The Princes Of Kievan Rus. The power of the Prince in Kievan Rus

The Ancient Russian state – a strong, powerful political entity of the Middle ages. The formation of institutions has taken place in stages. The basis for education of Russia became the tribal Union of the Slavs, who during many years of opposition have United in a single state. The political and economic system formed the great princes of Kievan Rus.

Early stage of the Russian statehood

Originally, there were 14 tribal unions of Slavs. Among them was duliby, Vyatichi, severyane, tivertsy, and many others. Tribal groups evolved into political entities, which may be called the prototypes of the state. The most influential was clearing and duliby. As a result of wars with the nomads, have become more influential clearing. This tribe is associated with the Foundation of Kiev – the future capital of Russia. Around the city formed several strong kingdoms. By the middle of the ninth century, according to historians, we can talk about consolidation of disparate state associations into a unified whole. On successful foreign policy events of the Principality tells the story. Kievan Rus ' successfully fought with the Arabs and other enemies.

Novgorod: the second center Rus

The Second after Kiev in importance the political centre was formed in Novgorod. We can talk about the Foundation of this city in the X century. Novgorod was founded on the territory of Slavic tribes. Here was formed the Confederation. The Association also included representatives of non-Slavic peoples – according to research, they controlled these territories.

The Northern and southern regions of formation of the state – Kiev and Novgorod – were distinguished by the level of political, economic and social development. Historians have noted that Kiev was a civilized and developed. At the same time, Novgorod remained virtually “wild”. The decisive factor in the development of the Northern centre was the Norman conquest. The first princes of Kievan Rus were from Scandinavia. Varangian factor had a significant influence on the development of statehood.

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Why the Scandinavians? Among the Slavic tribes there was no unity concerning the management. The Vikings at that time supervised the collection of tribute. At first, the Slavs rebelled and refused to pay. The tribes rallied together and drove the invaders, but it has not brought them unity. In the end, the Slavs call to rule Rurik – Scandinavian konung. The princes of Kievan Rus are considered his descendants.

The Initial period of the historical development of Russia

The First princes of Kievan Rus had a significant impact on the course of history. Rurik managed to unite the tribes and to solve some problems, but in 879, he died. His son and rightful heir to the princely title was still too small and could not rule himself – according to the existing laws, he was appointed Regent.

Oleg – one of the most mysterious historical figures. About him little is known-researchers can't pinpoint its origin. Even the name of the Regent caused controversy. He soon became sole ruler. Prince of Kievan Rus ' Oleg held a series of successful campaigns, resulting in one of them he became head of the entire state.

In 882, Kiev was captured, which at that time was ruled by Askold and dir. These princes were killed, and their power is captured by Oleg. Thus, the Northern and southern lands of Russia were United. This is one of the main acts of Oleg. The princes of Kievan Rus, who ruled after him, successfully expanded the territory.

Oleg was able to make another change – change the organization of the Slavic tribes. Previously they were scattered education, Prince managed to lay the foundations of centralization.

Prince Igor and his wife Olga

The Lawful heir of Rurik came to power in 912. His reign cannot be called successful. He had to continue the work of Oleg – to fight the tendencies to isolation, to which gravitated Slavic tribes, but did not always succeed.

In the three-year war, Igor conquered the convict and Drevlyane, but it is very conditional. Ulichi recognized rule of the Prince but conditionally. The greatest failure of the reign of Igor was his tax policy. The Prince was actively at war with many enemies, but it required money. Once, during repeated attempts to collect tribute, Igor was killed Drevlyane.

After his death, came to power, Olga – his wife. She had the status of Regent for minor son Igor. Olga, like other princes of Kievan Rus, did much to reform the state. Her first action was revenge against the drevlians, but after that, the ruler of the streamline tax collection. The tribute began to collect centrally and systematically.

External policy of the rulers of Russia at the initial stage of statehood

The Rule of princes of Kievan Rus had one thing in common in foreign policy – maintaining relations with Byzantium. For every ruler, the nature of the contacts were individual.

Causes of interest to the Byzantine Empire lay in the enormous influence this country had on all of Europe: the state was the commercial, cultural and religious center. Engaging in combat or diplomatic relations with Constantinople, the princes of Kievan Rustried to assert themselves on the international stage. The first campaigns carried out Oleg – in 907 and 911 years. The result was favorable for Russia agreement: Byzantium was obliged to pay a considerable amount of the indemnity and to provide special conditions of trade for Russian merchants.

The Practice of campaigns against Byzantium continued Igor, but in his case it was not so successful. In 941 and 943 years the Prince has made attempts to improve the conditions of the old contract. During the first campaign, his troops suffered a crushing defeat. After 2 years the case until the battle never came because Igor gathered a huge army. The Byzantine Emperor agreed to the signing of the agreement, but it was less profitable for Russia than the contract 911 years.

Relations with Constantinople Olga was different. The Princess several times visited Byzantium. She was interested in the Christianization of Rus. During one visit Olga adopted Christianity, but in General, her religious policy was unsuccessful.

Another area of foreign policy at an early stage of development of statehood were the countries of the Caucasus and the Arab Caliphate.

Svyatoslav – warrior-Prince

Igor's Son Svyatoslav came to power in 964 by the coup carried out against his mother and Regent – Olga. The campaigns of Prince allowed Russia to become one of the most influential countries.

The First area of interest was Svyatoslav Slavic tribes. Prince have included some territory in the Russia. Svyatoslav fought with the Khazars and Volga Bulgars.

The Success of the Prince thrilled the Byzantine Empire – it is a state famous for its ability to conduct diplomatic war. Constantinople managed to put Russia in resistance with the Bulgarians. Byzantium "asked the" Svyatoslav to win this people. During a major battle Dorostolon Russian Prince defeated the Bulgarians – so ended the first Balkan campaign. Thus, Byzantium got rid of a major enemy by proxy. A year later Sviatoslav in the second Balkan campaign – his start was successful, but Constantinople was able to stop the Russian troops and to impose on the Prince of the contract. Terms: Russia should not fight with the Byzantine Empire and lay claim to the territory of Crimea.

I Wonder what Sviatoslav the first officially divided Russia among his sons to avoid strife after his death.

The Beginning of the “Golden age" of Russia: the reign of Vladimir Svyatoslavovich

The Period of greatest prosperity Russia has experienced during the reign of Vladimir the Great and Yaroslav the Wise. At this time definitively established the borders of the state, the territory was the highest, were several reforms concerning the political and economic systems.

After the death of Svyatoslav began a fratricidal struggle for power. In opposition to the defeated Vladimir, later called the Great. In 980 he became ruler of all Russia. For years of Board of Vladimir has established himself as a strategist, diplomat, warrior and reformer. During his government the territory of Russia has completed the formation.

The Prince of Kievan Rus Vladimir held several reforms:

• In the administrative – has been legally recognized territorial division of the state.
• Military reform: the changes related to the tribal organization of the troops. Instead, Vladimir rejoined the defense system of Russia and feudal device. The Prince was given the land border with the best warriors – they tilled the land and protected the borders.
• Religious: in 988 Prince Vladimir baptized Rus.

In the sphere of foreign policy was continued relations with Byzantium, and established contacts with the Holy Roman Empire.

Power struggle

Prince Vladimir died in 1015. His heirs began to actively fight for their rights. During the life of Vladimir gave lands to his sons, but it has not solved the problem – each wanted to rule all the territories. Four brothers were killed during the confrontation. In the end, the strongest opponents were the Chernigov Prince Mstislav and Prince of Kiev Yaroslav. In 1024 between their troops and the battle took place near the town Listen. Yaroslav was defeated, but the brothers were able to agree and jointly rule more than 10 years, until the death of Mstislav.

The Princes have agreed that Russia will be the two centre-Chernigov and Kiev. Such political phenomenon bears the name of the duumvirate – a lot of such examples known to history. Kievan Rus during the reign of the brothers strengthened, as Yaroslav was a talented politician, and Mstislav – a military leader and strategist.

The heyday

After the death of Mstislav, Yaroslav became the sole ruler of Russia. The years of his princedom – this is the time of unprecedented prosperity, the centralization of the state. Yaroslav was a diplomat, reformer, but not a warrior. From childhood he had a fragile Constitution, poor health and limp. But these shortcomings are offset by the tremendous abilities of the Prince in matters of internal policy and diplomatic contacts.

Still part of the Duo Yaroslav and his brother managed to win the lands near the borders of Russia. Rulers did much to strengthen the defense of the state. During the reign of Yaroslav managed to defeat the old enemies Russia – Pechenegs. In honor of this event was built St. Sophia Cathedral-an outstanding monument ofarchitecture.

In foreign policy, the situation was stable. Yaroslav's troops carried out the last campaign against Byzantium. He was not successful, but it did not harm the position of Russia in the international arena.

Yaroslav was the famous “family diplomat,” are all his children married with the great European rulers or representatives of noble birth.

The Main asset, the time of flourishing was “Russkaya Pravda» - the first written set of laws. The author was Yaroslav, nicknamed the Wise. It contained all the regulations that governed the lives of the people.

The Great princes of Kievan Rus-Yaroslav, Vladimir – made the state one of the greatest and most influential in Europe.

The Beginning of the disintegration of Russia

Heyday lasted until the middle of XI century – it gradually began to decline. Prince of Kievan Rus Vladimir and his successor, Yaroslav did almost the same – legally enshrined separation of state between his sons. It was well-intentioned, but a positive result has not followed.

The Sons of Yaroslav fought for power. The result changed the shape of the monarchy – has become centralized in the Federal. Was also decorated triumvirate – a unique political Union, through which the state was successfully operated for about 20 years. Days passed, and each of triumviriv wanted to concentrate in the hands all completeness of the power. The collapse of the Soviet Union officially took place in Vyshgorod Congress – the brothers agreed to rule in turn. Then had decorated the ‘Truth Yaroslav”, has become a Supplement of «Russian Pravda». Thus, the first was Prince Svyatoslav, Izyaslav after him, the last – Vsevolod.

The End of the century was marked by a major confrontation between the heirs and claimants to power. Point to the existence of a unified Russia was Lyubech Congress – it was decided that each Prince should rule his land. This became the basis of fragmentation.

The Russian princes of Kievan Rus in the late eleventh century, made up the existence of a unified, strong state. The latest attempt to regain its former glory was the reign of Vladimir Monomakh, and after – his son. For a short period the earth was reunified, adopted a new set of laws “Charter”.

Evolution of state power in Russia

A Form of government in Russia was a monarchy. She repeatedly modified throughout the development of the state. The power of the Prince in Kievan Rus has come a long way.

At the initial stage of development of the state the Prince was a leader-a military commander. This is a primitive form of monarchy, which relied on the squad. The army and the Prince was the state elite. Around this simple staff of the Board, formed the tax system and the court. About the Prince on that stage, it is difficult to say, how about statesman or reformer. This is the reign of Rurik, Igor, Oleg.

The Flowering of Russia – the period of registration of a centralized monarchy. Now Prince – not just a warrior, but also a reformer, a politician. The army is losing its influence on the decision of the Governor – the team begins to perform its direct functions. The Prince appear advisers – the boyars. Is the old Russian aristocracy, which had a huge impact. The ruler at that time was the bearer of power, representative of Russia in the international arena, as a guarantor power and stability.

When Russia began to disintegrate, centralized state gradually evolved into Federal. Changed the nature of power of the rulers. Now there was not a single Prince of all Rus – there were many leaders who took a common decision at the Congress.

Important authorities were the boyar Council. It was like a prototype of Parliament. Especially the value of this authority increased at the stage of fragmentation. During the centralization of the decisions of the boyar Council was a subsidiary.

The Princes of Kievan Rus (table): peculiarities of the political development of state:

Political portraits of the princes of Kievan Rus allow us to characterize the features of reign of each of them. Military glory and power of Oleg and Svyatoslav at the initial stage of development, diplomacy and reforms of Vladimir and Yaroslav in its heyday, strife – all this is a story everyone should know. Russia in its development, the classic stages – the formation, rise, decline.