The first rulers of Russia.

In the vastness of the East European Plain of old Slavs lived, our direct ancestors.So far it is not known exactly when they came there.Whatever it was, but they soon settled widely throughout the great waterway of those years.Slavic towns and villages arose from the Baltic to the Black Sea.Despite the fact that they were a race-tribe, especially the peaceful relations between them have never been.

in constant feuds quickly magnify tribal princes who soon became great, and began to rule the whole Kievan Rus.It was the first ruler of Russia, whose names have come down to us through an endless series of centuries gone by since then.

Rurik (862-879)

about the reality of this historical figure are still fierce arguments among scientists.Whether it was a man, or a collective character, which served as the prototype of all the first ruler of Russia.Whether it was the outsider, whether Slav.By the way, we almost do not know about who were the rulers of Russia before Rurik, so this issue is based solely on assumptions.

Slavic origin is very likely, since he could Rurik nickname nickname for Falcon, with the Old Slavonic language is translated into Norman dialect referred to as "Rurik".Whatever it was, but that he is considered the founder of the whole of the Old Russian state.Rurik bedinil (as far as it was possible at all) by his own hand many Slavic tribes.

However, this matter with varying degrees of success, practically all the rulers of Russia.It is thanks to their efforts, our country now has such a significant position on the world map.

Oleg (879-912)

have been Rurik's son Igor, but by the time of his father's death, he was too small, but because the Grand Duke was his uncle, Oleg.He glorified his name and militancy of the luck that accompanied him on a military path.Especially remarkable his march on Constantinople, which opened Slavs incredible prospects of emerging trade opportunities with far eastern countries.His contemporaries respected him so that was called "prophetic Oleg".

course, the first rulers of Russia were legendary figures so that their real exploits, we will likely never know, but probably Oleg really was an outstanding personality.

Igor (912-945)

Igor, the son of Rurik, for example Oleg also repeatedly went hiking, attached a lot of land, but it was not as successful warrior, and his campaign against Greece and all proved to be disastrous.It was tough, often "ripped off" the defeated tribes to the last, for which he later paid.Igor warned that he was not forgiven drevlyans advised to take polyude great squad.He did not listen and was killed.In general, it was once said the series "The rulers of Russia."

Olga (945-957)

However, drevlyans soon regretted his actions.Igor's wife, Olga, first dealt with two of their conciliatory embassies, and then burned the main city Drevlyane, Korosten.Contemporaries testify that it is a remarkable mind and willed stiffness.During his reign, he did not lose a single inch of land that was conquered by her husband and his ancestors.It is known that in his later years to adopt Christianity.

Svyatoslav (957-972)

Svyatoslav went to his ancestor, Oleg.Also distinguished courage, decisiveness, directness.It was a fine warrior, tamed and conquered many tribes of the Slavs, often beat Pechenegs, for which they hated him.Like other rulers of Russia, preferred (if possible) to negotiate "amicably."If the tribes agreed to recognize the supremacy of Kiev and the tribute paid off, even the rulers have remained the same.

joined until undefeated Vyatichi (who preferred to fight in their impenetrable forests), broke the Khazars then took Tmutarakan.Despite the small size of his squad successfully fought with the Bulgarians on the Danube.He conquered Adrianople, and threatened to take Constantinople.Greeks prefer to pay off rich tribute.On the way back with the warriors killed in the rapids of the Dnieper, being killed by the same Pechenegs.It is assumed that the swords and the remnants of his brigade equipment was found during the construction of the Dnieper.

General characteristics of the 1st century

Since reigned on the throne the first ruler of Russia, the era of constant unrest and strife gradually began to come to an end.Now is the relative order: princely retinue defended borders on arrogant and fierce nomadic tribes, and they, in turn, pledged to help the Warriors, and paid tribute to the personal collection of tribute.The main concern of those princes were Khazars: at that time they paid tribute (not regular, the next time the raid), many Slavic tribes, which greatly undermines the authority of the central government.

Another problem was the lack of common belief.On the Slavs, who conquered Constantinople, regarded with contempt, as at that time already actively installed monotheism (Judaism, Christianity), and the Gentiles is perhaps the animals.But tribes actively resisted all attempts to interfere with their beliefs.This narrate "The rulers of Russia" - the film is quite true to the reality of the era.

This contributes to the increase in the number of small turmoil in the young state.But Olga, who converted to Christianity and began to promote and condone the construction of Christian churches in Kiev, paved the way for the baptism of the country.Beginning of the second century in which the rulers of ancient Russia has created a lot of great things.

St. Vladimir. Sts (980-1015)

As you know, between Yaropolk, Oleg and Vladimir, who were heirs Svyatoslav never had brotherly love.It did not help that his father was still alive determined for each of them their own land.The upshot was that destroyed the brothers Vladimir and began to rule alone.

This prince, ruler of ancient Russia, stole regiments Red Rus, and many fought bravely against the Pechenegs and Bulgarians.He became famous as a generous ruler who spared no gold to give presents to people loyal to him.At first he carried almost all the Christian churches and the churches, which were built at his mother, and the few Christian community suffered from a constant persecution.

But the political situation was such that it was necessary to lead the country to monotheism.In addition, his contemporaries say about the strong feeling which broke out at the prince to the Byzantine princess Anna.For Gentile nobody would give not.So the rulers of ancient Russia agreed on the need to be baptized.

And so in the year 988 took place the baptism of the prince and all his entourage, and then a new religion began to spread among the people.Basil and Constantine, emperor of Byzantium, Anna was given to Prince Vladimir.About Vladimir contemporaries spoke as a strict, hard (sometimes even cruel) person, but loved him for his honesty, integrity and fairness.The church still praises the name of the prince, for the reason that he began to build in the country en masse temples and churches.It was the first ruler of the Rus was baptized.

Svyatopolk (1015-1019)

Like his father, Vladimir during his lifetime gave away land to his numerous sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Jaroslaw, Mstislav, Svyatoslav, Boris and Gleb.After the father died, Sviatopolk decided to rule alone, which ordered the removal of their own brothers, but was ousted from Kiev Yaroslav Novgorod.

With the help of the Polish King Boleslaw the Brave, he was able to acquire secondary Kiev, but the people took it cool.Soon, he was forced to flee the city, and then died on the way.His death - a dark story.It is assumed that he took his own life.In the folk tradition nicknamed "cursed."

Yaroslav the Wise (1019-1054)

Jaroslav quickly became an independent ruler of Kievan Rus.Notable for a great mind, has done a lot for the development of the state.He built many monasteries, contributed to the spread of literacy.His authorship belongs to the "Russian Truth", the first official collection of laws and stacked in our country.Like his ancestors, immediately he gave the sons of plots of land, but it is strictly punished, "to live in peace with each other is not the machinations of repair."

Izjaslav (1054-1078)

Izyaslav was the eldest son of Yaroslav.Initially, the rules of Kiev, distinguished as a good ruler, but was able to get along with people is not too good.The latter played a role.When he went to Polovtsy and suffered a setback in the campaign, he was simply kicked out the people of Kiev, called to rule his brother, Svyatoslav.After he died, Izyaslav returned to the capital city.

Basically, it was a very good ruler, but its share fell pretty hard times.Like all the early rulers of Kievan Rus, he had to solve a lot of difficult questions.

General characteristics of the 2nd century

In those centuries Russia from the stands, several almost independent principalities: Kiev (the most powerful), Chernigov, Rostov-Suzdal (Vladimir-Suzdal later), Galicia-Volyn.Independently standing Novgorod.Driving vechem the example of the Greek policies, he looked at all the princes are not too good.

Despite this fragmentation, formally Russia is still considered an independent state.Yaroslav was able to push the boundaries to the river Ros' (tributary of the Dnipro).Under Vladimir country to Christianity, increasing Byzantine influence in its internal affairs.

So, headed the newly created Metropolitan Church stands, reports directly to Constantinople.The new faith brought with it not only a religion, but a new script, new laws.Princes at the time worked together with the church, built many new churches, to promote education of its people.It was during this time he lived the famous Nestor, who is the author of numerous written records of the time.

Unfortunately, it was not nearly as smooth.Eternal problems were as constant raids of nomads and internal strife, constantly tearing apart the country is deprived of its power.As expressed Nestor, author of "Lay", they are "groaning Russian land."Begin to show educational ideas of the Church, but it is bad that the people accept the new religion.

Thus began the third century.

Vsevolod I (1078-1093)

Vsevolod first could well go down in history as a model ruler.He was truthful, honest, promote education and the development of writing, he knew five languages.But he did not have a developed military and political talent.Constant raids Polovtsy, pestilence, drought and famine did not contribute to his authority.Only his son Vladimir, later nicknamed Monomakh, and stayed on the throne of his father (a unique case among other things).

Svyatopolk II (1093-1113)

was the son Izyaslav, differed a good character, but he was extremely weak-willed in some areas, making specific princes was not considered for the Grand Duke.However, he ruled very well: listen to the advice of the same Vladimir Monomakh, on Dolobskom Congress in 1103 persuaded his opponents to take a joint campaign against the "damned" Polovtsian, and then in 1111 they were routed.

Military production was huge.Grand Dukes of Polotsk in that battle were killed nearly two dozen.This victory loudly spread throughout the Slavic lands in both the East and the West.

Vladimir Monomakh (1113-1125)

Despite the fact that seniority did not he had to take the throne of Kiev, Vladimir was elected to a unanimous decision.Such love is due to a rare political and military talent prince.Notable mind, political and military valor, was very brave in military business.

Each march on Polovtsy considered a holiday (Cumans did not share his views).That's when Monomakh overly zealous in matters of strict independence of the princes get shortened.Leaves descendants "Instructions for Children", which talks about the importance of honest and selfless service to the Motherland.

Mstislav I (1125-1132)

Following the precepts of his father, he lived in peace with their brothers and other princes, but raged at one hint of rebellion and the pursuit of civil strife.So, princes Polovtsian he angrily puts them out of the country, after which they are forced to flee from the discontent of the ruler at Byzantium.In general, many of the rulers of Kievan Rus needlessly tried not to kill their enemies.

Yaropolk (1132-1139)

Known for his skillful political intrigues, which eventually turned bad in relation to the "Monomakh".At the end of his reign, he decides to pass the throne not to his brother and nephew.The case almost comes to distemper, but the throne is still back the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich, "O.".Not for long, however.

Vsevolod II (1139-1146)

Vsevolod differed quite good instincts ruler, ruled wisely and firmly.But he wanted to give the throne Igor O., securing the "O.".But the people of Kiev did not recognize Igor, he was forced to take the veil, and then completely was killed.

Izyaslav II (1146-1154)

But residents of Kiev enthusiastically took Izyaslav II Mstislavovich that his brilliant political skills, valor and intelligence inverse lively reminded them of his grandfather, Monomakh.He introduced the rest since the unquestioned rule: if my uncle lives in a princely way, the nephew to get his throne can not.

was in a terrible feud with Yuri Vladimirovich, Prince of Rostov-Suzdal.His name does not say much, but later Yuri Dolgoruky prozovut.Izyaslav twice had to run from Kiev, but until his death, he never gave the throne.

Yuri Dolgoruky (1154-1157)

Yuri finally gets access to the throne of Kiev.Having stayed on it for only three years, he has achieved a lot: could pacify (or punish) princes, contributed to unite the shattered lands for strong power.However, all his work was pointless, since the death of bickering between the princes Dolgoruky erupts with renewed vigor.

Mstislav II (1157-1169)

It devastation and led to quarrels that ascended to the throne Mstislav II Izyaslavovich.He was a good governor, but not too different a good temper, and indulged Knyazhye strife ("divide and rule").From Kiev he throws Andrew Yu, the son of Dolgoruky.It is known in the history of the nickname Bogolyubsky.

In 1169, Andrew was not limited to the expulsion of the worst enemy of his father, passing burning the Kiev ground.So it is at the same time the people of Kiev and revenge, which by that time acquired the habit of princes cast at any time, calling to his Duchy of anyone who promised them to "bread and circuses".

Andrew Bogolyubskii (1169-1174)

Once Andrei seized power, he immediately moved the capital to his favorite city, Vladimir on the Klyazma.Since then, the dominant position of Kiev immediately began to weaken.Became the end of life harsh and overbearing, Bogolyubskii would not accept the tyranny of many of the boyars, wishing to establish autocratic power.Many people did not like it, but because Andrew was killed in a conspiracy.

So what made the first ruler of Russia?The table gives a general answer to this question.

In principle, the same as doing all the rulers of Russia from Rurik to Putin.Table unlikely to pass all those hardships which our people have suffered in the difficult way of formation of the state.