"forbidden years" - is one of the manifestations of the gain of serfdom in Muscovy at the end of the XVI century.It seems to be a nice phrase, but nothing good does not mean it.
position of the peasants in Russia in XV-XVI century
For centuries, peasant families if they did not like to live in the lands of the feudal lord could safely abandon the land and move to another lord.Realizing that in such a situation to tie the peasant and to put it in full dependence will be difficult, the government slowly begins to limit the transition of the peasants.For example, in Sudebnik Ivan III established the first limits on the possibilities of peasants escape from the feudal lord.There was a snap to Yuriev Day (November 26).The law established that any farmer who wants to get away from the feudal lord, can do it in the period not earlier than a week before that date and not later than a week after it.In fact, we are talking about the period from 19 November to 3 December.And it has not yet entered "forbidden years"!This restriction greatly complicate the life of the peasants, because the transition was possible only after the farmer has completely paid the owner of the land c.
deterioration of the situation of the peasantry after 1550
In 1550 adopted a new Code of Law, which was laid deterioration of the peasantry.For example, before leaving the peasants had sown winter.Also, another way to attach the peasants to the land becomes a translation of some groups in the category of "starozhitnyh", ie those which have supposedly lived on this earth for a long time and are used to the terrain.
Since 1581 temporarily entered "forbidden years".This is due to the fact that the state has decided to make a description of all the lands that were part of the territory of Muscovy at that time.How should we understand the meaning of the word "forbidden years"?A simple!Under the pretext that the description of the land and is necessary to precisely understand who and where he lives, the statesmen simply tied peasants to the land, to the same place of residence.
What is said about the "forbidden years" in the sources?
So forbidden years - a ban for farmers to switch from a feudal lord in certain years.A clearly written out the situation about it we do not have.You can find only a few references in some royal charters dating from the 80-90-ies of the XVI century.The practice of introducing "protected years," dates back to 1581.Also worth mentioning is the decree of the king Fedor from 1592, according to which the "forbidden years" were introduced virtually forever.This document marked the beginning of serfdom in Muscovy.
