The Vladimir-Suzdal principality is the largest feudal state formation in the North-Eastern Russia of the 10th-13th centuries, in the interfluve of the Oka and Volga. (See the historical map "Rus in the 12th - early 13th centuries")

Until the 10th c. almost the entire area was occupied by the Finno-Ugric tribe Merya. The colonization of the region by the Slovenes of Novgorod and Krivichi, which began at the end of the 10th century, led to the Russification of Mary and the formation of the Great Russian people here. The Volga connected the region with Volga-Kama Bulgaria and the countries of the East, with the route "from the Varangians to the Greeks", Kievan Rus and Novgorod. In the 10-11 centuries. the cities of Rostov, Belozersk, Yaroslavl, Murom, Suzdal grew up here.

The center of the earth was Rostov. Initially, the connection of the Rostov region with Kievan Rus was expressed in the payment of tribute to the great Kyiv princes.

According to the division of the Kyiv land between the sons of Yaroslav the Wise (See the scheme "The Rurik Dynasty") (1054), the Rostov land went to Vsevolod Yaroslavich. (See the scheme “The Rurik Dynasty”) At this time, Suzdal rises, where Vladimir Monomakh (See the scheme “The Rurik Dynasty”), with the transition of the region in 1093 into his possession, planted his sons as princes - Yaropolk, then Yuri.

In 1108, Vladimir Monomakh founded a powerful fortress on the river. Klyazma - Vladimir. Yuri Dolgoruky strengthened the principality and defended it from the Bulgarians. Under him, a stubborn struggle began between the princely authorities and the local boyar nobility. In the course of this struggle, new princely cities and fortresses grew up (Ksnyatin at the mouth of the Nerl River - 1134, Pereyaslavl and Yuryev - 1152, Dmitrov - 1154, fortification of Moscow - 1156). The new cities, populated by military, trade and handicraft people dependent on the prince, become a strong support for princely power.

Yuri's son, Andrei Bogolyubsky, continued his father's political course of strengthening princely power and the leading position of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality in the Russian land. (See diagram "Vladimir-Suzdal Principality".)

Not wanting to compete with his power from large boyar families, Andrei left Suzdal and moved the capital to Vladimir, where patrimonial land ownership was poorly developed.

Under Andrei, many junior warriors devoted to the prince ("prince's merciful", "nobles"), who received conditional possession from him (on the terms of the estate of land and fully supported the prince's policy), came forward.

In the princely cities, especially in Vladimir, the trade and handicraft population multiplied, which also supported the strong princely power, which provided them with “calm” trade.

Andrei Bogolyubsky waged a difficult struggle for the priority of Vladimir in church affairs, trying to organize a metropolitanate independent of Kyiv. The clergy of Vladimir intensively created local "shrines" and proclaimed a special "protection of heaven" for the affairs of the prince - "autocrat".

However, under the conditions of the dominance of feudal fragmentation in Russia, the relative weakness of cities and economic ties between the principalities, the unifying policy of Andrei Bogolyubsky could not lead to lasting results: in 1174 he fell victim to a boyar conspiracy.

The murder of Andrei Bogolyubsky served as a pretext for a broad anti-feudal popular uprising that lasted 5 days. The boyar nobility, with the support of the Ryazan prince Gleb, wanted to establish the princes they liked on the throne of Vladimir, but Andrei's brothers - Mikhail (died 1176) and Vsevolod the Big Nest, who replaced him, prevailed.

A subtle diplomat and a skilled politician, Vsevolod continued the political line of his father and brother, successfully fighting the separatism of the local nobility. In Southern Russia, Vsevolod strengthened his influence with the help of diplomatic intrigues, interfering in the internal affairs of the princes, and quarreling them among themselves, which led to a new defeat of Kyiv (1203). The all-Russian authority of Vsevolod is reflected in the Tale of Igor's Campaign. The chroniclers called him "great", the princes - "master"; the Metropolitan of Kyiv also carried out his will.

So, the princes of North-Eastern Russia - Yuri Dolgoruky, Andrei Bogolyubsky, Vsevolod the Big Nest - pursued the same policy: they asserted their personal power within their principality; strengthened, elevated their principality; extended their power to other Russian lands.

In the Vladimir-Suzdal principality, its own political tradition began to take shape - autocracy.

In 1211, Vsevolod convened a meeting of representatives from all the cities of the principality, which approved the transfer of the reign to his son Yuri. But after the death of Vsevolod, the Rostov boyars and the Kyiv prince Mstislav Udaloy put Yuri's older brother Konstantin on the throne.

Constantine divided the Vladimir-Suzdal principality between the brothers; the principalities of Rostov, Yaroslavl, Pereyaslavl were formed. After the death of Constantine (1218), Yuri returned to reign, restored his dominant position and the authority of the principality. He inflicted a major defeat on the Bulgarians (1220) and founded at the mouth of the river. Oki Nizhny Novgorod (1221). Vladimir's influence was also restored in Novgorod the Great, where Yuri's brother Yaroslav led an active defense of North-Western Russia from the increasing Catholic expansion.

The transfer of the political center of Russia to Vladimir played a big role in the subsequent formation of the Great Russian people and the Russian nation. In North-Eastern Russia, for the first time, a struggle was begun for the unification of Russia under the leadership of the princes of the Vladimir dynasty.

II. Vladimir-Suzdal principality: features of its development and its first princes.

From the end of the ninth century these lands were already inhabited by the Slavs. These lands were located between the Oka and Volga rivers. By the beginning of the XII century. a large boyar land ownership is taking shape here. The main branch of the economy was agriculture. There was a constant influx of people in search of protection from nomads. The Principality was located at the intersection of two trade routes: Oka and Volga. The principality separated from Kyiv in the 12th century.

At that time, Yuri, the sixth son of Prince Vladimir II, ruled in the Rostov-Suzdal land.

In 1125, Yuri moved the capital from Rostov to Suzdal. -> reign of Yuri Dolgoruky (1125 - 1157)

Yuri Dolgoruky also devoted his whole life to the struggle for the throne of Kyiv. Under him, the borders of the Rostov-Suzdal principality with Veliky Novgorod and the Chernigov principality were formalized. Yuri Dolgoruky led an active urban development policy. The fortresses Konyatin, Tver, Dubna, Moscow, Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, Yuryev-Polsky, Dmitrov were built.

The year 1147 is considered to be the date of foundation of Moscow. This is the first mention of Moscow in the annals, since on April 4, 1147, a meeting between Yuri Dolgoruky and Novgorod-Seversky Prince Svyatoslav Olgovich took place in Moscow. In 1149, Yuri managed to take Kyiv, but soon he was defeated by Izyaslav Mstislavich. In 1155, Yuri again managed to seize the throne in Kyiv. Yuri died in 1157. There is a legend that Oleg poisoned him at a feast. After the death of Yuri, an uprising broke out in Kyiv.

The throne passes into the hands of Andrei Bogolyubsky (1157 - 1174).

Andrey made Vladimir-on-Klyazma the new capital of the principality. According to legend, the Mother of God dreamed of him at this place and ordered him to found a city here. From 1159 he fought for the subjugation of Novgorod. In 1169 - 1170 years. Temporarily subjugated Kyiv and Novgorod. In 1169, the union of princes, led by Andrei, expelled Prince Mstislav Izyaslavich from Kyiv and handed Kyiv over to his brother Gleb, and after the death of Gleb, Kyiv fell into power with Roman. In 1179, Andrei made a trip to Novgorod, in order to force the Novgorodians to accept Svyatoslav Rostislavich. However, the army was defeated.

During the reign of Andrei Bogolyubsky, a fierce struggle was waged against the local boyars. Andrew wanted to rule alone. Under Andrei, the flourishing of the culture of the principality continued. Under him, many temples were founded, holidays were introduced. Andrei fought with the Volga Bulgars. The reason for these clashes was the expansion of the boundaries of the principality.

He was killed on June 29, 1174, in his residence. During the reign of Andrei Bogolyubsky, the Vladimir-Suzdal principality achieved significant power and was the strongest in Russia.

After the death of Andrei Bogolyubsky, the question arose of who would take the throne. A meeting was called to discuss the issue. As a result, Andrei's nephews, Mstislav and Yaropolk Rostislavichs, were invited to reign.

However, the struggle for the throne began. The younger sons of Yuri Dolgoruky, Mikhalko and Vsevolod, also made claims to the throne. They found support among the local population.

In 1177, in the battle near Yuryev-Polsky, the troops of the "senior" squad were defeated by the troops of Vsevolod. And Vsevolod ascended the throne.

The reign of Vsevolod III the Big Nest (1176 - 1212).

After the victory over the princes, Vsevolod confiscated their lands and property. Vsevolod was one of the powerful princes of Specific Russia in the XII-XIII centuries. He received the title of "Grand Duke".

Vsevolod managed to achieve mutual understanding with the boyar elite of Novgorod. Military campaigns subjugated Ryazan, Kyiv, Chernigov began to depend on Vsevolod, in 1190 Vsevolod took under the patronage of the Galician prince Vladimir Yaroslavich. He attached Pereyaslavl-South to his possessions. Carried out campaigns against the Mordovians, the Volga Bulgars.

The territory of the north-east of the Old Russian state was occupied by the vast Vladimir-Suzdal principality. These lands were unique. Geographically, they were separated from the main trade routes and from the largest centers of Ancient Russia by a large number of swamps and dense forests. Accordingly, the development of these territories was slow. The most valuable on this land were opolya - plots of fertile land between forests. Boyar possessions were few and undeveloped.

The settlement of the territory of the principality

Before the arrival of the Eastern Slavs, the area was inhabited by Finno-Ugric tribes:

• Whole;
• Merya;
• Murom;
• Vyatichi;
• Krivichi.

The first Slavs appeared here at the end of the 9th century. They migrated to escape the raids of nomads . Due to the large territory, the resettlement proceeded peacefully. The main activities were:

• agriculture;
• cattle breeding;
• fishing;
• salt mining;
• beekeeping;
• hunting.

Development of cities and forms of economy

At the end of the 10th - beginning of the 11th centuries, noticeable changes begin to take place here. By decision of the famous Lyubech Congress, the territories are transferred to the younger line of the descendants of Vladimir Monomakh. Growth of cities and economy begins. Rostov the Great, Suzdal, Yaroslavl, Vladimir-on-Klyazma are founded.

The growth of cities was not slow to affect the economic development of the area. The lands began to grow rich and become one of the most significant within the framework of the Old Russian state.

From the middle of the 12th century, the growth of settlers from the south and southwest of Russia increased sharply due to the Polovtsian threat. The largest cities in this period were Rostov and Suzdal. The new population was exempt for some time from taxes. As the settlement progressed, the territory began to turn into a Slavic one. Moreover, the southern settlers brought with them developed forms of economy: plowed arable farming under duopoly, new fishing skills, and crafts.

In contrast to the south, princes founded the city in the northeast. If cities first arose in the south and then princely power appeared, then in the north it was quite the opposite. For example, Yaroslavl was founded by Yaroslav the Wise. Vladimir-on-Klyazma, as you might guess, Vladimir Monomakh.

This situation allowed the princes to declare the lands their property, distributing them to warriors and the church. . limiting the political power of the people. As a result, a patrimonial way of life began to form here - a special type of social system, when the prince is not only the political head, but also the supreme owner of all the land and resources of the territory.

Board history

The first prince who glorified the northeastern lands of Russia was a descendant of Vladimir Monomakh. Under him, the active development of these territories began.

Much attention was paid to the founding of new villages and cities. He is credited with the creation of such urban centers as Dmitrov, Yuriev and Zvenigorod. During the reign of Yuri Dolgorukov, the current capital of our state, the city of Moscow, was first mentioned.

great attention Yuri paid foreign policy. Under him, regiments go on campaigns in different lands of both the Old Russian state and neighboring countries. It was possible to make successful trips to the territory of the Volga Bulgaria. Three times he managed to capture the capital city of Kyiv.

His father's work was continued by his son Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. Ruled from 1157 to 1174. Andrei was a man who considered the principality his home. He also went to Kyiv and was able to take this city. Bogolyubsky did not try to establish himself in it, but used the territories of southern Russia for plunder. Successfully went on campaigns against many Russian principalities. Of particular note is the prince's victory over Novgorod. More than once, the Vladimir-Suzdal princes fought with the Novgorodians and were defeated. It was Andrei who was able to block the supply of Volga bread to Novgorod, thereby forcing the Novgorodians to surrender.

An important part of the reign of Prince Andrei was the problem of his relationship with the boyars. The fact is that the boyars dreamed of their own power. Bogolyubsky did not accept this. He moved the capital to the city of Vladimir. So, he deprived the boyars of the opportunity to actively influence themselves.

This seemed to him not enough. Andrei was afraid of conspiracies. He created his own residence in the village of Bogolyubovo, from which he got his nickname. The village was set in the place where the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir, stolen by him from Kyiv, was brought. The legend says that this icon was painted by the Apostle Luke himself.

The hatred of the boyars for the prince was great. Despite the fact that he hid in Bogolyubovo, he was overtaken there as well. With the help of traitors, the boyars managed to kill Andrei. Twenty people joined the conspiracy. None of them was personally offended by the prince, on the contrary, many enjoyed his confidence.

The death of Bogolyubsky in 1174 did not significantly affect the life of the principality. His policy was continued by his younger brother Vsevolod, who received the nickname "Big Nest" in history. Vsevolod had a large family. He managed to plant his descendants in all cities and significant villages of the Vladimir-Suzdal land. Thanks to this position, he was finally able to suppress the obstinate boyars of the north-east of Russia. He was able to establish his firm, sole power in these territories. Gradually, Vsevolod begins to actively dictate his will to the rest of the princes of the Russian land.

During the reign of Vsevolod the "Big Nest", the principality received the status of a great one, that is, the first among other Russian lands.

The death of Vsevolod in 1212 provoked a new strife. Since his second son Yuri was declared the heir, the eldest son Konstantin of Rostov did not agree with his father's decision, and from 1212 to 1216 there was a struggle for power. Konstantin won it. However, he did not reign for long. In 1218 he died. And the throne passed to Yuri, who later founded Nizhny Novgorod.

Yuri Vsevolodovich turned out to be the last prince of independent Vladimir-Suzdal Rus. He ruled until 1238 and was beheaded in a battle with the Mongols on the City River.

During the period of 11-12 centuries, the principality strengthened, grew to one of the leaders of the Old Russian space and declared its claims to a great political future. It was it that, in the end, became the victorious side, on the basis of which the Moscow principality subsequently arose, a single Muscovite state, and then the Russian kingdom.

Culture of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality

The Principality is one of the most important cultural centers of Ancient Russia. Architecture flourished here. Under princes Andrei and Vsevolod, various buildings were created. They were made of white limestone and decorated with intricate carvings. To this day, many buildings of this period that have come down to us are considered masterpieces of Old Russian art. Of particular note are the Golden Gates of Vladimir, Dmitrievsky and Assumption Cathedrals.

Among the literary works can be called the "Word" and "Prayer" by Daniil Zatochnik. These works are a compilation of sayings from the Bible and the thoughts of the author.

The culture of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality is in many ways the basis for the cultural tradition, which later became the base in modern Russia.

During the period of fragmentation in Russia, several large centers emerged. One of them was the Vladimir-Suzdal principality.

Location

The territory of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality was located in the north-east of Russia, in the interfluve of the Oka and Volga. This factor, as well as a favorable climate, contributed to the popularity of the principality and the strengthening of its independence.

On the site of the ancient tribal centers, the main cities arose: Rostov, Suzdal, Yaroslavl, Vladimir, Dmitrov. The largest cities of the principality: Murom, Yaroslavl. The capital of the principality since the middle of the XII century is Vladimir on the Klyazma.

The geographical position of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality played a big role in the development of these lands. This was due to the fact that the famous Volga trade route passed through the territory of the principality, which led to the development of trade and ensured a large influx of population. The neighbors of the Slavs - the Finno-Ugric tribes - conducted active trade with them and maintained cultural ties.

Economic development of the principality

Above, the description of geographical conditions and their impact on the economy was briefly touched upon. Let's dwell on this issue in more detail. Since ancient times, peoples have built their cities near large rivers. They were a source of food, protected the territory from the raids of enemy tribes and contributed to the development of agriculture.

Natural and climatic conditions and the presence of fertile soil led to the development of agriculture, cattle breeding, hunting and fishing. The townspeople were actively engaged in trade and handicrafts, art developed.

The presence of trade routes had a great impact on the economy and economy of the principality. Import and export of goods is an important source of income not only for the population, but also for the princely treasury. The Slavs carried out trade with the eastern countries through the Volga trade route. Trade with Western European countries was also important. It was carried out through the sources of the Volga and the system of rivers flowing on the territory of the principality.

By the beginning of the 12th century, the process of formation of large boyar land ownership began on the territory of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality. The princes granted land to the boyars. Those, in turn, were entirely dependent on the prince. We will consider the features of governance in the principality below.

Political structure

The control system of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality was completely subordinate to the will of the prince, in whose hands all branches of power were concentrated. However, this did not exclude the existence of governing bodies, they were: the Council under the Prince, Veche and feudal congresses. The first two were convened exclusively to resolve the most important issues, in particular, regarding politics at the international level.

A large role is given to the squad, which becomes the main support of princely power. Local government was subordinate to the governors and volosters, who carried out the will of the prince.

Legislation in the principality was based on a set of laws created under, "Russian Truth".

To sum up and present the main socio-economic and political features:

1. The main branch of the economy was agriculture.
2. The population of the principality was constantly increasing due to people who fled from the raids of nomads and were looking for favorable conditions for farming.
3. The development of urban planning. The appearance of Moscow, Kostroma, Pereyaslavl-Zalessky.
4. Unlimited nature of princely power with the existence of an advisory body - Veche.

At the end of the 11th century centrifugal processes in Kievan Rus became irreversible and the formation of local political centers accelerated. In northeastern Russia, the principality of Vladimir-Suzdal became such a center. In 1097, the Lubech Congress of Princes recognized this principality as the patrimony of Vladimir Monomakh, the last prince who united all of Russia under his rule. Monomakh's heirs, Yuri Dolgoruky and Andrei Bogolyubsky, also fought for the great reign, but the possession of Kyiv was no longer a priority for them. The son of Yuri Dolgoruky and the successor of Andrei Bogolyubsky, Vsevolod the Big Nest, began to be titled the Grand Duke of Vladimir-Suzdal. This meant that in the eyes of the princes of northeastern Russia, the great reign was no longer associated exclusively with Kyiv.

The Mongol invasion dealt a serious blow to all of Russia, including the Vladimir-Suzdal principality. However, in 1243, Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich achieved in the Horde a label for his principality. Over time, the Vladimir-Suzdal principality fell into decay, but it was it that became the cradle of the Muscovite state.