Foreign and domestic policy of Rurik. The birth of Kievan Rus.

Rurik (reign of 862-879) is a famous Slavic prince who has Varangian roots. The founder of the Rurik dynasty, who ruled Russia for many centuries. One of the most mysterious historical figures: many facts from his biography are still a mystery behind seven seals.

Childhood and youth

The exact date of birth of the prince is unknown. Many historians suggest that this happened between 806 and 808 in the Baltic town of Rarog. Danish king Gottfried, who attacked these lands, hung his father Rurik - Prince Godoljub. His mother, Umila, daughter of Gostomysl, left her home with her young children and fled to a foreign land. When the future prince grew up, he, along with his brother, received baptism at the court of the Frankish king, received from him in reward titles and lands. In fact, he became the ruler of the territories along the Elbe, still owned by his father, but only on the rights of a vassal.

At that time, the Franks Empire was tormented by internecine strife. As a result of regular military conflicts, Rurik lost his lands. Offended by the king, he went into the Varangian squad. Since then, he hated everything that was associated with this man and the state that he ruled. In disgrace, the prince was even a religion professed by the Franks. Being baptized, Rurik inflicted in every way the relics of faith, therefore in the people he was nicknamed "the plague of Christianity".

Origin

Rurik (the years of government 862-879) left a notable mark in history. But even those who consider him a real person, are not really aware of the origin of this man. Historians who support the Norman theory say: Rurik and his wife are pure-blooded Vikings who came from Scandinavia. In order to prove their rightness, they pay attention to the etymology of the prince's name, associating it with the Latin "rex" - the king, the ruler. And, perhaps, it really is, because in our days the name Rurik is widely spread in Scandinavian countries: Sweden and Finland.

Adherents of the West Slavic theory believe that the roots of Rurik originate from the tribe of the obedrites, who called themselves rregami - falcons. And refer to the "Tale of Bygone Years", in which it is written: in 862 the Krivichi and the Ilmen Slavs failed to agree among themselves and choose a single ruler. To avoid unnecessary bloodshed, they turned to their Slavic brother Rurik. Together with his brothers he came to Novgorod and ascended to the throne: Rurik's foreign and domestic policy was of a military nature. Some historians claim that the prince began to rule with Staraya Ladoga, and Novgorod was built by him only a few years later. This theory is confirmed by the archaeological find "Ryurikovo hillfort".

Domestic policy of Rurik (briefly)

In such a difficult matter as the management of a great power, the prince did his main accent on strengthening his lands, gaining authority and respect. He was really feared and revered, because in the representation of ordinary people he was a formidable and strict prince, so was Rurik's domestic policy. The table below shows the main directions of the state power of Rurik.

An uninvited guest in the person of Rurik caused dissatisfaction with the local boyars and nobility, who themselves wanted to take the throne. Therefore, outbreaks of uprisings now and then arose in different parts of the principality, but the ruler immediately suppressed insurrections with his mighty hand. He also continued to capture new Russian cities and neighboring tribes: thus Rurik got to as far as Kiev, where Dir and Askold ruled.

Foreign policy

Having come to the capital city of Kiev, the prince was fascinated by his beauty and power. He laid his eyes on the capital of Russia, so the entire foreign policy of Rurik was subsequently directed to capture this tidbit. The table shows us how the so-called personal relations between the prince and Kiev developed.

Rurik's foreign and domestic policies were justified. He was one of the first who spoke about Russia on the world stage.

Unfortunately, Rurik's story ends in 879. Then the baton is picked up by Prince Oleg, nicknamed by the people of the Prophet, who actively inherits the reign of Rurik and embodies all the bold plans of his predecessor.

Followers

Rurik's foreign and domestic policy was aimed at strengthening the power of all the Russian lands included in the principality. Already by 870, two unions had been created: the Southern Union - led by Kiev, and the North - with the center in Novgorod. In the first city, governed by Askold and Dir, in the second - Rurik. Dying, he gave the reins in the hands of Oleg's distant relative. He also entrusted him custody of his little son Igor, who later became Grand Duke.

Oleg managed to conquer the tribes of ulcers and drevlyane. He annexed Kiev to Russia, establishing there a pagan cult. Then he went to Byzantium and signed a lucrative contract that expanded the sphere of influence and opened up new opportunities for Russian merchants. Russia became a full-fledged partner of the Empire. After Oleg, Rurik's son Igor entered the throne. This period of time was uneasy: revolts and revolts arose. But the prince acted much more rigorously than his predecessor: he constantly pressed people's speeches, thereby strengthening centralized power.

Rurik: role in history

During his reign, the Russian lands have significantly expanded at the expense of the conquered Finnish territories. The composition of Russia also included tribes of the Eastern Slavs. Now all these peoples had a common religion, language and culture, traditions and customs. This was the first impetus to unite these communities in a single state with a full ruler and a clear hierarchy. Rurik did not become such a ruler. But he created all the conditions for the embodiment of this dream into reality. It was with him that the creation of Kievan Rus began, the construction of large cities within its borders, and the improvement of the life of the common people. Rurik's foreign and domestic policies flourished. From it started the history of the glorious Rurikovich family - the first dynasty of autocrats in the history of Russia.

Rurik's life is the story of the success of a simple man, a stranger who not only seized power, but also managed to hold it in his hands, to strengthen the state's influence on the political map of the world. It was this prince who laid the foundation for a powerful and powerful power, which Russia is to this day.