To really understand history well, you need to mentally imagine the era of interest, the spirit of its time and the main characters. Today we will make a short trip to medieval Russia through the picturesque lands of Galicia and Volhynia.
What is it, Russia of the 12th-13th centuries?
First of all, it is divided into small states, each of which lives according to its own laws and has its own ruler (prince). This phenomenon was called the feudal fragmentation of Russia. In each principality, people speak a certain dialect of the Russian language, which depends on the geographical location of the territory.
The structure of the feudal society of Russia is also interesting. Historians distinguish two classes - the ruling elite, consisting of the nobility (influential boyars), and the estate of dependent peasants. For some reason, the latter always turned out to be much more.
Representatives of another class lived in large cities - artisans. These people had a remarkable ability to create authentic things. Thanks to them, Gzhel painting and wood carving appeared, known not only inRussia, but also abroad. In a few words, we talked about medieval Russia, then there will be only the history of the Galicia-Volyn principality.
Lands that make up the Principality
The young state, the development of which began under the Grand Duke Roman Mstislavovich, consisted of different lands. What were these territories? The state included the Galician, Volyn, Lutsk, Polissya, Kholmsky, Zvenigorod and Terebovlya lands. As well as part of the territories of modern Moldova, Transcarpathia, Podolia and Podlyashya.
Like a variety of puzzles, these plots of land succinctly formed the Galicia-Volyn principality (the geographical location and neighboring countries of the young state will be described in the next chapter).
Principality location
In the south-west of Russia lies the Galicia-Volyn principality. The geographical position of the new association was obviously advantageous. It combined three aspects:
- being in the center of Europe;
- comfortable climate;
- fertile land that consistently produces good harvests.
The good location meant a variety of neighbors, but not all of them were friendly to the young state.
In the east, the young tandem had a long border with Kyiv and the Turov-Pinsk principality. Relations between the fraternal peoples were friendly. And herecountries in the west and north did not particularly favor the young state. Poland and Lithuania always wanted to control Galicia and Volyn, which they eventually achieved in the 14th century.
In the south, the state was adjacent to the Golden Horde. Relations with the southern neighbor were always difficult. This is due to serious cultural differences and the presence of disputed territories.
Brief historical background
The Principality arose in 1199, under the confluence of two circumstances. The first was quite logical - the proximity of two culturally close territories (Galicia and Volhynia) and unfriendly neighboring countries (Polish Kingdom and the Golden Horde). The second is the emergence of a strong political figure - Prince Roman Mstislavovich. The wise ruler was well aware that the larger the state, the easier it is for him to resist a common enemy, and culturally close peoples will get along in one state. His plan paid off, and at the end of the 12th century a new formation appeared.
Who weakened the young state? Natives of the Golden Horde were able to shake the Galicia-Volyn principality. The development of the state ended at the end of the 14th century.
Wise rulers
During the 200 years of the existence of the state, different people have been in power. Wise princes are a real find for Galicia and Volhynia. So, who managed to bring calm and peace to this long-suffering territory? Who were these people?
- Yaroslav Vladimirovich Osmomysl, the predecessor of Roman Mstislavovich, was the first to come to the territories in question. Was able to successfully establish itself at the mouth of the Danube.
- RomanMstislavovich - unifier of Galicia and Volhynia.
- Danila Romanovich Galitsky is the native son of Roman Mstislavovich. He again brought together the lands of the Galicia-Volyn principality.
Subsequent rulers of the principality were less strong-willed. In 1392, the Galicia-Volyn principality ceased to exist. The princes were unable to resist external opponents. As a result, Volyn became Lithuanian, Galicia went to Poland, and Chervona Rus - to the Hungarians.
Specific people created the Galicia-Volyn principality. The princes, whose achievements are described in this chapter, contributed to the prosperity and victories of the young state in the south-west of Russia.
Neighbour relations and foreign policy
Influential countries surrounded the Galicia-Volyn principality. The geographical position of the young state meant conflicts with neighbors. The nature of foreign policy strongly depended on the historical period and the specific ruler: there were bright campaigns of conquest, there was also a period of forced cooperation with Rome. The latter was carried out in order to protect against the Poles.
The aggressive campaigns of Roman Mstislavovich and Danila Galitsky made the young state one of the strongest in Eastern Europe. The unifying prince pursued a wise foreign policy towards Lithuania, the Kingdom of Poland and Hungary. He managed to extend his influence to Kievan Rus in 1202-1203. As a result, the people of Kiev had no choice but to accept a new ruler.
No less interesting is the political triumphDanila Galitsky. When he was a child, chaos reigned in the territory of Volhynia and Galicia. But, having matured, the young heir followed in the footsteps of his father. Under Danil Romanovich, the Galicia-Volyn principality reappeared. The prince significantly expanded the territory of his state: he annexed the eastern neighbor and part of Poland (including the city of Lublin).
Unique culture
History impartially shows that each influential state creates its own authentic culture. It is by her that people recognize him.
The cultural features of the Galicia-Volyn principality are very diverse. We will look at the architecture of medieval cities.
Stone cathedrals and castles characterize the Galicia-Volyn principality (Novgorod Land was rich in similar buildings). In the 12th-13th centuries, a unique architectural school was formed in the lands of Galicia and Volhynia. She absorbed both the traditions of Western European masters and the techniques of the Kyiv school. Local craftsmen created such architectural masterpieces as the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir-Volynsky and the Church of St. Panteleimon in Galich.
An interesting state in the south of Russia - the Galicia-Volyn Principality (we already know its geographical position) has gone down in history forever. A peculiar history and picturesque nature invariably attract lovers to explore the world.
