On September 21, 862, the inhabitants of the Novgorod principality called for the Varangian brothers Rurik, Sineus and Truvor to rule. It is this date that is considered to be the beginning of the state of Rus. From Rurik originates a dynasty of Russian rulers, nicknamed Rurikovich. This dynasty ruled the state for more than seven and a half centuries. We remembered the most significant representatives of this family.

1. Rurik Varangian. Although the Novgorod prince Rurik Varyazhsky did not become the sole ruler of the united state, he went down in history forever as the founder of the dynasty of the first Russian autocrats. During his reign, Finnish lands began to join Russia, as well as the territories of some scattered Slavic tribes. Hence the cultural unification Eastern Slavs, which contributed to the formation of a new political formation - the state. According to the researcher S. Solovyov, it was from Rurik that the important activity of the Russian princes began - the construction of cities, the concentration of population. The first steps of Rurik in the formation of the ancient Russian state were already completed by Prince Oleg the Prophet.

2. Vladimir Svyatoslavich the Red Sun. The contribution of this Grand Duke to the development Kievan Rus hard to overestimate. It was he who went down in history as the baptizer of Russia. Preachers of many religions wanted to persuade the prince to their faith, but he sent his ambassadors to different lands, and upon their return he listened to everyone and gave preference to Christianity. Vladimir liked the rites of this faith. Having conquered the Christian city, Kherson Vladimir married the imperial princess Anna and received holy baptism. idols pagan gods by order of the prince, they chopped and burned. new faith simple people accepted by being baptized in the waters of the Dnieper. So, on August 1, 988, the Russian people, following the ruler, adopted Christianity. Only the inhabitants of Novgorod opposed the new faith. Then the Novgorodians were baptized with the help of a squad. However, at the same time, the first special theological schools were created in Russia, where unenlightened boyar otraks studied divine books translated from Greek by Cyril and Methodius.

3. Yaroslav Vladimirovich the Wise. The nickname "Wise" Grand Duke Yaroslav received from the people for his wise rule. He is considered the creator of the first set of laws and civil charters "Russian Truth". Prior to this, in ancient Russia there were no laws written in a single collection. This is one of the most important steps in building statehood. To this day, ancient lists of these laws have survived, which give an idea of ​​the life of our ancestors. According to the chronicler, Yaroslav was "half-footed, but he had a kind mind and was brave in battle." These words are also proved by the fact that under Yaroslav the Wise, Russian troops put an end to the raids of the nomadic tribe of the Pechenegs. Peace was also concluded with the Byzantine Empire.

The nickname "Wise" Grand Duke Yaroslav received from the people for his wise rule

4. Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh. His reign was the period of the last strengthening of the Old Russian state. Monomakh knew well that for the tranquility of the state, it was necessary to make sure that external enemies would not attack Russia. During his life, he made 83 military campaigns, concluded 19 peace treaties with the Polovtsians, captured more than a hundred Polovtsian princes and released them all, executed more than 200 princes. The military successes of Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh and his children glorified his name throughout the world. The Greek Empire trembled on behalf of Monomakh. After the conquest of Thrace by Vladimir's son Mstislav, Emperor Alexy Komnenos even sent great gifts to Kiev - symbols of power: the carnelian cup of Augustus Caesar, the Cross of the Life-Giving Tree, a crown, a golden chain and barm of Vladimir's grandfather Konstantin Monomakh. The gifts were brought by the Metropolitan of Ephesus. He also proclaimed Monomakh the Russian ruler. Since then, Monomakh's cap, chain, scepter and barm have been indispensable attributes on the wedding day of Russian rulers and have been passed from sovereign to sovereign.

5. Vsevolod III Yurievich Big Nest. This is the tenth son of Grand Duke Yuri Dolgoruky, who formed the city of Moscow, and the younger brother of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. Under him, the Great Northern Principality of Vladimir reached its highest power and finally began to prevail over the southern Principality of Kiev. The reasons for the success of Vsevolod's policy are reliance on new cities: Vladimir, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Dmitrov, Gorodets, Kostroma, Tver, where the boyars before him were relatively weak, as well as reliance on the nobility. Under him, Kievan Rus ceased to exist, and Vladimir-Suzdal Rus finally took shape. Vsevolod had a large offspring - 12 children (including 8 sons), so he received the nickname "Big Nest". The unknown author of The Tale of Igor's Campaign noted: his army "can splash the Volga with oars, and scoop the Don with helmets."

6. Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky. According to the "canonical" version, Alexander Nevsky played an exceptional role in Russian history. During his reign, Russia was attacked from two sides: the Catholic West and the Tatars from the East. Nevsky showed an outstanding talent as a commander and diplomat, having entered into an alliance with the most strong enemy- Tatars. Having repelled the German attack, he defended Orthodoxy from Catholic expansion. For the faith of the Grand Duke, for the love of the fatherland, for the preservation of the integrity of Russia Orthodox Church canonized Alexander among the saints.

7. Ivan Danilovich Kalita. This Grand Duke became famous for the fact that under him the rise of Muscovite Russia began. Moscow under Ivan Kalita became the real capital of the Russian state. On the instructions of Metropolitan Peter, Ivan Kalita in 1326 laid the first stone church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Moscow. Since then, the Russian metropolia moved from Vladimir to Moscow, which elevated this city above others in the Vladimir principality. Ivan Kalita became the first prince who received a label for a great reign in the Golden Horde. Thus, he increasingly strengthened the role of the capital of the state for Moscow. Later, for silver, he redeemed from the Horde labels for reigning in other Russian cities, adding them to the Moscow principality.

8. Dmitry Ivanovich Donskoy. The Grand Duke of Moscow Dmitry Ivanovich was nicknamed Donskoy after the first serious victory over the Tatars in the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380. After a number of significant military victories over the Golden Horde, she did not dare to fight the Russians in open field. By this time, the Moscow principality had become one of the main centers for the unification of Russian lands. The white-stone Moscow Kremlin was built in the city.

9. Ivan III Vasilyevich. During the reign of this Grand Duke and Sovereign Sovereign, there were many events that determined the fate of the Russian state. Firstly, a significant part of the scattered Russian lands around Moscow was united. This city finally becomes the center of the all-Russian state. Secondly, the final liberation of the country from the rule of the Horde khans was achieved. After standing on the Ugra River, Russia finally threw off Tatar-Mongol yoke. Thirdly, under the reign of Ivan III, the territory of Russia increased five times and began to amount to about two million square kilometers. The Code of Laws was also adopted - a set of laws of the state, and a number of reforms were carried out that laid the foundations for the local system of land tenure. The sovereign established the first post office in Russia, city governments appeared in the cities, drunkenness was prohibited, and the armament of the troops was significantly increased.

10. Ivan IV Vasilyevich. It was this ruler who was nicknamed the Terrible. He headed the Russian state longer than all the rulers: 50 years and 105 days. The contribution of this king to the history of Russia is difficult to overestimate. Under him, boyar strife ceased, and the territory of the state grew by almost 100 percent - from 2.8 million square kilometers to 5.4 million. The Russian state has become larger than the rest of Europe. He defeated the slave-trading khanates of Kazan and Astrakhan, annexed these territories to Russia. Also, under him, Western Siberia, the Region of the Don Host, Bashkiria, and the lands of the Nogai Horde were annexed. Ivan the Terrible entered into diplomatic and military relations with the Don and Tersko-Grebensky Cossacks. John IV Vasilyevich created a regular streltsy army, the first Russian military flotilla in the Baltic. I would especially like to note the creation of the judiciary of 1550. The collection of laws of the period of the estate monarchy in Russia is the first legal act in Russian history proclaimed the only source of law. It contained 100 articles. Under Ivan the Terrible, the first printing house appeared in Russia (Printing Yard). Under him, the election of the local administration was introduced, a network of primary schools, created a postal service and the first fire brigade in Europe.

The first rulers of Ancient Russia (from the formation of the state to the period of feudal fragmentation).

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

The first real ruler of Ancient Russia, who united the lands of the Slavic tribes along the path "from the Varangians to the Greeks."
In 882, he captured Kiev and made it the capital of the ancient Russian state, killing Askold and Dir, who had previously reigned there.
He subjugated the tribes of the Drevlyans, Northerners, Radimichi.
Strengthened the foreign policy position. In 907, he made a successful military campaign against Constantinople, which resulted in two favorable for Russia peace treaties(907 and 911).

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

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

Son of Prince Igor and Princess Olga.
Initiator and leader of many military campaigns:
- The defeat of the Khazar Khaganate and its capital Itil (965)
- Campaigns in the Danube Bulgaria. Wars with Byzantium (968 - 971)
- Military clashes with the Pechenegs (969 - 972)
- Treaty between Russia and Byzantium (971)
Killed by the Pechenegs during their return from Bulgaria in 972 on the Dnieper rapids.

In 972 - 980. there is the first internecine war for power between the sons of Svyatoslav - Vladimir and Yaropolk. Vladimir wins and is confirmed on the throne of Kiev.
980 - Vladimir carries out a pagan reform. A pantheon of pagan gods is being created, headed by Perun. An attempt to adapt paganism to the needs of the Old Russian state and society ended in failure.
988 - adoption of Christianity in Russia.
(Reasons for adopting Christianity:
- the need to strengthen the power of the Kiev prince and the need for a state association on a new spiritual basis;
- justification of social inequality;
- the need to introduce Russia to the pan-European political realities, spiritual and cultural values.
Significance of adopting Christianity:
- strengthened the state and the power of the prince;
- increased the international prestige of Russia;
- contributed to the introduction of Russia to Byzantine culture.)
Under Vladimir, there is a further expansion and strengthening of the Old Russian state. Vladimir finally conquered the Radimichi, made successful campaigns against the Poles, Pechenegs, founded new fortress-cities: Pereyaslavl, Belgorod, etc.

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

Grandson of Yaroslav the Wise, son of Prince Vsevolod the First and Mary, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine the Ninth Monomakh. Prince of Smolensk (since 1067), Chernigov (since 1078), Pereyaslavl (since 1093), Grand Duke of Kiev (since 1113).
Prince Vladimir Monomakh - the organizer of successful campaigns against the Polovtsy (1103, 1109, 1111)
He advocated the unity of Russia. Congress participant old Russian princes in Lyubech (1097), which discussed the perniciousness of civil strife, the principles of ownership and inheritance of princely lands.
He was called to reign in Kiev during the popular uprising of 1113, which followed the death of Svyatopolk II. Reigned until 1125
He put into effect the "Charter of Vladimir Monomakh", where interest on loans was limited by law and it was forbidden to enslave dependent people who work off debt.
He stopped the collapse of the Old Russian state. Wrote "Instruction", in which he condemned the strife and called for the unity of the Russian land.
He continued the policy of strengthening dynastic ties with Europe. He was married to the daughter of the English King Harold II - Gita.

Son of Vladimir Monomakh. Prince of Novgorod (1088 - 1093 and 1095 - 1117), Rostov and Smolensk (1093 - 1095), Belgorod and co-ruler of Vladimir Monomakh in Kiev (1117 - 1125). From 1125 to 1132 - sole ruler of Kiev.
He continued the policy of Vladimir Monomakh and managed to maintain a unified Old Russian state.
Attached to Kiev Polotsk principality in 1127
He organized successful campaigns against the Polovtsy, Lithuania, the Chernigov prince Oleg Svyatoslavovich.
After his death, almost all the principalities are out of obedience to Kiev. There comes a specific period - feudal fragmentation.

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

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

1) 941 - ended in failure;

2) 944 - the conclusion of a mutually beneficial agreement.

Killed by the Drevlyans while collecting tribute in 945.

YAROSLAV THE WISE(1019 - 1054)

He established himself on the throne of Kiev after long strife with Svyatopolk the Accursed (he received his nickname after the murder of his brothers Boris and Gleb, later canonized as saints) and Mstislav of Tmutarakansky.

He contributed to the flourishing of the Old Russian state, patronized education and construction. Contributed to the rise of the international prestige of Russia. Established broad dynastic ties with European and Byzantine courts.

Carried out military campaigns:

to the Baltics;

In the Polish-Lithuanian lands;

To Byzantium.

He finally defeated the Pechenegs.

Prince Yaroslav the Wise - the founder of written Russian legislation (" Russian Truth"," Yaroslav's Truth ").

VLADIMIR THE SECOND MONOMACH(1113 - 1125)

Son of Mary, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine the IX Monomakh. Prince of Smolensk (since 1067), Chernigov (since 1078), Pereyaslavl (since 1093), Grand Duke of Kiev (since 1113).

Prince Vladimir Monomakh - the organizer of successful campaigns against the Polovtsians (1103, 1109, 1111)

He advocated the unity of Russia. Member of the congress of ancient Russian princes in Lyubech (1097), which discussed the perniciousness of civil strife, the principles of ownership and inheritance of princely lands.

He was called to reign in Kiev during the popular uprising of 1113, which followed the death of Svyatopolk II. Reigned until 1125

He put into effect the "Charter of Vladimir Monomakh", where interest on loans was limited by law and it was forbidden to enslave dependent people who work off debt.

He stopped the collapse of the Old Russian state. Wrote " teaching", in which he condemned the strife and called for the unity of the Russian land.
He continued the policy of strengthening dynastic ties with Europe. He was married to the daughter of the English King Harold II - Gita.

Mstislav the Great(1125 - 1132)

Son of Vladimir Monomakh. Prince of Novgorod (1088 - 1093 and 1095 - 1117), Rostov and Smolensk (1093 - 1095), Belgorod and co-ruler of Vladimir Monomakh in Kiev (1117 - 1125). From 1125 to 1132 - sole ruler of Kiev.

He continued the policy of Vladimir Monomakh and managed to maintain a unified Old Russian state. He annexed the Principality of Polotsk to Kiev in 1127.
He organized successful campaigns against the Polovtsy, Lithuania, the Chernigov prince Oleg Svyatoslavovich. After his death, almost all the principalities are out of obedience to Kiev. There comes a specific period - feudal fragmentation.

Princes Rurikovichi ( short biographies) Curd Oleg Viktorovich

RUSSIAN PRINCES IX-XI centuries.

RUSSIAN PRINCES IX-XI centuries.

The 9th and 10th centuries are the most difficult period in the history of Ancient Russia to study. The chroniclers, who worked 100-150 years after the events they describe, relied mainly on oral traditions and legends; the annual grid, which distinguishes the Russian chronicle from the Byzantine chronicles and gave it a name (chronicle - a description of events by years, "years"), as established by researchers, was "superimposed" on the narration of the most ancient events of the 10th-11th centuries. only when created at the beginning of the XII century. chronicle code, called "The Tale of Bygone Years". Therefore, the dating of many ancient events, as well as the calculation of the years of life and reign of the first Rurikovich, can be accepted with a certain degree of conventionality.

Rurik(d. 879). According to the chronicle tradition, Rurik with the brothers Sineus and Truvor were called to Russia by representatives of the tribes: the Novgorod Slavs, the Polotsk Krivichi, the whole (Veps) and the Chud (ancestors of the Estonians) and began to reign in Novgorod or Ladoga. The question of who Rurik and his fellow tribesmen were, where they came from to Russia, whether Rurik was called to reign or invited as the leader of a military squad, remains controversial to this day.

Source: PVL.

Lit .: Lovmyansky X. Russia and the Normans. Translation from Polish. M., 1985; Avdusin D. A. Modern anti-Normanism // VI. 1988. No. 7. pp. 23-34.

Oleg(d. 912). According to the PVL, after the death of Rurik, a relative of Rurik, Oleg, became regent under the juvenile Igor. However, in another chronicle (Initial code) Oleg is referred to only as the governor of Rurik. Considering that Igor was at least 33 years old at the beginning of his independent reign, Oleg's regency seems unconditional historical myth: both Oleg and Igor, the actual ancestor of the Rurik dynasty, were probably independent princes.

In 882, Oleg set off with his retinue to the south, along waterway"From the Varangians to the Greeks". He captured Smolensk and then Kiev, killing the local princes Askold and Dir. They were apparently Varangians; according to the chronicle, having received permission from Rurik to go to Constantinople, Askold and Dir remained to reign in Kiev. But there is circumstantial evidence against the fact that Askold and Dir were co-rulers. After the reign of Oleg in Kiev, which he declared “matter to be a Russian city”, the entire territory of Russia fell under his rule, stretched out in a relatively narrow strip along the river routes leading from Ladoga to the Black Sea. Oleg expanded his possessions to the east, subjugating the northerners and Radimichi - the tribes that lived in the Desna and Sozh basins. Oleg made two successful campaigns against the capital of Byzantium, Constantinople (in 907 and 911). According to the legend reflected in the PVL, he died from a snake bite and was buried in Kiev.

Source: PVL.

Lit .: Sakharov. We are from a kind of Russian *. pp. 84-159.

Igor(d. 945). As mentioned above, it is unlikely that Igor was the son of Rurik. It is characteristic that the chronicler does not know anything about the details of Igor's reign for a quarter of a century, mentioning only his campaigns against Constantinople in 941 and 944. The second campaign led to the conclusion of an agreement beneficial for Russia with Byzantium. In 945, Igor was killed by the Drevlyans (a tribe that lived in the Pripyat basin) when he tried to collect tribute from them a second time.

Source: PVL.

Lit .: Sakharov. We are from the Russian family. pp. 179-225.

Olga(d. 969). Igor's wife. According to some legends - the daughter of a boatman from Pskov. It is difficult to separate reality from poetic fiction in the story of PVL about how Olga took revenge on the Drevlyans for the death of her husband. Twice (in 946 and 955) Olga visited Constantinople, where she was received with honor by Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus. During the second trip, Olga was baptized and received the Christian name Elena.

Source: PVL.

Lit .: Litavrin G. G. To the question of the circumstances, place and time of the baptism of Princess Olga // Ancient states on the territory of the USSR. 1985. M., 1986. S. 49-57; Sakharov. We are from the Russian family. pp. 226-250.

Svyatoslav Igorevich(d. 972). A brave warrior, according to the chronicler, who openly challenged his enemies: "I'm going to attack you!" Svyatoslav made a number of successful campaigns. He freed the Vyatichi tribe living in the Oka basin from paying tribute to the Khazars, defeated the Volga Bulgarians and the powerful Khazar Khaganate, having made in 965 a victorious campaign against the Lower Volga, the North Caucasus and the Sea of ​​Azov.

In the last years of his reign, Svyatoslav actively intervened in the war of Byzantium with the Danube Bulgarians who rebelled against her rule and defeated them. The Byzantine emperor John Tzimiskes, alarmed that Svyatoslav was trying to gain a foothold in the cities along the Danube, attacked the Russian squads, besieged them in Dorostol and forced them to accept the battle. The Greeks were defeated, and Svyatoslav moved to Constantinople. The emperor had to pay off with generous gifts. Having made peace, the prince decided to return to Kiev for new soldiers. But at the Dnieper rapids, Svyatoslav was ambushed and killed by the Pechenegs. From his skull, the Pecheneg prince ordered to make a bowl.

Source: PVL.

Lit .: Gadlo A.V. Svyatoslav's Eastern campaign (On the question of the beginning of the Tmutarakan principality) // Problems of the history of feudal Russia. L., 1971. S. 59-67; Sakharov A.N. Balkan campaigns of Svyatoslav and the diplomacy of Ancient Russia // VI. 1982. No. 2. S. 81-107; Sakharov. We are from the Russian family. pp. 261-340.

Vladimir Svyatoslavich(d. 1015). The son of Svyatoslav from the housekeeper Olga - Malusha. As a youth, Vladimir was sent to reign in Novgorod, accompanied by his uncle, the governor of Dobrynia. In 976 (the date is conjectural) Vladimir married the daughter of the prince of Polotsk, Rogneda. But she refuses him, derogatoryly referring to the prince as "robichich" (that is, the son of a slave). Vladimir kills Rogneda's father and makes her his concubine. In 980, having cunningly dealt with his brother Yaropolk (who had previously killed the third son of Svyatoslav, Oleg), Vladimir became the sole ruler of Russia. He made several successful campaigns against the Poles, the Vyatichi and Radimichi, the Volga Bulgarians, expanded the borders of Russia in the southwest, built a number of fortress cities around Kiev and on the borders with the hostile Pecheneg steppe. Having provided military assistance to the Byzantine emperor Vasily II, Vladimir received his sister Anna as his wife. In 988, Vladimir was baptized, and then (in 988 or 990) he proclaimed Christianity the state religion of Russia. The process of complete Christianization of the country dragged on for almost two centuries, but the new faith quickly gained strength in largest cities. For the functioning of the church, liturgical books and competent clergymen were required. Therefore, the adoption of Christianity contributed to the emergence and intensive development of literature (writing was known earlier). Stone architecture is gaining ground. Russia's international prestige increased immeasurably. Vladimir becomes one of the most popular figures in Russian history. Many legends are associated with his name (some of them were reflected in the PVL), he becomes a permanent character of epics. The church canonized Vladimir among the saints.

Source: PVL.

Lit .: Rapov. Princely possessions. pp. 32-35; Rybakov. The world of history. pp. 131-147.

Yaroslav Vladimirovich the Wise(c. 978-1054). Vladimir's son from Rogneda. After the death of Vladimir, power in Kiev was seized by the son of Yaropolk - Svyatopolk. He killed his half-brothers - Boris, Gleb and Svyatoslav, striving for absolute rule. Yaroslav, who reigned in Novgorod, opposed Svyatopolk and expelled him from Kiev. But Svyatopolk, relying on the support of his father-in-law, the Polish king Boleslav the Brave, defeated Yaroslav in 1018 in the battle on the banks of the Bug. Yaroslav, having gathered a new squad, defeated Svyatopolk in a bloody battle on Alta in 1019. He fled and, according to legend, died somewhere in unknown places between the Czech Republic and Poland. Yaroslav became prince of Kiev and remained on the Kiev table until the end of his life. After the death of his brother Mstislav (in 1036), Yaroslav becomes the sole ruler in Russia, only in Polotsk his brother Izyaslav rules. The time of Yaroslav is the time of internal stabilization, which contributed to the growth of the international authority of Russia, as evidenced by the fact that Yaroslav's daughters became queens: Anna - the French queen, Elizabeth - the Norwegian, and then the Danish, Anastasia - the Hungarian. The chronicle claims that it was during the reign of Yaroslav that translation and book-writing began to develop intensively. The first Russian monasteries arose, including the famous Kiev-Pechersk, which played a large role in the development of Russian literature and chronicles. In 1054, Yaroslav installed the first Russian metropolitan, Hilarion (before that, the Greeks were metropolitans), who created the ecclesiastical and political treatise The Sermon on Law and Grace.

Before his death, Yaroslav divided his state between his sons, thereby laying the foundation for feudal fragmentation. Yaroslav was married to Ingigerd, daughter of the Swedish king Olaf.

Source: PVL; The Tale of Boris and Gleb // PLDR: XI-beginning of the XII century. pp. 278-303.

Lit .: Rapov. Princely possessions. pp. 36-37.

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"The Tale of Bygone Years" is a book that has come down to our times from the 12th century. Its pages tell not only about the events of ancient times, but also help to learn about the life of the Grand Dukes, whose activities influenced the emergence of the Old Russian state. Rurik, Oleg, Igor, Svyatoslav, Olga - Nestor paid attention to each of them in the Tale. Thanks to him and numerous studies of scientists, one can understand what they were - the princes of ancient Russia.

First prince in Russia

It all started with Rurik, whom the Slavic tribes called to reign in Novgorod. Nestor calls the reason for this decision the civil strife that swept the lands. Together with Rurik, two of his brothers also came, one of whom got Belozer, and the third - Izborsk. In addition, it was the Varangians who came who gave the name to the Russian land, because the genus Rurik was called Rus.

The most mysterious prince

After his death, Oleg took over the reins of government. Of course, Nestor could not ignore this legendary ruler of Russia. Few facts are known about him, so historians rely on the legend described in The Tale of Bygone Years. It is not known for sure whether Oleg was a relative of Rurik or simply took care of his son, Igor. But he did a lot for Russia and remained in history as the Prophetic - it was believed that he foresaw the future. Like it or not, you will not know, but he was a prudent politician.

Of course, the princes of ancient Russia were different in character. Oleg was distinguished by enterprise and militancy. During his reign, the territory of Russia expanded significantly. In 882 he united:

• north and south of Russia,
• Kiev and Novgorod.

And Oleg, having decided that it was much more convenient to manage from Kiev, called it the capital. Drevlyans, northerners, Radimichi, Ulichi, Tivertsy - all these tribes the prince subordinated to Russia.

Like the first prince in Russia, Oleg did not live long. At that time, men rarely crossed the 35-year mark. Therefore, managers changed frequently. During his activity, Prophetic Oleg not only expanded the territory of Russia, but also engaged in strengthening foreign policy ties. In particular, a campaign was made against Constantinople, where the prince concluded peaceful and very profitable treaties.

Son of Rurik

The famous prince was replaced by the grown-up Igor - the son of Rurik. This happened after the death of the great Oleg, who, according to legend, died from a snake. The Drevlyans tried to separate, but Igor managed to stop them and imposed even more tribute. He had to defend himself from the Pechenegs - hordes of nomads who appeared at the end of the 9th century. The prince not only adequately coped with the task, but also signed a peace treaty with them.

The death of Igor was brought by the Drevlyans, to whom he went for tribute. Historians note that when collecting tribute, the prince was distinguished by cruelty and, having collected the tax, he decided to return and do it again. The Drevlyans did not forgive him for this and cruelly got even with the prince: they bent down the trunks of two trees, tied the ruler of Russia and let them go. This led to the death of Igor.

Princess Olga

Svyatoslav was supposed to be Igor's successor. But at that time the heir was too small and Olga, Igor's widow, began to rule Russia. Some sources say that she got married at the age of 10, others say that she met her future husband at a crossing near Pskov. According to the legend described in the Book of Degrees (16th century), she was a boat carrier, dressed in men's clothing. Igor became interested in the girl, but she rejected the prince's courtship, saying that it was better to throw herself into the water than to suffer a reproach. And when it was time to look for the bride, the ruler sent for her. Whether it was or not is hard to know. But Olga managed to do a lot.

After the Drevlyans dealt with Igor, they offered Olga to marry their prince, Mala. But the princess not only rejected their proposal, but also cruelly avenged the death of her beloved. Although she ruled only until her son came of age, she actually continued to make decisions even after, while Svyatoslav was on military campaigns.

First of all, assuming the throne, Olga went on a journey through her lands. She created graveyards - strongholds and left stewards there. Instead of engaging in conquests, Olga turned her attention to foreign policy. Thanks to skillful diplomacy, she increased the prestige of Russia, and the state became known in different countries Europe.

In addition, Olga became the first ruler to adopt Christianity. She was baptized by Constantine - the Byzantine emperor, and at baptism she received the name Elena. But this decision did not affect the baptism of Russia, and even her son remained a pagan.

Great commander

The next prince of the Slavs is Svyatoslav. Military campaigns and conquests - this is how his reign remained in history. On campaigns, he slept and ate like a simple warrior, thereby winning the favor of the squad. He defeated the Khazars, defeated the Yaasmi and the Kosogs, captured the cities of the Bulgarians. The prince died at the hands of the Pechenegs, who waylaid him on his return to Kiev.

The first Russian princes are outstanding personalities. They lead their family from the middle of the 9th century. They are distinguished by justice to their people and at the same time - rigidity to their neighbors. But at this time, conquest and raids were an integral part of the formation of states. Therefore, the princes expanded the borders of Russia, trying to protect their subjects from enemies.