Vladimir Krasnoe Solnyshko

The end of the seventies of the 10th century was marked by the arrival of the youngest son of Svyatoslav, Vladimir, to the prince's throne in Kiev. Personal qualities of the new ruler, his character attracted people to him. During his reign, he was able to talk with ordinary people, took care of the sick, distributed gifts, without being distinguished at the same time and being sometimes arrogant and unjust. For the broad soul, his hospitality, along with educational, creative and commanding activities, the ruler received the nickname "Red Sun". The younger son of Svyatoslav became a hero of epic tales and legends.

Vladimir Krasnoe Solnyshko, whose biography is full of various events, ruled for almost forty years. The main event throughout his reign is, of course, the acceptance of Christianity and the Baptism of Rus. It happened in 988.

Having ascended to the throne, Prince Vladimir Krasnoe Solnyshko began to think about strengthening power. He began to build pagan sanctuaries and set up idols everywhere. Being in exile, the Vikings relied on their strength. In addition, the Slavs at that time, revering the gods of Perun, Simargla, Veles and others, lived according to the laws of paganism.

In the first ten years, Vladimir Krasnoe Solnyshko installed a wooden idol in front of the prince's palace, the main god, in his opinion, the god Perun. According to annalistic evidence, idolatry was most widely spread precisely at the beginning of the reign of the young ruler.

In order to strengthen the state, Vladimir Krasnoe Solnyshko made a large number of campaigns to neighboring territories. After the war was declared to the Polish Slavs, the young ruler captured some fortified cities and annexed Chervonnaya Rus (Prykarpattya). After, going to the north-east, he pacified those who did not want to pay tribute to the Vyatichi. From there, Vladimir Krasnoe Solnyshko went to the north-west, on the territory of the ancient tribe of Lithuanians - Yatvingians.

There are several evidences of how and where the baptism of the ruler of Kievan Rus passed. According to one source, this event occurred in Kiev itself, according to others - in the city of Vasilev (in the Kiev region).

Some evidence refers to Korosten (Chersonese) as the city of Vladimir's baptism. On these territories the Russian ruler organized another expedition. In those days, this Crimean fortress belonged to Byzantium and resisted the invasion of Vladimir long enough. According to legend, the ruler of Russia made a vow to be baptized in case the fortress was taken by him. After a long resistance the inhabitants of Korosteni had to surrender. However, this was not enough for the Kiev prince.

After the capture of the fortress, Vladimir sends a warning to Constantinople, ruling then Constantine and Basil, that he is ready to go to the capital of Byzantium. At the same time, the Russian prince agreed to peace, in case he married Anna, the sister of Byzantine rulers. However, the brothers found it improper to extradite their Christian sister for an idolater, which they hinted at diplomatically about the prince, offering to accept Christianity. Together with the acceptance of their faith, Byzantine rulers promised to give Anna. The Russian prince went to such conditions.

After his baptism, Vladimir baptized his children, a large number of noble and ordinary Kievites. He ordered the idols to be thrown into the Dnieper.

Over the next 25 years, more than 300 Orthodox churches were built on the territory of Kievan Rus, which became centers of spreading the culture of Christianity.

Together with Orthodoxy came to Russia and writing, and book enlightenment. After baptism in the state there are schools in which priests teach.

The further rule of Vladimir was connected with the safe existence and unity of Kievan Rus. They made trips to the territory of the North Caucasus, to the Caspian Sea, to the Volga. Defensive lines were erected on the new borders of the state, cities, fortresses, signal towers, earthen ramparts were built. Thus, fortresses were built on the Trubezh, Desna and other rivers.

The Kiev prince Vladimir died in Berestov, on July 15, 1015, from a sudden illness, without choosing an heir to the throne.