the middle of the 12th century Kievan Rus was formed 15 small and large principalities.By the early 13th century, their number increased to 50.The collapse of the state not only had negative (weakening before the invasion of the Mongols), but also a positive result.
Russia in the period of feudal fragmentation
In some principalities and estates began the rapid growth of cities began to form and develop trade relations with the Baltic countries and the Germans.Noticeable were the changes in the local culture: the chronicles were created, to build new facilities and more.
Large parts of the country
The state had several large principalities.These, in particular, can be considered as Chernihiv, Kyiv, Seversk.However, the largest considered three areas: Galicia-Volyn in the south-west, Novgorod and Vladimir-Suzdal in the northeast.It was the main political center of the state at that time.It is worth noting that all of them had their own distinctive features.Next, let's talk about what were the features of the Novgorod principality.
General
still are not clear origins, which started with the development of Novgorod principality.The earliest mention of the main city of the region refer to the 859-th year.However, it is assumed that while the chroniclers did not use the weather record (they appeared to 10-11 century), and collect the legends that were the most popular among the people.Once Russia has adopted the Byzantine tradition of compiling stories, the authors had to make up stories, independently estimating the date prior to the weather records.Of course, this is far inaccurate dating, so trust him completely should not be.
Principality "Novgorod Land"
What was the region in ancient times?Novgorod means "new city."City in ancient Rus called fortified settlements surrounded by walls.Archaeologists found three settlements located in the territory, which is engaged in the Novgorod principality.Geographical location of the areas indicated in one of the chronicles.According to the information area on the left bank of the Volkhov (there is now the Kremlin).
Over time settlements merged into one.Residents built a castle general.She was called Novgorod.Bow Explorer was developed there was already a view that the historical predecessor of the new city was Mound.It was located slightly higher, near the sources of Volkhov.According to the chronicles, the Mound was fortified settlement.It remained the principality of Novgorod princes and governors.Local historians have expressed even quite bold assumption that he lived in the residence itself Rurik.Given all this, it could be argued that by the settlement and went Novgorod principality.Geographical location mounds can be regarded as an additional argument.It stood on the Volga-Baltic way and was considered at the time a fairly large trade-craft, military and administrative point.
Feature Novgorod principality
In the first century of its existence, the settlement was small (by modern standards).Novgorod was completely wooden.It is located on both sides of the river, which was quite a unique phenomenon, because usually settlements were on the hill, and on one side.The first inhabitants were building their homes far away from the water, but not too close to it, because of the rather frequent floods.Streets were built perpendicular to the Volkhov.Later they joined the "break-out" lane that ran parallel to the river.On the left bank of the towering walls of the Kremlin.At the time, it was much smaller than the one that is currently in Novgorod.On the other side of the village located in the Slovenian estates and the prince's court.
Russian chronicles
Novgorod principality mentioned in the records is small enough.However, these few details are of particular value.In the annals dated 882, the year, talked about the campaign of Prince Oleg from Novgorod to Kiev.As a result, to merge the two largest eastern Slavic tribe: Fields and Ilmen Slavs.From that time begins the story of the Old Russian state.Records 912 of the year suggest that the Novgorod principality Scandinavians paid in the year to 300 hryvnia in the maintenance of peace.
records of other nations
Novgorod principality mentioned in Byzantine chronicles.For example, the Emperor Constantine VII wrote Rousseau in the 10th century.In Scandinavian sagas also featured Novgorod principality.The earliest legends appeared since the reign of the sons of Svyatoslav.After his death between his two sons Oleg and Yaropolk a struggle for power.The 977-year battle took place.As a result, it Oleg Yaropolk defeated troops and became the Grand Duke, planted in Novgorod his posadniks.There was a third brother.But the fear of being killed, Vladimir fled to Scandinavia.However, his absence was relatively short-lived.In 980, the year he returned to Novgorod principality with hired Vikings.Then he defeated posadniks and moved to Kiev.There Yaropolk Vladimir deposed from the throne and became the Prince of Kiev.
Religion
Feature Novgorod principality would be incomplete if you do not talk about the importance of faith in the lives of the people.The 989 was baptized.First, it was in Kiev, and then in Novgorod.Power has increased due to the Christian religion and its monotheism.The church was built by the organization in a hierarchical manner.It has become a powerful tool for the formation of Russian statehood.In the year of the baptism of Novgorod was sent to Joachim Korsunianin (Byzantine priest).But I must say that Christianity is not just stuck.Many residents were in no hurry to leave the faith of their ancestors.According to archaeological excavations, many pagan rituals survived up to the 11-13 centuries.And, for example, Mardi Gras is celebrated today.Although this holiday imparted some Christian coloring.
Activities Yaroslav
After Vladimir became the prince of Kiev, he went to Novgorod Vysheslav son, and after his death - Yaroslav.The name of the last attempt to get rid of the associated influence of Kiev.Thus, in 1014, the year Yaroslav refused to pay tribute.Vladimir, having learned about it, began to collect the squad, but suddenly died during training.In the reign of Svyatopolk the Damned.He killed his brothers, Svyatoslav Drevlyansky and subsequently ranked as the Saints Boris and Gleb.Yaroslav was in a fairly difficult position.On the one hand, he was totally against the seizure of power in Kiev.But on the other - his squad was not strong enough.Then he decided to turn to a speech Novgorod.Jaroslav called on the people to seize Kiev returned so yourself back all that has been selected as a tribute.Residents agree, and some time later at the Battle of Liubech Sviatopolk was head defeated and fled to Poland.
Further developments
In 1018, the year together with a team of Boleslaw (his wife's father and king of Poland) Svyatopolk returned to Russia.In the battle they thoroughly defeated Yaroslava (he escaped with four warriors from the field).He wanted to go to Novgorod, and then planned to move to Scandinavia.But the people did not let him do it.They cut down all rooks, collected money, and a new army, allowing the Prince to continue to fight.At this time, confident in the fact that quite firmly sits on the throne, Sviatopolk quarreled with the King of Poland.Deprived of the support he lost the battle at Alta.Jaroslav released after the battle of Novgorod home, giving them special certificates - "Truth" and "Articles of Association".According to him, they had to live.Over the next decades Novgorod principality also depended on Kiev.First, as the governor Yaroslav sent his son Ilya.Then he sent Vladimir, who in 1044, the year laid the fortress.The following year, at his command began construction of a new stone church instead of wooden Sophia (which burned).Since then, the temple symbolizes the spirituality of Novgorod.
State system
He developed gradually.In the history of two periods.At first there was a feudal republic, which was ruled by the prince.And in the second - control belonged to the oligarchy.During the first period in the Novgorod principality there were all the principal organs of state power.Higher Institute considered Boyarsky council and the Chamber.Executive power was vested tysyatsky and princely courts, burgomaster, mayor, and control volostelyami volosteli.Veche was particularly important.It was considered the supreme authority and possesses more power here than in other principalities.Veche solve issues domestic and foreign nature to turn or chose a ruler, pheasants and other officials.It also is the highest court.Another body is the Council of the boyars.This body has concentrated all of the city management system.The Board was attended by eminent nobles, elders, tysyatskiye, posadniki, Archbishop and Prince.The power of the ruler was significantly limited in scope and functions, but it certainly is a leader in the management bodies.First nominee future prince was discussed at the Council of the boyars.Then he was invited to sign the contract ratification.It regulated legal and state status and responsibilities of the authorities in relation to the ruler.The prince lived with his court on the outskirts of Novgorod.The ruler had the right to make laws, declare war or peace.Together with Posadnik Prince commanded the army.The available restrictions prevented rulers secured in the city and put them in a controlled situation.
