By the middle of the 12th century, 15 small and large principalities were formed in Kievan Rus. By the beginning of the 13th century, their number increased to 50. The collapse of the state had not only a negative (weakening before the invasion of the Tatar-Mongols), but also a positive result.
Rus in the period of feudal fragmentation
In some principalities and estates, cities began to grow rapidly, trade relations with the B altic states and the Germans began to form and develop. Changes in local culture were also noticeable: chronicles were created, new buildings were erected, and so on.
Large regions of the country
There were several large principalities in the state. Such, in particular, can be considered Chernihiv, Kiev, Seversk. However, three regions were considered the largest: Galicia-Volyn in the southwest, Novgorod and Vladimir-Suzdal principalities in the northeast. These were the main political centers of the state of that time. It is worth noting that they all had their own distinctive features. Next, let's talk about whatfeatures of the Novgorod principality.
General information
The origins from which the development of the Novgorod principality began are still not entirely clear. The oldest mention of the main city of the region dates back to 859. However, it is assumed that at that time the chroniclers did not use weather records (they appeared by the 10-11th century), but collected those legends that were most popular among the people. After Russia adopted the Byzantine tradition of compiling legends, the authors had to compose stories, independently estimating dates, before the start of weather records. Of course, such dating is far from accurate, so it should not be completely trusted.
Principality "Novgorod Land"
What was this region like in ancient times? Novgorod means "new city". In ancient Russia, fortified settlements surrounded by walls were called a city. Archaeologists have found three settlements located on the territory occupied by the Novgorod principality. The geographical position of these regions is indicated in one of the annals. According to information, the region was located on the left bank of the Volkhov (where the Kremlin is now located).
Over time, the settlements merged into one. The inhabitants built a common fortress. She received the name of Novgorod. The researcher Nosov developed the already existing point of view that Gorodische was the historical predecessor of the new city. It was located somewhat higher, not far from the sources of the Volkhov. Judging by the chronicles, Gorodishewas a fortified settlement. The princes of the Novgorod principality and their governors stayed in it. Local historians even expressed a rather bold assumption that Rurik himself lived in the residence. Considering all this, it can be fully argued that the Novgorod principality originated from this settlement. The geographical location of the Settlement can be considered an additional argument. It stood on the B altic-Volga route and was considered at that time a fairly large trade, craft and military administrative center.
Characteristics of the Novgorod Principality
In the first centuries of its existence, the settlement was small (by modern standards). Novgorod was completely wooden. It was located on two sides of the river, which was a rather unique phenomenon, since usually settlements were located on a hill and on one bank. The first inhabitants built their houses near the water, but not close to it, because of the fairly frequent floods. The streets of the city were built perpendicular to the Volkhov. A little later, they were connected by "breakthrough" lanes that ran parallel to the river. The walls of the Kremlin rose from the left bank. At that time it was much smaller than the one that stands in Novgorod now. On the other side, in the Slovenian village, there were estates and a princely court.
Russian chronicles
The principality of Novgorod is mentioned in the records quite a bit. However, this little information is of particular value. The chronicle, dated 882, tells about the campaign of Prince Oleg against Kyiv from Novgorod. As a resulttwo large East Slavic tribes united: the glades and the Ilmen Slavs. It was from that time that the history of the Old Russian state began. Records from 912 show that the principality of Novgorod paid the Scandinavians 300 hryvnias a year to keep the peace.
Records of other peoples
The principality of Novgorod is also mentioned in the Byzantine annals. So, for example, Emperor Constantine VII wrote about the Russians in the 10th century. The Novgorod principality also appears in the Scandinavian sagas. The earliest legends appeared from the time of the reign of the sons of Svyatoslav. After his death, a struggle for power broke out between his two sons Oleg and Yaropolk. In 977, a battle took place. As a result, Yaropolk defeated Oleg's troops and became the Grand Duke, having planted his posadniks in Novgorod. There was also a third brother. But fearing to be killed, Vladimir fled to Scandinavia. However, his absence was relatively short. In 980, he returned to the Novgorod principality with hired Vikings. Then he defeated the posadniks and moved to Kyiv. There, Vladimir overthrew Yaropolk from the throne and became the Prince of Kyiv.
Religion
Characteristics of the Novgorod Principality will be incomplete if we do not talk about the importance of faith in the life of the people. In 989 a baptism took place. First it was in Kyiv, and then in Novgorod. Power was strengthened by the Christian religion and its monotheism. The church organization was built on a hierarchical basis. She isbecame a powerful tool for the formation of Russian statehood. In the year of baptism, Joachim the Korsunian (a Byzantine priest) was sent to Novgorod. But, I must say that Christianity did not immediately take root. Many residents were in no hurry to part with the faith of their ancestors. According to archaeological excavations, many pagan rites survived until the 11th-13th centuries. And, for example, Maslenitsa is celebrated today. Although this holiday is given a somewhat Christian coloring.
Yaroslav's activities
After Vladimir became the prince of Kyiv, he sent his son Vysheslav to Novgorod, and after his death - Yaroslav. The name of the latter is associated with an attempt to get rid of the influence of Kyiv. So, in 1014, Yaroslav refused to pay tribute. Vladimir, having learned about this, began to gather a squad, but in the course of preparation he suddenly died. Svyatopolk the Accursed ascended the throne. He killed his brothers: Svyatoslav Drevlyansky and later canonized as saints Gleb and Boris. Yaroslav was in a rather difficult position. On the one hand, he was absolutely not opposed to seizing power in Kyiv. But on the other hand, his squad was not strong enough. Then he decided to address the people of Novgorod with a speech. Yaroslav called on the people to seize Kyiv, thus returning back to himself everything that was taken in the form of tribute. The inhabitants agreed, and after some time in the battle near Lyubech, Svyatopolk was completely defeated and fled to Poland.
Further developments
In 1018, together with the retinue of Boleslav (his father-in-law and the King of Poland)Svyatopolk returned to Russia. In the battle, they thoroughly defeated Yaroslav (he fled with four combatants from the field). He wanted to go to Novgorod and then planned to move to Scandinavia. But the residents did not let him do it. They cut down all the boats, collected money and a new army, enabling the prince to continue to fight. At this time, confident that he was sitting firmly enough on the throne, Svyatopolk quarreled with the Polish king. Deprived of support, he lost the battle on Alta. Yaroslav, after the battle, let the Novgorodians go home, giving them special letters - "Pravda" and "Charter". According to them they had to live. During the following decades, the principality of Novgorod also depended on Kyiv. First, Yaroslav sent his son Ilya as governor. Then he sent Vladimir, who in 1044 founded the fortress. The following year, at his behest, construction began on a new stone cathedral instead of the wooden St. Sophia Cathedral (which burned down). Since that time, this temple has symbolized Novgorodian spirituality.
State system
It took shape gradually. There are two periods in history. In the first there was a feudal republic, where the prince ruled. And in the second - the management belonged to the oligarchy. During the first period, all the main organs of state power existed in the Novgorod principality. The Boyar Council and the Veche were considered the highest institutions. The executive power was vested in the thousand and princely courts, the posadnik, elders, volosts and volost administrators. Veche had a specialmeaning. It was considered the supreme power and had more power here than in other principalities. The veche resolved issues of a domestic and foreign policy nature, expelled or elected a ruler, townsman and other officials. It was also the highest court. Another body was the Council of Boyars. The entire city government system was concentrated in this body. The Council was attended by eminent boyars, elders, thousands, posadniks, the archbishop and the prince. The power of the ruler himself was significantly limited in functions and volume, but at the same time, of course, it occupied a leading place in the governing bodies. At first, the candidacy of the future prince was discussed at the Council of Boyars. After that, he was invited to sign a treaty letter. It regulated the legal and state status and duties of the authorities in relation to the ruler. The prince lived with his court on the outskirts of Novgorod. The ruler had no right to legislate, to declare war or peace. Together with the mayor, the prince commanded the army. The existing restrictions did not allow the rulers to gain a foothold in the city and put them in a controlled position.
