For Russia at the end of the 11th and the first quarter of the 12th century, the appearance of such a ruler as Vladimir Monomakh was a salvation in many areas: culture, foreign and domestic policy, and literature. According to the descriptions of eyewitnesses, he was not only a wise statesman, but also a very kind person, although many of his actions are interpreted differently. Vladimir Monomakh, whose foreign policy was distinguished by rather harsh methods, forced all neighboring states to respect the Russian lands he united. Consequently, such a quality as kindness extended only to fellow tribesmen, who, in turn, completely obeyed the will of the Kyiv prince.
Long road to power
The grandson of the famous Yaroslav the Wise, the son of his beloved Vsevolod and (presumably) the daughter of the Emperor of Byzantium Constantine Monomakh, from whom he inherited the nickname, Vladimir Vsevolodovich early began to delve into the intricaciesstate management. In Pereyaslavl-Yuzhny, he began his career as a commander, managing his father's squad. In this capacity, he suffered several defeats on the battlefield. This gave him further experience in warfare and negotiation with the enemy. During the reign of the Smolensk and Chernihiv lands, he gains authority among the population and forms a squad, which is clearly organized and capable.
Already at this stage, one can see a commitment to the idea of feudal division with the common interests of all Russian lands, which will be further implemented by the future Kyiv prince Vladimir Monomakh. His foreign policy consists in the strict suppression of encroachments on subordinate territories by both steppe nomads and influential states, even such as Byzantium. After the death of his father, who ruled Kyiv, he could have seized power by force, but he made the wise decision to follow the order of succession created by Yaroslav the Wise and not to inflame the already complicated relations between the prince-brothers. According to the principle of seniority, Svyatopolk began to rule the Kyiv lands, and Vladimir received Pereyaslavl as reigning. At this time, he actively supported his cousin. The congresses of the ruling Russian princes have become a tradition, at which common problems were discussed and joint actions were agreed to defend the state from the Polovtsian raids.
Foreign and domestic policy during the reign of Vladimir Monomakh
From 1113, after the death of Svyatopolk, Vladimir Monomakhis called to the Kyiv lands, but the principle of seniority is violated, Oleg should become the next prince. In the future, this circumstance will significantly complicate relations between relatives and lead to war. The reign of his predecessor caused widespread discontent, especially among the poor. The unrest that arose over this turned into turmoil, which was quickly suppressed by the new Kyiv prince Vladimir Monomakh.
The policy of Vladimir Monomakh can be traced quite clearly. This is the unification of all the scattered Slavic lands under the rule of one ruler. The principalities ruled by his brothers and sons must be strictly subordinate to Kyiv in the economic and political field. The unification of the Russian lands led to a significant increase in the military power of the state and its formation as a European power, which other peoples could not ignore. The policy of the ruler Vladimir Monomakh inside the country was tough in relation to the princes, whose power he limited and provided some indulgences to the working people. His "Charter" was aimed at supporting artisans, smerds, who ensured the economic stability of the country with their work.
On the other hand, the prince acted tough on the battlefield as well. The Polovtsians for a long time frightened their children with his name (Vladimir Monomakh). The foreign policy of his reign is defined as the conduct of constant bloody wars aimed at maintaining the authority of the state and protecting its borders. He wages a constant struggle with the steppes, wins many victories and concludes peace treaties. From 1116 raidsPolovtsy to Russia completely stop. The foreign policy of Vladimir Monomakh towards Byzantium also has an aggressive character. Since 1116, he has been at war with the Greeks, capturing several cities on the Danube. The result of the campaign is a peace concluded in 1123. Monomakh's granddaughter becomes the wife of the Byzantine emperor. At the same time, peace treaties are signed in parallel, and dynastic marriages are concluded with the rulers of many European states (Hungary, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway).
Cultural Heritage
During the formation of Russia as a single state, there is a fairly low standard of living of the population. In fact, the lands inhabited by Slavic tribes continue to exist in the primitive system. The level of culture of medieval European countries at that time was much higher, but Vladimir Monomakh, whose foreign policy implied integration into Europe, very quickly brought the country to a new stage of development, without losing the originality of the Slavic values that exist today. His reign was marked by the construction of many churches and temples, the development of writing and literature, architecture and architecture.
Historical value
In 1125 Vladimir Monomakh died. None of the previous and subsequent rulers received such praise in the annals and folk tales. He became famous as a wise and just prince,a talented and successful commander, an educated, intelligent and kind person. His activities to unite the Russian lands and suppress internecine wars are the basis for the formation of a strong and united state, which for the first time entered the international level as a reliable partner and formidable enemy.
