In the vastness of the East European Plain, the Slavs, our direct ancestors, have lived since ancient times. It is still not known exactly when they arrived there. Be that as it may, they soon settled widely throughout the great waterway of those years. Slavic cities and villages arose from the B altic to the Black Sea. Despite the fact that they were of the same clan-tribe, relations between them have never been especially peaceful.
In constant strife, the tribal princes were quickly ex alted, who soon became Great and began to rule the entire Kievan Rus. These were the first rulers of Russia, whose names have come down to us through an endless series of centuries that have passed since then.
Rurik (862-879)
About the reality of this historical figure, there are still fierce disputes among scientists. Either there was such a person, or it is a collective character, the prototype of which was all the first rulers of Russia. Whether he was a Varangian,or a Slav. By the way, we practically do not know who the rulers of Russia were before Rurik, so everything in this matter is based solely on assumptions.
Slavic origin is very likely, since Rurik could have nicknamed him for the nickname Sokol, which was translated from Old Slavonic into Norman dialects precisely as “Rurik”. Be that as it may, but it is he who is considered the founder of the entire Old Russian state. Rurik united (as far as it was even possible) under his hand many Slavic tribes.
However, almost all the rulers of Russia were engaged in this business with varying success. It is thanks to their efforts that our country today has such a significant position on the world map.
Oleg (879-912)
Rurik had a son, Igor, but by the time of his father's death, he was too small, and therefore his uncle, Oleg, became the Grand Duke. He glorified his name with militancy and the luck that accompanied him on the military path. Especially remarkable is his campaign against Constantinople, which opened up incredible prospects for the Slavs from the emerging opportunities for trade with distant eastern countries. His contemporaries respected him so much that they called him "prophetic Oleg".
Of course, the first rulers of Russia were figures so legendary that we most likely will never know about their real exploits, but Oleg was certainly an outstanding personality.
Igor (912-945)
Igor, the son of Rurik, following the example of Oleg, also repeatedly went on campaigns, annexed a lot of lands, but he was not such a successful warrior, and histhe campaign against Greece turned out to be deplorable. He was cruel, often "ripped off" the defeated tribes to the last, for which he later paid the price. Igor was warned that the Drevlyans did not forgive him, they advised him to take a large squad to the field. He disobeyed and was killed. In general, the series "Rulers of Russia" once told about this.
Olga (945-957)
However, the Drevlyans soon regretted their act. Igor's wife, Olga, first de alt with their two conciliatory embassies, and then burned the main city of the Drevlyans, Korosten. Contemporaries testify that she was distinguished by a rare mind and strong-willed rigidity. During her reign, she did not lose a single inch of land that was conquered by her husband and his ancestors. It is known that in her declining years she converted to Christianity.
Svyatoslav (957-972)
Svyatoslav went to his ancestor, Oleg. He was also distinguished by courage, determination, directness. He was an excellent warrior, tamed and conquered many Slavic tribes, often beat the Pechenegs, for which they hated him. Like other rulers of Russia, he preferred (if possible) to agree "amicably". If the tribes agreed to recognize the supremacy of Kyiv and paid off with tribute, then even their rulers remained the same.
He joined the hitherto invincible Vyatichi (who preferred to fight in their impenetrable forests), beat the Khazars, and then took Tmutarakan. Despite the small number of his squad, he successfully fought with the Bulgarians on the Danube. Conquered Andrianopol and threatened to takeConstantinople. The Greeks preferred to pay off with a rich tribute. On the way back, he died along with his retinue on the rapids of the Dnieper, being killed by the same Pechenegs. It is assumed that it was his squads who found the swords and the remains of equipment during the construction of the Dneproges.
General characteristics of the 1st century
Since the first rulers of Russia reigned on the Grand Duke's throne, the era of constant unrest and civil strife gradually began to end. There was a relative order: the princely squad defended the borders from the arrogant and ferocious nomadic tribes, and they, in turn, pledged to help with warriors and paid tribute to the polyud. The main concern of those princes was the Khazars: at that time they were paid tribute (not regular, during the next raid) by many Slavic tribes, which greatly undermined the authority of the central government.
Another problem was the lack of common faith. The Slavs who conquered Constantinople were viewed with contempt, since at that time monotheism (Judaism, Christianity) was already actively established, and the pagans were considered almost animals. But the tribes actively resisted all attempts to interfere with their faith. The "Rulers of Russia" tells about this - the film quite truthfully conveys the reality of that era.
This contributed to the growth in the number of minor troubles within the young state. But Olga, who converted to Christianity and began to promote and condone the construction of Christian churches in Kyiv, paved the way for the baptism of the country. The second century began, in which the rulers of Ancient Russia did many more great deeds.
St. Vladimir Equal-to-the-Apostles (980-1015)
As you know, between Yaropolk, Oleg and Vladimir, who were the heirs of Svyatoslav, there was never brotherly love. Even the fact that the father, during his lifetime, determined his own land for each of them did not help. In the end, Vladimir destroyed the brothers and began to rule alone.
This prince, the ruler in Ancient Russia, recaptured red Russia from the regiments, fought a lot and bravely against the Pechenegs and Bulgarians. He became famous as a generous ruler who did not spare gold for giving gifts to people loyal to him. First, he demolished almost all the Christian temples and churches that were built under his mother, and a small Christian community endured constant persecution from him.
But the political situation developed in such a way that the country had to be brought to monotheism. In addition, contemporaries speak of a strong feeling that flared up in the prince for the Byzantine princess Anna. No one would give her away for a pagan. So the rulers of Ancient Russia came to the conclusion that it was necessary to be baptized.
And therefore, already in 988, the baptism of the prince and all his associates took place, and then the new religion began to spread among the people. Basil and Constantine, the emperors of Byzantium, married Anna to Prince Vladimir. Contemporaries spoke of Vladimir as a strict, tough (sometimes even cruel) person, but they loved him for his directness, honesty and justice. The church still extols the name of the prince for the reason that he began to massively build temples and churches in the country. It was the first rulerRus, who was baptized.
Svyatopolk (1015-1019)
Like his father, Vladimir during his lifetime distributed land to his numerous sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Yaroslav, Mstislav, Svyatoslav, Boris and Gleb. After his father died, Svyatopolk decided to rule on his own, for which he issued an order to eliminate his own brothers, but was expelled from Kyiv by Yaroslav of Novgorod.
With the help of the Polish king Boleslav the Brave, he was able to take Kyiv again, but the people accepted him coolly. Soon he was forced to flee the city, and then died on the way. His death is a dark story. It is assumed that he took his own life. Nicknamed "the accursed" in folk legends.
Yaroslav the Wise (1019-1054)
Yaroslav quickly became an independent ruler of Kievan Rus. He was distinguished by a great mind, did a lot for the development of the state. He built many monasteries, contributed to the spread of writing. His authorship belongs to "Russkaya Pravda", the first official collection of laws and regulations in our country. Like his ancestors, he immediately distributed allotments of land to his sons, but at the same time he strictly punished "to live in peace, not to intrigue each other."
Izyaslav (1054-1078)
Izyaslav was the eldest son of Yaroslav. Initially, he ruled Kyiv, distinguished himself as a good ruler, but he did not know how to get along with the people very well. The latter also played a role. When he went to the Polovtsians and failed in that campaign, the people of Kiev simply kicked him out, calling his brother, Svyatoslav, to reign. Afteras he died, Izyaslav again returned to the capital city.
In principle, he was a very good ruler, but he had a rather difficult time. Like all the first rulers of Kievan Rus, he was forced to solve a lot of difficult issues.
General characteristics of the 2nd century
In those centuries, several practically independent principalities stood out from the composition of Russia at once: Kiev (the most powerful), Chernigov, Rostov-Suzdal (Vladimir-Suzdal later), Galicia-Volyn. Novgorod stood apart. Ruled by the Vech following the example of the Greek policies, he did not generally look at the princes too well.
Despite this fragmentation, formally Russia was still considered an independent state. Yaroslav was able to push its borders to the very river Ros (a tributary of the Dnieper). Under Vladimir, the country adopts Christianity, the influence of Byzantium on its internal affairs increases.
So, at the head of the newly created church stands the metropolitan, who was directly subordinate to Tsargrad. The new faith brought with it not only religion, but also a new script, new laws. The princes at that time acted together with the church, built many new churches, and contributed to the enlightenment of their people. It was at this time that the famous Nestor lived, who is the author of numerous written monuments of that time.
Unfortunately, things didn't go so smoothly. The eternal problem was both the constant raids of nomads and internal strife, constantly tearing apart the country, depriving it of strength. As Nestor, the author of The Tale of Igor's Campaign, put it, from them"the Russian land is groaning." The enlightening ideas of the Church are beginning to appear, but so far the people are not accepting the new religion.
Thus began the third century.
Vsevolod I (1078-1093)
Vsevolod the First could easily remain in history as an exemplary ruler. He was truthful, honest, contributed to the education and development of writing, he knew five languages. But he was not distinguished by a developed military and political talent. The constant raids of the Polovtsy, pestilence, drought and famine did not contribute to his authority in any way. Only his son Vladimir, later nicknamed Monomakh, kept his father on the throne (a unique case, by the way).
Svyatopolk II (1093-1113)
He was the son of Izyaslav, he was distinguished by a good character, but he was extremely weak-willed in some matters, which is why the specific princes did not consider him a Grand Duke. However, he ruled very well: having listened to the advice of the same Vladimir Monomakh, at the Dolobsky Congress in 1103 he persuaded his opponents to undertake a joint campaign against the "cursed" Polovtsy, after which in 1111 they were utterly defeated.
The spoils of the army were huge. Almost two dozen of the Grand Dukes of Polotsk were killed in that battle. This victory resounded loudly throughout all the Slavic lands, both in the East and in the West.
Vladimir Monomakh (1113-1125)
Despite the fact that by seniority he was not supposed to take the throne of Kyiv, it was Vladimir who was elected there by unanimous decision. Such love is explained by rare political andmilitary talent of the prince. He was distinguished by intelligence, political and military courage, was very brave in military affairs.
Each campaign against the Polovtsy was considered a holiday (the Polovtsy did not share his views). It was under Monomakh that the princes, who were overly zealous in matters of independence, were severely curtailed. Leaves to posterity "Instruction to Children", where he talks about the importance of honest and selfless service to his Motherland.
Mstislav I (1125-1132)
Following the precepts of his father, he lived in peace with his brothers and other princes, but raged at the slightest hint of rebelliousness and desire for civil strife. So, in anger, he expels the Polovtsian princes from the country, after which they are forced to flee from the discontent of the ruler in Byzantium. In general, many rulers of Kievan Rus tried not to kill their enemies unnecessarily.
Yaropolk (1132-1139)
Known for his skillful political intrigues, which ultimately turned out badly in relation to the "monomakhoviches". At the end of his reign, he decides to transfer the throne not to his brother, but to his nephew. The matter almost comes to confusion, but the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich, the "Olegovichi", nevertheless ascend to the throne. Not for long though.
Vsevolod II (1139-1146)
Vsevolod was distinguished by good makings of a ruler, he ruled wisely and firmly. But he wanted to transfer the throne to Igor Olegovich, securing the position of the "Olegovichs". But the people of Kiev did not recognize Igor, he was forced to take monastic vows, and then he was completely killed.
IzyaslavII (1146-1154)
But the inhabitants of Kyiv enthusiastically accepted Izyaslav II Mstislavovich, who, with his brilliant political abilities, military prowess and intelligence, vividly reminded them of his grandfather, Monomakh. It was he who introduced the indisputable rule that has remained since then: if an uncle is alive in the same princely family, then his nephew cannot receive his throne.
He was in a terrible feud with Yuri Vladimirovich, the prince of the Rostov-Suzdal land. His name will not say anything to many, but later Yuri will be called Dolgoruky. Izyaslav twice had to flee from Kyiv, but until his death he never gave up the throne.
Yuri Dolgoruky (1154-1157)
Yuri finally gets access to the throne of Kyiv. Having stayed on it for only three years, he achieved a lot: he was able to pacify (or punish) the princes, contributed to the unification of fragmented lands under strong rule. However, all his work turned out to be meaningless, because after the death of Dolgoruky, the squabble between the princes flares up with renewed vigor.
Mstislav II (1157-1169)
It was the devastation and quarrels that led to the fact that Mstislav II Izyaslavovich ascended the throne. He was a good ruler, but he was not very good-tempered, and also condoned princely civil strife ("divide and rule"). Andrei Yurievich, the son of Dolgoruky, expels him from Kyiv. Known in history under the nickname Bogolyubsky.
In 1169, Andrei did not limit himself to expelling his father's worst enemy, burning down Kyiv along the way. So at the same time he took revenge on the people of Kiev, who by that time had acquired the habit of expelling princes at any time, callingto his principality of anyone who would promise them "bread and circuses".
Andrey Bogolyubsky (1169-1174)
As soon as Andrei seized power, he immediately moved the capital to his beloved city, Vladimir on the Klyazma. Since then, the dominant position of Kyiv immediately began to weaken. Having become severe and domineering at the end of his life, Bogolyubsky did not want to put up with the tyranny of many boyars, wanting to establish autocratic power. Many did not like this, and therefore Andrei was killed as a result of a conspiracy.
So what did the first rulers of Russia do? The table will give a general answer to this question.
| Period | Characteristic |
| First century | Creation of a prototype of a strong and united state, defense of its borders from enemies. Acceptance of Christianity as an important political and social step |
| Second century | Further expansion of the territory of Russia, confrontation with attempts of "separatism" |
| Third century | Further increment of new lands, reconciliation of some discontented princes, creation of preconditions for autocracy |
In principle, all the rulers of Russia from Rurik to Putin did the same. The table can hardly convey all the hardships that our people endured on the difficult path of becoming a state.
