In the history of Kievan Rus, 1113 is known as the date of the Kyiv uprising. These events turned out to be relatively short-lived, but brought significant changes to both the ordinary people and the ruling elite.
Foreign policy of the princes until 1113
Vladimir Monomakh waged an active struggle against the Polovtsy, who often raided the cities and villages of Russia. In 1109, Dmitry Ivorovich led the Russian army against the Polovtsy, during the campaign the army passed along the Seversky Donets, ruining the camps of the hostile Polovtsian khans along the way.
In 1111 a new campaign was undertaken, the result of which was another victory over the army of nomads. During a fierce battle, the enemies were pushed back far from the borders of Kievan Rus.
Thanks to active hostilities and the use of a tactical plan, the people managed for some time to achieve peace in relations with neighboring states. However, during this period, relations between the princes hardened.
The situation inside the country
Social tension in Russia before the events of 1113 increased every day. The clergy, princes, warriors and boyars constantly increased the fees and taxes levied on peasants and artisans. Ordinary peoplewas in distress. Many farmers, due to the complete lack of money, were forced to borrow tools, seeds and land from the rich. At the same time, it was not possible to repay debts with a constantly growing percentage.
In this respect, moneylenders in large cities were especially distinguished. They lent money to people at exorbitant rates of interest. Grand Duke Svyatopolk was no exception.
The situation of the people was worsened by endless requisitions for military operations, because all the maintenance of the squad also fell on the shoulders of ordinary people. During the wars, the Polovtsy often raided, burned entire cities and villages, took people prisoner, and took away property.
Death of Prince Svyatopolk
The death of Prince Svyatopolk aggravated the situation. According to the records of those years, she was extremely strange and suspicious. A day ago, the prince fully defended the Easter service, and after dinner he began to complain of severe malaise. The next day he died. Immediately after this event, the struggle for the throne broke out. 3 powerful clans claimed power, such events became the prerequisite for the riots of 1113.
One of the contenders was the eldest of the descendants of Svyatoslav - Oleg, but he was constantly seriously ill. His brother Davyd did not fight for the throne, as he completely abandoned politics. Yaroslav Muromsky was also here. Numerous boyars supported the Svyatoslavichs. For them, these candidates were ideal, since the Svyatoslavichs defended the interests of them and the Jewish community.
On the other hand, in the fight forVladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh could take power, but he decided to step into the shadows. He explained his actions by his unwillingness to contradict the decision of the Lyubech Congress, which states that “everyone owns his fatherland.”
The third contender was the son of the late Prince Svyatopolk and the Jewish concubine - Yaroslav Volynsky.
Progress of the uprising
Each contender for power had the support of princes and clergy. Many were against the rule of the Svyatoslavichs, since under them there was a high probability of unrest, civil strife and wars. However, the heirs of Svyatopolk also did not suit many. Hatred for Svyatopolk, all his entourage and Jews, found a way out for a long time - the inhabitants of Kyiv staged a pogrom in the estate of the thousandth Vyshatich and went to the Jewish quarter. It was this event that began the uprising of 1113.
Usurers of Kyiv managed to hide in the synagogue, but their houses were destroyed. After this turn of events, representatives of the clergy, the boyars and the family of the late prince became worried. All of them were afraid to lose their acquired property and suffer during the riots.
Vladimir Monomakh could help in establishing peace. He was supported not only by the top of power, but also by ordinary people. During his life, Monomakh gained a reputation as a prudent, fair prince and a brilliant commander. As soon as Monomakh agreed to rule and arrived in Kyiv, the riots immediately stopped.
