Rurik (reigned 862-879) - the famous Slavic prince, having Varangian roots.The founder of the Rurik dynasty, which for centuries ruled Rus.One of the most intriguing historical figures: many facts from his biography still remain a mystery.
Childhood and adolescence
exact date of birth is unknown prince.Many historians believe that happened between 806 and 808 years in the Baltic city Rarog.The Danish king Gottfried, attacked on the ground, the father hung Rurik - Prince Godolyuba.His mother Umila, daughter Gostomysl, together with small children left home and fled into exile.When the future prince grew up, he and his brother was baptized at the court of the Frankish king received his reward and land titles.In fact, he became the ruler of the territories along the Elbe, owned by his father more, but only on a vassal.
Frankish Empire at this time tormented strife.As a result of another military conflict Rurik lost their land.Offended by the king, he went into Varangian guards.Since then, he hated everything that was connected with the person and the state, which he managed.Out of favor with the prince was even the religion of the Franks.Being baptized, Rurik strongly trampled holy things of faith, so people called him "plague of Christianity."
Origin
Rurik (reigned 862-879) left an imprint on history.But even those who consider him a real person, not really aware of the origin of man.Historians supporting Norman theory, say, Rurik and his wife - purebred Vikings came from Scandinavia.To prove his innocence, they pay attention to the etymology of the name of the prince, linking it with the Latin "rex" - the king, the ruler.And perhaps this is true, because these days the name of Rurik is widespread in the Nordic countries: Sweden and Finland.
West Slavic adherents of the theory believe that the roots of Rurik originate from Obodrits tribe who called themselves reregami - falcons.And refers to the "Tale of Bygone Years", which is written: in 862 krivichi and Ilmen Slavs were unable to agree among themselves and to choose a single ruler.To avoid unnecessary bloodshed, they turned to their Slavic brothers Rurik.He and his brothers arrived in Novgorod, and came to the throne: foreign and domestic policy with the Rurik was of a military nature.Some historians argue that the right prince began to Staraya Ladoga and Novgorod was built it in just a few years.This theory is supported by archaeological find "Rurik settlement."
Domestic Policy Rurik (briefly)
In such a delicate matter as the management of a great power, the emphasis on strengthening the prince did their lands, conquering credibility and respect.Its really feared and revered, as in the representation of the common people, he was a formidable and austere prince, the same was Rurik and domestic policy.The table below shows the main directions of state power Rurik.
| Industry | date | essence |
| Expanding land | 862-864 | Joining the Murom principality, Smolensk and Rostov |
| Fightinginternal enemies | 864 | riot organized by Vadim Brave |
uninvited guest in the person of Rurik caused discontent of local boyars and nobles, who themselves want to take the throne.Therefore flash rebellion now and then arose in different parts of the principality, but the ruler of his mighty hand instantly suppressed rebellions angry.He also continued to capture new Russian cities and the neighboring tribes: Rurik got so much to the Kyiv ruled by Askold and Dir.
Foreign Policy
Once in the capital city of Kiev, the prince was fascinated by its beauty and power.He had his eye on the capital of Russia, so to capture this tidbit was further directed the entire foreign policy of Rurik.The table shows us how to develop so-called personal relationship between the prince and Kiev.
| Industry | date | essence |
| peace treaty between Rurik, Dir and Askold | 864 | Prince tried to secure the southern border of the state, as it was required at that timeit conducted foreign policy |
| war Askold | 866-870 | world did not last long.Askold began his march to the north and encroached on land belonging to Novgorod.The protracted war Rurik Askold defeated army, but Kiev does not captured |
| an alliance with the western tribes | 873-879 | main objective of the truce - joint efforts to capture Kiev |
external and internal policy of Rurik was justified.He was one of the first who declared Russia on the world stage.
Unfortunately, the story breaks Rurik in 879.Then he picks up the baton Prince Oleg, known popularly Prophetic who actively inherit the reign Rurik and implements all the ambitious plans of his predecessor.
followers
external and internal policy of Rurik was aimed at strengthening the power of the Russian lands belonging to the principality.By the year 870 was created two unions: South - headed to Kiev, as well as North - centered in Novgorod.In the first city ruled Askold and Dir, in the second - Rurik.Dying, he gave the reins of power in the hands of a distant relative of Oleg.He also entrusted him custody of his young son Igor, who later became the Grand Duke.
Oleg managed to win the tribes Ulichi and Drevlyane.He joined Kiev Rus to the setting where the pagan cult.Then I went to Byzantium and signed a lucrative contract, which expanded the sphere of influence and has opened up new opportunities for Russian merchants.Russia became a full partner of the Empire.When Oleg came to the throne the son of Rurik - Igor.This period of time was restless: there were riots and uprisings.But the prince acted much tougher than his predecessor: he constantly pressed folk performances, thus strengthening the centralized power.
Rurik: role in the history
During his rule the Russian lands increased significantly due to the Finnish conquered territories.The structure of Russia also included tribes of the Eastern Slavs.Now all these peoples had a common religion, language and culture, traditions and customs.This was the first impetus to ensure that these communities to unite into a single state with the sole ruler and a clear hierarchy.Rurik this ruler did not.But he has created all the conditions for the realization of this dream a reality.It was with him began the creation of the Kievan Rus, the construction within it the big cities, improving the lives of ordinary people.The internal and external policies of Rurik flourished.Since it started the glorious history of the kind of Rurik - the first in the history of the Russian dynasty rulers.
Life Rurik - a success story of the common man, a stranger, who is not only seized power, but managed to hold it in your hands, to strengthen the state's influence on the political map of the world.It was this prince laid the foundation for a powerful and strong powers, which to this day is Russia.
