In ancient lands of Belarus had a few dozen small states.But the largest and most significant were considered to Polotsk and Turov.Under their rule were smaller provinces.Such as Pinsk, Minsk, Vitebsk and others.In this article we look at the history of education, culture and the rulers of the largest and well-known public education - the Principality of Polotsk.
can hear that the principality of Polotsk - the first Belarusian state.The way it is.After the first mention of the origin of feudal relations are Polotsk land.It was here, at the famous water way "from the Vikings to the Greeks", and formed a strong tribal principality of Belarus (Radimichi Krivichi Dregovichi).
Education
How came to the principality of Polotsk Belarusian lands?Unfortunately, to answer this question properly is not possible.To date, there remained no written sources or archaeological finds, with the help of which it would be possible to establish, when the formation of the Principality of Polotsk.There are only assumptions of historians.And the most common theory is called the IX century.It was at this time disappeared collective tombs (long barrows).Instead, they were solitary mound, at least - paired.Scientists explain this fact a strong weakening of the clan and tribal relations.Furthermore, it is in the IX century began to appear the class differences between the tombs.Some were decorated with expensive, while others - much easier.This is indicative of the property inequality.
Division tribe into rich and poor has led to the emergence of the nobility, which towered over the other members of the community and captures the central government.From the nobility, in turn, stood out by local princes.They lined themselves walled city, which were safe with their tribes.Thus, in the first half of the IX century the tribal know Krivichy built a city in the place where the river flowed Polota Western Berezina.Here, from the neighborhood collected tribute.
Mother of Cities
Belarusian history Polotsk Principality begins simultaneously with the creation of the city of Polotsk.The first official mention of the town belongs to the 862.However, historians say that he appeared much earlier.Thus, in the undated part of the "Tale of Bygone Years" (ancient chronicle the Slavic lands) mentions the name "Polochans" simultaneously "Kriviches."It can be concluded that even in times of Krivichy allocate a separate state with its capital in Polotsk.Long before the first Vikings appeared on the land and formed the Old Russian state.
city received its name because of the river, which is located on the banks.As already mentioned, near the settlement of the river flowed Polota Western Berezina.
Territory
Polotsk and Turov located on extremely barren lands.However Polotsk had one important advantage.Here is the intersection of important trade routes of the Berezina, Dvina and Neman.That is the waterway "from the Vikings to the Greeks."This has contributed not only to the development of trade and economy in the country, but also caused a mass migration of other peoples and tribes in Polotsk.Yes, and the Principality were surrounded by impenetrable forests, which served as a reliable protection from enemies.And enemies Polochans amassed every year more and more.Since control of the trade routes of the principality did not like the neighboring countries - Kiev and Novgorod.What ultimately led to territorial disputes and mass bloodshed.
principality of Polotsk included not only Polotsk, but also part of the territory Dregovichi, Lithuanian and Finnish tribes.Polochans settled throughout the Western Dvina, canvases, as well as in the basins of the Berezina, Svisloch and Neman.The composition of the principality included such major cities as Minsk, Vitebsk, Orsha, Borisov, Logoisk, Zaslavl, Drutsk, Lukoml and others.Thus, during the IX-XIII centuries, it was big and powerful European state.
first Prince
first mention of the emperor who united the principality of Polotsk, dates back to the second half of the X century.As the Chronicle, "valadaryu, trymau i knyazhyu Ragvalod Polatskayu zyamleyu."
Norman Rogvolod "came from the sea", and ruled from 972 978 a year.This period is considered the final stage of formation of the Principality of Polotsk.The state has developed its own borders, entrenched political and administrative system, formed a strong army, started to establish trade relations.The historical core and the center became the city of Polotsk.
Princess with three names
history of the Principality of Polotsk - a history of the struggle for independence, which was eventually lost.So, in 980 lands were considered as part of the Old Russian state.Principality became a bargaining chip between the warring then Novgorod and Kiev.
As the chronicles in 978, Prince Rogvolod to strengthen its borders, he decided to give his daughter Rogneda of the prince of Kiev Yaropolk, denying at the same time Vladimir Svyatoslavich (sovereign of Novgorod Rurik dynasty).Do not endure insults, Vladimir stormed Polotsk Rogvolod killed and two of his sons, and Rogneda forcibly made her his wife, giving her name Gorislava.Then the Prince of Novgorod captured Kiev and brought to Polotsk new religion - Christianity.
According to the "Tale of Bygone Years", at Rogneda and Vladimir had four sons: Izyaslav (Prince of Polotsk), Yaroslav the Wise (Prince of Kiev and Novgorod), Vsevolod (Prince Vladimir-Volyn) and Mstislav (Prince of Chernigov).As well as two daughters Premislava, who later married Laszlo Bald (King Ugric) and Predslava, became the wife of Boleslaw III Ginger (Czech Prince).
After Rogneda Vladimir tried to kill her with his son Izyaslav (to intercede for his father's mother) sent in Polotsk, the city Izjaslavl.The princess took the veil and took the third name - Anastasia.
princes of Polotsk Principality
In 988 residents Izjaslavl invited his son Izyaslav Rogneda and Vladimir to reign.He became famous as a sire-scribe and distributor of new beliefs of Christianity, in the Polotsk land.It begins with Izyaslav new branch in the Rurik dynasty - Izyaslavich (Polotsk).The descendants of Izyaslav, unlike the children of his brothers, emphasized their kinship with Rogvolod (maternal).They called themselves Rogvolodovichami.
Prince Izyaslav died young (in 1001), his mother survived Rogneda only one year.Principality of Polotsk began to rule his youngest son Bryachislav Izyaslavich.Until 1044 the Emperor led his own policies aimed at expanding the land.Taking advantage of strife and weakening Russia, Novgorod Bryachislav seized and held power for five years with his uncle Yaroslav the Wise.At the same time the city was built and Bryachislavl (modern Braslau).
heyday
its height reached the principality of Polotsk in 1044-1101 gg., During the reign of Vseslav Prophetic son Prince Brjachislav.Knowing that he will battle for life and death, the prince until the mid 60-ies of XI century was preparing for war - fortified city, collecting the army.Thus, Polotsk was moved to the right bank of the Daugava River to the mouth of the paintings.
Vseslav Polotsk began to extend far to the north, subjugated tribes Latgale and Liv.However, in 1067, when he was hiking in Novgorod were unsuccessful, the prince and his sons was captured by Izyaslav Yaroslavich, and the state was captured.But a year later the rebellious people freed Vseslav, and he was able to regain lost ground.
Since 1069 the principality of Polotsk in 1072 led a relentless and bloody war with Kiev sovereigns.It was captured Smolensk principality, as well as part of the Chernigov land in the north.In those years the population of the capital of the principality was more than twenty thousand people.
Fall
Vseslav After the death in 1101 his sons divided the principality into fiefdoms: Vitebsk, Minsk, Polotsk, Logoisk and others.And already in 1127 the son of Vladimir Monomakh, taking advantage of differences between the princes, captured and sacked Polotsk.Izyaslavich they were taken prisoner, and then completely banished to distant Byzantium.So, by the end of the XII century the authority of the Principality of Polotsk in the international arena finally fell, and part of the territories seized Novgorod and Chernigov.
In the XIII century in Polotsk new misfortune struck - the Order of the Sword, later Livonian.Right then Prince Vladimir of Polotsk fought the Crusaders for more than twenty years, but to stop them he was not under force.This was the beginning of the end of independence.And in 1307 Polotsk joined the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Culture of the Principality of Polotsk
It is this principality has become a place where Belarusian statehood emerged, as well as culture and literature.With Polotsk associated names such as Euphrosyne of Polotsk, Lazar Bogsch, Francis Skorina, Kirill Turovsky and Simeon.They are the pride of the Belarusian nation.
With the advent of Christianity in the Polotsk architecture began to develop.So, the first monumental structure of stone became Polotsk Sophia Cathedral, built in the 1050's.And in 1161 the jeweler Lazar Bogsha was created a masterpiece of applied art of the eastern Slavs - a unique cross Euphrosyne.XIII century was a time when there was the Belarusian language.
