The history of Kievan Rus, and then the Russian state, is full of events. Over the centuries, since its founding, this state has constantly expanded and strengthened, despite the incursions of enemies. Many prominent and noble people participated in its management. One of the rulers who influenced the history of the Russian state was Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich. What was this person? What is his biography? What did he achieve during his reign? All these questions can be answered in this article.
The early years of the prince
Yuri was born in Suzdal on November 26, 1188 in the family of Prince Vsevolod Yurievich, nicknamed the Big Nest, and his first wife Maria Vsevolzha. He was the second son of Vsevolod. Rostov priest Luke baptized him in the city of Suzdal. At the end of July 1192, Yuri was mounted on a horse after the so-called rite of tonsure.
At the age of 19, the prince had already begun to participate in campaigns with his brothers against other princes. For example, in 1207 on a campaign against Ryazan, in 1208-1209. - to Torzhok, and in 1209city - against Ryazan residents. In 1211, Yuri marries the daughter of Vsevolod, Prince of Chernigov, Princess Agafia Vsevolodovna. They got married in the Assumption Cathedral in the city of Vladimir.
The family of Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich
Agafya gave birth to a wife of five children. The first-born was Vsevolod, born in 1212 or 1213, the future prince of Novgorod. The second son was Mstislav, who was born after 1213. Then Agafya in 1215 gave birth to a daughter, who was given the name Dobrava. She subsequently married the Prince of Volhynia. After 1218, their third and last son, Vladimir, was born to them. And in 1229, another daughter of Theodora was born. But due to the invasion of the Mongol-Tatars, all the children, except for Dobrava, died in 1238. Thus, Yuri Vsevolodovich, Grand Duke of Vladimir, was left without an heir.
Relationship with brother
Since 1211, Yuri's relationship with his older brother Constantine has become tense. The reason for the conflict and civil strife between the two siblings is the decision of their father Vsevolod to give the city of Vladimir to his second son. After the death of the prince, Konstantin tries to return him to himself. Then the enmity between the brothers begins. Having become the Grand Duke, Yuri Vsevolodovich with his army fought several times with Konstantin and his squad.
But the forces were equal. Therefore, none of them could win. After 4 years, the enmity ends in favor of Constantine. Mstislav took his side, and together they managed to capture the city of Vladimir. Konstantin becomes its owner,but after 2 years (in 1218) he dies. And again the city returns to the possession of Yuri Vsevolodovich. In addition to Vladimir, the prince also receives Suzdal.
Politics of Yury Vsevolodovich
By and large, the policy of Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich of Vladimir-Suzdal was a continuation of his father's policy. He, too, was not a fan of military battles, but tried to have peaceful relations with his neighbors. Prince Yuri preferred more diplomatic negotiations and various tricks that helped to avoid conflicts and strained relations. In this he achieved good results.
Nevertheless, Yuri Vsevolodovich still had to organize military campaigns or participate in battles. For example, in 1220 he sent his army led by Svyatoslav against the Bulgars, who were in the Volga region. The reason for the campaign was the seizure of Russian lands. The princely army reached the Bulgar lands and conquered several villages, and then won the battle with the enemy himself. Prince Yuri receives a proposal for a truce, but only on the third attempt did the Bulgars manage to conclude it. This happened in 1221. Since that time, the Russian princes began to enjoy great influence in the territories adjacent to the Volga and Oka rivers. At the same time, the construction of the city began, which is now known as Nizhny Novgorod.
Later, Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich is fighting the Estonians near Reval. In this he is helped by the Lithuanians, who later outwitted him and began to conquer the lands of Russia, devastating them. At about the same time, the princeto participate in the conflict with the inhabitants of Novgorod, which he successfully resolves.
In 1226, Yuri Vsevolodovich fought with the Mordovian princes for the territory next to the built Nizhny Novgorod. After several of his campaigns, the Mordovian princes attack the city, thereby starting a long-term conflict, which took place with varying success for both sides. But a more serious threat was approaching the Russian lands - the army of the Tatar-Mongols.
Invasion of nomads into Russian lands
Back in 1223, during the Mongol invasion of the northern Black Sea region, the princes of the southern Russian lands turned to Prince Yuri for help. Then he sent his nephew Vasilko Konstantinovich along with the army, but he only managed to reach Chernigov when he learned about the sad result of the battle on the Kalka River.
In 1236, the Tatar-Mongols decide to go to Europe. And they do it through the lands of Russia. At the end of the next year, Batu Khan goes to Ryazan, captures it and moves towards Moscow. After some time, the khan approaches Kolomna, and then Moscow, which he burns. After that, he sends his army to the city of Vladimir. So rather quickly the Mongol-Tatar hordes captured Russian lands.
The death of the prince
Having learned such sad news about the successes of the enemy, Yuri Vsevolodovich, Prince of Vladimir, after a meeting with the boyars, goes beyond the Volga to gather an army for himself. His wife, two sons, daughter and other people close to Yuri remain in Vladimir. In early February, the Mongol-Tatars beginthe siege of the city, which was captured by them on February 7. They break in and burn Vladimir. The family and loved ones of the Prince of Vladimir are dying at the hands of opponents.
Less than a month later, namely on March 4, Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich enters the battle with the enemies. The battle takes place on the river Sit. Unfortunately, this battle ends with the defeat of the Russian army, during which Prince Vladimir himself dies. The headless body of Yuri was found by Bishop Kirill of Rostov, who was returning from Beloozero. He transferred the remains of the prince to the city and buried him. After a while, Yuri's head was also found.
In 1239, the remains of Yuri Vsevolodovich were transferred to Vladimir and buried in the Assumption Cathedral. Thus ended the life of the Russian Grand Duke.
Government results
Historians treat the reign of Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich differently. Some admit that he made a great contribution to the expansion of Russian lands. Others consider his rule to be bad, since he could not protect Russia from the invasion of nomads, thereby allowing them to rule over Russian lands. But at that time, many principalities could not resist the formidable and strong enemy. Do not forget that during the reign of Yuri, several large cities, cathedrals and churches were built. He also led a successful policy until the very invasion, which speaks of his talent and diplomatic skills.
Some facts about Yuri Vsevolodovich
Several interesting facts are connected with the life of Prince Yuri:
- Remarkablethat of the whole family of the prince, his daughter Dobrava lived the longest, because she married the Volyn prince Vasilko in 1226 and lived for 50 years.
- The fortified city of Nizhny Novgorod was built in just one year. Its first settlers were artisans who fled from Novgorod. Yuri Vsevolodovich patronized them, engaging in construction.
- The beginning of the reign of Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich is considered to be 1212, although in 1216 it was interrupted and continued in 1218 until his death in 1238.
- Although the prince preferred diplomatic negotiations to military actions, nevertheless he personally participated in 6 campaigns: in 1221 against the Volga Bulgaria, in 1224 against the Novgorod land, in 1226 against the Chernigov principality, in 1229 1231 again against the Principality of Chernigov and finally in 1238 against the Mongol-Tatars.
- According to one chronicler, Yuri Vsevolodovich was a pious person, he always tried to follow God's commandments, respected priests, built churches, did not pass by the poor, was generous and had good qualities.
- In 1645, Prince Yuri was canonized for his contribution to the development of the Christian faith in Russia, as well as for mercy towards his enemies.
