Article on the emergence of cities in Ancient Russia.

In recent decades, Russian historical science has achieved significant success in developing the problem of the formation of cities in Ancient Russia, which is closely related to socio-economic, political, cultural and religious issues.

Archaeologists have made a significant contribution to the development of this topic. Large-scale excavations of Ladoga, Novgorod itself and Gorodishche (Ryurikov) near Novgorod, Beloozero, Rostov the Great, Suzdal, as well as a number of proto-urban centers, allow us to take a fresh and more detailed look at the processes of city formation in Russia today.

However, this issue has long been of interest to historians. In the XVIII-XIX centuries, in the works of a significant number of scientists, the causes of the emergence and early stages of the development of cities in Russia are considered. Different points of view and even complete theories can be found in the work of such a venerable historian as N.M. Karamzin, who, following A.L. Schletser, considered that urban centers in Russia appeared in the first half of the 9th century.

Some historians believed that the cities (towns) in Ancient Russia were the product of the Slavic colonization of the North-West (the future Novgorod lands) and the North-East (the core of the future Suzdal land). In part, S.F. Platonov joined them, believing that, along with the processes of colonization, both domestic and distant trade played a significant role in the process of the formation of cities. It is no coincidence, in his opinion, that almost all early ancient Russian cities arise along the main water systems - the Dnieper and Volga, which at that time were the main connecting routes of Russia with the Arab East, Byzantium, Volga Bulgaria, Scandinavia, Central Europe and many other lands.

The most detailed "trade" theory of city formation in Ancient Russia was developed in the works of V.O.Klyuchevsky.

Thus, in the historical science of the 18th - early 20th centuries, a whole kaleidoscope of explanations for the causes of the emergence of cities in Russia was formed. Economic (trade and handicraft), defensive, colonization, political, religious, cultural, and other factors that significantly influenced the ancient Russian processes of urban formation were taken into account, and sometimes put forward in the first place.

In the 20th century, this topic was considered quite deeply and intently in the works of many historians and archaeologists. Quite a lot of attention is paid to the historiography of this issue in our work "New Sources on the History of Ancient Russia" 1 (therefore, in this article we will focus only on the main ones).

The general definition of the ancient Russian city was given in the generalizing work of B.D. Grekov. He believed that "the city is a settlement in which the industrial and commercial population is concentrated, in one way or another divorced from agriculture." 2 In other words, for B.D. Grekov, the decisive factor in the process of the emergence of cities in Russia was the allocation of handicrafts to an independent branch of the economy and the development of trade. B.D. Grekov also noted that "the main Slavic cities arose along large waterways." 3 There is a clear contradiction in these conclusions. It consists in the following: in his opinion, feudalism and statehood in Russia, as well as cities, begin in the 9th century. However, according to archaeological data, many types of crafts stand out here at an earlier time, and urban centers appear in droves, judging by archaeological and written data, starting from the turn of the 10th-11th centuries. Hence the assumption arises that the hypothesis (concept) of B.D. Grekov about the early feudalization of Russia since the 9th century should be questioned.

For, in my opinion, the emergence of cities is an integral part of the initial formation of the early feudal society in Ancient Russia. Although, as we will show below, there are different, sometimes mutually exclusive, points of view on this matter.

In general terms, M.N. Tikhomirov agrees with B.D. Grekov, creeping, that economic factors were dominant in the process of city formation in Russia, and the socio-political nature of this phenomenon was not given sufficient attention, although in general he pointed out that the development of feudalism played an important role in this process. 4 It is difficult to agree with this approach, because the latest research by historians, as well as the results of archaeological excavations obtained in recent decades, contradict this.

The conclusions of M.N. Tikhomirov also run counter to the conclusions of B.D. Grekov. If the latter, as noted above, indicates that the backbone of cities was "the population, to some extent divorced from agriculture", then M.N. Tikhomirov noted that urban centers
arose primarily in peasant agricultural areas, where the districts are able to feed the population concentrated in separate places. M.N.Tikhomirov actively opposed the "trade" theory, which explained the emergence of the city by the participation of one or another point in trade, and mainly, as he interprets the conclusions of V.O.Klyuchevsky, transit. According to him, cities are permanent settlements where handicraft and trade were concentrated. Such centers relied on stable domestic markets for their products and the agricultural district.

However, as archeological data show, the economy of both the proto-urban centers and the cities themselves was complex. Their inhabitants were also engaged in agriculture, including farming and cattle breeding, fishing, hunting, crafts and, of course, both transit and internal trade.

Again, the data of archaeological research, which we will discuss below, indicate that there was no direct rigid connection between the emerging cities and purely agricultural settlements, where, by the way, both craft and their participation in various types trade (of course, primarily with nearby cities), as well as indirect and long-distance transit trade with both ancient Russian cities and beyond. Otherwise, it would be difficult to explain the numerous finds of foreign products (weapons, jewelry, ceramics, etc.) in cultural layers, buildings of rural settlements, as well as in burials and treasures.

B.A. Rybakov, unlike B.D. Grekov, I.A. Tikhomirova, indicates that "the course of the historical development of the tribal system leads to the multiplication of such centers (urban. - I.D.) and to the complication of their functions", 5 and they, in turn (and it is they), are the basis of future early feudal cities. Thus, B.A. Rybakov tries to link the emergence of cities with the transition from a tribal system to an early feudal society.

Despite the variety of forms of early ancient Russian cities, modern historical science still identifies the main ways of their development and the main forms. Such concepts as "tribal cities", "proto-urban centers", "fortified cities", 6 "city-states" 7 and a number of others are used in the literature.

In the 50s of our century, three main concepts of the formation of cities were formulated - "tribal", "castle" (essentially early feudal) and "multiple", which are based on various reasons for the emergence of a particular city, as well as its diversity. functions. They were developed in the most detail in the works of N.N. Voronin and P.A. Rappoport.

N. Voronin believed that ancient Russian cities could arise on the basis of trade and craft settlements, and as a result of the merger of rural settlements, or they could be formed around feudal castles or princely fortresses. 8 This concept was further developed and "by the end of the 60s ... a theory of the diversity of specific variants of the emergence of cities in Russia was formed." nine

Unfortunately, despite its attractiveness and rather ease of explaining the reasons for the emergence of a particular city, it did not take into account the specific historical situation, temporal and territorial factors, as well as ethnic characteristics and traditions of the population that created cities in their land.

A.V. Kuza, being a supporter of the theory of the plurality of types of early Russian cities, names four leading variants of their emergence: 1) tribal and intertribal centers; 2) fortified camps, graveyards, volost centers; 3) frontier fortresses; 4) one-time construction of the city.

The views of A.V. Kuza are quite traditional. He notes that "the very appearance of these settlements (with the exception of tribal centers) was brought to life by the development of feudalism in Russia, the emergence of statehood." 10

Thus, this researcher admits the existence of both tribal and early feudal cities. Offering his own periodization of the processes of city formation in Russia: the first period (before the beginning - the middle of the 10th century) - the proto-urban, the second (the middle of the 10th - the middle of the 12th century) - the early city and the third (from the middle of the 12th century) - the period of developed cities, A. V. Cuza does not reveal the socio-economic and political nature of the cities that he refers to different periods of the development of society as a whole. In addition, the periodization and typology proposed by him are sinful of excessive schematism and overly formalized criteria and assessments. However, as he himself notes, the process of city formation in Russia was more complex than it sometimes appears to researchers.

Completely new approaches to the problem of the emergence of cities in Ancient Russia were developed by V.V. Mavrodin, I.Ya. Froyanov and his students. In recent years, the historical school of Froyanov has developed. In the works of his own, as well as those of numerous students, based on an extensive historiographical heritage, written and archaeological sources, a new original concept of the emergence and formation of ancient Russian cities in the direct context of ancient Russian society in the pre-Mongol era has been developed. AND I. Froyanov, in his reflections, relies on the thesis according to which - "now we have a huge amount of facts testifying to city-states as a form of state that is universal in world history. City-states are found almost everywhere." 12

In another work (co-authored with his student A.Yu. Dvornichenko), he notes that "city-states are often found in societies undergoing a transitional period from pre-class to class socio-economic formation." 13

The monograph of these authors is devoted to the early city theme, in which they "complete basically their study of the problem of the city-state in Ancient Russia." 14 Indeed, today this monograph is a milestone and in many respects the final study on the Old Russian early city topics. It analyzes the extensive historiography of the issue, which was significantly supplemented in the recently defended Ph.D. thesis by S.I. Malovichko, one of the students of I.Ya. Froyanov. 15 He claims that in the works of I.Ya. Froyanov, A.Yu. However, he also notes that "the problem itself still remains open."

The basis of the concept of I.Ya. urban crafts and trade reach in the XII century And yet the main cities of Russia and at that time acted primarily not as centers of craft and trade, but as state centers, standing at the head of the lands - urban volosts - states.

It should be noted that for the early stage of the formation of ancient Russian urban centers (9th - early 11th centuries), the main sources are archaeological. It is necessary to consider the question of how much they confirm or refute the thesis of I.Ya. Froyanov and A.Yu. Dvornichenko. Let us cite as examples only the most studied early city centers known from written sources. These are such as Ladoga, Settlement (Rurikovo) near Novgorod in the North-West, Gnezdovo (Smolensk) in the South-West and Sarskoye Settlement (annalistic Rostov) in the North-East.

Archaeological studies on the processes of city formation in Russia are discussed in detail in a number of our books and articles. The cities of the North-East, as well as the Yaroslavl Volga region (Rostov the Great, Yaroslavl, Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, Uglich) are devoted to a special monograph. 16

In addition, the problems of the emergence of cities, the causes of this phenomenon, their socio-political and economic nature are analyzed in the section of the already mentioned book "The Formation and Development of Early Class Societies". 17

One of the most studied archaeologically is such a large early city center as Ladoga. Its excavations have been going on for more than a hundred years and are still ongoing. This city occupied a special position in Ancient Russia, because it was located at the junction of two major waterways of Ancient Russia - the Dnieper and the Volga with access to the Baltic. Thus, Ladoga occupied a key strategic position and played an important role in the history of Russia as a whole.

In the works of A.N. Kirpichnikov, the history of the development of Ladoga is described in detail. On the basis of mainly archaeological data, A.N. Kirpichnikov made an attempt to identify several stages in the formation of Ladoga as an urban center. eighteen

As you know, Ladoga was first mentioned in the annals under 862 in connection with the calling of the Varangians and the arrival of Rurik here. It has now been proven that this, as many previously believed, "legend" reflects true events, and Ladoga was the capital of the emerging Russian state - the Rurik Empire.

The question of questions is why Rurik comes precisely to Ladoga and who, what early state formation "called" him and the mercenaries to these lands. On this account, there are many different, sometimes contradictory versions and hypotheses. The works of D.A. Machinsky and A.N. So, D.A. Machinsky claims that at the beginning of the 9th century. here in the Lower Volkhov region there was a certain proto-state with its capital Ladoga. 19

We find similar ideas in the works of A.N. Kirpichnikov. 20 He also notes that “the independent significance of Ladoga was also strengthened by the fact that, having established intra-regional ties with the Veps and Finnish population, it headed a self-governing region - the Ladoga land, stretching from Lake Onega in the east to the Izhora plateau in the west". 21 This conclusion means that at an early stage of its existence, Ladoga was not only a tribal, but also an intertribal center, representing the capital of a certain federation.

This is in full agreement with the idea of ​​city-states set forth in the studies of I.Ya. Froyanov and his students. Let's compare the conclusions with the conclusions of archaeologists outlined above. "The city arose as a vital body, coordinating and enhancing the activities of social unions formed at the end of the tribal system, intertribal in nature ... Thus, there is every reason to assert that at an early stage the cities acted mainly as military-political, administrative and cultural (religious) centers. 22

As you can see, the ideas of archaeologists and historians largely coincide. There are only differences in terminology and some chronological inconsistencies.

Summing up his observations, A.N. I.D.), then in the X-XI centuries. - one of the most important trade and craft centers. "That is, in his opinion, only from the turn of the 11th-12th centuries did Ladoga acquire some features of an early feudal center, yielding its former role of the capital to Novgorod.

The forerunner of Novgorod was Gorodishche, known according to legend as Rurikovo, i.e. to some extent reflecting in its name the coming of the Varangians to Russia.

In recent years, his large-scale research has been launched, which has yielded new important results.

For many years, the version dominated, according to which the Settlement was founded only in the 12th century as a princely residence. As is known, Gorodishe itself was mentioned for the first time in the annals only in 1103 in connection with the construction of the Church of the Annunciation there. However, judging by archaeological research, an early city center has existed and developed in its place since at least the middle of the 9th century. Perhaps it was here that he came in the 9th century. from Ladoga Rurik with his retinue, i.e. the settlement already existed before the well-known events reported in the chronicle.

For many years Gorodishche and its materials have been constantly attracted by specialists in connection with the problem of the emergence of Novgorod and its place as the most important point in the system of waterways of Russia - the Baltic-Volga and Baltic-Dnieper. 23 On the first question) E.N. Nosov spoke quite clearly on several occasions. Proceeding from the well-known postulate, according to which the city (read Novgorod. - I.D.) could appear only in a class society, he believes that the Novaya (Novgorod) fortress became the successor of Gorodishche. 24

This raises the question: what was the Settlement in the period before the emergence of Novgorod. E.N. Nosov answers this question as follows: “In the 9th-10th centuries. The ancient settlement was a large trade, craft and military administrative settlement at the key point of the waterways of the forest zone of Eastern Europe, where the Baltic-Volga route and the route "from the Varangians to the Greeks" converged. 25

In his opinion, "the finds from Gorodishche testify that Slavs and Scandinavians were among its inhabitants in the 9th-10th centuries." 26

Thus, the data obtained do not make it possible to assess the Settlement as a tribal or intertribal center. This can most likely be attributed to Novgorod itself. Much has been written about Novgorod in this regard. Let us dwell on only one concept, which is now widely accepted. This is the hypothesis of V.L. Yanin and M.Kh. Aleshkovsky, according to which Novgorod was formed from three multi-ethnic settlements - Slovenian, Krivichi and Meryan, that is, at least two ethnic groups participated in the creation of the city - Slavic and Finno-Ugric. 27 According to V.L. Yanin, this happens in the first half of the 10th century. This concept is supported by I.Ya. Froyanov and A.Yu. Dvornichenko. They write that "many of the cities - tribal centers, according to the observations of archaeologists, arose as a result of the merger of several settlements. Before us is a phenomenon reminiscent of ancient Greek Sinoikism." From the latest research it is clear that ancient Novgorod arose as a result of the merger of several tribal settlements. Thus, this city was at an early stage the political center of the pre-state federations.

Following a number of other historians, I.Ya. Froyanov sees that not only Novgorod, but also many other cities of Ancient Russia arise as a result of the merger of several tribal, sometimes diverse ethnic settlements (ends). He finds such a Konchan device in Pskov, Staraya Russa, Ladoga, Korel, Smolensk, Rostov, Kiev 28 (assuming that this list could be continued). It follows from this that many cities were "capitals" of certain regions (volosts), which means they carried certain state or proto-state functions.

This position is quite consistent with the archaeological sources, which, however, have limited possibilities for such socio-economic reconstructions. 29

Of particular importance for the topic under consideration is the situation associated with the emergence of Smolensk. There is a lot of discussion and obscurity here. However, at present, most researchers, primarily archaeologists, accept the following picture of the emergence and formation of ancient Smolensk.

One of the main controversial issues is the ratio of Gnezdov - a well-known complex of monuments located not far from the ancient Russian Smolensk and Smolensk proper. As a result of the analysis of archaeological materials, it was concluded that Gnezdovo was an important trade, craft and retinue center on the strategically most important segment of the Dnieper route and had a proto-urban character. The multi-ethnicity of Gnezdov (Slavs, Scandinavians, Balts, Finno-Ugric peoples) does not raise any doubts, 30 disputes are only about the weight of these components and chronological priority. However, the main thing is that Gnezdovo was one of the centers of consolidation Eastern Slavs on the way of their creation of ancient Russian nationality and statehood.

We find similar conclusions in the work of L.V. Alekseev. He believes that Gnezdovo was a multi-ethnic trade and craft military retinue center that has existed since the 9th century. - the direct predecessor of the early feudal Smolensk, known to us from the annals and located in its present place. 31 While the socio-economic and political nature of "Gnezdovsky" Smolensk is basically clear, 32 it is not entirely clear to which center the written sources refer, reporting that Smolensk is "large and many people and ruled by elders." 33 In connection with this message of the chronicle, L.V. Alekseev writes: "So, in the memories of ancient Smolensk, which were used by the chroniclers of the XII century, Smolensk developed as a large tribal center of the Krivichi - a populous city ruled by elders ...". 34 However, this message refers to 862. There are also mentions of Smolensk in the work of Constantine Porphyrogenitus (X century).

L.V. Alekseev believes that this is about "Gnezdovsky" Smolensk, since only later layers (the end of the 10th-11th centuries) have been archaeologically revealed in the city itself. In relation to Gnezdov, this thesis of L.V. Alekseev should be questioned, since it was unlikely to be a Krivichi tribal center, because here, in addition to the Slavic, there was a very significant Scandinavian component. V.A. Bulkin and G.S. Lebedev, comparing Gnezdovo with Birka and defining them as proto-urban centers (wikis), note that “for both centers, apparently, it is necessary to assume a fluctuating composition of the population, its pulsation, and, consequently, predominantly temporary nature of emerging associations". 35 Actually, ancient Smolensk, known from the chronicles, was already tribal.

It seems to me that Gnezdovo, and this is confirmed by archaeological data, in the IX-XI centuries. was the same suburban polyethnic formation, focused primarily on long-distance trade relations, and by no means a tribal center, which fully meets the criteria for city-states, according to I.Ya. Froyanov, and in its early development could not be a feudal city.

In this regard, in my opinion, the statement of I.Ya. 36

Among the first ancient Russian cities mentioned in the annals under 862 is Rostov the Great. The problem of the emergence and further fate of this center is also extremely complex. Its history has gone through repeated ups and downs. The situation with Rostov is sufficient
close to the link between Gnezdov and Smolensk described above. Here, too, it is not entirely clear what the chronicler had in mind near Rostov - the Sarskoye settlement or the city proper in its present place.

A few years ago, I interpreted the main stages in the development of the Sarsk settlement as follows: this settlement begins its life as a Meryan tribal center, then, during the period of active Slavic development of the region, it becomes a proto-city and eventually turns into a feudal castle, losing the leading role in the region to Rostov. Such a scheme seemed to be quite universal, characteristic of the history of the emergence of many ancient Russian cities. However, in view of its schematism, the appearance of new materials, a thorough study of other points of view, now, in my opinion, it needs to be corrected, as well as to clarify a number of definitions. In this regard, the conclusion of A.N. Nasonov plays a significant role, according to which, “when the “Russian land” extended its “tribute” over the northeastern “country”, there also existed a Slavic “city”, corresponding to old Smolensk and Staraya Ladoga. This city is Sarskoye Settlement near Rostov, which archaeologists identify with ancient Rostov. 37

Apparently, it was no coincidence that A.N. Nasonov enclosed many of his definitions in quotation marks, because their understanding could be different, including the Slavic "city" - the Sarskoye settlement.

The excavations at the Sarskoye hill fort have yielded a rich collection of items that can be used to present the development of the material and spiritual culture of its inhabitants.

Until the 9th century, namely, before the first appearance of the Slavs in the Volga-Oka interfluve, as the vast majority of modern researchers believe, it was the center of the Finno-Ugric tribe Merya. This is confirmed both by numerous archaeological finds, which have a typically Finno-Ugric appearance, and by written sources, the most important of which is the message of the Primary Chronicle about the distribution of tribes, - "... On the Rostov Lake, it's merya."

A.E.Leontiev, in his studies on the Sarsky settlement, defines it as a tribal center and emphasizes its defensive function. Moreover, as I believe, it was not just a settlement-asylum, but was a permanent settlement with powerful fortifications in the form of ramparts and ditches, which were extremely few in this region. In addition, A.E. Leontiev believes that archaeological data also confirm the presence of certain tribal functions here - holding public meetings (veche), the location of tribal shrines, the residence of the leader, tribal elders, squads, etc. 38

Archaeological research speaks in favor of the fact that the fortifications on the Sarsky settlement were erected for a long time (according to A.E. Leontiev, mainly from the 8th to the 10th centuries). This makes it possible to assert that the inhabitants this center constantly felt the need to strengthen it, and in fact as a city-state (initially - tribal Meryan, and then intertribal - Slavic-Meryan), and in strengthening its power over the whole district of the parish.

In the ninth century in connection with the beginning of the Slavic settlement of the Volga-Oka interfluve, there are significant changes in the historical fate of the Sarsky settlement. From this time begins new stage in the life of the settlement, and its population becomes multi-ethnic.

New settlers - the Slavs, who are at the tribal stage of development, organically fit into the existing tribal Meryan structure. On the basis of this symbiosis, the Sarskoye settlement turns into an intertribal ethnic center with a fairly well-developed complex economy. The latter is especially clearly manifested in archaeological sources in the 10th century, when, along with intertribal socio-political and religious-cultural functions, the Sarskoye settlement acquires significant trade and craft significance, including its great role in trans-European relations. P.N. Tretyakov called the Sarskoye settlement of the 9th century. "embryo city". 39

Further, during the 10th century, according to E.I. Goryunova, the Sarskoe settlement from a small Meryan settlement turns into a trade and craft center with an ethnically mixed population. 40 However, E.I. Goryunova does not give a socio-political assessment of the Sarsk settlement of this time. The trade and craft function of the settlement only reflects its economic essence and does not at all contradict its socio-political significance as an intertribal city - the center around which a very significant number of rural settlements were grouped both along the shores of Lake Rostov and numerous rivers flowing into it. All of them did not have any fortifications, the craft was purely domestic in nature (primarily woodworking, ceramics, weaving, bone carving). Metallurgy, jewelry and other technologically complex types of crafts were the prerogative of the center - the Sarsky settlement. The same applies to trade, especially long-distance. Unfortunately, archaeological data do not give us solid grounds for a fairly reliable reconstruction of the socio-political nature of the Sarsk settlement of the 10th century, but indirectly they confirm the thesis that in the 9th-10th centuries, and, apparently, in the 11th century. The Sarsk settlement was first of all, as we have already stated above, the administrative center of the early state.

The existence of the Sarsk settlement in the XII-XIV centuries. documented in various written sources. According to the existing tradition, most historians and archaeologists believe that in given time this center became a genuine early feudal castle, a suburb of the prosperous Old Russian Rostov.

True, there are discussions around some of the messages in the chronicles. A.N. Nasonov, strictly following the written source, connects the message of the Novgorod 1st Chronicle under 1216 with the monument in question. 41 The site of ancient settlement on the river Sara falls into the annals in connection with the struggle between Novgorod and Suzdal.

The Battle of Lipitsa (1216) was preceded by significant tension in relations between Rostov and Suzdal, however, armed clashes did not reach, but each time, as a result of negotiations, the matter was resolved in favor of the Suzdal people. In particular, the chronicle says: "... and there was a settlement on the Sarah River, near St. Marina on Great Saturday, the month of April at 9; Prince Konstantin came from Rostov, kissing the cross." 42 According to the generally accepted opinion of historians, these "fortifications on the river Sarah" are Sarskoe. However, there is another opinion - this is the position of A.E. Leontiev, according to which the annals are not talking about the Sarsky settlement, but about the "mountain of St. Mary". 43 However, on the "mountain of St. Mary" only the material of the early Iron Age is known, and the existence of a monastery here in the XIII century. only local legends speak. More details in favor of the assertion that the chronicle speaks specifically about the Sarsk settlement are presented in a special chapter devoted to early history Rostov the Great in our book. 44 Apparently, some kind of negotiations were going on at the settlement, and it was most convenient to hold them here in a well-fortified and safe place, which was the center of the district in the 13th century.

There are also reports 45 about the Sarsk settlement associated with the name of the famous epic hero Alexander (Alyosha) Popovich. Alyosha Popovich served the Rostov prince Konstantin Vsevolodovich even after his death, when Rostov fell under the arm of Yuri Vsevolodovich of Vladimir. “The same Alexander’s advice should be made with your brave ones, fearing to serve Prince Yury - if he does revenge, if he resists him in battles: if we go to different principalities, then we ourselves will be afraid and captivity, because there is disagreement between the princes. departed to serve in Kiev ... ". This meeting of the Rostov warriors took place in the city, "which is dug under the Gremyachiy well on the river Gde (Sara. - I.D.), even now that sop is empty." A.E. Leontiev identifies this place as the Sarsk settlement 45 . He, following P.A. Rappoport, notes that "the small area, a thin cultural layer, reliable fortifications, a small number of finds, among which there are no handicraft tools and remnants of production, allow us to consider this settlement a feudal castle." 47 However, in my opinion, such arguments from the contrary are not productive, especially since for Ancient Russia in general and, in particular, the Northeast, Russian historical science has not developed sufficiently clear criteria for "feudal castles". If for an earlier time we are well aware of the settlements of shcha-shelters. what were the "feudal castles" and whether they were at all, we do not know. Moreover, the very fact of the gathering of Rostov combatants and their refusal to serve the new prince, the legitimate successor of their late brother, speaks of serious contradictions in the society of that time, associated with the crisis of tribal relations. Most likely, what we call the "transfer" of the city took place here. A general assessment and explanation of the nature of this phenomenon, which is very characteristic of Ancient Russia, will be given below. And now about the situation Sarskoye settlement - Rostov the Great. A.A. Spitsyn and P.N. Tretyakov identified the annalistic Rostov with the Sarsk settlement. P.N. Tretyakov believed that the city (Sarsk settlement) was moved to the shore of Lake Nero (Rostovskoye), where modern Rostov-Yaroslavsky (Great) is located. 48 According to N.N. Voronin, the Sarskoye settlement and Rostov the Great were independent centers, and the phenomenon of the "transfer" of the city is not recorded here. 49

In the studies of A.E. Leontiev, a point of view was formulated, according to which "Sarskoye settlement is a stronghold of Mary", and "Rostov is a stronghold of ancient Russian princely power." 50 This construction contradicts both archaeological and written sources. The former speak in favor of the fact that since the 9th century, the Sarskoye settlement was a multi-ethnic (Slavic-Meryansk) center. In connection with the second and the conclusion of A.E. Leontiev, questions arise: why should the Russian princes hold negotiations in the Meryansk center? Why does the Russian "brave Alexander Popovich" meet with his comrades-in-arms there? This and many other things suggest that the interpretation of the correlation and interconnections of the Sarskoye settlement and Rostov should be somehow different. It is extremely difficult to reconstruct this picture in detail. I believe that during the XI-XII centuries. there is a crisis of the old tribal relations. This process is evolutionary in nature, and new socio-political structures are gradually formed, which later become the basis of the ancient Russian early feudal society. But for this society, it was necessary to go through a rather long and difficult path. The princely power with all its inherent institutions grew out of the tribal community, and at first the people's council, the council of elders, played a key role in solving all the most important issues of society. There were also conflict situations which eventually led to a general crisis, one of the reflections of which was the phenomenon of "transfer" of cities. On the whole, the situation connected with the founding of the city of Yaroslavl also fits into its framework, although it has significant differences from the one described above.

Yaroslavl - one of the ancient cities of the North-East, arises at the beginning of the 11th century, i.e. at a time when the ancient Russian development of the Upper Volga region sharply intensified (princely power is being strengthened here, the process of Christianization of the region is being activated). It is no coincidence that the legend of the struggle of an Orthodox prince with a sacred pagan beast is connected with the foundation of the city. This legend, of course, has an ancient background. There are no Finno-Ugric things in the early materials of the urban layers of Yaroslavl. The settlement on the Strelka at the confluence of Kotorosl with the Volga (Bear Corner), apparently, from the very beginning was multi-ethnic (Old Russian) and did not play the role of the tribal center of the district, but, most likely, was a trade and craft village.

Attention should be paid to two significant points reflected in the "Legend of the construction of the city of Yaroslavl". Firstly, here is a manifestation of ancient Russian paganism ("... and this was a settlement recommended by the Bear Corner, in it the inhabitants of the people, the filthy faith - the tongues of evil existent ... The idol bows to him, this was Volos, that is, the cattle god ".

Further in the "Tale" it is said that the idol of Volos stood in the middle of the Volos Lair, where the sanctuary was located, the sacrificial fire burned, and sacrifices were made. Among the inhabitants, the sorcerer enjoyed special honor and respect, who performed all these rituals. "But in a certain summer, the Blessed Prince Yaroslav was sent to sail on the boats with a strong and great army along the Volga River, on the right bank of it, where that settlement, called the Bear's Corner, stood."

In response to the merchants' complaints that the inhabitants of the village were attacking the caravans of their boats, Yaroslav ordered his squad to intimidate the inhabitants of the Bear's Corner and bring them to complete obedience, which was immediately done. "And these people, by an oath at Volos, promised the prince to live in harmony and give him the tasks, but they do not want to be baptized. And so the noble prince went to his throne city of Rostov." Let us pay attention to the fact that after coercion, the inhabitants of this settlement promised the prince to pay "taxes". Apparently, it was about establishing control over a key point on the Great Volga Route and redistributing with the local community income from transit trade, to which Rostov had not previously had access. I will also note such a detail that this time Yaroslav did not go against paganism, and, moreover, the locals swore an oath to the prince at Volos. So at this stage a compromise was found between the princely power and the community, paganism and Orthodoxy. Such a shaky balance, of course, could not continue for a long time.

According to the "Tale", the pagans of the Bear's Corner completely submitted only after the prince deprived them of their main shrine - the "fierce of the beast". This is nothing but the spread of the power of Rostov and his prince up to the banks of the Volga. "And there on the island, its own establish the rivers Volga and Kotorosl and flowing water" was built the Church of the Prophet Elijah. Then "the prince commanded the people to chop down wood and clean the place, and then create a city ... This city, the Blessed Prince Yaroslav, called Yaroslavl in his name."

So, Yaroslavl as a city appears only in the XI century. However, in the nearest district, he had predecessors who have been known since the 9th century at a distance of 10-12 km from the Bear Corner - Yaroslavl. These are pro-gorod trade and craft centers Timerevsky, Mikhailovsky, Petrovsky. These complexes include extensive burial mounds, unfortified settlements, and hoards of Kufic coins buried in the ground in the 9th century. These settlements date back to the 9th century and owe their emergence and flourishing to the functioning of the Great Volga Route. In the burials, buildings of the Timerevsky settlement, things were found that came to the Zalessky region from Scandinavia, Central Europe, Khazaria, Volga Bulgaria, and the countries of the Arab Caliphate. They were centers of trans-European trade and important outposts for the development of the Volga-Oka interfluve by the Slavs. Much has been written about these monuments, and there is no need to re-examine their materials in detail. In general, their assessment given above has received recognition in the literature. However, one important point should still be specially noted. The point is that all these centers, as shown by archaeological data, were inhabited by the main newcomer Slavic-Scandinavian population along important routes included in the Volga system, and at the same time free from local Finno-Ugric tribes. This is their peculiarity and difference, say, from the same Sarsk settlement or Kleshchina, which will be discussed below. Yes, and judging by the reports of the chronicle, the bulk of the Meryan population was located in the period of the 9th - the first half of the 10th century. southwest in the basins of lakes Nero (Rostovsky) and Pleshcheyevo (Kleshchino).

Chronological observations based on the materials of the Timerevsky necropolis speak in favor of the fact that at the first stage of the existence of this complex, its population was Slavic-Scandinavian, and only from the middle of the 10th century the Finno-Ugric component begins to be clearly traced here. M.V. Fekhner and N.G. Nedoshivina note that "the most intensive growth of the burial ground is observed in the second half of the 10th century, apparently as a result of a significant influx of population into this region of the Yaroslavl Volga region in the period under consideration." And further: "In the motley composition of the Timerevsky inventory, the first place belongs to objects typical of the Finno-Ugric tribes." 51 These two conclusions contradict each other, and we should not talk about the influx of new population, but about the inclusion of trade and craft centers in the local community-tribal structure. But in this form, they were not destined to exist for long, because at the turn of the X-XI centuries, the crisis phenomena of the tribal system appear, a rather long transitional stage begins to new socio-political relations in ancient Russian society. And just at that time, instead of the proto-urban trade and craft, as well as tribal centers, new early city centers arose, which later grew into ancient Russian cities. For a while they coexist. In this regard, one should pay attention to such an interesting fact. According to Arabic sources, the daily passage up the water was 25 km. 52 Such early city centers as Gnezdovo, Sarskoye gorodishche, Timerevo are located approximately at the same distance from the new tribal and trade and craft centers - Smolensk, Rostov, Yaroslavl. The former retained strong ties with the district that had developed over the centuries. For a certain time, they also remained tribal or intertribal markets, serving entire areas.

A completely different situation can be seen in the only direct and concrete message of the annals about the "transfer" of the city under 1152. "In the summer of 6660, Yuri Volodimerich-Pereyaslavl was transferred from Kleshchin and laid down a great city (creation of a larger old one) and a church put the Holy Savior in Pereyaslav." 53

Thus, the written source clearly states that the city of Kleshchin was the predecessor of Pereyaslavl-Zalessky. The problem of Kleshchin-Pereyaslavl is considered in detail in one of our works, and therefore we have the right to refer the reader to it. 54 Here it is necessary to dwell on Pereyaslavl-Zalessky and its initial history.

In the middle of the XII century. The Rostov-Suzdal land was significantly strengthened, at that time there was a large construction of new cities, fortresses, churches, not only Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, but also a number of other centers were emerging. In such an environment of economic, cultural, military and political upsurge, Pereyaslavl-Zalessky is being built. According to V.N. Tatishchev, "in the 12th century, the population of the restless outskirts of the Russian land also reached the distant forest region" and a mass of new population appears in the northeastern cities, which are provided with various benefits. 55 In this regard, in the scientific and popular literature, the opinion is widely spread, according to which these new settlers, coming from the south to the Zalessky land, bring with them the names of cities and villages, rivers and lakes. So, N.N. Voronin writes: "The new place of the city was also chosen at the mouth of a small river, the course of which somewhat deepened the fairway of the lake. The river covered the city from the north-west and east and was named Trubezh in memory of Trubezh in the south; the city received the name of Pereyaslavl, recalling the city of Pereyaslavl-Russian lying on the river of the same name. 56 Similar opinions were expressed in local history literature. 57

One of the main questions of the early history of Pereyaslavl-Zalessky (New) is to find out the meaning and reasons for the construction of a new fortress at the confluence of the Trubezh River into Lake Kleshchino to replace the old one (Gorodishche), built a little earlier in the same XII century and, apparently, by the same Yuri Dolgoruky.

In various chronicle editions it is said that Pereyaslavl-Zalessky (New) was "great city" (compared to the old one) or "greater than the old one". Undoubtedly, the fortifications of Pereyaslavl-Zalessky are compared with defensive structures on the northeastern shore of the lake (fortified settlement). According to their scheme, the latter are similar and characteristic of defensive architecture. Northeast Russia in the 12th century However, the new ones in Pereyaslav are many times larger than the old ones. If the length of the ramparts at the settlement was approximately 500 m, then in Pereyaslavl-Zalessky they stretched for a distance five times greater (2.5 km). The height of the ramparts of the settlement ranges from 3 to 8 m, and the ramparts of Pereyaslavl-Zalessky with chopped walls are up to 10-16 m higher than those of Vladimir. 58

Thus, the chronicle definitely referred to the transfer of the fortress, which for some reason did not satisfy the princely administration, to a new place, in other words, the construction of a new, more powerful earthen fortress to replace the outdated one, despite the fact that it was built in difficult conditions. swampy area. It was this role that N.N. Voronin assigned to Kleshchin, who believed that it was one of the strongholds of fortified cities that guarded the most important communications of the region. 59 In other words, in the IX-XI centuries. Kleshchin played the role of one of the key centers of the Slavic-Russian colonization of the Zalessky region.

A completely different political and economic situation develops in the middle of the XII century. Apparently, the answer to existing questions should be sought in the socio-political changes that took place at that time in North-Eastern Russia. If Kleshchin arises on the basis of a symbiosis of people from the northwestern regions (primarily Slovenes of Novgorod) and local residents - representatives of one of the groups of the Finno-Ugric tribe Merya, then Pereyaslavl-Zalessky is another phenomenon - this is primarily the center of the princely administration, the state fortress, possibly an early feudal city; Gradually, church power over the district is also concentrated in it. Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, along with Rostov the Great, belongs to the category of "large" ancient Russian cities. 60

Archaeological research has fully confirmed the annalistic date of the emergence of Pereyaslavl-Zalessky (New). The year 1152 is the generally accepted date for the beginning of the history of this most important center of North-Eastern Russia. 61

Earlier we noted that Pereyaslavl-Zalessky in the XII century. did not play such an important role as Rostov the Great, and its main function was to protect the western borders of the region. In addition, he was an outpost in the military-political actions of the ruling elite of the Suzdal region, seeking to subordinate North-Western and Southern Russia to their influence. 62

It seems that the role assigned to Pereyaslavl-Zalessky at the stage of its creation is somewhere close to the role of Southern Pereyaslavl proper in Kievan Rus. And this is especially evident at the turn of the XII-XIII centuries, when the struggle for power both within the Vladimir principality and rivalry with other clans for the grand princely table in Kiev intensified.

In this regard, it is necessary to evaluate the conclusion of A.V. Kuza in the most positive way, according to which, despite the fact that Pereyaslavl-Zalessky arose in an uninhabited place, it immediately began to take shape not only as a fortress, but also as a genuine city. 63 A.V. Kuza also writes that "the active participation of Pereyaslavl residents, along with Rostov, Suzdal and Vladimir residents, in deciding the fate of the Suzdal Principality after the death of Andrei Bogolyubsky testifies to the political independence of the new city." 64 Thus, Pereyaslavl-Zalessky was undoubtedly conceived as one of the most important centers of the Suzdal land and for some time played this role, and only then (after the Tatar-Mongol pogrom) became a secondary city of Zalesye.

Apparently, the main reasons for the transfer of the city here and the creation of Pereyaslavl-Zalessky were socio-political. If Kleshchin was an intertribal pagan center, then Pereyaslavl-Zalessky is already a princely city with all its inherent functions, including religious - Orthodox.
However, this conclusion does not speak in favor of the thesis about the complete victory of princely power over the community, but, most likely, about their unity in the conditions of the crisis of the tribal system.
I.Ya. Froyanov in his recently published fundamental monograph sums up the following: “A.E. Presnyakov, speaking about the second half of the 12th and the beginning of the 13th century in the history of Russia, noted “the decline in the political significance of urban communities”. Our study diverges from this opinion of the venerable scholar, showing the political mobility of ancient Russian urban communities, reflected by numerous popular unrest, before which the princely power was powerless. 65

The development of the theme "City-States in Ancient Russia" by I.Ya. Froyanov and his school is undoubtedly an important contribution to Russian historiography.

I only believe that in no case, and the repeatedly cited authors write about this, can this model be absolutized, considering it universal, but defined as widespread in Ancient Russia.

1 Dubov I.V. New sources on the history of Ancient Russia. Chapter: The emergence of cities in Russia. L., 1990. S. 6-27.
2 Greek DB. Kievan Rus. M., 1949.S.94.
3 Grekov B.D. Kievan Rus. M.; L., 1944.C.250.
4 Tikhomirov M.N. Ancient Russian cities. M., 1956.S.36-37.
5 Rybakov B.A. City of Kiya // Questions of history. 1980. N5.S.34.
6 Froyanov I.Ya. Dubov I.V. The main stages of the social development of the ancient Russian city (IX-XII centuries) / / Ancient cities: Materials for the All-Union Conference "Culture of Central Asia and Kazakhstan in the early Middle Ages" / Ed. V.M. Masson. L..1977.S.69-71.
7 Froyanov I.Ya. Dvornichenko A.Yu. City-States in Ancient Russia // Formation and Development of Early Class Societies: City and State / Ed. G.L. Kurbatova, E.D. Frolova, I.Ya. Froyanova. L.. 1986.S. 198-209.
8 Voronin N.N. To the results and tasks of the archaeological study of the ancient Russian city // Brief reports of the In-ta material culture(KSIIMK). 1951 Issue XLI. S.11-12; Voronin N.N.. Rappoport P.A. Archaeological study of the ancient Russian city // Brief reports of the Institute of Archeology of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR (KSIA of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR). Issue 96. M., 1963.S.3-17.
9 Kuza A.V. On the origin of ancient Russian cities (history of study) // KSI A of the USSR Academy of Sciences. Issue 171. M., 1982.S.11.
10 Cuza A.V. Cities in the socio-economic system of the ancient Russian feudal state of the X-XIII centuries.//Ibid. Issue 179.1984. S.3-11.
11 Mavrodin VV. 1) The formation of the Old Russian state. L., 1945. pp.114-115; 2) The formation of the Old Russian state and the formation of the Old Russian people. M., 1971. P.51.
12 Froyanov I.Ya. Kievan Rus: Essays on socio-political history. L., 1980. S. 222-223.
13 Froyanov I.Ya., Dvornichenko A.Yu. City-states... P.207.
14 Froyanov I.Ya., Dvornichenko A.Yu. City-states of Ancient Russia. L., 1988.S.Z.
15 Malovichko S.I. Domestic historiography of the 18th - early 20th centuries. on the emergence of ancient Russian cities: Abstract of Candidate of Dissertation of St. Petersburg, 1995.S. eighteen.
16 Dubov I.V. Cities shining with majesty. L., 1985.
17 Dubov I.V. Problems of the emergence of cities in Russia based on the materials of domestic archeology // Formation and development of early class societies. L., 1986.S. 312-330.
18 Kirpichnikov A.N. Early Medieval Ladoga // Medieval Ladoga: New Research and Discoveries / Edited by V.V. Sedov. L., 1985. S.24-25.
19 Machinsky D.A. On the time and circumstances of the first appearance of the Slavs in the north-west of Eastern Europe according to written sources // Northern Russia and its neighbors in the early Middle Ages / Ed. A.D. Stolyar. L., 1982. S. 20-21.
20 Kirpichnikov A.N. Ladoga and Ladoga land // Slavic-Russian Antiquities. Issue 1. Historical and archaeological study of Ancient Russia / Ed. I. V. Dubova. L., 1988. P. 38.
21 Kirpichnikov A.N. Ladoga, 13th-10th centuries and its international relations//Slavic-Russian Antiquities. Issue 2. Ancient Russia: new research / Ed. I.V. Dubova, I.Ya. Froyanova. St. Petersburg, 1995. P. 32.
22 Froyanov I.Ya. Dvornichenko A.Yu. City-states... P.30-31.
23 Nosov E.N. Novgorod and Rurik's settlement in the IX-XI centuries. (on the question of the origin of Novgorod) // Proceedings of the Fifth International Congress of Slavic Archeology ... / Ed. V.V. Sedov. Issue 1. M., 1987. S. 5-14.
24 Nosov E.N. Novgorod and the Novgorod district of the 9th-10th centuries. in the light of the latest archaeological data (on the question of the emergence of Novgorod) / / Novgorod historical collection / Ed. V.L.Yanina. 1984. Issue 2 (12). P. 38.
25 Nosov E.N. Novgorod (Rurikovo) settlement. L., 1990. P. 154.
26 Ibid. S. 166.
27 Yanin V.L., Aleshkovsky M.Kh. Origin of Novgorod (to the formulation of the problem) // History of the USSR. 1971. N2.S.61.
28 Froyanov I.Ya. Kievan Rus. Essays on socio-political history. L., 1980.S. 228-229.
29 Dubov I.V. North-Eastern Russia in the Early Middle Ages (Historical and Archaeological Essays). L., 1982. S. 66-67.
30 Bulkin V.A., Lebedev G.S. Gnezdovo and Birka (On the problem of the formation of the city) / / Culture of medieval Russia / Ed. A.N.Kirpichnikova, P.A.Rappoport.L., 1974.S.11-17.
31 Alekseev L.V. Smolensk land in the IX-XIII centuries: Essays on the history of the Smolensk region and Eastern Belarus / Ed. Ya.N.Shchapova.M., 1980. pp.137-138.
32 Ibid. S. 136.
33 Ustyug Chronicle. M.; L., 1950.S.20.
34 Alekseev L.V. About ancient Smolensk // Soviet archeology (SA). 1977. N1. P.84.
35 Bulkin V.A.. Lebedev G.S. Gnezdovo and Birka... S. 17.
36 Froyanov I.Ya., Dvornichenko A.Yu. City-states... P.222.
37 Nasonov A.N. "Russian land" and the formation of the territory of the Old Russian state. M., 1951. S. 174-177.
38 Leontiev A.E. Sarskoye settlement in the history of the Rostov land (VIII-XI centuries): Abstract of the Cand. dis. M., 1975.S. 15-19.
39 Tretyakov P.N. To the history of the tribes of the Upper Volga region in the 1st millennium AD. // Materials and research on archeology of the USSR (MIA). N5. 1941. P.95.
40 Goryunova E.I. Ethnic history of the Volga-Oka interfluve // ​​Ibid. N94. M., 1961. S.107-108.
41 Nasonov A.N. Russian land... P.175.
42 Novgorod First Chronicle of the Senior and Junior Editions (NPL). M.; L., 1950
43 Leontiev A.E. "City of Alexander Popovich" in the vicinity of Rostov the Great // Vestn. Moscow University 1974. N3.C.93-95.
44 Dubov I.V. Cities shining with majesty. pp.33-60.
45 Dobrynya Nikitich and Alyosha Popovich. M..1974.S.337.
46 Leontiev A.E. "City of Alexander Popovich"... P.95.
47 Rappoport P.A. On the typology of ancient Russian settlements // KSIA. M., 1967. Issue. 110. C7; Leontiev A.E. "City of Alexander Popovich"... P.93.
48 Tretyakov P.N. To the history of tribes... P.93.
49 Pronin N.N. Architecture of North-Eastern Russia. T.l. M., 1961. P.22.
50 Leontiev A.E. Sarskoye ancient settlement in history... P.22.
51 Fekhner M.V., Nedoshivina N.G. Ethno-cultural characteristics of the Timerevsky burial ground according to the materials of the funeral inventory // CA.1987.N З.С.86.
52 Rybakov B.A. Russian lands according to the Idrisi map of 1154 // KSIIMK. Issue, XL.III. 1952.S.40.
53 Complete collection of Russian chronicles (PSRL). T.IV.C.8.
54 Dubov I.V. Cities shining with majesty. pp. 108-117.
55 Tatishchev VN. Russian History. Book III. M., 1974. S. 76,193.
56 Voronin N.N. Pereyaslavl-Zelessky. M., 1948.S.7.
57 Litvinov I. Through the cities of Zalesye. M., 1974.S.33; Ivanov K., Purishev I. Pereyaslavl-Zalessky. Yaroslavl, 1986.S.6; Purishev I.B. Pereyaslavl-Zalessky. M., 1989.S.31.
58 Voronin N.N. Pereyaslavl New // Chronicles and chronicles. M., 1974. S. 141-142; Plishkin P.P. Historical description of Pereyaslavl-Zalessky. M., 1902.S.9-10.
59 Voronin N.N. Architecture of North-Eastern Russia XII-XV centuries. T.1. M., 1961.S.56.
60 Tikhomirov M.N. Old Russian cities. M., 1956 (Map-inset).
61 Shpilevsky S.M. Old and new cities and the struggle between them in the Rostov-Suzdal land. M., 1892. S. 26; Ivanov K.I. 1) Pereyaslavl-Zalessky in the past and present. Yaroslavl, 1940.S.9; 2) Pereyaslavl-Zalessky. Yaroslavl, 1959. P. 15-17.
62 Dubov I.V. Cities shining with majesty. P.116.
63 Cuza A.V. Socio-historical typology of ancient Russian cities in the X-XIII centuries. // Russian city (research and materials). M., 1983. Issue 6. P.28.
64 Cuza A.V. Socio-historical typology... P.28-29.
65 Froyanov I.Ya. Ancient Russia. M.; L., 1995. S. 701.

Introduction

The question of when the Slavs appeared on the territory where the Old Russian state later developed has not yet been resolved.

Some researchers think that the Slavs are the original population of this territory, others believe that non-Slavic tribes lived here, and the Slavs moved here much later, only in the middle of the 1st millennium AD. In any case, the Slavic settlements of the 6th-7th centuries on the territory of modern Ukraine are already well known. They are located in the southern part of the forest-steppe, almost on the border of the steppes. Apparently, the situation here at that time was calm and one could not be afraid of enemy attacks - Slavic settlements were built unfortified.

Later, the situation changed dramatically: hostile nomadic tribes appeared in the steppes, and cities began to be built here.

The purpose of this work is to consider the cities of Ancient Russia - their structure, management, the life of citizens, as well as the influence of the location of cities on the occupation of the population, on their role in the history of Russia.

Such an excursion will help us to better understand the life of the ancient Slavs, their culture, the significance of historical events, to identify the role of ancient cities in the political, spiritual and cultural life of Russia.

The emergence of cities in ancient Russia

The Slavs, as a Central European agricultural people, possessed stable skills in agricultural production based on arable farming, and, in comparison with local tribes, had more developed forms of social organization of society. In addition, in the last centuries of the 1st millennium AD. The territory of Eastern Europe was crossed by two major trade and military routes of the Middle Ages - the Baltic-Volga route and the route "from the Varangians to the Greeks." The first of them played a significant role in the history of the region.

The construction of the route between the Baltic and the East had a strong impact on the economy of the adjacent regions. Its centers began to play a decisive role as administrative, military, trade and craft centers of the territories.

The formation of the state territory in the south and north of Russia, as well as the formation of cities as the supporting centers of new social and economic relations and ties, undoubtedly, on the one hand, obeyed the general laws of development of East Slavic society, but, on the other hand, had many specific features. It is traditionally believed that the city is the product of its district and cities arise in areas with the highest concentration of the rural population. So it was with most of the cities of Southern Russia in the Middle Dnieper, where the appearance of the first cities was preceded by a certain period of stability in the development of Slavic society, which followed the resettlement of Slavic tribes from the more western and southwestern regions of Europe.

In Northern Russia it was by no means the needs of the agricultural population that created cities. The latter grew in key places in vast river systems that blocked the communications of vast territories. Such a location gave the city the opportunity to collect tribute from the population of large areas and control trade routes. It was a long-distance trade, military-administrative control of river systems and a craft that served the highest social stratum of the cities themselves and trade routes.

The story of the beginning of the Russian land does not remember when these cities arose: Kiev, Pereslavl, Chernigov, Smolensk, Lyubech, Novgorod, Rostov, Polotsk. At the moment from which she begins her story about Russia, most of these cities, if not all of them, apparently, were already significant settlements. A cursory glance at the geographical distribution of these cities is enough to see that they were created by successes. foreign trade Russia. Most of them stretched out in a long chain along the main river route "from the Varangians to the Greeks", along the line of the Dnieper - Volkhov; only a few, Pereslavl on Trubezh, Chernigov on the Desna, Rostov in the region of the Upper Volga, advanced eastward from this, how to say, operational basis of Russian trade, as its eastern outposts, indicating its flank direction to the Azov and Caspian Seas. The emergence of these large trading cities was the completion of a complex economic process that began among the Slavs in new places of residence.

Eastern Slavs settled along the Dnieper and its tributaries in lonely fortified courtyards.

With the development of trade, prefabricated trading posts arose among these one-yards, places of industrial exchange, where trappers and beekeepers converged for trade, for guests, as they used to say in the old days. Such collection points are called graveyards. Subsequently, with the adoption of Christianity, in these local rural markets, as habitual gatherings of people, first of all, Christian churches were erected: then the graveyard received the significance of the place where the rural parish church stands. The rural administrative division coincided with or coincided with the parishes: this informed the graveyard of the importance of a rural volost.

Small rural markets were drawn to the larger ones that arose on particularly busy trade routes. From these large markets, which served as intermediaries between native industrialists and foreign markets, our oldest trading cities grew along the Greek-Varangian trade route. These cities served as trading centers and the main storage points for the industrial districts that formed around them.

For younger schoolchildren about ancient Russian cities

Kondratieva Alla Alekseevna, teacher primary school MBOU "Zolotukhinskaya secondary school" Kursk region
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION: I offer teachers historical material - a guide to the first ancient Russian cities. Scenario development of a cognitive program about the ancient Russian cities of Russia is addressed to teachers of secondary schools and institutions additional education children involved in the organization and conduct of cultural and educational events with schoolchildren of primary and secondary age. You can use the material in a wide variety of forms: a conversation, a class hour, a quiz, a game hour, an extracurricular event, a virtual trip, etc. The material is designed to help any student answer such important questions as:
1) How did the Slavs live in ancient times?
2) What was the ancient Russian city like?
3) When was the first Russian state formed?
GOAL: acquaintance with the ancient Russian cities, with architectural features, buildings, the main elements of the ancient city, the creation of a brief, colorful, interesting guide to ancient Russian cities.
TASKS:
1. To create a vivid figurative representation of the era of Ancient Russia, to contribute to the formation of ideas about the first Russian cities.
2. Arouse students' interest in the history of Russia, literature, expand their understanding of the history of Russia, develop a cognitive interest in reading, instill a strong interest in books.
3. To form a general cultural literary competence through the perception of literature as an integral part of the national culture, to form the communicative competence of students.
4. To cultivate respect for the spiritual and moral traditions of the Fatherland, pride in belonging to the roots of Russia.
REGISTRATION: Exhibition of reproductions of paintings by Russian artists on historical themes, historical books, students' drawings.

Epigraphs on the board:

“The people who do not remember, do not appreciate and do not love their history are bad” V.M. Vasnetsov
“The Russian people deserve to know their history” Emperor Alexander I

TEACHER (leader)
“Oh, bright and beautifully decorated Russian land! You are glorified by many beauties: you are famous for many lakes, rivers and springs that do not drain, mountains, steep hills, high oak forests, clear fields, outlandish animals, various birds, countless big cities, glorious villagers, monastic gardens, temples of God and formidable princes, honest boyars and many nobles. The Russian land is filled with everything, oh, the orthodox Christian faith ... ”The author of“ The Word about the Destruction of the Russian Land ”, who lived in the distant XIII century, speaks poetically about Russia. Yes, our land is beautiful, our ancient Russian cities are beautiful, witnesses of bygone times.
Today, guys, we will make another virtual trip to Ancient Russia.
We will find out how and where our Slavic ancestors lived, we will collect with you basic information about the first Slavic settlements, about the main elements of the ancient Russian city (fortifications, watchtowers), we will compile our own written source for all inquisitive schoolchildren, which we will call "BRIEF HISTORICAL DIRECTORY ABOUT THE FIRST RUSSIAN CITIES".

The origin of the name of our Motherland is Rus, Russia. Nestor and other chroniclers connect the origin of the Old Russian state with the Normans-Varangians. Perhaps in Scandinavia, where Rurik, Sineus and Truvor came from, there really was a country or region of Rus and the Rus people. It is still completely unknown when the Slavs appeared on the territory where the Old Russian state later developed. Some researchers believe that the Slavs are the original population of this territory, others believe that non-Slavic tribes lived here, and the Slavs moved here much later, only in the middle of the 1st millennium AD. e. Their settlements were located in the southern part of the forest-steppe, almost on the border of the steppes, the situation here at that time was quite calm, one could not be afraid of enemy attacks - Slavic settlements were built unfortified. Later, the situation changed dramatically: hostile nomadic tribes appeared in the steppes, and cities began to be built here.

"City" in ancient Russian sources until the 16th century. were called fenced settlements and fortresses.

The place for the city was chosen for reasons of its security. Fortified part of the settlement (Kremlin) located on a hill, some distance from the river. But the development of crafts and trade as if by itself pulled people to the hem, that is, to the lowlands, to the river. And so it happened: the ancient Russian city consisted of a richer and more protected child (central part) and trade and craft hem - part of the less safe, but more comfortable.

The main elements of the ancient Russian city are the fortress walls and watchtowers.

By the beginning of the 9th century, there were about 24 large cities in Russia.

The fortifications of the early Slavic cities were not very strong: their task was only to delay the enemy, to prevent him from suddenly bursting into the settlement. The main part of these fortifications were natural barriers: rivers, swamps. The settlements themselves were surrounded by a wooden fence or palisade.

This is how the fortifications of the Eastern Slavs were built until the second half of the 10th century, when it finally took shape. ancient Russian state- Kievan Rus.
Urban settlements (foothills) arose in Russia at the end of the 10th - beginning of the 11th centuries. It was then that the words denoting the urban population were born: city dweller, citizen. Almost all the cities of Kievan Rus (unlike Western European ones) had not stone, but wooden fortifications. That is why our ancestors did not say "build a city", but "cut down". City fortifications were wooden log cabins filled with earth, which appeared one to the other, forming a protective ring. From this, the word "city" had several meanings in those days: a fortress, a fortress wall, a fence, a settlement.

To get to such a settlement, one had to pass through the gate.

The number of gates depended on the size of the city. So, in Kiev there were five gates.

The main, most beautiful - Golden.

The so-called gate church was even built above them.

How many legends are associated with the Golden Gate!
To show their strength, the enemy rushed to these gates, and not to others. Through this "door" the most honored guests entered the city in the most solemn atmosphere. All the major city buildings were located in the citadel, the main among which was the cathedral, which was erected in the middle of the square. The city treasury was stored here, ambassadors were received, the library was located, scribes worked. Here the prince was "put on the table". Finally, the temple has always been the last frontier of city defense. In general, it really was the main building, the heart of the city.

The Country of Gardariki, or the Country of Cities, was called with a light hand by Scandinavian travelers, warriors and merchants our Motherland - Russia.

STARAYA LADOGA

One of the ancient cities of ancient Russia is Staraya Ladoga, which was built on the trade route of the Varangians, at the place where the Lagoda and Ilmen lakes meet. It happened in the eighth century. And in the following centuries, Ladoga was already a port city with active trade, which connected several peoples: Slavs, Scandinavians and Finns. The city has preserved an ancient church where the descendants of Rurik were baptized.

At the moment, the city of Ladoga has been nominated by the President of Russia for the title of world historical monument to the UNESCO list.

Excavations at the site of Ladoga have been carried out intermittently since the 1890s. The excavation materials are stored in the Hermitage. The settlement is an archaeological reserve. The territory of the fortress is occupied by a museum.

VELIKIY NOVGOROD

Veliky Novgorod - the father of Russian cities

One of the most ancient and famous Russian cities, it was first mentioned in the Novgorod Chronicle under the year 859 in connection with the name of the legendary Prince Rurik, who began to advance to Russia from Ladoga. For many years the city was a reliable fortress. Novgorod played an important role in the events that took place on Russian soil, was the first capital of Russia, by the middle of the 9th century Novgorod had become a major commercial, political and cultural center of the northwestern lands. Novgorod did not remain the capital for long. In 882, Prince Oleg made a trip to Kiev and moved the capital there. But even after the transfer of the princely residence to Kiev, Novgorod did not lose its significance. Novgorod was a kind of "window to Europe". Great changes in the life of Novgorod took place during the reign of Vladimir Svyatoslavich and his son Yaroslav the Wise.
-Let's remember, guys, what was the significance of the reign of Prince Vladimir for Russia?
(Under Vladimir Svyatoslavich, Russia was baptized in 988.)
-Novgorod became the second city to be baptized. In 989, the first bishop, the Greek Joachim Korsunian, arrived in Novgorod, who, together with the posadnik Dobrynya, destroyed the ancient pagan sanctuaries and baptized Novgorodians. With the rise to the throne of Prince Vladimir, a new official religion was established in the city - Christianity, which later transforms Novgorod into spiritual center Russian lands.
At this time, the most beautiful St. Sophia Cathedral was being built, where the famous icon is now kept - the Sign of the Mother of God. It was this icon that, according to legend, helped Novgorod to defeat the people of Suzdal.

After Vladimir the Red Sun, the names of Yaroslav the Wise (son of Vladimir) and Vladimir Monomakh remained glorious in the history of Russia. So, under Yaroslav the Wise, Novgorod tried to free itself from the power of Kiev. In 1014, Prince Yaroslav refused to pay tribute to Kiev and invited mercenaries to his place - the Varangian squad, which only caused many troubles to the city. The indignant Novgorodians killed most of the Varangians and quarreled with their prince. Soon Yaroslav learned about the death of his father and the seizure of the throne of Kiev by Svyatopolk. Having restored peace with Novgorod and relying on his help, after several years of stubborn struggle, Yaroslav becomes the great prince of Kiev and, as a token of gratitude, generously endows the people of Novgorod. Nevertheless, Novgorod never received full independence from Kiev. As before, governors were sent from Kiev to Novgorod, one of whom was the son of Yaroslav the Wise, Prince Vladimir. Under him, a large stone construction unfolded in the city.
Sophia Cathedral was erected, which became the main temple of the entire land of Novgorod.

The change of princes in Novgorod took place quite often: in two centuries, from 1095 to 1305, the princes in Novgorod changed 58 (!) times.

Kiev is the mother of Russian cities, the beginning of Orthodoxy, the place of the baptism of Russia.

Kiev is one of the most famous ancient Russian cities in the world. Many legends and a large number of chronicles have been written about this city. Kiev is, first of all, architectural beauty, a large number of attractions, and, of course, beautiful nature. This city is over 1500 years old. “Mother to Russian cities,” the first chronicler calls him. “They lived in ancient times,” he notes in the legend, “three brother-princes - Kyi, Shchek and Khoriv with his sister Lybid. The older brother occupied the mountain. The middle brother lived on another mountain, the younger - on the third. They were called by the names of their brothers: Shchekovitsa and Horivitsa. And the river that flowed into the Dnieper, they began to call by the name of the beautiful sister - Lybid. Kiy gave his name to the whole city: Kiev-grad.

In 907, the whole world learned about Kievan Rus. Kiev became the capital of the ancient Russian state.

Prince Oleg united the Slavic tribes and their tributaries. The kings and emperors of many powers sought to intermarry with the Kievan princes. And numerous trade guests had their own interests. They loaded bundles of famous Russian furs, skins, barrels of honey, chain mail, swords onto ships, and unloaded fine fabrics with beautiful patterns, precious jewelry, bales of dried fruits.
Already at that time, according to travelers, there were 8 merchants and 400 churches in Kiev. Perhaps they exaggerated the number of churches, but they rightly admired their beauty. Less than half a century has passed since Russia adopted Christianity and threw pagan idols into the Dnieper, and dozens of churches appear in the city.

The most important of them - Sophia the Wise - still delights the world.

Prince Yaroslav devoted his whole life to uniting the Russian princes around Kiev, to bring the Russian land to unity.
“If you live in love with each other,” he told his compatriots, “Russia will become strong, and enemies will submit to it. If you live in hatred, in strife, in quarrels, then you yourself will perish and destroy the land of your fathers and grandfathers, which they mined with their great labor.
Everyone knows about the heroism and unbending courage of the Kiev soldiers who defended the Russian land from numerous enemies.

CHERNIGOV

The closest neighbor of ancient Kiev is Chernihiv.

A whole historical story stepped into the coat of arms of this city. Almost 1000 years of the Chernihiv epic about the hero Ivan Godinovich, his bride Marya-Krasa, Tsar Kashchei and the prophetic eagle. Just think: 1000 years! Prince Kashchei sent him on a campaign to an overseas country for half a year. And his bride, Marya-Krasa, said that Ivan Godinovich was killed in battle, and he himself betrothed her. But the faithful girl would never agree to marry another. The villain put her in his tower to change her mind. But Marya managed to send a message to Ivan Godinovich, so that he would return home as soon as possible and help her out. Ivan galloped to Chernigov and challenged Kashchei to a duel. We left to fight in open field. Out of nowhere, an eagle appeared in the sky and shouted to Kashchei in a human voice so that he would give Marya-Krasa to the lawful groom. Kashchei did not listen and began to shoot at the eagle. But the arrows did not cause any harm to the things of the bird, turned back and hit Kashchei himself right in the heart.
On the ancient Chernihiv coat of arms - the same eagle from the epic. Vigilantly, day and night, he carries out guards, protecting the interests of his native land. At any moment, I am ready to come to the aid of her warriors, smerds, artisans - all those who are called the salt of the earth and by whom it is held. It has been so from time immemorial, and so it will be forever.

VLADIMIR

The first chronicle mentions of the city of Vladimir date back to the end of the 10th century. They report that between 990 and 992 the Great Kiev Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich during baptism local population in the Suzdal land a city was founded, named after his princely name. Thus, the city becomes on a par with the most ancient cities of Russia.
The coat of arms of Vladimir depicts a lion. But lions were not found in the north of Russia. They knew about lions mainly by hearsay, from then rare foreign books, fairy tales. For the ancient Slavs, it was the same legendary beast as a unicorn. They only knew that the lion is the king of beasts. And what to be afraid of. The beast on the coat of arms is not ferocious, but, most likely, good-natured, even with a sly expression in his eyes. Such will faithfully serve a person, especially a pure heart.

Open Air Museum-SUZDAL

Suzdal is one of the most beautiful Russian cities.
It has about 1000 years of glorious original history. The first mention of Suzdal dates back to 1024. At the beginning of the 11th century, Suzdal and its environs were part of the Kievan state.
There are a number of references to the city in chronicles. Kiev Prince Vladimir Monomakh paid great attention to the strengthening and fortification of the city. Gradually, Suzdal acquires the role of the capital city of the Rostov-Suzdal Principality. The first prince of the Rostov-Suzdal land, the son of Monomakh, Yuri Dolgoruky, lived more in Suzdal than in Rostov. During Yuri, the principality becomes vast. Its borders stretch to the White Lake in the north, to the Volga in the east, to the Murom land in the south and to the Smolensk region in the west. Political significance Suzdal in these years is greatly increased. With the coming to power of the son of Yuri - Prince Andrei - Suzdal begins to lose its primacy, as the prince directs all his attention to strengthening the new capital - Vladimir. Suzdal is part of the Vladimir Principality.
Currently, it is a regional center and amazes tourists with unique monuments of Russian history combined with beautiful nature.

Appearance The old city is so well preserved that Suzdal is rightfully considered a city-museum. In terms of the abundance of monuments of ancient Russian art and the preservation of its old external appearance, Suzdal knows no equal.

YAROSLAVL

On the high bank is the city of Yaroslavl, named after Yaroslav the Wise, who, according to legend, founded this city at the beginning of the 11th century.
“... A long time ago, there were a great many bears in the local dense forests. The inhabitants of this region considered the bear a sacred animal. Images of the "owner of the forest" were hung in the huts and it was firmly believed that these amulets-amulets keep from many troubles, including from the evil eye.
Magicians treated various diseases with bear fat, and in the name of the owner of the forest they conjured spirits and prayed for rain, a rich harvest, and successful hunting. At that time, Russia had already adopted a new faith - Christianity, which quickly spread through cities and villages, and the remnants of the old faith were eradicated. But the inhabitants of the "bear corner" stubbornly refused to convert to a new faith and even raised an uprising. Prince Yaroslav the Wise went to pacify him, as it is written in the annals.
The Magi had already heard about him and were afraid of his name alone. They decided to kill Yaroslav. In that case, they thought, everything would remain the same. They knew that the prince was a brave warrior and a passionate hunter. He always rode ahead of his squad, tracking down an animal or a bird. But how to take advantage of this? They thought for a long time and came up with. When Yaroslav, as always, rode ahead of his squad, an angry bear was released on him, which rose on its hind legs and knocked the horse to the ground with one blow. And the rider would have been unhappy, but he deftly jumped to the ground and remembered the battle ax hanging from his belt. He snatched it up in time and knocked down the terrible beast with one blow. And then the combatants arrived in time ... At the site of this duel, Yaroslav the Wise ordered to lay the city, named after him. So says the folk tradition. It is now difficult to distinguish the legend from what actually happened. But be that as it may, a bear is depicted on the ancient Yaroslavl coat of arms. Day and night, he tirelessly walks on patrol in his native Yaroslavl land, protects her peace.

Yaroslavl is much older than Moscow (the first mention in the annals dates back to 1071, and it was founded around 1010 by the famous Kiev prince Yaroslav the Wise). For a long time it was the center of an independent principality, at the end of the 15th century it became part of the Moscow Grand Duchy. In the 17th century, it was a major trading center: an overland road from Moscow to the main port of what was then Russia, Arkhangelsk, passed through it. At this time, the city became famous for its temples; original schools of stone architecture and wall paintings developed here. In 1750 actor Fyodor Volkov created the first Russian professional theater here.
Yaroslavl is rightfully considered a pearl in the "Golden Ring" of ancient Russian cities located to the north and east of Moscow. In 2010, the city celebrated its 1000th anniversary!
One of the sights of the city: the Transfiguration Monastery, which is now a state museum-reserve. If you go up to the Belfry, then it offers a wonderful view of the whole Yaroslavl.

OLD RUSSIAN CITY - ROSTOV

Rostov the Great is an ancient Russian city just two hundred kilometers from Moscow, a city more ancient than Moscow, the birthplace of fabulous heroes and heroes, the center of Russian culture and crafts.
For the first time in the annals, Rostov is mentioned in 862 as already existing. The history of the city keeps many traditions and legends, according to one of which the city stands at the place where the Ross camp was once - the site of the military camp of the legendary prince Ross-Vandal, the son of Tsar Raguil.
Rostov land is the birthplace of the famous Russian hero Alyosha Popovich, the hero of many Russian epics, the youngest of the famous trinity, along with Dobrynya Nikitich and Ilya Muromets. Alyosha Popovich is distinguished not by strength, but by prowess, sharpness, cunning, resourcefulness. In 1223, during the battle with the Tatars on the Kalka, Alyosha Popovich fell with seventy other soldiers.
The sights of the city are the Kremlin with an ensemble of the 17th century, 6 monasteries, 15 bells, historical frescoes and the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral, Lake Nero, unique from a geological point of view, the factory of the famous Rostov enamel and the museum of the buckthorn. Russian heritage.
The Rostov Kremlin is a museum-reserve. It was in the Rostov Kremlin that the film "Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession" was filmed. In addition to the Kremlin, in Rostov and its environs there are interesting places, several monasteries, and in particular the Trinity-Sergius Varnitsky Monastery - the birthplace of Sergius of Radonezh.

Pskov - trading city-fortress

Pskov is a commercial city-fortress on the Great River not far from Novgorod. The Pskovites had a share to defend their land from the German knights. The buildings are soft, the decorations are not rich. They built from local stone, but it turned out to be not very durable, weathered, so the walls were whitewashed for strength. The history of Pskov begins 11 centuries ago, from the moment the city was first mentioned in ancient chronicles and the Tale of Bygone Years. These documents tell that "... the princes Rurik came with the brethren from the Varangians in the Slavs of the princes ...". It was from the Varangian family that the Kiev princess Olga, it was on this land that she was born, it is to her that Pskov owes its transformation into a city with a rich centuries-old history. And, years later, it was her famous grandson, Vladimir Krasno Solnyshko, who was also born on the Pskov land, became the baptizer of the Russian land, and has since been revered in Russia as a Great saint.
The Pskov land remembers the most important historical events - the invasion of the Mongol-Tatar hordes, the Battle on the Ice that put an end to the Crusade, the Battles of Kulikovo and Neva, the campaign against Pskov by Ivan the Terrible, the Northern War with the Swedes of Peter the Great, "cutting a window to Europe" and many others. And in the relatively recent year, 1917, here in Pskov, the history of Russian autocracy ended - after the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II abdicated the throne at the Pskov railway station, in the carriage of his train.
Pskov is a kind of open-air museum, the city has many ancient churches and temples, which are distinguished by their unique style. Even churches of the 12th-15th centuries have been preserved here, while in most of Russia all the buildings of this time were destroyed by enemy raids and internecine wars. We should not forget that Pskov is famous for Pushkin's places, which are also worth visiting.
It is no coincidence that Pskov is called the city of military glory - here it is easy to awaken pride in children for our country. The valor and courage that the sons of the Pskov land showed in all the difficult times of our history, from the victory in the Battle of the Ice and the Battle of the Neva to the feat of the soldiers of the 9th company, who died heroically during Chechen war in March 2000, show the world the lessons of unbending courage at all times from antiquity to the present. In December 2009, by the Decree of the Presidium of the Russian Federation, Pskov was awarded the title of "City of Military Glory".
Today's Pskov is a small, quiet and cozy provincial town, but in terms of the number and significance of cultural monuments, the fullness of the events of Russian and world history, Pskov is on a par with the largest and most famous cities in the world and is one of the places specially protected by UNESCO.

THE CITY OF GUNSWORKERS-TULA

What comes to mind when you mention this city? Weapons, samovars, of course, gingerbread! Many different interesting stories about Tula masters. Tula gunsmiths were famous all over the world. Tula is famous for its gingerbread, samovars and arms factory. And the famous master Lefty, who shod a flea, is also from Tula. Therefore, it is worth visiting this ancient town to see with your own eyes the museums of Weapons, samovars and gingerbread, to see the beautiful Tula Kremlin, with nine towers and two cathedrals:
1. Uspensky, built in 1776 in the Baroque style,
2. Epiphany, which was erected almost a hundred years later, in honor of the Tula soldiers who fell in 1812 in the war for the Fatherland.
But the most important attraction - the pride of Tula, which is not found anywhere else in Russia - is the exotarium. This zoo has the largest collection of non-venomous snakes in Europe. There are 40 terrariums in four exhibition halls, where you can see giant tree frogs, monitor lizards, Paraguayan anacondas, African crocodiles and tiger python. A huge number of tourists come to see these unprecedented reptiles.

Vologda is an ancient and extraordinarily beautiful Russian city, which was founded in 1147, the administrative center Vologda region in northwestern Russia. It is located at a distance of 450 km from the capital of Russia - Moscow. Vologda is an extraordinary city, the historical and cultural heritage of which is extremely great: for example, there are 224 historical monuments in Vologda, 128 of which are protected by the state.
There is something to see in Vologda, including the “carved palisades” known from songs, and there is where to travel around the Vologda region, for example, to the “Northern Thebaid”, as the Russian lands surrounding Vologda and Belozersk, on which Kirillo-Belozersky and Ferapontov stand, were poetically called monasteries! Ancient Vologda, founded by the Novgorodians on the path of the portage connecting the basins of the Sukhona and Sheksna rivers, served as a "gateway" to the North and was a major trade and craft center, an outpost of Moscow in the fight against foreign invaders. Vologda residents fought on the Kulikovo field, repulsed the attack of the Polish-Lithuanian invaders. Ivan the Terrible sought to turn Vologda into his northern residence: the construction of the Vologda Kremlin began and the majestic St. Sophia Cathedral was laid. At the beginning of the 18th century, Peter I visited Vologda, and in memory of his stay, the first city museum was organized in the house of the Dutch merchants Goutmans. In addition, the history of Vologda is closely connected with the names of the poet K. Batyushkov, the writer V. Gilyarovsky, the famous battle painter V. Vereshchagin, the aircraft designer S. Ilyushin and other prominent figures of science, literature and art.
Sights of Vologda - the Vologda Kremlin, the Resurrection and St. Sophia Cathedral - the first stone temple of Vologda, built in the image of the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. Vologda monasteries: The Spaso-Prilutsky Monastery is one of the oldest and largest northern monasteries. Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded in the XIV century in the city of Kirillov on the shores of Lake Siversky. The ensemble of the Theotokos-Christmas Ferapontov Monastery in Ferapontovo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the painting of the great Dionysius the Wise. Museums of Vologda: the house-museum of Peter I, the local history museum in the former Bishop's Compound, as well as the architectural and ethnographic museum in the village. Semenkovo. In the Vologda region is the city of Veliky Ustyug, called the Motherland of Father Frost.

Other curious sights of Vologda are wooden buildings near Zasodimsky Street, the 17th century church - Intercession on Kozlen, John the Baptist in Roschenye, etc.
"VOLOGDA"
Vologda, Vologda,
There is no nicer city.
Wooden houses
Here they stand like a tower.
The streets here are amazing.
Patterned vintage.
decorated with carvings,
Thin, like lace.
Vologda, Vologda
There is no nicer city! T. Petukhova

BELOZERSK

We must not forget about the ancient northern town of Belozersk, which has been mentioned in chronicles since 862. Its historical name is Beloozero. The city was transferred several times to a new place, either because of the lake, the waters of which threatened to be flooded, or because of a pestilence.
Many temples and churches were built in Belozersk, many of which have survived to this day.
Crafts developed in Belozersk - pottery, bone carving, fisheries, local blacksmiths were especially famous for their skill, because there were plenty of raw materials for their business, rich deposits were used iron ore in the marshes. Later, the city was transferred under the authority of Moscow. Belozersk has seen many trials and has survived to this day as a small county town, the population of which does not exceed 4,000 people.

Where is Moscow now, the capital,
There used to be a beast and a bird.

Ancient Moscow is a small city-fortress lying at the confluence of the Yauza and Neglinka rivers into the Moscow River. For many years after the Tatar-Mongol invasion, Rus-Gardariki was a sad sight. Its once fabulously beautiful cities lay in ruins, the Russian people suffered from Tatar-Mongol yoke. Brutal reprisals led to popular uprisings, which each time were pacified by the horsemen of the Golden Horde with fire and sword. And yet Russia lived and hoped to straighten its shoulders and throw off the hated yoke. And it was possible to defeat the Horde only by uniting all Russian forces into one fist. And Moscow united these forces.

The first annalistic mention of Moscow dates back to 1147 and is associated with the name of the Suzdal prince Yuri Dolgoruky. “He ascended the mountain and surveyed from it with his eyes on both sides of the Moskva River and beyond the Neglinnaya, and loved these villages, and ordered that a small wooden city be made on the spot soon, and was nicknamed by its name of the Toya River - Moscow City.”
Let's get old!
Imagine my friend
What is there, where so many roofs are far away,
A huge forest once stood
Mighty oaks grew, -
Noisy lindens in three girths,
Glades instead of squares,
And instead of streets - fallows,
And flocks of wild swans
And the roar of the bear in the lair.
The rooks glided along the stream,
And on the high banks
Villages were seen here and there.
Slavic people lived in them.
From the tenth, perhaps, century,
That people called Moscow
Deep big river.
Moscow River, thank you!
Whenever you could speak
You would have a lot to say.
The beginning of the future capital
You reflected in the smoothness of the waters,
That first Kremlin and a new city.
What did our Russian people build.
The descendants of the famous Prince Alexander Nevsky subjugated the nearby cities to Moscow, began to compete with wealthy Novgorod, Tver and Ryazan. Especially great success in the "gathering of Russia" was achieved by Ivan Kalita, which means "money bag". By the end of his reign, instead of four cities, he left 97 villages and cities to his sons. The rise of Moscow continued under his sons, but it became especially strong under his grandson Dmitry Ivanovich.

The city originated from a small settlement of the Finnish tribe Muroma on the banks of the Oka River, which is reflected in the name. The first mention was in The Tale of Bygone Years. Its inhabitants believed in pagan gods for a long time. Murom artisans were very popular. Blacksmithing, leather dressing, workshops for making keys and locks were well developed. The well-known Ilya Muromets, the Russian hero, was a native of these lands. And for many centuries, in many historically important battles, Murom warriors stood out for their bravery and courage, for which they received insignia from the state.

Today, Murom is considered the "pearl" of the history of Russia, here are the oldest monasteries and other fascinating places for visitors. But along with the atmosphere of the past, the city feels the dynamism of development, success and broad prospects.

SMOLENSK

The history of the city begins in the distant past. Despite the fact that the first mention of it was made in the Ustyug chronicle in 863, it was founded much earlier, since according to the documents of that year, Smolensk was already quite developed and proud, located on the trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks." In 882, Prince Igor Rurikovich became sovereign on the Smolensk land. Since that time, Smolensk became part of the Kiev state. The first Smolensk prince was the tenth son of Vladimir Svyatoslavovich - Stanislav. He did not live in Smolensk, but only collected tribute and transferred it to the Kiev prince. In 1054, after the death of Yaroslav the Wise, his fifth son Vyacheslav became the prince of Smolensk. He lived in a child on Cathedral Hill. It was not a governor, but really a prince. Therefore, 1054 is considered the year of the formation of the Smolensk principality.
A cannon is depicted on the ancient coat of arms of Smolensk, a fabulous bird Gamayun sits on the trunk.

The city of Ryazan is located on the Russian Plain and is part of the near ring of large cities located 150-200 km from Moscow. It borders on Moscow, Vladimir, Tambov. Penza, Tula, Lipetsk regions and the Republic of Mordovia.
Initially, the city was called Pereyaslavl. He grew up in the center of an ancient agricultural region on the river. Ok. The lands around were fertile, the meadows were plentiful, the forests were full of animals, and the waters were full of fish. The city was surrounded by ancient settlements. Territorially close to Pereyaslavl are the Lgov and Glebovsk settlements, the chronicle Kazar, Vyshgorod. Known human sites in Dubrovichi, Alekanov, Shumashi. In the territories of these ancient settlements, archaeologists have discovered numerous items of agriculture, hunting, fishing, weaving, iron and bronze crafts. Oka for many centuries was the main route of antiquity, connecting the East and Europe. It connected Pereyaslavl with other lands of Russia, as well as with Byzantium and the Asian East.

On the ancient coat of arms of the city of Ryazan, a warrior in a golden field holds a sword in his right hand, and a scabbard in his left. This courageous Ryazan citizen did not flinch in front of a terrible enemy who encroached on his native land, he showed all the defenders of Russia an example of selflessness, love for the motherland, heroism.
History of Ryazan in general terms known to everyone: the city in the XII century became the capital of the Ryazan principality, in December 1237 it was destroyed by the hordes of Batu Khan, and since then the city has not been restored, and the remnants of giant ramparts serve as a reminder of its fate. Many villages and cities were completely wiped off the face of the earth . Then the capital of the principality was transferred to the city of Pereyaslavl-Ryazansky, which, almost 500 years after the Batu pogrom, was renamed Ryazan by decree of Catherine II in 1778. In 1995, Ryazan celebrated its 900th anniversary.

Ah, Samara-town...

The ancient Russian city - Samara is spread between two water arteries - the great Volga and also quite major river Samara. This is a city with a rich history. Its inhabitants were among the first to join the rebels, whose leader was Yemelyan Pugachev.

The symbol of the city is the Space Samara Museum and the Soyuz launch vehicle vertically mounted on a pedestal in front of its entrance. There is no such exhibit anywhere else in the world. An equally memorable symbol of Samara is the “Rook” stele, installed on the Oktyabrskaya embankment, in honor of the 400th anniversary of the city. The historical center is decorated with the most beautiful temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, built in the Gothic style. The Lutheran church (the church of St. George) and the Iversky women's monastery are striking.

KAZAN-MOTHER

Another beautiful city middle lane Russia - Kazan. No one knows exactly when it was created and how old it is. It is believed to have existed since 1005. As in most ancient Russian cities, the main decoration of Kazan and its main attraction is the Kremlin, which includes the main architectural monuments:
Cathedral of the Annunciation,
Governor's Palace with a magnificent palace square,
Kul-Sharif Mosque,
Shuyumake Tower,
Church of Nikita Ratny.

It is impossible to pass by another attraction of Kazan - the temple of the Image of the Savior Not Made by Hands. It was erected immediately after the capture of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible. No less interesting are the Blue and Burnaevskaya mosques. The Bogoroditsky Monastery amazes with its splendor. Kazan is a city where every building is a masterpiece. This is Alexander Passage, located in the city center, on Kremlevskaya Street. The refinement of style distinguishes the building of the Anatomical Theater, which is part of the Kazan University. Another building that is part of this educational institution and worth a visit is the Astronomical Observatory.
Among modern buildings, grace of construction and beauty are distinguished by:
the Palace of Farmers, which housed the Ministry of Agriculture of Tatarstan, the veterinary department and other departments;
Aquapark Riviera, on the banks of the most picturesque Kazanka River, overlooking the Kazan Kremlin.

There is a version that ancient city Russia is Derment, which is now in modern Dagestan. The second name of the city is "Caspian Gate". The first mention of the city occurs in the sixth century. It is assumed that the name Derment from Persian means "narrow gate", because the city is located in a narrow passage between Caucasus mountains and the Caspian Sea. The locals called this passage the “Dagestan corridor”. The city has repeatedly witnessed bloody battles, many peoples tried to subdue Derment with their power. It was destroyed, but it was revived and continued to develop.
On the territory of the city on the Caspian Sea, you can see with your own eyes the preserved buildings and stone structures of those ancient times that Derment survived. One of the most amazing places is the Naryn-Kala fortress, which served as a defensive checkpoint for several centuries. However, not all historians agree with the opinion that Derment belongs to the ancient cities of Russia, since it existed long before the advent of Russian Empire or Kievan Rus.

The Old Russian city is a fortified settlement, which at the same time was the military, economic, political, social and cultural center of the entire surrounding territory. Merchants, artisans, monks, painters, etc. settled in the cities.

Foundation of ancient Russian cities

The history of Russian cities began with the appearance in a certain place of people who built housing and settled in it for a long time. In the vicinity of ancient cities that have survived to this day (Moscow, Kiev, Novgorod, Vladimir, etc.), traces of early eras have been found, starting from the Paleolithic. At the time of the Trypillian culture, settlements of several tens and hundreds of houses and dwellings already existed on the territory of the future Russia.

The settlements of Ancient Russia, as a rule, were located on elevated places near natural water sources (rivers, springs). They consisted of houses protected from enemy attacks by a log palisade. The forerunners of Russian cities in the Middle Ages are considered to be fortified sanctuaries and shelters (detinets and kremlin), erected by the inhabitants of several settlements in the district.

The early medieval cities were founded not only by the Slavs, but also by other tribes: Rostov the Great founded the Finno-Ugric tribe, Murom - the Murom tribe, Suzdal, Vladimir were founded by the Meryans together with the Slavs. In addition to the Slavs, the composition of Kievan Rus included the peoples of the Baltics and the Finno-Ugric peoples, who merged into a single people with the help of political unification.

In the 9th-10th centuries, along with cities of refuge, small fortresses began to appear, and then settlements, in which artisans and merchants settled. The exact dates of the founding of early Russian cities are usually established only by the first mentions in the annals of those times. Some dates of the founding of cities were established as a result of archaeological excavations of those places where there were ancient Russian cities. So, Novgorod and Smolensk are mentioned in the annals of the 9th century, but cultural layers earlier than the 10th century have not yet been discovered.

The largest cities that began to develop rapidly in the 9th-10th centuries. on the main waterways, these are the cities of Polotsk, Kiev, Novgorod, Smolensk, Izborsk, and others. Their development was directly related to trade carried out at the intersections of roads and waterways.

Ancient fortresses and defensive structures

There were "senior" cities and suburbs (subordinates), which originated from settlements from the main cities, and their settlement proceeded according to orders from the capital. Any ancient Russian fortified city consisted of a fortified part and nearby unfortified settlements, around which there were lands used for haymaking, fishing, grazing livestock, and forest areas.

The main protective role was given to earth ramparts and wooden walls, under which there were ditches. For the construction of defensive fortifications, a suitable terrain was used. So, most of the fortresses of Ancient Russia were located in protected areas: hilltops, islands or cape mountains.

An example of such a city-fortress is the city of Vyshgorod, located not far from Kiev. From the very foundation, it was built as a fortress, surrounded by powerful earthen and wooden fortifications with ramparts and a moat. The city was subdivided into the princely part (detinets), the kremlin and the settlement, where the quarters of artisans were located.

The rampart was a complex structure, consisting of huge wooden log cabins (often made of oak) standing right next to each other, the space between which was filled with stones and earth. The size of such log cabins, for example, in Kiev was 6.7 m, in the transverse part more than 19 m. The height of the earthen rampart could reach 12 m, and the ditch dug in front of it often had the shape of a triangle. At the top was a parapet with a battle platform, where the defenders of the fortress were located, who shot at the enemies and threw stones. Wooden towers were built at the turning points.

The entrance to the ancient fortress was always the only one through a special bridge laid over the moat. The bridge was placed on supports, which were destroyed during the attacks. Later, drawbridges were built.

The interior of the fortress

Old Russian cities of the 10th-13th centuries. already had a complex internal structure, which evolved as the territory increased and united various fortified parts along with the settlements. The layout of cities was different: radial, radial-circular or linear (along a river or road).

The main social and economic centers of the ancient city:

• Church residence and Veche square.
• Prince's Court.
• Port and trading floor next to him.

The center of the city is a citadel or kremlin with fortified walls, ramparts and a moat. Gradually, socio-political administration is grouped in this place, princely courts, a city cathedral, dwellings of servants and squads, as well as artisans are located. The street layout consisted of highways that ran along or perpendicular to the river bank.

Roads and utilities

Each ancient Russian city had its own plan, according to which roads and communications were laid. The engineering device for that time was at a fairly high level.

Wooden pavements were built, consisting of longitudinal logs (10-12 m long) and wooden logs laid on top, split in half with the flat side up. Pavements had a width of 3.5-4 m, and in the 13-14 centuries. already 4-5 m and usually functioned for 15-30 years.

Drainage systems of ancient Russian cities were of 2 types:

• "sewer", which diverted groundwater from under the buildings, consisting of barrels to collect water and wooden pipes through which water flowed into the sump;
• a water collector - a square wooden frame, from which dirty water then flowed down a thick pipe towards the river.

The structure of the city estate

The estate in the city consisted of several residential buildings and outbuildings. The area of ​​such yards was from 300 to 800 sq. m. Each estate was fenced with a wooden fence from neighbors and the street, which were made in the form of a palisade of spruce logs sticking up with a tip up to a height of 2.5 m. Inside it, residential buildings stood on one side, and household buildings (a cellar, a medusha, a cage, a cowshed, a granary, a barn, a bathhouse, etc.). Hut called any heated building with a stove.

The ancient dwellings that made up the ancient Russian city began their existence as semi-dugouts (10-11 centuries), then ground buildings with several rooms (12 century). Houses were built in 1-3 floors. Semi-dugouts had a pillared wall structure up to 5 m long each and up to 0.8 m deep, a round clay or stone oven was placed near the entrance. The floors were made of clay or boards, the door was always located on the south wall. The roof was gable made of wood, which was smeared with clay on top.

Old Russian architecture and religious buildings

Cities in Ancient Russia were the place where monumental buildings were built, which were mainly associated with the Christian religion. The traditions and rules for the construction of ancient temples came to Russia from Byzantium, therefore they were built according to the cross-domed scheme. Temples were erected by order of rich princes and the Orthodox Church itself.

The first monumental buildings were tithe churches, the oldest of which has survived to this day is the Church of the Savior in Chernigov (1036). Starting from the 11th century, they began to build more complex temples with galleries, stair towers, with several domes. interior ancient architects sought to make it expressive and colorful. An example of such a temple is the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, similar cathedrals were erected in Novgorod and Polotsk.

Slightly different, but bright and original, an architectural school has developed in the North-East of Russia, which is characterized by many decorative carved elements, slender proportions and plasticity of facades. One of the masterpieces of that time is the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl (1165).

The population of ancient Russian cities

The bulk of the city's population are artisans, fishermen, day laborers, merchants, the prince and his squad, the administration and the master's "servants", an important role in connection with the baptism of Russia began to play the clergy (monks and churchmen). Very large group The population consisted of all kinds of handicraft people who settled according to their specialties: blacksmiths, gunsmiths, jewelers, carpenters, weavers and tailors, tanners, potters, masons, etc.

In every city there was always a market through which the sale and purchase of all manufactured and imported goods and products was carried out.

The largest ancient Russian city was Kiev in the 12th-13th centuries. numbered 30-40 thousand people, Novgorod - 20-30 thousand. Smaller cities: Chernigov, Vladimir, Polotsk, Smolensk, Rostov, Vitebsk, Ryazan and others had a population of several thousand people. The number of people living in smaller towns rarely exceeded 1 thousand people.

The largest lands of Ancient Russia: Volyn, Galicia, Kiev, Novgorod, Polotsk, Rostov-Suzdal, Ryazan, Smolensk, Turovo-Pinsk, Chernigov.

History of the Novgorod land

In terms of the territory that Novgorod land covered (the north and east of the living Finno-Ugric tribes), it was considered the most extensive Russian possession, including the suburbs of Pskov, Staraya Russa, Velikie Luki, Ladoga and Torzhok. Already by the end of the 12th century. this included Perm, Pechora, Yugra (Northern Urals). All cities had a clear hierarchy, dominated by Novgorod, which owned the most important trade routes: merchant caravans coming from the Dnieper, passing to Sweden and Denmark, as well as leading to the northeastern princely destinies through the Volga and to Bulgaria.

The wealth of Novgorod merchants was multiplied by trade in inexhaustible forest resources, but agriculture on this land was lean, because grain was brought to Novgorod from neighboring principalities. The population of the Novgorod land was engaged in cattle breeding, growing cereals, gardening and horticultural crops. Crafts were very developed: fur, walrus, etc.

Political life of Novgorod

According to archaeological excavations by the 13th century. Novgorod was a large fortified and well-organized city inhabited by artisans and merchants. political life it was ruled by local boyars. On these lands in Ancient Russia, very large boyar landownerships were formed, which consisted of 30-40 clans that monopolized many government posts.

The free population, which included Novgorod land, was the boyars, the living and the people (small landowners), merchants, merchants and artisans. And the dependents included serfs and smerds. A characteristic feature of the life of Novgorod is the calling of the prince with the help of drawing up a contract for reigning, and he was chosen only to make court decisions and military leadership in the event of an attack. All the princes were visitors from Tver, Moscow and other cities, and each tried to tear away some volosts from the Novgorod land, because of which they were immediately replaced. For 200 years, 58 princes have changed in the city.

Political rule in these lands was carried out by the Novgorod Veche, which, in fact, represented a federation of self-governing communities and corporations. Political history Novgorod has developed successfully precisely due to the participation in all processes of all groups of the population, from the boyars to the "black people". However, in 1418 the dissatisfaction of the lower classes ended in their uprising, during which the inhabitants rushed to destroy the rich houses of the boyars. Bloodshed was avoided only through the intervention of the clergy, who resolved the dispute through the courts.

The heyday of the Novgorod Republic, which existed for more than one century, erected a large and beautiful city to the level of medieval European settlements, architecture and military force whom contemporaries admired. As a western outpost, Novgorod successfully repelled all the attacks of the German knights, preserving the national identity of the Russian land.

History of the land of Polotsk

Polotsk land covered in 10-12 centuries. the territory from the Western Dvina River to the sources of the Dnieper, creating a river route between the Baltic and the Black Sea. The largest cities of this land in the early Middle Ages: Vitebsk, Borisov, Lukoml, Minsk, Izyaslavl, Orsha, etc.

The inheritance of Polotsk was created by the Izyaslavich dynasty at the beginning of the 11th century, which secured it by renouncing claims to Kiev. The very appearance of the phrase "Polotsk land" already marked in the 12th century. separation of this territory from Kiev.

At that time, the Vseslavich dynasty ruled the land, but there were also redistribution of tables, which, in the end, led to the collapse of the principality. The next Vasilkovich dynasty already ruled Vitebsk, pushing the Polotsk princes.

In those days, the Lithuanian tribes also obeyed Polotsk, and the neighbors often threatened to attack the city itself. The history of this land is very confused and little confirmed by sources. The princes of Polotsk often fought with Lithuania, and sometimes acted as its ally (for example, during the capture of the city of Velikiye Luki, which at that time belonged to the Novgorod land).

Polotsk troops made frequent raids on many Russian lands, and in 1206 they stormed Riga, but unsuccessfully. By the beginning of the 13th century. in this region, the influence of the Livonian swordsmen and the Smolensk principality increases, then there is a massive invasion of the Lithuanians, who by 1240 subjugate the Polotsk lands. Then, after the war with Smolensk, the city of Polotsk passes into the possession of Prince Tovtivill, by the end of whose principality (1252) the ancient Russian period in the history of Polotsk ends.

Old Russian cities and their role in history

Old Russian medieval cities were founded as human settlements, standing at the crossroads of trade routes and rivers. Their other goal was to protect the inhabitants from the raids of neighbors and enemy tribes. With the development and enlargement of cities, there was an increase in property inequality, the creation of tribal principalities, the expansion of trade and economic ties between cities and their inhabitants, which further influenced the creation and historical development of a single state - Kievan Rus.

Usually, the history of Eastern Europe, which was inhabited by the Slavs, begins to be studied from the founding of Kievan Rus. According to official theory, this is the first state in these lands, which was known in the world, it was considered, and the rulers were respected. One after another, ancient cities appear in Ancient Russia, and this process stopped only with the invasion of the Mongols. With the invasion of the horde, the state itself, fragmented among the numerous descendants of the princes, goes into oblivion. But we will talk about its heyday, we will tell you what the ancient cities of Russia were like.

A little about the country

The term "Ancient Russia" usually refers to the state united around Kiev, which existed from the ninth to the middle of the thirteenth centuries. In fact, it was a union of principalities, the population of which was the Eastern Slavs, who were subordinate to the Grand Duke. This union occupied vast territories, had its own army (team), established rules of law.

When the ancient cities in Ancient Russia adopted Christianity, the active construction of stone temples began. The new religion further strengthened the power of the Kiev prince and contributed to foreign policy relations with European states, the development of cultural ties with Byzantium and other highly developed countries.

Gardarika

The emergence of cities in Ancient Russia was stormy. It is not for nothing that in the Western European chronicles it is called Gardarika, that is, the country of cities. From written sources dating back to the 9th-10th centuries, 24 large settlements are known, but it can be assumed that there were many more. The names of these settlements, as a rule, were Slavic. For example, Novgorod, Vyshgorod, Beloozero, Przemysl. By the end of the twelfth century, the role of cities in Ancient Russia was truly invaluable: there were already 238 of them, they were well fortified, they were centers of politics, trade, education and culture.

The structure and characteristics of the settlement in the old days

A city in Ancient Russia is a settlement for which a place was carefully chosen. The territory should be convenient in terms of defense. On the hill, as a rule, in the separation from the river, a fortified part (Kremlin) was built. Dwelling houses were located closer to the river, in the lowland or, as they said, on the hem. Thus, the first cities of Ancient Russia consisted of a central part - a well-protected citadel, and a more convenient, but less safe trade and craft part. A little later, settlements, or foothills, appear in the settlements.

Ancient cities in Ancient Russia were not built of stone, like most settlements in Western Europe that time, but from wood. From here came the verb "cut down" the city, and not build. The fortifications formed a protective ring of wooden log cabins filled with earth. The only way to get inside was through the gate.

It is worth noting that in Ancient Russia, not only a settlement was called a city, but also a fence, a fortress wall, a fortress. In addition to the citadel, which housed the main buildings (the cathedral, the square, the treasury, the library), and the trade and craft quarter, there was always a market square and a school.

Mother of Russian cities

It was with this epithet that historians awarded the main city of the state. was the city of Kiev - beautiful and very convenient in terms of geographical location. People lived in this area already 15-20 thousand years ago. The legendary founder of the settlement probably lived during the period of the Chernyakhov culture. The Book of Veles claims that he was a native of the Southern Baltic and lived around the middle of the second century. But this source dates the foundation of the city itself to Scythian times, which echoes the message of Herodotus about the chips. Possibly, the Polyana prince did not lay the foundation of the city, but only fortified it and made it a stronghold. believes that Kiev was founded later, in the 5th-6th century, when the Slavs actively settled the territories above the Dnieper and Danube, advancing to the Balkan Peninsula.

The emergence of cities in Ancient Russia after Kiev was natural, since people felt safe behind the fortified walls. But at the dawn of the development of the state, the capital city of glades was part of the Khazar Khaganate. In addition, Kiy met with the Byzantine emperor, presumably with Anastasius. It is not known who ruled the city after the death of its founder. History calls only the names of the last two rulers before the arrival of the Varangians. The prophetic Oleg captured Kiev without bloodshed, made it his capital, pushed back the nomads, crushed the Khazar Khaganate and went on the offensive against Constantinople.

Golden time of Kiev

The campaigns of Oleg and his successor Igor, and also did not contribute to the development of the city. Its borders have not expanded since the time of Kiy, but a palace already towered in it, pagan and Christian temples were built. Prince Vladimir already took up the arrangement of the settlement, and after the baptism of Russia, stone shrines grow in it, the mounds of the former gods are compared to the ground. Under Yaroslav, the St. Sophia Cathedral and the Golden Gate were built, and the territory of Kiev and its population increased several times. Crafts, printing, and education are rapidly developing. There are more and more cities in Ancient Russia, but the city of Kiya still remains the main one. Today, in the central part of the Ukrainian capital, you can see buildings erected during the heyday of the state.

Sights of the Ukrainian capital

Ancient cities in Ancient Russia were very beautiful. And of course, the capital is no exception. Today, architectural monuments of that time provide an opportunity to imagine the magnificence of Kiev. The most outstanding attraction is the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, founded by the monk Anthony in 1051. The complex includes stone temples decorated with paintings, cells, underground caves, fortress towers. The Golden Gate, built under Yaroslav the Wise, is a unique reminder of defensive architecture. Today, there is a museum inside, and around the building there is a square, in which there is a monument to the prince. It is worth visiting the famous St. Sophia Cathedral (1037), St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral (XI - XII centuries), St. Cyril, Trinity Gate Church, the Church of the Savior-on-Berestovo (all XII centuries).

Velikiy Novgorod

Large cities of Ancient Russia are not only capital Kiev. The most beautiful is Novgorod, which has survived to this day, because it was not touched by the Mongols. Subsequently, in order to emphasize the important role of the settlement in history, the prefix "Great" was added to the official name of the authorities.

The amazing city, divided by the Volkhov River, was founded in 859. But this is the date when the settlement was first mentioned in written sources. The chronicle mentions that in 859 the Novgorod governor Gostomysl died, and, therefore, Novgorod arose earlier, long before Rurik was called to the principality. Archaeological excavations have shown that people have settled in these lands since the fifth century. In the eastern chronicles of the tenth century, as-Slaviya (Glory, Salau), one of the cultural centers of the Rus, is mentioned. This city refers to Novgorod or its predecessor - the old city of the Ilmen Slavs. It is also identified with the Scandinavian Holmgard, the capital of Gardariki.

Features of the capital of the Novgorod Republic

Like all large cities of Ancient Russia, Novgorod was divided into parts. It had quarters for crafts and workshops, residential areas without streets, and fortifications. Detinets was formed already in 1044. In addition to it, the shaft and the White (Alekseevskaya) tower have survived to this day. In 1045-1050, St. Sophia Cathedral was built in the city, a little later - Nikolo-Dvorishchensky, St. George's and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin.

When a veche republic is formed, architecture flourishes in the city (the Novgorod architectural school arises). The princes lost the right to build churches, but the townspeople, merchants and patrons were actively involved in this. The dwellings of people, as a rule, were wooden, and only places of worship were built of stone. It is noteworthy that already at that time a wooden water supply system was functioning in Novgorod, and the streets were paved with paving stones.

Glorious Chernihiv

Studying the major cities of Ancient Russia, it is impossible not to mention Chernigov. In the vicinity of the modern settlement, people lived already in the 4th millennium BC. But as a city, it was first mentioned in written sources in 907. After the Battle of Listven in 1024, Mstislav Vladimirovich, brother of Yaroslav the Wise, makes Chernigov his capital. Since then, it has been actively developing, growing and building up. Ilyinsky and Yelets monasteries are being built here, which for a long time become the spiritual centers of the principality, the territory of which stretched to Murom, Kolomna and Tmutarakan.

The invasion of the Mongol-Tatars stopped peaceful development the city, which was burned by the troops of Genghisid Mongke in October 1239. From princely times to the present, several architectural masterpieces have come down, from which tourists begin their acquaintance with the city. These are the Cathedral of the Savior (XI century), the Elias Church, the Borisoglebsky and Assumption Cathedrals, the Yelets Assumption Monastery (all of them are from the 12th century), the Pyatnitskaya Church of St. Paraskeva (XIII century). Noteworthy are the Anthony Caves (XI-XIX centuries) and the mounds of the Black Grave, Gulbishche and Bezymyanny.

Old Ryazan

There was another city that played an exceptional role. There were many cities in Ancient Russia, but not every one of them was the center of a principality. Ryazan, completely destroyed by Khan Batu, has not revived. In 1778, Pereyaslavl-Ryazansky, which is 50 km away from the old princely settlement, was given a new name - Ryazan, but it is used together with the prefix "New". The ruins of the ancient Russian city today are of great interest to historians and archaeologists. Only the remains of the fortifications cover more than sixty hectares. The archaeological reserve also includes the ruins of guard outposts, the Novy Olgov fortress, near which the All-Russian Rodnoverie Sanctuary was sheltered.

Amazing Smolensk

In the upper reaches of the Dnieper there is an ancient and very beautiful city. The toponym Smolensk goes back to the name of the river Smolnya or to the name of the Smolyan tribe. It is also likely that the city was named in honor of the fact that it lay on the way from the Varangians to the Greeks and was the place where travelers pitched boats. It was first mentioned in The Tale of Bygone Years under the year 862 and is called the center of the tribal union of the Krivichi. In the campaign against Tsargrad, Askold and Dir bypassed Smolensk, since it was heavily fortified. In 882, the city was captured by Oleg the Prophet and became part of his state.

In 1127, the city became the inheritance of Rostislav Mstislavich, who in 1146 ordered the construction of the Church of Peter and Paul on Gorodyanka, the Church of St. John the Evangelist. Before the Mongol invasion, Smolensk reaches its highest peak. It occupied about 115 hectares, and 40 thousand people permanently lived there in eight thousand houses. The Horde invasion did not touch the city, which allowed it to preserve many architectural monuments. But over time, it lost its significance and fell under the dependence of other principalities.

Other cities

As you can see, the high development of the cities of Ancient Russia allowed them to be not only the political center of the regions, but also to establish external relations with other countries. For example, Smolensk had close relations with Riga, and there are legends about Novgorod's trade relations. And what other settlements existed in Russia?

• Polotsk, located on a tributary of the Western Dvina. Today it is located on the territory of Belarus and is loved by tourists. Sophia Cathedral (11th century, destroyed and rebuilt in the 18th century) and the oldest stone building in the country - the Transfiguration Church (12th century) remind of the princely era.
• Pskov (903).
• Rostov (862).
• Suzdal (862).
• Vladimir (990). The city is part of the Golden Ring of Russia, famous for the Assumption and Demetrius Cathedral, the Golden Gate.
• Murom (862), burned to the ground during the Mongol invasion, restored in the fourteenth century.
• Yaroslavl is a city on the Volga, founded by Yaroslav the Wise at the beginning of the tenth century.
• Terebovlya ( Galicia-Volyn principality), the first mention of the city dates back to 1097.
• Galich (Galicia-Volyn principality), the first written mention of it is dated 1140. However, the epics about Duke Stepanovich say that he was better than Kiev during the life of Ilya Muromets, and was baptized long before 988.
• Vyshgorod (946). The castle was the lot of Princess Olga and her favorite place. It was here that three hundred concubines of Prince Vladimir lived before his baptism. Not a single building has been preserved from the Old Russian era.
• Pereyaslavl (modern Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky). In 907, it was first mentioned in written sources. Today in the city you can see the remains of fortifications of 10-11 centuries.

Instead of an afterword

Of course, we have not listed all the cities of that glorious era in the history of the Eastern Slavs. And even more so, they could not describe them in full as they deserve, due to the limited size of our article. But we hope that we have awakened interest in the study of the past.