers. Defeated at the Alta from the Polovtsi. He relied on Poland.
Vseslav Bryachislavich "The sorcerer"		The political position has not been fixed.	The only Polotsk prince who happened to be on the Kiev throne.
Svyatoslav Yaroslavich			He defended the borders of Russia in the south. Compiled a new collection of laws - "Izbornik".
Vsevolod Yaroslavich "Peaceful"	Was removed by Izyaslav	Moderately progressive. As a member of the Yaroslavich triumvirate, he strove to preserve the integrity of Russia.	He fought with the Polovtsy, established ties with Europe. Participated in the compilation of "Pravda Yaroslavichi".
Svyatopolk Izyaslavich		Confrontational.	He was distinguished by his hypocritical character and cruelty to his subjects.
Vladimir Vsevolodovich "Monomakh"		Progressive. He strove to end strife.	Preserved the unity of Russia. Defeated the Polovtsians. Supplemented the existing codes of laws.
Mstislav Vladimirovich "The Great"			Participated in the Lyubech Congress. I went with the army to the Polovtsians. He defended the western borders of Russia from warlike neighbors.

The historical contribution of the rulers of Kievan Rus

The history of the Old Russian state is a typical development of early feudal political associations, which tended to be fragmented. However, during the existence of Kievan Rus, social structure powers, as well as favorable conditions for the development of the economy and culture. This was greatly facilitated by the activities of the rulers of Russia - the Great Dukes of Kiev.

Nicholas II (1894 - 1917) Many people died due to the stampede that occurred during his coronation. So the name "Bloody" was attached to the kindest philanthropist Nicholas. In 1898, Nicholas II, caring for world peace, issued a manifesto, where he called on all countries for the world to completely disarm. After that, a special commission met in The Hague to work out a number of measures that could further prevent bloody clashes between countries and peoples. But the peace-loving emperor had to fight. First, in the First World War, then a Bolshevik coup broke out, as a result of which the monarch was overthrown, and then, together with his family, were shot in Yekaterinburg. The Orthodox Church canonized Nikolai Romanov and his entire family.

Rurik (862-879)

Prince of Novgorod, nicknamed Varangian, as he was called to reign by the Novgorodians from across the Varangian Sea. is the founder of the Rurik dynasty. He was married to a woman named Efanda, with whom he had a son named Igor. He also raised Askold's daughter and stepson. After his two brothers died, he became the sole ruler of the country. He gave all the surrounding villages and townships to the management of his entourage, where they had the right to independently administer the court. Around this time, Askold and Dir, two brothers who had nothing to do with Rurik by family ties, occupied the city of Kiev and began to rule over the glades.

Oleg (879 - 912)

Kiev prince, nicknamed the Prophet. As a relative of Prince Rurik, he was the guardian of his son Igor. According to legend, he died, stung in the leg by a snake. Prince Oleg became famous for his intelligence and military prowess. With a huge army at that time, the prince went along the Dnieper. On the way, he conquered Smolensk, then Lyubech, and then took Kiev, making it the capital. Askold and Dir were killed, and Oleg showed Rurik's little son Igor as their prince to the glades. He went on a military campaign to Greece and, with a brilliant victory, provided the Russians with preferential rights to free trade in Constantinople.

Igor (912 - 945)

Following the example of Prince Oleg, Igor Rurikovich conquered all neighboring tribes and forced them to pay tribute, successfully repelled the raids of the Pechenegs and also undertook a campaign in Greece, which, however, was not as successful as the campaign of Prince Oleg. As a result, Igor was killed by the conquered neighboring tribes of the Drevlyans for his irrepressible greed in extortions.

Olga (945 - 957)

Olga was the wife of Prince Igor. She, according to the customs of that time, very cruelly avenged the Drevlyans for the murder of her husband, and also conquered the main city of the Drevlyans - Korosten. Olga was distinguished by very good leadership skills, as well as a brilliant, sharp mind. Already at the end of her life, in Constantinople she adopted Christianity, for which she was subsequently canonized and named Equal to the Apostles.

Svyatoslav Igorevich (after 964 - spring 972)

The son of Prince Igor and Princess Olga, who, after the death of her husband, took the reins into her own hands, while her son was growing up, learning the wisdom of the art of war. In 967 he succeeded in defeating the army of the Bulgarian king, which greatly alarmed the emperor of Byzantium, John, who, in collusion with the Pechenegs, persuaded them to attack Kiev. In 970, together with the Bulgarians and Hungarians, after the death of Princess Olga, Svyatoslav went on a campaign against Byzantium. The forces were not equal, and Svyatoslav was forced to sign a peace treaty with the empire. After his return to Kiev, he was brutally killed by the Pechenegs, and then the skull of Svyatoslav was decorated with gold and made from it a bowl for pies.

Yaropolk Svyatoslavovich (972 - 978 or 980)

After the death of his father, Prince Svyatoslav Igorevich, he made an attempt to unite Russia under his rule, defeating his brothers: Oleg Drevlyansky and Vladimir Novgorodsky, forcing them to leave the country, and then annexed their lands to the Kiev principality. He managed to conclude a new contract with Byzantine Empire, and also to attract to his service the horde of the Pechenezh Khan Ildeya. He tried to establish diplomatic relations with Rome. Under him, as the Joachim manuscript testifies, Christians were given a lot of freedom in Russia, which caused the displeasure of the pagans. Vladimir Novgorodsky immediately took advantage of this displeasure and, having agreed with the Varangians, anew seized Novgorod, then Polotsk, and then laid siege to Kiev. Yaropolk was forced to flee to Roden. He tried to make peace with his brother, for which he went to Kiev, where he was the Varangians. The chronicles characterize this prince as a peace-loving and meek ruler.

Vladimir Svyatoslavovich (978 or 980 - 1015)

Vladimir was the youngest son of Prince Svyatoslav. He was a Novgorod prince since 968. He became the prince of Kiev in 980. He was distinguished by a very warlike disposition, which allowed him to conquer the Radimichi, Vyatichi and Yatvingians. Vladimir also fought wars with the Pechenegs, with the Volga Bulgaria, with the Byzantine Empire and Poland. It was during the reign of Prince Vladimir in Russia that defensive structures were built on the borders of the rivers: Desna, Trubezh, Sturgeon, Sula and others. Vladimir also did not forget about his capital city. It was under him that Kiev was rebuilt with stone buildings. But Vladimir Svyatoslavovich became famous and remained in history due to the fact that in 988 - 989. made Christianity the state religion of Kievan Rus, which immediately strengthened the country's authority in the international arena. Under him, the state of Kievan Rus entered the period of its greatest prosperity. Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich became an epic character in which he is referred to as "Vladimir the Red Sun". Canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church, named Equal to the Apostles Prince.

Svyatopolk Vladimirovich (1015 - 1019)

Vladimir Svyatoslavovich, during his lifetime, divided his lands between his sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Yaroslav, Mstislav, Svyatoslav, Boris and Gleb. After Prince Vladimir died, Svyatopolk Vladimirovich occupied Kiev and decided to get rid of his rival brothers. He gave the order to kill Gleb, Boris and Svyatoslav. However, this did not help him establish himself on the throne. Soon he was expelled from Kiev by Prince Yaroslav of Novgorod. Then Svyatopolk turned to his father-in-law - the King of Poland Boleslav for help. With the support of the Polish king, Svyatopolk again seized Kiev, but soon circumstances developed in such a way that he was again forced to flee the capital. On the way, Prince Svyatopolk committed suicide. This prince was popularly nicknamed the Damned because he took the life of his brothers.

Yaroslav Vladimirovich the Wise (1019 - 1054)

After the death of Mstislav Tmutarakan and after the expulsion of the Holy Regiment, Yaroslav Vladimirovich became the sole ruler of the Russian land. Yaroslav was distinguished by a sharp mind, for which, in fact, he received his nickname - Wise. He tried to take care of the needs of his people, built the cities of Yaroslavl and Yuryev. He also built churches (of St. Sophia in Kiev and Novgorod), realizing the importance of spreading and strengthening the new faith. It was he who published the first set of laws in Russia called "Russian Truth". He divided the allotments of the Russian land between his sons: Izyaslav, Svyatoslav, Vsevolod, Igor and Vyacheslav, bequeathed them to live among themselves in peace.

Izyaslav Yaroslavich the First (1054 - 1078)

Izyaslav was the eldest son of Yaroslav the Wise. After the death of his father, the throne of Kievan Rus passed to him. But after his campaign against the Polovtsians, which ended in failure, the Kievites themselves drove him out. Then his brother Svyatoslav became the Grand Duke. Only after the death of Svyatoslav, Izyaslav returned to the capital city of Kiev. Vsevolod the First (1078 - 1093) Perhaps Prince Vsevolod could well have been a useful ruler, thanks to his peaceful disposition, piety and truthfulness. An educated man himself, knowing five languages, he actively contributed to enlightenment in his principality. But alas. Constant, incessant raids of the Polovtsians, pestilence, famine did not favor the rule of this prince. He remained on the throne thanks to the efforts of his son Vladimir, who would later be called Monomakh.

Svyatopolk II (1093 - 1113)

Svyatopolk was the son of Izyaslav the First. It was he who inherited the Kiev throne after Vsevolod the First. This prince was distinguished by a rare spinelessness, which is why he did not manage to calm the internecine friction between the princes for power in the cities. In 1097, a congress of princes was held in the city of Lubich, at which each ruler, kissing the cross, pledged to own only his father's land. But this shaky peace treaty was not allowed to come true. Prince Davyd Igorevich blinded Prince Vasilko. Then the princes, at a new congress (1100), deprived Prince Davyd of the right to own Volyn. Then, in 1103, the princes unanimously accepted Vladimir Monomakh's proposal for a joint campaign against the Polovtsians, which was done. The campaign ended with a Russian victory in 1111.

Vladimir Monomakh (1113 - 1125)

Regardless of the seniority of the Svyatoslavichs, when Prince Svyatopolk II died, Vladimir Monomakh was elected Prince of Kiev, wishing to unite the Russian land. Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh was brave, tireless and distinguished himself favorably from the rest by his remarkable mental abilities. He managed to humble the princes with meekness, and he fought successfully with the Polovtsians. Vladimir Monoma is a vivid example of the prince's service not to his personal ambitions, but to his people, which he bequeathed to his children.

Mstislav the First (1125 - 1132)

The son of Vladimir Monomakh, Mstislav the First, was very much like his legendary father, demonstrating the same wonderful qualities of a ruler. All the rebellious princes showed him respect, fearing to anger the Grand Duke and share the fate of the Polovtsian princes, whom Mstislav expelled to Greece for disobedience, and in their place sent his son to reign.

Yaropolk (1132 - 1139)

Yaropolk was the son of Vladimir Monomakh and, accordingly, the brother of Mstislav the First. During his reign, the idea came to him to transfer the throne not to his brother Vyacheslav, but to his nephew, which caused confusion in the country. It was because of these strife that the Monomakhs lost the Kiev throne, which was occupied by the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich, that is, the Olegovichs.

Vsevolod II (1139 - 1146)

Having become the Grand Duke, Vsevolod II wanted to secure the throne of Kiev for his family. For this reason, he handed over the throne to Igor Olegovich, his brother. But Igor was not accepted by the people as a prince. He was forced to take monastic vows, but even the monastic attire did not protect him from the wrath of the people. Igor was killed.

Izyaslav II (1146 - 1154)

Izyaslav II fell in love with the people of Kiev to a greater extent because with his intelligence, disposition, friendliness and courage he reminded them very much of Vladimir Monomakh, the grandfather of Izyaslav II. After Izyaslav ascended the Kiev throne, the concept of seniority, adopted for centuries, was violated in Russia, that is, for example, while his uncle was alive, his nephew could not be a Grand Duke. A stubborn struggle began between Izyaslav II and Prince of Rostov Yuri Vladimirovich. Izyaslav was twice driven from Kiev in his life, but this prince still managed to retain the throne until his death.

Yuri Dolgoruky (1154 - 1157)

It was the death of Izyaslav II that paved the way to the throne of Kiev Yuri, whom the people later called Dolgoruky. Yuri became the Grand Duke, but he did not have a chance to reign for long, only three years, after which he died.

Mstislav II (1157 - 1169)

After the death of Yuri Dolgoruky between the princes, as usual, internecine strife for the Kiev throne began, as a result of which Mstislav II Izyaslavovich became the Grand Duke. Prince Andrei Yurievich, nicknamed Bogolyubsky, expelled Mstislav from the Kiev throne. Before the expulsion of Prince Mstislav, Bogolyubsky literally ravaged Kiev.

Andrey Bogolyubsky (1169 - 1174)

The first thing that Andrei Bogolyubsky did when he became the Grand Duke was to move the capital from Kiev to Vladimir. He ruled Russia autocraticly, without squads and veche, pursued all those who were dissatisfied with this state of affairs, but, in the end, he was killed by them as a result of a conspiracy.

Vsevolod the Third (1176 - 1212)

The death of Andrei Bogolyubsky caused strife between the ancient cities (Suzdal, Rostov) and the new (Pereslavl, Vladimir). As a result of these confrontations, the brother of Andrei Bogolyubsky, Vsevolod the Third, nicknamed the Big Nest, began to reign in Vladimir. Despite the fact that this prince did not rule and did not live in Kiev, nevertheless, he was called the Grand Duke and was the first to make him swear allegiance not only to himself, but also to his children.

Constantine the First (1212 - 1219)

The title of Grand Duke Vsevolod the Third, contrary to expectations, transferred not to his eldest son Konstantin, but to Yuri, as a result of which strife arose. The father's decision to approve Yuri as Grand Duke was also supported by the third son of Vsevolod the Big Nest - Yaroslav. And Constantine in his claim to the throne was supported by Mstislav Udaloy. Together they won the Battle of Lipetsk (1216) and Constantine nevertheless became the Grand Duke. Only after his death, the throne passed to Yuri.

Yuri II (1219 - 1238)

Yuri fought successfully with the Volga Bulgarians and Mordovians. On the Volga, on the very border of Russian possessions, Prince Yuri built Nizhny Novgorod. It was during his reign in Russia that the Mongol-Tatars appeared, who in 1224, in the battle of Kalka, defeated the Polovtsians first, and then the troops of the Russian princes, who came to support the Polovtsians. After this battle, the Mongols left, but thirteen years later they returned under the leadership of Khan Batu. Hordes of Mongols devastated the Suzdal and Ryazan princedoms, and also, in the battle of the City, defeated the army and the Grand Duke Yuri II. In this battle, Yuri died. Two years after his death, hordes of Mongols plundered the south of Russia and Kiev, after which all Russian princes were forced to admit that from now on they all and their lands were under the rule Tatar yoke... The Mongols on the Volga made the city of Sarai the capital of the horde.

Yaroslav II (1238 - 1252)

The Khan of the Golden Horde appointed the Grand Duke of Novgorod Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich. During his reign, this prince was engaged in restoring Russia, devastated by the Mongol army.

Alexander Nevsky (1252 - 1263)

At first, being a Novgorod prince, Alexander Yaroslavovich in 1240 defeated the Swedes on the Neva River, for which, in fact, he was named Nevsky. Then, two years later, he defeated the Germans in the famous Battle of the Ice. Among other things, Alexander very successfully fought against Chud and Lithuania. From the Horde, he received a label for the Great Reign and became a great intercessor for the entire Russian people, as he traveled to the Golden Horde four times with rich gifts and bows. was subsequently canonized.

Yaroslav the Third (1264 - 1272)

After Alexander Nevsky died, his two brothers began to fight for the title of Grand Duke: Vasily and Yaroslav, but the Khan of the Golden Horde decided to give the label to Yaroslav to reign. Nevertheless, Yaroslav did not manage to get along with the Novgorodians, he treacherously called on even the Tatars to his own people. The metropolitan reconciled Prince Yaroslav the Third with the people, after which the prince again swore an oath on the cross to rule honestly and justly.

Basil the First (1272 - 1276)

Vasily the First was a Kostroma prince, but he claimed the throne of Novgorod, where the son of Alexander Nevsky, Dmitry, reigned. And soon Basil the First achieved his goal, thereby strengthening his principality, which had been weakened by division into estates.

Dmitry the First (1276 - 1294)

The entire reign of Dmitry the First proceeded in a continuous struggle for the rights of the Grand Duke with his brother Andrei Alexandrovich. Andrei Alexandrovich was supported by the Tatar regiments, from which Dmitry managed to escape three times. After his third escape, Dmitry nevertheless decided to ask Andrey for peace and, thus, received the right to the Pereslavl reign.

Andrew the Second (1294 - 1304)

Andrew II pursued a policy of expanding his principality through the armed seizure of other principalities. In particular, he claimed a principality in Pereslavl, which caused feuds with Tver and Moscow, which, even after the death of Andrei II, were not stopped.

Saint Michael (1304 - 1319)

Prince Mikhail Yaroslavovich of Tver, having paid a large tribute to the khan, received from the Horde a label for a grand duke, bypassing the Moscow prince Yuri Danilovich. But then, while Mikhail was at war with Novgorod, Yuri, in agreement with the Horde ambassador Kavgadye, slandered Mikhail in front of the khan. As a result, the khan summoned Mikhail to the Horde, where he was brutally killed.

Yuri the Third (1320 - 1326)

Yuri the Third, married the daughter of Khan Konchak, who took the name Agafya in Orthodoxy. It was in her premature death that Yuri cunningly accused Mikhail Yaroslavovich of Tverskoy, for which he suffered an unfair and cruel death at the hands of the Horde Khan. So Yuri received a label for reign, but the son of the murdered Mikhail, Dmitry, also claimed the throne. As a result, Dmitry killed Yuri at the first meeting, avenging his father's death.

Dmitry the Second (1326)

For the murder of Yuri III, he was sentenced to death by the Horde Khan for arbitrariness.

Alexander Tverskoy (1326 - 1338)

The brother of Dmitry II - Alexander - received from the khan a label to the throne of the Grand Duke. Prince Alexander of Tverskoy was distinguished by justice and kindness, but he literally ruined himself by allowing the Tverites to kill Shchelkan, the hated Khan ambassador. The Khan sent a 50,000-strong army against Alexander. The prince was forced to flee, first to Pskov, and then to Lithuania. Only 10 years later, Alexander received the khan's forgiveness and was able to return, but, at the same time, he did not get along with the prince of Moscow - Ivan Kalita - after which Kalita slandered Alexander of Tversky in front of the khan. The Khan urgently summoned A. Tverskoy to his Horde, where he was executed.

John the First Kalita (1320 - 1341)

Ioann Danilovich, nicknamed "Kalita" (Kalita - purse) for his stinginess, was very careful and cunning. With the support of the Tatars, he devastated the Tver principality. It was he who took upon himself the responsibility to accept tribute for the Tatars from all over Russia, which also contributed to his personal enrichment. With this money, John bought up entire cities from appanage princes. Through the efforts of Kalita, the metropolitanate was also transferred from Vladimir to Moscow in 1326. He founded the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow. Since the time of John Kalita, Moscow has become the permanent residence of the Metropolitan of All Russia and becomes the Russian center.

Simeon the Proud (1341 - 1353)

The khan gave Simeon Ioannovich not only a label for the Great Duke, but also ordered all the other princes to obey only him, so Simeon began to be called the prince of all Russia. The prince died without leaving an heir from a pestilence.

John the Second (1353 - 1359)

Brother of Simeon the Proud. He had a meek and peaceful disposition, he obeyed the advice of Metropolitan Alexei in all matters, and Metropolitan Alexei, in turn, was highly respected in the Horde. During the reign of this prince, relations between the Tatars and Moscow improved significantly.

Dmitry the Third Donskoy (1363 - 1389)

After the death of John the Second, his son Dmitry was still small, therefore the khan gave the label to the grand duke to the Suzdal prince Dmitry Konstantinovich (1359 - 1363). However, the Moscow boyars benefited from the policy of strengthening the Moscow prince, and they managed to achieve the grand duke for Dmitry Ioannovich. The Suzdal prince was forced to submit and, together with the rest of the princes of north-eastern Russia, swore allegiance to Dmitry Ioannovich. The relationship between Russia and the Tatars also changed. Due to civil strife in the horde itself, Dmitry and the other princes took the opportunity not to pay the already familiar quitrent. Then Khan Mamai entered into an alliance with the Lithuanian prince Jagell and marched with a large army to Russia. Dmitry with other princes met the army of Mamai on the Kulikovo field, (near the Don river) and at the cost of huge losses on September 8, 1380, Russia won a victory over the army of Mamai and Yagell. For this victory, they called Dmitry Ioannovich Donskoy. Until the end of his life, he cared about strengthening Moscow.

Basil the First (1389 - 1425)

Vasily ascended the princely throne, already having the experience of reign, since even during his father's life he shared the reign with him. Expanded the Moscow principality. Refused to pay tribute to the Tatars. In 1395, Khan Timur threatened Russia with an invasion, but it was not he who attacked Moscow, but Edigei, the Tatar murza (1408). But he lifted the siege from Moscow, having received a ransom in the amount of 3,000 rubles. Under Vasily the First, the Ugra River was designated as the border with the Lithuanian principality.

Basil the Second (Dark) (1425 - 1462)

Yuri Dmitrievich Galitsky decided to take advantage of the minority of Prince Vasily and claimed his rights to the grand-ducal throne, but the khan resolved the dispute in favor of the minor Vasily II, which was greatly facilitated by the Moscow boyar Vasily Vsevolozhsky, hoping in the future to marry his daughter to Vasily, but these expectations were not destined to come true ... Then he left Moscow and provided assistance to Yuri Dmitrievich, and soon he seized the throne, on which he died in 1434. His son Vasily Kosoy began to claim the throne, but all the princes of Russia rebelled against this. Vasily II captured Vasily the Kosoy and blinded him. Then the brother of Vasily the Kosoy Dmitry Shemyak captured Vasily II and also blinded him, after which he took the throne of Moscow. But soon he was forced to give the throne to Basil II. Under Vasily II, all the metropolitans in Russia began to be recruited from Russians, and not from Greeks, as before. The reason for this was the adoption of the Florentine union in 1439 by Metropolitan Isidore, who was from the Greeks. For this, Vasily II gave the order to take Metropolitan Isidor into custody and instead appointed Bishop John of Ryazan.

John the Third (1462 -1505)

Under him, the nucleus of the state apparatus began to form and, as a result, the state of Rus. He annexed Yaroslavl, Perm, Vyatka, Tver, Novgorod to the Moscow principality. In 1480, he overthrew the Tatar-Mongol yoke (Standing on the Ugra). In 1497, the "Code of Laws" was drawn up. John the Third launched a large building in Moscow, strengthened the international position of Russia. It was under him that the title "Prince of All Russia" was born.

Basil the Third (1505 - 1533)

"The last collector of the Russian lands" Vasily the Third was the son of John III and Sophia Paleologue. He was distinguished by a very impregnable and proud disposition. Having annexed Pskov, he destroyed the specific system. He fought with Lithuania twice on the advice of Mikhail Glinsky, a Lithuanian nobleman, whom he kept in his service. In 1514 he finally took Smolensk from the Lithuanians. He fought with the Crimea and Kazan. As a result, he managed to punish Kazan. He recalled all trade from the city, ordering from now on to trade at the Makariev Fair, which was then transferred to Nizhny Novgorod. Vasily the Third, wishing to marry Elena Glinskaya, divorced his wife Solomonia, which further turned the boyars against himself. From a marriage with Elena, Basil the Third had a son, John.

Elena Glinskaya (1533 - 1538)

Was appointed to rule by Basil III himself until the age of majority of their son John. Elena Glinskaya, having barely ascended the throne, dealt very harshly with all the rebellious and disgruntled boyars, after which she made peace with Lithuania. Then she decided to repulse the Crimean Tatars, who boldly attacked the Russian lands, however, these plans of hers were not given to be realized, since Elena died suddenly.

John the Fourth (the Terrible) (1538 - 1584)

John the Fourth, Prince of All Russia, became the first Russian tsar in 1547. Since the late forties, he ruled the country with the participation of the Chosen Rada. During his reign, the convocation of all Zemsky Councils began. In 1550, a new Code of Law was drawn up, as well as reforms of the court and administration (Zemskaya and Gubnaya reforms). conquered in 1552 Kazan Khanate, and in 1556 - Astrakhan. In 1565, the oprichnina was introduced to strengthen the autocracy. Under John the Fourth, trade relations with England were established in 1553, and the first printing house in Moscow was opened. From 1558 to 1583 the Livonian War continued for access to the Baltic Sea. In 1581, the annexation of Siberia began. The entire internal policy of the country under Tsar John was accompanied by disgrace and executions, for which he was popularly called the Terrible. The enslavement of the peasants increased significantly.

Fedor Ioannovich (1584 - 1598)

He was the second son of John the Fourth. He was very sickly and weak, did not have a sharp mind. That is why very quickly the actual government of the state passed into the hands of the boyar Boris Godunov, the king's brother-in-law. Boris Godunov, having surrounded himself with exclusively devoted people, became a sovereign ruler. He built cities, strengthened relations with countries Western Europe, built the Arkhangelsk harbor on the White Sea. By order and instigation of Godunov, an all-Russian independent patriarchate was established, and the peasants were finally attached to the land. It was he who, in 1591, ordered the assassination of Tsarevich Dmitry, who was a brother of the childless Tsar Fedor, and was his direct heir. 6 years after this murder, Tsar Fyodor himself died.

Boris Godunov (1598 - 1605)

Boris Godunov's sister and wife of the late Tsar Fyodor abdicated the throne. Patriarch Job recommended Godunov's supporters to gather the Zemsky Sobor, at which Boris was elected tsar. Godunov, having become king, was afraid of conspiracies on the part of the boyars and, in general, was distinguished by excessive suspicion, which naturally caused disgrace and exile. At the same time, the boyar Fyodor Nikitich Romanov was forced to take tonsure, and he became a monk Filaret, and his young son Mikhail was sent into exile to Beloozero. But not only the boyars were angry with Boris Godunov. A three-year crop failure and the pestilence that followed it, which fell on the Muscovite kingdom, forced the people to see the fault of Tsar B. Godunov in this. The king tried as best he could to alleviate the plight of the starving. He increased the earnings of people employed in government buildings (for example, during the construction of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower), generously distributed alms, but people still murmured and willingly believed rumors that the legitimate Tsar Dmitry had not been killed at all and would soon take the throne. In the midst of preparations for the fight against False Dmitry, Boris Godunov suddenly died, while managing to bequeath the throne to his son Fedor.

False Dmitry (1605 - 1606)

The fugitive monk Grigory Otrepiev, who was supported by the Poles, declared himself Tsar Dmitry, who miraculously managed to escape from the murderers in Uglich. He entered Russia with several thousand people. An army came out to meet him, but it also went over to the side of False Dmitry, recognizing him as the legitimate king, after which Fyodor Godunov was killed. False Dmitry was a very good-natured man, but with a sharp mind, he diligently dealt with all state affairs, but caused the displeasure of the clergy and boyars, because, in their opinion, he did not respect the old Russian customs enough, and in many even neglected. Together with Vasily Shuisky, the boyars entered into a conspiracy against False Dmitry, spread a rumor that he was an impostor, and then, without hesitation, killed the fake tsar.

Vasily Shuisky (1606 - 1610)

Boyars and townspeople elected the old and inexperienced Shuisky as tsar, thus limiting his power. Rumors about the salvation of False Dmitry again arose in Russia, in connection with which new troubles began in the state, reinforced by the rebellion of a servant named Ivan Bolotnikov and the appearance of False Dmitry II in Tushino (“ Tushino thief"). Poland went to war against Moscow and defeated the Russian troops. After that, Tsar Basil was forcibly tonsured into a monk, and came to Russia Time of Troubles an interregnum lasting three years.

Mikhail Fedorovich (1613 - 1645)

The diplomas of the Trinity Lavra, sent out all over Russia and calling for the protection of the Orthodox faith and the fatherland, did their job: Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, with the participation of the Zemstvo head of Nizhny Novgorod Kozma Minin (Sukhoroky), gathered a large militia and moved to Moscow in order to clear the capital of rebels and Poles, which was done after painful efforts. On February 21, 1613, the Great Zemstvo Duma gathered, at which Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov was elected tsar, who, after long denials, nevertheless ascended the throne, where the first thing he did was to pacify both external and internal enemies.

He concluded the so-called pillar treaty with the Kingdom of Sweden, in 1618 he signed the Deulinsky treaty with Poland, according to which Filaret, who was the king's parent, was returned to Russia after a long captivity. Upon his return, he was immediately elevated to the rank of patriarch. Patriarch Filaret was an advisor to his son and a reliable co-ruler. Thanks to them, by the end of the reign of Mikhail Fedorovich, Russia began to enter into friendly relations with various Western states, practically recovering from the horror of the time of troubles.

Alexey Mikhailovich (Quiet) (1645 - 1676)

Tsar Alexei is considered one of the the best people ancient Russia... He had a meek, humble disposition, was very pious. He could not endure quarrels at all, and if they happened, he suffered a lot and tried in every possible way to make peace with the enemy. In the first years of his reign, his closest adviser was his uncle, boyar Morozov. In the fifties, Patriarch Nikon became his adviser, who took it into his head to unite Russia with the rest of the Orthodox world and ordered everyone to be baptized in the Greek manner from now on - with three fingers, which caused a split among the Orthodox in Russia. (The most famous schismatics are the Old Believers, who do not want to deviate from the true faith and be baptized with a "fig", as ordered by the patriarch - Boyarina Morozova and Archpriest Avvakum).

During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, riots broke out in different cities, which they managed to suppress, and the decision of Little Russia to voluntarily join the Moscow state provoked two wars with Poland. But the state held out thanks to the unity and concentration of power. After the death of his first wife, Maria Miloslavskaya, in marriage with whom the tsar had two sons (Fedor and John) and many daughters, he married a second time to the girl Natalya Naryshkina, who bore him a son, Peter.

Fedor Alekseevich (1676 - 1682)

During the reign of this tsar, the question of Little Russia was finally resolved: its western part went to Turkey, and the East and Zaporozhye to Moscow. Patriarch Nikon was returned from exile. And also abolished parochialism - the ancient boyar custom to take into account the service of ancestors when holding government and military posts. Tsar Fyodor died without leaving an heir.

Ivan Alekseevich (1682 - 1689)

Ivan Alekseevich, together with his brother Peter Alekseevich, was elected tsar thanks to streltsy revolt... But Tsarevich Alexei, suffering from dementia, did not take any part in state affairs. He died in 1689 during the reign of Princess Sophia.

Sophia (1682 - 1689)

Sophia remained in history as the ruler of an extraordinary mind and possessed all necessary qualities a real queen. She managed to calm the unrest of the schismatics, curb the archers, conclude "eternal peace" with Poland, very beneficial for Russia, as well as the Treaty of Nerchinsk with distant China. The princess undertook campaigns against Crimean Tatars, but fell victim to her own lust for power. Tsarevich Peter, however, having figured out her plans, imprisoned his half-sister in the Novodevichy Convent, where Sophia died in 1704.

Peter the Great (the Great) (1682 - 1725)

The greatest tsar, and since 1721 the first Russian emperor, statesman, culture and military leader. He made revolutionary reforms in the country: collegia, the Senate, bodies of political investigation and state control were created. He made divisions in Russia into provinces, and also subordinated the church to the state. Built a new capital - St. Petersburg. Peter's main dream was to eliminate the backwardness of Russia in development in comparison with European countries. Taking advantage of Western experience, he tirelessly created manufactories, factories, shipyards.

To facilitate trade and for access to the Baltic Sea, he won the Northern War, which lasted 21 years, from Sweden, thereby “cutting through” the “window to Europe”. He built a huge fleet for Russia. Thanks to his efforts, the Academy of Sciences was opened in Russia and the civil alphabet was adopted. All reforms were carried out with the most brutal methods and caused numerous uprisings in the country (Streletskoye in 1698, Astrakhan from 1705 to 1706, Bulavinskoye from 1707 to 1709), which, however, were just as ruthlessly suppressed.

Catherine the First (1725 - 1727)

Peter the First died without leaving a will. So, the throne passed to his wife Catherine. Catherine became famous for equipping Bering on a trip around the world, and also established the Supreme Privy Council at the instigation of a friend and colleague of her late husband Peter the Great - Prince Menshikov. Thus, Menshikov concentrated in his hands virtually all state power... He persuaded Catherine to be the heir to the throne to appoint the son of Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich, to whom his father, Peter the Great, had passed the death sentence for his disgust for reforms - Peter Alekseevich, and also to agree to his marriage with Menshikov's daughter Maria. Until the age of majority of Peter Alekseevich, Prince Menshikov was appointed the ruler of Russia.

Peter II (1727 - 1730)

Peter II did not rule for long. Having barely got rid of the imperious Menshikov, he immediately fell under the influence of the Dolgoruky, who, in every possible way distracting the emperors from state affairs with amusement, actually ruled the country. They wished to marry the emperor to Princess E. A. Dolgoruka, but Pyotr Alekseevich suddenly died of smallpox and the wedding did not take place.

Anna Ioannovna (1730 - 1740)

The Supreme Privy Council decided to somewhat limit the autocracy, so they chose Anna Ioannovna, the Dowager Duchess of Courland, daughter of Ioann Alekseevich, as Empress. But she was crowned on Russian throne autocratic empress and, first of all, having entered into law, destroyed the Supreme Privy Council. She replaced him with the Cabinet and instead of the Russian nobles handed out positions to the Germans Ostern and Minich, as well as to the Courland Biron. The cruel and unjust government was later called "Biron region".

Russia's interference in the internal affairs of Poland in 1733 cost the country dearly: the lands conquered by Peter the Great had to be returned to Persia. Before her death, the empress appointed her niece Anna Leopoldovna's son as her heir, and appointed Biron as regent for the baby. However, Biron was overthrown in a short time, and Anna Leopoldovna, whose reign could not be called long and glorious, became the empress. The guards staged a coup and proclaimed Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great.

Elizaveta Petrovna (1741 - 1761)

Elizabeth destroyed the Cabinet established by Anna Ioannovna and returned the Senate. Issued a decree abolishing the death penalty in 1744. In 1954, she founded the first borrowed banks in Russia, which was a great boon for merchants and nobles. At the request of Lomonosov, she opened the first university in Moscow and in 1756 opened the first theater. During her reign, Russia fought two wars: with Sweden and the so-called "seven-year", in which Prussia, Austria and France took part. Thanks to the peace treaty with Sweden, part of Finland was ceded to Russia. The "Seven Years" War ended with the death of Empress Elizabeth.

Peter the Third (1761 - 1762)

He was absolutely unadapted to governing the state, but his disposition was complacent. But this young emperor managed to turn against himself absolutely all strata of Russian society, since, to the detriment of Russian interests, he showed a craving for everything German. Peter the Third, not only did he make a lot of concessions in relation to the Prussian emperor Frederick II, he also reformed the army according to the same Prussian model, dear to his heart. He issued decrees on the destruction of the secret office and the free nobility, which, however, were not distinguished by certainty. As a result of the coup, due to his relationship to the empress, he quickly signed an abdication and died soon after.

Catherine the Second (1762 - 1796)

The time of her reign was one of the greatest after the reign of Peter the Great. Empress Catherine ruled harshly, suppressed the peasant uprising of Pugachev, won two Turkish wars, which resulted in the recognition of the independence of the Crimea by Turkey, as well as Russia withdrew the coast of the Azov Sea. Russia got the Black Sea Fleet, and in Novorossiya, active construction of cities began. Catherine II established the collegiums of education and medicine. Cadet corps were opened, and for the training of girls - the Smolny Institute. Catherine II, herself possessing literary ability, patronized literature.

Paul the First (1796 - 1801)

He did not support the transformations initiated by his mother, Empress Catherine, in the state system. Of the achievements of his reign, it should be noted that the life of serfs was greatly facilitated (only a three-day corvee was introduced), the opening of a university in Dorpat, as well as the emergence of new women's institutions.

Alexander the First (Blessed) (1801 - 1825)

The grandson of Catherine II, ascending the throne, vowed to rule the country "according to the law and heart" of his crowned grandmother, who, in fact, was involved in his upbringing. At the very beginning, he undertook a number of different liberation measures aimed at different sectors of society, which aroused the undoubted respect and love of people. But external political issues distracted Alexander from internal reforms. Russia in an alliance with Austria was forced to fight against Napoleon, the Russian troops were defeated at Austerlitz.

Napoleon forced Russia to abandon trade with England. As a result, in 1812, Napoleon nevertheless, having violated the treaty with Russia, went to war against the country. And in the same year, 1812, Russian troops defeated Napoleon's army. Alexander the First established a state council in 1800, ministries and a cabinet of ministers. In St. Petersburg, Kazan and Kharkov, he opened universities, as well as many institutes and gymnasiums, the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. He made the life of the peasants much easier.

Nicholas the First (1825 - 1855)

He continued the policy of improving peasant life. He founded the Institute of St. Vladimir in Kiev. Published a 45-volume complete collection of laws Russian Empire... Under Nicholas I in 1839, the Uniates were reunited with Orthodoxy. This reunification was the result of the suppression of the uprising in Poland and the complete destruction of the Polish constitution. A war was fought with the Turks, who oppressed Greece, as a result of the victory of Russia, Greece gained independence. After breaking off relations with Turkey, which sided with England, Sardinia and France, Russia had to join a new struggle.

The emperor died suddenly during the defense of Sevastopol. During the reign of Nicholas the First, the Nikolaev and Tsarskoye Selo railways were built, the great Russian writers and poets lived and worked: Lermontov, Pushkin, Krylov, Griboyedov, Belinsky, Zhukovsky, Gogol, Karamzin.

Alexander II (Liberator) (1855 - 1881)

Alexander II had to end the Turkish war. The Paris Peace was concluded on very unfavorable terms for Russia. In 1858, according to an agreement with China, Russia acquired the Amur region, and later - Usuriisk. In 1864, the Caucasus finally became part of Russia. The most important state transformation of Alexander II was the decision to free the peasants. Killed by an assassin in 1881.