Kievan Rus - the largest state of medieval Europe.It was formed in the 9th century as a result of the internal development of the Slavic tribes.Kievan Rus played a significant role in the history of the East Slavic peoples.Throughout the existence of the state evolved ancient Russian nation, which became the basis of three ethnic peoples - Russian, Belarusian and Ukrainian.The union of Slavic tribes contributed to the development of economic, cultural and political spheres.Kievan Rus took a leading role in the international arena.Close contacts have been established with the Czech Republic, Georgia, Poland, France, Byzantium, England.
heyday of Kievan Rus
Over a long period for the largest state in Europe was characterized by fragmentation.Princes could not come to an agreement in solving simple problems.
heyday of Kievan Rus' is largely associated with the religious reforms that have been Prince Vladimir.He realized that paganism is not in the interests of the powerful state.Belief in the power of nature meant the worship of many gods.And Vladimir has decided to consolidate its power through Christianity.Thus, the population of Kievan Rus understood - if the sky is one God, and that they may have only one Sovereign - Vladimir.He embraced the Christian faith.Immediately thereafter, virtually the entire population received the baptism.With the adoption of Christianity princely power strengthened.
heyday of Kievan Rus and continued during the reign of Yaroslav the Wise.During his attention was paid to strengthening the position of Christianity.In addition, culture and education have reached the highest level.During this period, it has been translated many books from Greek into Old Russian.In Novgorod School was created, in which three hundred students learn to read and write.In Kiev, at the St. Sophia Cathedral was founded the first library in Russia.It not only translation of the book, but also written the annals.
heyday of Kievan Rus' was characterized by the development of architecture and painting.A striking example is the Saint Sophia Cathedral.It has no counterpart in any state.Cathedral of different identities.In contrast to the architectural masterpieces of the time, Kiev Sofia is not rising above the ground.The painting belonged to an important frescoes and mosaics.
foreign policy of Kievan Rus
main tasks facing the old Russian princes were:
- the protection of trade routes;
- struggle against steppe nomads;
- strengthening ties with the Byzantine Empire.
In the face of constant attacks, threats from nomads princes Rus fortified line of defense.Thus, when Vladimir powerful boundaries were formed in such rivers as the Desna, Sula string.In all lines of defense were built fortresses, strongholds.
Since the 10th century, between Byzantium and Kievan Rus were frequent wars.In many ways, they were associated with the struggle for trade routes, reduction of fees for merchants gain power.Only in 1046, two powerful states of Europe have entered into a final peace agreement, which was sealed by the wedding of Prince Yaroslav of Kiev and the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Monomakh.
Princes Ancient Rus
According to Norman theory, ancient Slavs to the 9th century lived in small tribes without centralized control.Then they were invited to board the Varangian princes, which laid the foundation for the formation of the ancient Russian state.During this period, Earth is attacked by nomads.As a result, one of the Varangian princes (Rurik) died.Prince took place in Kiev, Oleg.After the death of Oleg, Igor began to rule the state.
major role in the development of Kievan Rus belongs to Vladimir.He not only united all the earth, and became a Christian.
No less important place in the history of the Old Russian state is given to Yaroslav the Wise.When it Kievan Rus reached its peak: to strengthen ties with many countries of the world, there was a breakthrough in the cultural sphere.
After Duchy of Yaroslav the Wise throne passed to Vladimir Monomakh, and then - to the Yuri Dolgoruky.
Of course, every time the ruler of Kievan Rus reached different levels of development, but you can not deny the fact that it was under Vladimir and Yaroslav the Old Russian state reached the peak of its development.
