To really well-versed in the history, you need to mentally represent the interests of the era, the spirit of its time and the main characters.Today we take a short trip to the picturesque medieval Rus lands of Galicia and Volyn.
What is it, Russia 12-13 centuries?
First - divided into small states, each of which lives by its own laws and has its own ruler (prince).This phenomenon is called the feudal fragmentation of Rus.Each principality of people talking in a certain dialect of the Russian language, which depends on the geographical location of the territory.
interesting device and feudal society of Russia.Historians distinguish two classes - the ruling elite, composed of nobles (boyars influential), and the class of dependent peasants.Latest somehow always turned out a lot more.
In large cities inhabited by another class - craftsmen.These people have a remarkable ability to create authentic things.Thanks to them, appeared Gzhel painting and wood carving, known not only in Russia but also abroad.In a few words, we talked about the medieval Russia, will continue to be exclusively the history of Galicia-Volyn principality.
Earth, a part of the Principality
young state, whose development began in the Grand Duke Roman Mstislavovich consisted of various lands.What kind of area?As part of the state were Galician, Volyn Lutsk, marshy, Kholmsk Zvenigorodsky and Terebovlya land.Also part of the territory of modern Moldova, Transcarpathia, skirts and Podlasie.
Like various puzzles, these land laconically formed the Galicia-Volyn principality (geographical position and the neighboring countries of the young state will be described in the next chapter).
Location Duchy
the south-west of Russia lies the Galicia-Volyn principality.The geographical location of the new association was evident beneficial.It combines three aspects:
- being in the center of Europe;
- comfortable climate;
- fertile land, always bring a good harvest.
The convenient location and variety imply neighbors, but that's not all of them were friendly young state.
In the east, a young tandem has a long border with Kiev and Turov-Pinsk principality.The relationship between the brotherly peoples were friendly.But countries in the west and north is not much to complain about the young state.Poland and Lithuania have always wanted to control the Galicia and Volyn, which eventually achieved in the 14th century.
the south of the state side by side with the Golden Horde.Relations with the southern neighbor has always been complicated.This is due to significant cultural differences and the presence of the disputed territories.
Brief History
Principality arose in 1199, at the confluence of two factors.The first was quite logical - finding the next two culturally similar territories (Galicia and Volyn) and unfriendly neighboring countries (The Kingdom of Poland and the Golden Horde).The second - the emergence of strong political figures - Prince Roman Mstislavovich.A wise ruler was well aware that the more the state, the easier it to withstand common enemy, and culturally close nations get along in the same state.His idea paid off, and in the late 12th century, a new education.
Who loosened the young state?Natives of the Golden Horde were able to shake the Galicia-Volyn principality.Development of the state ended in the late 14th century.
wise rulers
200 years existence of the state visited different people in power.Wise rulers - a real godsend for Galicia and Volyn.So, who managed to bring calm and peace to this long-suffering area?Who were these people?
- Yaroslav Osmomysl - Roman predecessor Mstislavovich, first came to the territory in question.I was able to successfully establish itself in the mouth of the Danube.
- Roman Mstislavovich - unifier of Galicia and Volyn.
- Daniel Romanovich Galitsky - native son Roman Mstislavovich.Again brought together the land of Galicia-Volyn principality.
Subsequent rulers of the principality were less strong-willed.In 1392, it ceased to exist Galicia-Volyn principality.The princes were not able to resist external enemies.The result was the Volyn Lithuania, Galicia went to Poland and Red Rus - Hungary.
Specific people created the Galicia-Volyn principality.The princes, whose achievements are described in this chapter, contributed to the prosperity and victories of the young state in the south-west Russia.
relationship with neighbors and foreign policy
influential country surrounded by the Galicia-Volyn principality.The geographical position of the young state imply conflicts with neighbors.The nature of foreign policy is strongly dependent on the historical period and the particular ruler: there were bright conquest, it was also a period of forced cooperation with Rome.Last implemented to protect against the Poles.
Mstislavovich Roman conquests and Danilo Galitsky young state made one of the strongest in Eastern Europe.Prince spent combiner wise foreign policy towards Lithuania, Polish Kingdom and Hungary.He was able to extend the influence of the Kiev Rus in the 1202-1203 biennium.As a result, the people of Kiev have nothing left but to accept the new ruler.
No less interesting and political triumph Danila Galitsky.When he was a child, on the territory of Volyn and Galicia was chaos.But as an adult, the young heir following in the footsteps of his father.When Danilo Romanovich reappeared Galicia-Volyn principality.Prince greatly expanded the territory of the state: its eastern neighbor and annexed part of Poland (including - the city of Lublin).
unique culture
impartial history shows that every influential state creates its own authentic culture.It is for her people and get to know him.
Cultural features of Galicia-Volyn principality very diverse.We will look at the architecture of medieval towns.
stone cathedrals and castles characterize the Galicia-Volyn principality (the Novgorod land was rich in the same buildings).In the 12-13 centuries formed a unique school of architecture in the lands of Galicia and Volyn.She absorbed the tradition of Western artists and art school of Kiev.Local craftsmen have created such architectural masterpieces as Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir-Volyn and Church of St. Panteleimon in Galich.
forever in the history interesting state in the south of Russia - Galicia-Volyn principality (its geographical position, we already do know).The unique history and picturesque nature always attracted him to explore the world of fans.
