Formation of the Old Russian State

According to some researchers, the formation of the Old Russian state was the result of the unification of the East Slavic tribes. However, there were disputes between many historians on the question of the formation of the state. This is due to the so-called "Norman theory" that arose about 200 years ago.

In the oldest chronicles, the year 862 is referred to as the time of calling the Varangian princes with Rurik, who dominated them, to the Slavic lands. This need arose in connection with the spread of internal strife. Residents of Scandinavia (princes of the Varangians) are called in some sources "northern people" - Normans.

Discussions about their vocation began in the 18th century after the founding of the Academy of Sciences and the reorganization of Peter the Great. At that time, Schlezer, Miller and Bayer were invited to the service of the St. Petersburg Academy and became the founders of the assumption of the formation of the Old Russian state. "Norman theory" suggested that the statehood was brought by the Scandinavians. Thus, the state was formed not by the Slavs, but by the princes-Varangians. At the same time, another, "antinorman assumption" began to spread. Its founders, Lomonosov and Trediakovsky, argued that the formation of the Old Russian state is a merit of the Slavs.

To one degree or another, most of the historians in the 19th century were supporters of the assumption of the formation of the power by the Varangians. However, the historical science of the 20th century subjected the Norman theory to serious criticism. As a result, today most of the history researchers do not deny some influence of the Normans on the formation of Russian statehood, however, the degree of this influence is not exaggerated.

In the East Slavic tribes, the leaders were called princes. Pedigree of kings and princes of the state was conducted from the prince of Varangians Rurik.

After the death of Rurik, who reigned in Novgorod, the Varangians came to the Dnieper. The first real ruler of Ancient Russia was Oleg. Reliable information about him has been preserved. Oleg began to unite the lands of the Slavic tribes. In 882 he captured Kiev, killing the princes in him Dir and Askold. Having made the capital of the city, Oleg called it "the mother of Russian cities." Thus, the formation of the Old Russian state Kievan Rus took place.

During the reign of Oleg had several successful battles with the mighty Byzantium, twice he went on campaigns to Constantinople. As a result of this activity in 907 and 911, Russia concluded advantageous peace agreements.

The formation of the Old Russian state continued even after Igor ascended to the throne after Oleg. According to some sources, he was the son of Rurik. During the reign of Igor continued the inclusion in the Kievan Rus of various tribal formations. So, he contributed to the birth of Russian settlements on the peninsula of Tamansky, subordinated to the villagers. In addition, Igor was very active in foreign policy Oleg. After military campaigns against Byzantium, he concluded a mutually beneficial agreement with her in 944. One of the first princes, Igor collided with the Turkic people's group - Pechenegs.

The first ruler, known history, was Olga, the widow of Prince Igor. Princess managed to retain power not only over Kiev, but over all of Russia. During the reign of Olga, the Danish duties were strictly regulated.

The formation of the Old Russian state lasted until the reign of Yaroslav (1019-1054). This ruler received the nickname "Wise". Yaroslav united almost all the ancient Russian lands with his power. The prince accepted the "Russian Truth" the first legislative code. During his reign, the state reached its highest power.