As the chronicle of Novgorod Rus' management and their neighbors invited Vikings.It Rurik in 862 became the head of the Novgorod principality.Since then, the Russian state was formed.
Russian history in bronze
Festival "Millennium of Russia" it was decided to celebrate in a big way.Emperor Alexander II wanted to commemorate the feat of the Russian prince monumental construction, although the idea belonged to the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Lansky.Millennium of Russia was to be sealed in the bas-reliefs and images of prominent statesmen and heroes of the Fatherland, who have done much of its prosperity.However, It is no exaggeration to say that the monument - is the property of the whole people.
Preparations for the celebration of such an important date as the millennium Russia has been careful.After the government approved the construction of the monument began collecting donations.
was decided to erect a monument in Novgorod.Millennium of Russia was to symbolize this city.
Why
Veliky Novgorod on the Volkhov River City was chosen as the site for the erection of a monument dedicated to the celebration of the Millennium of Russia, it is not accidental.No Belokamennaya or Northern capital for this role did not fit.Why Veliky Novgorod?Monument "Millennium of Russia" was supposed to appear in the city, which is controlled by Rurik.It was here that the Russian state was born, and that the Novgorod land is considered the "cradle of the kingdom nationwide."This reminded Alexander II, speaking in a festive greeting to the representatives of the Novgorod nobility.
public donations
During the period from 1857 to 1862 during the construction of the monument has been collected about 150 000 rubles.But then it became clear that the money monument "Millennium of Russia" does not build, and then the government for two years to budget additional 350 000 to carry out the project.
Preparation
spring 1859 initiated a contest where participants could present own sketch of the monument.
Monument "Millennium of Russia" was presented at the fifty-three variants.In the end the choice was stopped on the project of sculptor Mikeshina.Mikhail Osipovich instructed to make a list of the greatest figures of Russia, whose memory will be immortalized in the monument.
List
Subject list of names of heroes of the Fatherland, which was to celebrate the monument "Millennium of Russia" in Novgorod, has been controversial.Around her flared controversy, resulting in a list of great statesmen and patriots of the country repeatedly make adjustments.Some officials doubted whether worthy of perpetuation of such figures as Mikhail Kutuzov, Gavrila Derzhavin, Mikhail Lermontov, Vasily Zhukovsky.In the list were added, but subsequently deleted Fyodor Ushakov, Alexey Koltsov Nikolai Gogol.The candidacy of Ivan the Terrible was rejected without much discussion, because in the XIX century it was considered a tyrant and a despot.
first stone of the monument "Millennium of Russia" in Novgorod was founded May 28, 1861 on the territory of the local Kremlin.
upper tier
course, affects all the majesty and grandeur of the monument "Millennium of Russia".Veliky Novgorod is visited annually by thousands of tourists just to see this unique monument.It includes several bronze groups.The two figures represent the upper ball all the Fatherland: a woman, dressed in a Russian national costume, kneeling, holding the state coat of arms.Nearby is an angel with a cross in his hands, which is the epitome of orthodoxy.At the foot of this group is a large bowl.It symbolizes the autocracy.
Middle tier
central part of the monument is a group of six sculptures made of bronze.They are a reflection of the six milestones in Russian history.
On the south side of the tier we see his full height of the first Russian princes - Rurik, whose shoulders decorated with animal skin.In his left hand holding a sword ruler, and the right - an acute-angled shield.
On the right side of Rurik is Grand Prince of Kiev Saint Vladimir, whose right hand - the cross, and the left - the book.Vladimir is the right of the woman who brings the child to be baptized, and on the left side of the prince a man throws a broken image of the pagan god Perun.All of this group refers to the period when Rus was baptized.
in the southeastern part of the monument is the majestic figure of Prince Dmitry Donskoy, who is dressed in the armor of a warrior - a helmet and chain mail.The foot rests on the prince defeated the Tartar in his left hand he holds a horsetail, and the right - mace.
In the eastern part of the monument has five figures which represent a victory over the enemies of the country during the formation of the centralized state.In the center you can see a figure of Prince Ivan III.
In the western part of the monument represented statesmen and heroes who have done everything possible to destroy the Polish invaders and restore the unity of command in Russia.In the foreground figures are depicted Dmitry Pozharsky and Kozma Minin.
In the northern part of the middle tier of Emperor Peter the Great is depicted in purple and with a scepter in his hand.His figure is oriented forward, at the feet of the king is a Swede with a torn flag.
lower tier
In the lower tier of all historical figures sculptor divided into four categories: "statesmen", "writers and artists", "Enlightenment", "Military men and heroes."
Among the heroes can be identified Boretskaya Martha, who is the widow of Novgorod mayor.At the feet of Martha-Governor's Wife is broken assembly bell - a symbol of the loss of independence of the Novgorod Republic.
monument survived after 1917.
remarkable fact that, after the October Revolution, the Bolsheviks did not destroy the monument "Millennium of Russia" in Novgorod, despite the fact that the Soviet press considered him a "politically and artistically offensive."
saved his antireligious campaign, when all the forces officers were on the looting of the Novgorod diocese.However, during the celebration of the Communist holidays monument covered with plywood.
Monument is not destroyed during World War II
During World War II, when the Germans seized Novgorod, one of the German generals wanted to make the monument "Millennium of Russia" spoils of war.However, the plans of the enemy did not come true: a monument to unmount a half, after which the city was liberated.
