interest in the history of the Slavic tribes, in particular the eastern branches, today increasing every day.Regularly appear in the press theories and hypotheses that break the established facts refute or confirm them.There are debates around the issue of what the city was the title of the capital of ancient Russia.Let's try to understand this.
with ancient
If you believe the legends and chronicles, which have reached us from time immemorial, it is Kyiv was the mother of Russian cities.Polyansky princes united Slavic tribes and laid on the mountain city, which declared his residence.Around the fifth century (the date of founding of the modern Ukrainian capital) city grew and developed, and with it grows stronger and the country.When the steep bank of the Dnieper Vikings landed, Kiev was already well-known shopping center in the region.Ruric's done a lot for the foundation of the state and its high prestige in the medieval world.
State grew, and there were many descendants of the princely family.Everyone wanted to rule and founded the city in which the declared himself Prince.So, the first capital of ancient Russia received less aid, many opponents.And when wealth and power in Kiev extinguished, there was a large number of cities that have begun to call themselves the Capital.Instead, the principality of Kiev, which has lost its primacy on the world stage came others: Smolensk, Novgorod-Seversky, Ryazan, Chernigov, Vladimir-Suzdal, and later Moscow.Therefore, the capital of ancient Russia was not alone.
Golden-Domed Kyiv
If the teacher in the classroom stories appeal to the student with a question, call the capital of ancient Russia, he did not hesitate to answer that is Kiev.Michael's city stands on seven hills, like Rome, Jerusalem or Constantinople.It has extremely favorable geographical position and is at the crossroads of major trade routes.Since its establishment until the time of the Mongol yoke and its destruction by Batu Khan, he played a crucial role in the life of the region.Therefore, in 1020 the capital of ancient Russia - is Kiev.
rising from the ashes, though he was at the mercy of more powerful neighbors, but still grow and develop without losing his beautiful face.However, still in the memory of the people of the city remained mostly as it was focused in the cultural and spiritual life.
Novgorod
Its history begins around the turn of the ninth and tenth centuries.Although archaeologists believe that the territory of modern Novgorod people settled much earlier than commonly believed.This town, founded by the Slavs, was built following the example of Kiev.Here erected like St. Sophia Cathedral's Court, a spacious area for the People.This ancient capital of Russia since the foundation acted as a rich trading city with a distinctive culture, democracy and morals.But he paid tribute to Kiev and sent his warriors at the request of the Capital princes.
when Kiev fell to the Mongols, Novgorod escaped.This enabled him to rise above the rest of the Russian principalities and Novgorod republic flourished for a long time, and drowning in luxury.
Other capital
Some researchers identify four of the capital of ancient Russia.It:
- Kiev;
- Novgorod, later called the Great;
- Staraya Ladoga;
- Vladimir.
first two hail we reviewed.In the XI century (1020), the capital of ancient Rus - the city of Kiev, and he was chief until until he was captured in 1240 by the Mongols.Since then, the medieval state ceased to exist, and therefore talking about major cities it is meaningless.
Ladoga Vladimir-on-Klyazma
Staraya Ladoga today - it's a small village, in which Ruric ass for two years before he was called to Novgorod.It stays the legendary Prince gives the right to refer to the number of degrees capitals of the ancient states.However, there is one but, since the archaeologists suggest that the city was founded by the Varangians, and the population consisted mainly of immigrants from Scandinavia.The rest of the ancient capital of Russia, such as Novgorod, Vladimir and Kiev were built and inhabited by Slavs, because have more right to be called the main cities.Yes, and the state as such did not exist, it emerged later, when Oleg the Wise came to the city of Chia.
Vladimir - a city that has chosen for himself, Prince Andrew Bogolyubskii after the march on Kiev.The Principality at the time was a powerful and rich, so the title of the capital city gave Vladimir-on-Klyazma even more flourishing.It was the beginning of the construction of cathedrals and temples, luxurious palaces.At the beginning of the fourteenth century transferred here archdiocese.After the Mongol invasion and the rise of Moscow, Vladimir gradually lost its actual primacy, but formally remained the capital.Instead of an epilogue
We reviewed the ancient capital of Russia, which have been officially recognized as such.This ancient settlement with a rich history and beautiful legends.On their territory, and today you can see the magnificent buildings that remind you of past glory.All of them at one time played an important role in the life of the medieval state of Eastern Slavs.Today, they attract tourists unique attractions that were built by the best masters in Europe.
What is the capital of ancient Russia?You will not hear a single answer, because each degree worthy to wear this title, as well as many other cities that have been capitals of principalities, and today they are the gems on the world map.
