The principality of Kiev, whose geographical location we will consider further, existed from 1132 to 1471. Its territory included the lands of the Polyans and Drevlyans along the Dnieper River and its tributaries - the Pripyat, Teterev, Irpen and Ros, as well as part of the left bank.
Kiev principality: geographical location
This territory bordered on the Polotsk land in the northwestern part, and Chernihiv was located in the northeast. Western and southwestern neighbors were Poland and the Principality of Galicia. The city, built on the hills, was ideally located militarily. Speaking about the peculiarities of the geographical position of the Kyiv principality, it should be mentioned that it was well protected. Not far from it were the cities of Vruchiy (or Ovruch), Belgorod, and Vyshgorod - all of them had good fortifications and controlled the territory adjacent to the capital, which provided additional protection from the western and southwestern sides. From the southern part, it was covered by a system of forts built along the banks of the Dnieper, and nearby well-defended cities on the Ros River.
Kiev principality: characteristics
This principality should be understood as a state formation in Ancient Russia, which existed from the 12th to the 15th century. Kyiv was the political and cultural capital. It was formed from the separated territories of the Old Russian state. Already in the middle of the 12th century. the power of the princes from Kyiv had significant significance only within the borders of the principality itself. All-Russian significance was lost by the city, and the rivalry for control and power lasted until the invasion of the Mongols. The throne passed in an incomprehensible order, and many could claim it. And also, to a large extent, the possibility of gaining power depended on the influence of the strong boyars of Kyiv and the so-called "black hoods".
Public and economic life
Location near the Dnieper has played a big role in economic life. In addition to communication with the Black Sea, he brought Kyiv to the B altic, which was helped by the Western Dvina and the Berezina. The Desna and the Seim ensured communication with the Don and Oka, and the Western Bug and Pripyat with the Neman and Dniester basins. Here was the so-called route "from the Varangians to the Greeks", which was a trade route. Thanks to fertile soils and a mild climate, agriculture developed intensively; cattle breeding, hunting were widespread, the inhabitants were engaged in fishing and beekeeping. Crafts were divided early in these parts. "Woodworking" played a rather significant role, as well as pottery and leather crafts. Due to the presence of depositsiron, the development of blacksmithing was possible. Many types of metals (silver, tin, copper, lead, gold) were delivered from neighboring countries. Thus, all this influenced the early formation of trade and craft relations in Kyiv and the cities adjacent to it.
Political history
As the capital loses its all-Russian significance, the rulers of the strongest principalities begin to send their proteges - "handmaids" to Kyiv. The precedent of 1113, in which, bypassing the accepted order of succession to the throne, Vladimir Monomakh was invited, the boyars subsequently used to justify their right to choose a strong and pleasing ruler. The principality of Kiev, whose history is characterized by civil strife, turned into a battlefield, where cities and villages suffered significant damage, were ruined, and the inhabitants themselves were captured. Kyiv saw the time of stability during the reigns of Vladimir Monomakh, Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich Chernigov, and Roman Mstislavovich Volynsky. Other princes who quickly replaced each other remained more colorless for history. The principality of Kiev suffered greatly, the geographical position of which allowed it to defend itself well for a long time, during the Mongol-Tatar invasion in 1240.
Fragmentation
The Old Russian state initially included tribal principalities. However, the situation has changed. Over time, when the local nobility began to be forced out thanks to the Rurik family, they beganprincipalities were formed, which were ruled by representatives from the younger line. The established order of succession to the throne has always caused discord. In 1054, Yaroslav the Wise and his sons began to divide the principality of Kiev. Fragmentation was an inevitable consequence of these events. The situation escalated after the Lyubechensky Cathedral of Princes in 1091. However, the situation improved thanks to the policies of Vladimir Monomakh and his son Mstislav the Great, who managed to maintain integrity. They were able to once again put the Kiev Principality under control of the capital, the geographical position of which was quite favorable for protection from enemies, and for the most part only internal strife spoiled the position of the state.
With the death of Mstislav in 1132, political fragmentation set in. However, despite this, Kyiv for several decades retained the status of not only a formal center, but also the most powerful principality. His influence has not completely disappeared, but has significantly weakened compared to the situation at the beginning of the 12th century.
