Russian lands of the 11th-12th centuries. Kievan Rus in the 11th century

The political unity of the Old Russian state was preserved for some time after the death of Yaroslav the Wise (1054). Izyaslav occupied Kiev, Svyatoslav - Chernigov, Vsevolod - Pereyaslavl, Igor - Vladimir, Vyacheslav - Smolensk. The sons of Yaroslav, according to the will, jointly ruled Russia. After the death in 1057 of Vyacheslav Yaroslavich of Smolensk, the eldest sons formed a kind of triumvirate, distributing income at their discretion and eliminating objectionable princes. The first example of eliminating an inconvenient person with the help of the church is the monastic vows of Uncle Sudislav.

Gradually, strife flared up within the princely family. The struggle for volosts intensified. The triumvir brothers managed to keep power in their hands and even increase the lands (Yaroslavichi establish control over Polotsk, which almost fell away from Kievan Rus at that time).

In the 70s of the XI century. relations between the brothers deteriorated. After the death of Svyatoslav, nephews also took part in the civil strife. The offspring of Yaroslav grew and became cramped for them. The redistribution of control over the volosts began. The main goal of the opponents in this struggle is to capture the richest volosts. At the same time, both sides were not picky in their means: they attracted the Polovtsians, Byzantium, maimed the enemy, etc. Tmutarakan became a kind of center where the princes who lost the fight fled.

The Kievan reign of Vsevolod Yaroslavich (1078-1093) was a time of relative stability in the internal and external political life of Russia. At this time, the son of Vsevolod, Prince Vladimir Monomakh of Chernigov (who received his nickname from his mother, the daughter of the Byzantine emperor Constantine IX Monomakh) finally subjugated the Vyatichi - the last East Slavic union of tribal principalities, which still retained its own princes. After the death of Vsevolod in 1093, a period of exacerbation of strife and struggle with the Polovtsy began.

Constant civil strife forced the princes to seek a compromise. In 1097, at the congress of the South Russian princes in Lyubech, an agreement was concluded according to which Svyatopolk, Vladimir and Oleg, with the brothers Davyd and Yaroslav Svyatoslavich, were to own fatherlands - areas transferred to their fathers under the will of Yaroslav the Wise. At the congress, an agreement was also reached on joint actions to defend Russia from external danger.

Soon after the congress, the strife flared up again. In 1100, another attempt at reconciliation was made: the initiator of the feud, Davyd Igorevich, was moved to the insignificant city of Buzhsk. The strife subsides for a while.

In this situation, the Kiev boyars decided to invite the most authoritative prince in Russia, Vladimir Monomakh, to the throne. Vladimir was the paternal grandson of Yaroslav the Wise. His maternal grandfather was the Byzantine Emperor Constantine Monomakh. By the name of the Byzantine grandfather, Vladimir Vsevolodovich also received the nickname Monomakh. At the time of the invitation to Kiev, Monomakh ruled in his fiefdom of Pereyaslavl. He was already 60 years old, and he managed to prove himself both as a talented commander, and as a statesman, and as a person of high culture. Vladimir Monomakh has long been known to the Russian land.

Having become the prince of Kiev (1113-1125), Monomakh calmed the uprising (See additional textbook material). He published additions to Russkaya Pravda, which were called the "Charter of Vladimir Monomakh." The "Charter" streamlined the collection of interest by usurers, improved the legal status of the merchants, and regulated the transition to servitude. The "Charter" paid a great deal of attention to the legal status of purchases. This allows us to conclude that purchasing became a very common phenomenon, and the enslavement of the agricultural population occurred constantly.

Monomakh, like all Russian princes, paid great attention to the fight against nomads. Back in 1111, he organized an all-Russian campaign against the Polovtsy. Russian soldiers went far into the Polovtsian steppes and defeated the Polovtsy on the Don. The Polovtsy went to the spurs of the Caucasus and during the reign of Vladimir they no longer disturbed the Russian land. Monomakh made about 83 large and small military campaigns in Russia and the Polovtsian steppes. He was the initiator of a number of princely congresses, where the issues of ending princely strife and protecting the borders of the Russian land were resolved (See additional textbook material) (See additional illustrative material).

Under Monomakh Kiev was decorated with new buildings. Near Kiev was built Vydubitsky monastery, a church on the river Alta.

In 1113, in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, monk Nestor created one of the most famous ancient Russian chronicles, The Tale of Bygone Years. In 1116, on the orders of Monomakh, Abbot Sylvester of the Vydubytsky Monastery included a legend about the calling of the Varangians - Normans in the Tale of Bygone Years, which was in line with the political interests of Monomakh. The legendary story about the calling of Rurik, who established peace among the Slavs, was supposed to help substantiate the legitimacy of calling by the Kiev boyars during the uprising of 1113 in Kiev to the throne of Vladimir Monomakh, who also established peace and tranquility in Kiev.

Vladimir Monomakh maintained close ties with many European rulers. He himself was the son of a Byzantine princess, his first wife was Hyda, daughter of the English king Harold; son Mstislav was married to the daughter of the Swedish king, one daughter was married to the Hungarian king, the other to the Greek prince.

The name of Vladimir Monomakh is also associated with the appearance in Russia of the symbols of royal power - the crown (Monomakh's hat), the scepter, and the orb. According to legend, they were sent as a gift to Monomakh by his grandfather, the Byzantine emperor Konstantin Monomakh.

Vladimir Monomakh worked gloriously for the glory of the Russian land. According to the chronicler, "the glory of his valor shone like the sun and passed through all countries."

By the 11th century the name "Rus", "Russian land" was finally assigned to the state of the Eastern Slavs. All Eastern Slavs began to be called "Rusichs", "Rusyns", "Russians".

Vladimir Monomakh was able to unite under his rule 3/4 of the territory of the Old Russian state, to temporarily stop princely strife. But Vladimir Monomakh kept the unity of Russia only by the power of his authority. Independent states have already formed and grown within the borders of Russia. Russia irresistibly disintegrated. In Russia, a period of feudal fragmentation began.

One of the most powerful in its time was Kievan Rus. A huge medieval power arose in the 9th century as a result of the unification of the East Slavic and Finno-Ugric tribes. During its heyday, Kievan Rus (in the 9th-12th centuries) occupied an impressive territory and had a strong army. By the middle of the XII century, the once powerful state, due to feudal fragmentation, split into separate ones. Thus, Kievan Rus became an easy prey for the Golden Horde, which put an end to the medieval state. The main events that took place in Kievan Rus in the 9th-12th centuries will be described in the article.

Russian Khaganate

According to many historians, in the first half of the 9th century, on the territory of the future Old Russian state, there was a state formation of the Rus. Little information has been preserved about the exact location of the Russian Khaganate. According to the historian Smirnov, the state formation was located in the region between the upper Volga and the Oka.

The ruler of the Russian Khaganate bore the title of Khagan. In the Middle Ages, this title was of great importance. The kagan ruled not only over nomadic peoples, but also commanded over other rulers of different peoples. Thus, the head of the Russian Khaganate acted as the emperor of the steppes.

By the middle of the 9th century, as a result of specific foreign policy circumstances, the Russian Khaganate was transformed into the Russian Grand Duchy, which was weakly dependent on Khazaria. During the reign of Askold and Dir, they managed to completely get rid of oppression.

Rurik's reign

In the second half of the 9th century, the East Slavic and Finno-Ugric tribes, due to fierce enmity, called on the Varangians overseas to reign in their lands. The first Russian prince was Rurik, who began to rule in Novgorod from 862. The new state of Rurik lasted until 882, when Kievan Rus was formed.

The history of Rurik's reign is full of contradictions and inaccuracies. Some historians are of the opinion that he and his squad are of Scandinavian origin. Their opponents are supporters of the West Slavic version of the development of Russia. In any case, the name of the term "Rus" in the 10th and 11th centuries was used in relation to the Scandinavians. After the Scandinavian Varangian came to power, the title "Kagan" gave way to "Grand Duke".

In the annals, scant information about the reign of Rurik has been preserved. Therefore, it is rather problematic to praise his desire to expand and strengthen state borders, as well as to strengthen cities. Rurik was also remembered for the fact that he was able to successfully suppress the rebellion in Novgorod, thereby strengthening his authority. In any case, the reign of the founder of the dynasty of the future princes of Kievan Rus made it possible to centralize power in the Old Russian state.

Reign of Oleg

After Rurik, power in Kievan Rus was to pass into the hands of his son Igor. However, due to the young age of the legitimate heir, Oleg became the ruler of the Old Russian state in 879. The new one turned out to be very belligerent and enterprising. Already from the first years of his tenure, he sought to take control of the waterway to Greece. To realize this grandiose goal, Oleg in 882, thanks to his cunning plan, dealt with the princes Askold and Dir, capturing Kiev. Thus, the strategic task of conquering the Slavic tribes who lived along the Dnieper was solved. Immediately after entering the captured city, Oleg announced that Kiev was destined to become the mother of Russian cities.

The first ruler of Kievan Rus really liked the favorable location of the settlement. The gentle banks of the Dnieper River were impregnable for the invaders. In addition, Oleg carried out large-scale work to strengthen the defense structures of Kiev. In 883-885, a number of military campaigns took place with a positive result, as a result of which the territory of Kievan Rus was significantly expanded.

Domestic and foreign policy of Kievan Rus during the reign of Oleg the Prophet

A distinctive feature of the internal policy of the reign of Oleg the Prophet was the strengthening of the state treasury by collecting tribute. In many ways, the budget of Kievan Rus was filled thanks to extortions from the conquered tribes.

The period of Oleg's reign was marked by a successful foreign policy. In 907, a successful campaign against Byzantium took place. A key role in the victory over the Greeks was played by the trick of the Kievan prince. The impregnable Constantinople was threatened with destruction after the ships of Kievan Rus were put on wheels and continued to move by land. Thus, the frightened rulers of Byzantium were forced to offer Oleg a huge tribute, and to provide Russian merchants with generous benefits. After 5 years, a peace treaty was signed between Kievan Rus and the Greeks. After a successful campaign against Byzantium, legends began to form about Oleg. The Kiev prince began to be credited with supernatural abilities and a penchant for magic. Also, a grandiose victory in the domestic arena allowed Oleg to get the nickname Prophetic. The Kiev prince died in 912.

Prince Igor

After the death of Oleg in 912, her rightful heir, Igor, the son of Rurik, became the full ruler of Kievan Rus. The new prince was by nature distinguished by modesty and respect for his elders. That is why Igor was in no hurry to throw Oleg off the throne.

The reign of Prince Igor was remembered for numerous military campaigns. Already after accession to the throne, he had to suppress the rebellion of the Drevlyans, who wanted to stop obeying Kiev. A successful victory over the enemy made it possible to take additional tribute from the rebels for the needs of the state.

The confrontation with the Pechenegs was carried out with varying success. In 941, Igor continued the foreign policy of his predecessors by declaring war on Byzantium. The reason for the war was the desire of the Greeks to free themselves from their obligations after the death of Oleg. The first military campaign ended in defeat, as Byzantium carefully prepared. In 944, a new peace treaty was signed between the two states because the Greeks decided to avoid a fight.

Igor died in November 945, when he was collecting tribute from the Drevlyans. The prince's mistake was that he let his squad go to Kiev, and he himself, with a small army, decided to profit additionally from his subjects. The indignant Drevlyans brutally dealt with Igor.

The reign of Volodymyr the Great

In 980, Vladimir, the son of Svyatoslav, became the new ruler. Before taking the throne, he had to emerge victorious from fraternal strife. However, Vladimir managed, after escaping "overseas", to gather the Varangian squad and avenge the death of his brother Yaropolk. The reign of the new prince of Kievan Rus turned out to be outstanding. Vladimir was also revered by his people.

The most important merit of the son of Svyatoslav is the famous Baptism of Russia, which took place in 988. In addition to numerous successes in the domestic arena, the prince became famous for his military campaigns. In 996, several fortress cities were built to protect the lands from enemies, one of which was Belgorod.

Baptism of Russia (988)

Until 988, paganism flourished on the territory of the Old Russian state. However, Vladimir the Great decided to choose Christianity as the state religion, although representatives from the Pope, Islam and Judaism came to him.

The Baptism of Russia in 988 nevertheless took place. Christianity was accepted by Vladimir the Great, close boyars and warriors, as well as ordinary people. For those who resisted to move away from paganism, all sorts of oppression threatened. Thus, since 988, the Russian Church originates.

The reign of Yaroslav the Wise

One of the most famous princes of Kievan Rus was Yaroslav, who not by chance received the nickname the Wise. After the death of Vladimir the Great, turmoil seized the Old Russian state. Blinded by the thirst for power, Svyatopolk sat on the throne, killing 3 of his brothers. Subsequently, Yaroslav gathered a huge army of Slavs and Varangians, after which in 1016 he went to Kiev. In 1019, he managed to defeat Svyatopolk and ascend the throne of Kievan Rus.

The reign of Yaroslav the Wise turned out to be one of the most successful in the history of the Old Russian state. In 1036, he managed to finally unite the numerous lands of Kievan Rus, after the death of his brother Mstislav. Yaroslav's wife was the daughter of the Swedish king. Around Kiev, by order of the prince, several cities and a stone wall were erected. The main city gates of the capital of the Old Russian state were called Golden.

Yaroslav the Wise died in 1054, when he was 76 years old. The reign of the Kiev prince, 35 years long, is a golden time in the history of the Old Russian state.

Domestic and foreign policy of Kievan Rus during the reign of Yaroslav the Wise

The priority of Yaroslav's foreign policy was to increase the authority of Kievan Rus in the international arena. The prince managed to achieve a number of important military victories over the Poles and Lithuanians. In 1036, the Pechenegs were completely defeated. On the site of the fateful battle, the Church of St. Sophia appeared. During the reign of Yaroslav, a military conflict with Byzantium took place for the last time. The result of the confrontation was the signing of a peace treaty. Vsevolod, son of Yaroslav, married the Greek princess Anna.

In the domestic arena, the literacy of the population of Kievan Rus increased significantly. In many cities of the state, schools appeared in which boys studied church work. Various Greek books were translated into Old Church Slavonic. During the reign of Yaroslav the Wise, the first collection of laws was published. "Russkaya Pravda" became the main asset of numerous reforms of the Kiev prince.

The beginning of the collapse of Kievan Rus

What are the reasons for the collapse of Kievan Rus? Like many early medieval powers, its collapse turned out to be completely natural. There was an objective and progressive process associated with an increase in boyar land ownership. In the principalities of Kievan Rus, a nobility appeared, in whose interests it was more profitable to rely on a local prince than to support a single ruler in Kiev. According to many historians, at first, territorial fragmentation was not the reason for the collapse of Kievan Rus.

In 1097, at the initiative of Vladimir Monomakh, in order to end the strife, the process of creating regional dynasties was launched. By the middle of the XII century, the Old Russian state was divided into 13 principalities, which differed from each other in their area, military power and cohesion.

Decline of Kiev

In the XII century, there was a significant decline in Kiev, which turned from a metropolis into an ordinary principality. Largely because of the Crusades there was a transformation of international trade communications. Therefore, economic factors significantly undermined the power of the city. In 1169, as a result of princely strife, Kiev was first taken by storm and plundered.

The final blow to Kievan Rus was dealt by the Mongol invasion. The scattered principality did not represent a formidable force for numerous nomads. In 1240 Kiev suffered a crushing defeat.

Population of Kievan Rus

There is no information about the exact number of inhabitants of the Old Russian state. According to the historian, the total population of Kievan Rus in the 9th - 12th centuries was approximately 7.5 million people. About 1 million people lived in cities.

The lion's share of the inhabitants of Kievan Rus in the 9th-12th centuries were free peasants. Over time, more and more people became smerds. Although they had freedom, they were obliged to obey the prince. The free population of Kievan Rus, due to debts, captivity and other reasons, could become servants who were slaves without rights.

The history of the formation and development of the Old Russian state can be divided into 3 stages:

1. The second half of the 9th-10th centuries - the unification of the Eastern Slavs into a single state, the creation of a power apparatus and a military organization.

2. The end of the 10-11th century - the heyday of Kievan Rus.

3. The end of the 11th - the first half of the 12th century - the beginning of the collapse of Kievan Rus, princely strife, feudal fragmentation.

Socio-economic relations.

From the beginning of the 10th century, the transition to feudal relations began. They are based on the feudal lord's ownership of the main means of production - land and incomplete ownership of the feudal-dependent worker. There are two main classes - peasants (primarily smerds) and feudal lords. Smerdy - people engaged in agricultural labor, the bulk of the population, were divided into free community members who conducted subsistence farming and paid tribute to the prince, and dependent people.

The dependent population consisted of:

- purchases(ruined community members who became dependent on the prince, taking from him a “kupa” (debt) in money, livestock, seeds or inventory);

- rank and file(dependent people who have concluded an agreement with the prince (“row”));

- rogue(impoverished people from the communities);

- serfs(dependent people who were in the position of slaves and performed household work in the patrimony);

- total population who worked in the patrimony and was dependent on the patrimony, or servants.

The class of feudal lords was made up of the military-princely nobility (representatives of the grand ducal house headed by the grand duke, princes of tribes or lands, boyars, senior warriors).

The reign of the first Rurikovich, their domestic and foreign policy.

1) paganism led to the isolation of Russia from the Christian world of Europe, hindered the development of international relations and trade;

2) paganism interfered with the stabilization and strengthening of the feudal system in Russia;

3) a new ideology was required that would help establish new relations in the country - domination and subordination;

4) the monotheism of the Christian religion strengthened the authority of princely power, contributed to the unity of Russia;

5) the emerging social inequality in Russia required a new ideology that could justify the wealth of some and the poverty of others, console people who fell into dependence on the feudal lord, promising them a better life in another world.

In 988, in Kiev, all the inhabitants of the city entered the Dnieper River, and the priests performed the rite of baptism. The conversion of the population of other Russian cities to Christianity took several years. In Novgorod, the inhabitants fiercely resisted the introduction of Christianity. The governors of Vladimir were forced to set fire to the suburbs and, threatening with weapons, forced the Novgorodians to be baptized in the Volkhov River (Russia was baptized with a sword and fire) In Russia, dual faith arose: Christians prayed in the church, had icons at home, but at the same time celebrated pagan holidays - Maslenitsa, Ivan Kupala, belief in goblin, brownies, mermaids was preserved. Only after 200-300 years was Christianity accepted by the whole people.

Meaning :

The Church had a significant impact on political life, supported the efforts of the princes in the struggle for the unity of Russia, stood at the head of the all-Russian patriotic movement (the Battle of Kulikovo);

Change in the international position of Kievan Rus, equalization with other European states, the establishment of closer ties with neighboring Christianized countries;

The church contributed to the formation and development of princely and boyar estates, as well as the emergence of large church and monastic land ownership;

Christianity influenced the development of the craft: icon painting and fresco painting arose;

The Church contributed to the spread of writing in Russia, schools and libraries were opened at monasteries;

Christianity strengthened the monogamous family, eliminated a number of cruel, barbaric customs.

At the same time, the church provided Negative influence on Russian life and way of life. She defended the interests of the ruling class, helped to enslave free community members in order to turn their lands into their property, cruelly persecuted dissent, condemned all forms of protest of the oppressed, covered up the dark affairs of individual feudal lords, regulated family life, demanded the unquestioning submission of a wife to her husband, and children to their father. .

Yaroslav the Wise (1019—1054). The chronicle speaks of him as a great statesman, an intelligent and educated man, a brave warrior, legislator, city planner, and cunning diplomat. The coming of Yaroslav to power was preceded by a sharp struggle that he waged with his brother Svyatopolk. The reign of Yaroslav the Wise was the heyday of Russia: the city of Yuryev was founded on the western shore of Lake Peipus, the people of Kiev went to Lithuania, a profitable agreement was concluded with Poland, Russia helped her in the war with the Czech Republic, relations between Russia and Sweden became friendly (Yaroslav married his daughter Swedish king). In 1036, near Kiev, the Pechenegs were defeated and no longer went to Russia. But the Pechenegs were replaced by the Polovtsians.

In 1046, Russia concluded a peace treaty with Byzantium, dynastic marriages were concluded: Yaroslav's daughters were given in marriage to the French, Hungarian and Norwegian kings. Russia became a European power. Under Yaroslav, the church began to play a significant role in society. In Kiev, the majestic Hagia Sophia was erected, which personified the power of Russia. In the middle of the 50s of the XI century. Pechersky monastery appeared near Kiev. By order of Yaroslav, in 1039 priest Hilarion was elected metropolitan of Russia. The Russian Church was freed from the influence of Byzantium.

« Russian Truth » This document was created during the XI-XII centuries. and got its name in 1072. It was started by Yaroslav the Wise, who in 1016 created a code of laws on orders in Novgorod (“Yaroslav's Truth”). And in 1072, the three brothers of Yaroslavich (Izyaslav, Svyatoslav and Vsevolod) supplemented the code with new laws. It called itself "The Truth of the Yaroslavichs" and became the second part of the "Russian Truth". In the future, the code was repeatedly replenished with princely charters and church regulations. In Pravda Yaroslav, the law allowed blood feud for the murder of a person, but only close relatives (brother, father, son) could take revenge. And in Pravda Yaroslavichi, revenge was generally prohibited and replaced by a fine - vira.

Vira went to the prince. The law protected the administration, property and working population of the princely estates. The Law showed signs of social inequality. A fine was imposed for harboring foreign servants (servants), a free man could kill a serf for insult. For the murder of a princely fireman (steward), a fine of 80 hryvnia was due, a headman - 12 hryvnia, and a smerd or a serf - 5 hryvnia. Fines were also established for the theft of livestock, poultry, plowing someone else's land, violation of boundaries. The power of the Grand Duke passed by seniority - the eldest in the family became the Grand Duke.

Vladimir Monomakh . At the end of the XI century. begins the process of disintegration of Russia.

Its main reasons are as follows:

1) the establishment of feudal relations led to the formation of independent local political centers and their struggle with Kiev;

2) the growth of large cities - Smolensk, Chernigov, Polotsk, Galich, Suzdal, Vladimir, etc., their rivalry with each other for leadership.

In 1097, the princes gathered in the family castle of Vladimir Monomakh Lyubech in order to establish order in Russia. The princes agreed that each of them retained hereditary lands. There were penalties for breaking the contract. => Russia broke up into "fatherlands" - the hereditary possessions of individual princes, who were independent in economic and military terms. It can be said that the decisions of the Lyubech Congress consolidated not the unification, but the division of Russia.

Vladimir Monomakh gave Russia a new "Russian Truth" - " Charter of Vladimir Vsevolodovich”, which prohibited debt slavery, abolished the death penalty for serfs, runaway purchases. The charter streamlined the collection of usurious interest, the position of merchants and purchases. Monomakh relieved social tension in society. During the years of his reign (1113-1125) attempts were made to restore the unity of Russia. He forced many princes to submit. He sent his sons to Novgorod, Smolensk, Suzdal. He organized a campaign against the Polovtsians, maintained relations with Byzantium. Under him, a new annalistic code was created.

Vladimir Monomakh wrote the famous " teaching' addressed to the sons. The main idea of this work is the unity of Russia, the fight against inter-princely strife. Monomakh draws the image of an ideal prince who cares about the power and prosperity of the Russian land. To his young sons he gave the following advice: eat and drink modestly; be silent in front of old people; listen to the wise; be humble; be indifferent to honors.

Vladimir Monomakh died in 1125. His sons failed to prevent the process of disintegration of Russia into specific principalities. In the 30s of the XII century. the process of political fragmentation of Russia begins, which was a natural historical stage in the development of feudalism.

The history of Kievan Rus officially begins in 882 - as recorded in the annals, it was then that Oleg from Rurikovich, having killed Askold and Dir, began to rule the principality with its capital in Kiev. His campaigns, as well as the wars of conquest of other princes, led to the fact that the lands under the hand of Kiev became more and more. Kievan Rus in the 9th-12th centuries is a large and developed European state.

Foreign and domestic policy of the ancient Russian state

From the very beginning, foreign policy had several directions at once: it was necessary to resist both Byzantium, which spread its expansion to the Northern Black Sea region, and the Khazars, who prevented trade in the eastern direction, and the Pecheneg nomads - they simply devastated Russia with their raids.

Byzantium repeatedly tried to subdue Ancient Russia, but not all of its attempts were successful. So, after Oleg’s sea campaign against Tsargrad, a trade agreement beneficial for the East Slavic state was concluded between the countries, however, during the reign of Igor, after his less successful military operations, the conditions changed to less favorable for Russia.

The most successful in terms of foreign policy was the reign of Svyatoslav - he not only defeated the army of the Khazar Khaganate and Volga Bulgaria (having previously captured the Vyatichi), but also conquered the North Caucasian tribes and founded the Tmutarakan principality.

Rice. 1. Svyatoslav Igorevich.

He also concluded an agreement with Byzantium, after which he turned his gaze to the Balkans. However, the conquest of the Bulgarian kingdom in 967 turned an insidious ally against him: the Byzantine ruler supported the Pechenegs, they went to Kiev, but were defeated by Svyatoslav. He again returned to the Danube and, with the support of the Bulgarians, went to Tsargrad. The map of hostilities was constantly changing, either Svyatoslav or the Byzantine side took the upper hand, and at some point the Kiev prince decided to return to his capital, but on the way he was killed by the Pechenegs.

Economy and culture of Kievan Rus

Russia in the 9th early 12th century was a state with feudal land ownership. The owners of the land were not only the princes, but also the boyars and warriors, and a little later the church was added to them. The labor force, on which the economic development of Kievan Rus was based, were serfs, serfs and other categories of the population. They took food rent from them.

As for culture, it was largely formed under the influence of the Byzantine tradition - this applies not only to architecture, but also to painting. His own literature was also formed under the influence of translated literature, but it was ideologically rich and artistically perfect. The most famous works of that time are The Tale of Bygone Years, Monomakh's Teachings and, of course, The Tale of Igor's Campaign.

Territorial division and state structure of Russia in the 11th century.

In the 10th c. the unification of disparate Slavic tribes into a single state began, the administrative center stood out - Kiev. In the 11th c. this process received a new round of development: the state, formed from former tribes, was increasingly united under the rule of the center and the prince of Kiev, the territories of Russia expanded significantly, management became more centralized, and the top of society began to stand out. Although Russia was no longer a union of tribes, but had already become a truly integral state, the population of Russia was still quite motley - it included not only Slavic tribes, but also Finns and Balts.

Russian territory in the 11th century stretched from Lake Ladoga to the mouth of the Ros River, as well as from the right bank of the Dnieper to the Klyazma River (the city of Vladimir-Zalessky and later the principality were founded there) and to the upper reaches of the Western Buta (the city of Vladimir-Volynsky and the Volyn principality). Russia also retained the territories of Tmutarakan. A difficult situation was with Galicia, where the Croats lived: these territories constantly passed from under the influence of Poland to the influence of Russia and back. However, in general, Russia gradually expanded and was a fairly powerful state.

Although a diverse and ethnically diverse population became part of Kievan Rus, the Russian ethnos itself has only just begun to form and has not completely separated: the tribes have already begun to mix with each other, but so far there have been no stable ethnic signs. In addition, in some parts of the state, tribes still lived that were not very willing to depart from their own traditions and beliefs and did not want to merge with the traditions that Russia imposed. Most of Russia began to culturally unite under the influence of Christianity, but there were still quite a few pagans. The process of transition to a new religion was completed only in the 12th century.

The main mechanism for the unification of lands was state power and administration. The Great Prince of Kiev was considered the head of state, local princes and rulers were subordinate to him. Gradually, other state bodies began to form, such as the people's council, the gathering. Ancient Russia was at the stage of formation of an integral state with a strong system of government.

Religion and Society of Ancient Russia in the 11th century.

In 988, the Baptism of Russia took place, Russia adopted Christianity. This important event had a huge impact on everything that happened to the people in the future. Together with Christianity and Christian ideology, morality, new types of social relations, new trends began to appear, the church became a political force. The prince became not just a steward, but a vicar of God, which meant that he had to take care not only of political life, but also of the spirituality and morality of his people.

The prince has his own squad, which serves to protect him, but gradually its functions begin to expand. The squad is divided into higher (boyars) and lower (lads). It is the squad that will later form the basis of a new stratum of society - the upper stratum, which has certain privileges. The process of stratification in society begins, the emergence of the nobility, the division into rich and poor. It was in the 11th century. with the development of economic and trade relations and the growth in the number of nobility, the basic principles of the feudal system began to take shape, which already in the 12th century. firmly established as the main state system.

Culture of Russia in the 11th century.

In culture and architecture, as in other areas of life, a new round of development is also beginning, associated with Christianization. Biblical motifs began to appear in painting, Russian icon painting was born. Active construction of churches also begins - it was during this period that the famous St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev was built. In Russia, literacy, education and enlightenment began to actively spread, schools were being built.

The main events of the 11th century. in Russia

1017-1037 - construction of fortifications around Kiev, the construction of St. Sophia Cathedral;
1019 - Yaroslav the Wise becomes Grand Duke;
1036 - a series of successful campaigns of Yaroslav against the Pechenegs;
1043 - the last armed clash between Russia and Byzantium;
1095 - foundation of Pereyaslavl-Zalessky;
1096 - the first mention of Ryazan in chronicles;
1097 - Lubech Congress of Princes.

Results of the 11th century. in Russia

In general, the 11th century. became quite successful for the development of Russia. The country continued the process of unification, state bodies and centralized self-government began to form. Despite the permanent ones, cities and volosts began to develop, which wanted to be independent from Kiev. Economic growth has begun. The adoption of Christianity is also important for uniting people on the basis of a single culture and a single spirituality. The country is developing, not only the Russian state is being formed, but also the Russian people.