Vladimir Monomakh: the reign of Kievan Rus

The Kiev Grand Duke Vsevolod wanted after his grand duchy to be ruled by his son, as history says. Vladimir Monomakh, however, did not want the outbreak of civil strife and voluntarily abandoned the throne, transferring it to his cousin Svyatopolk II Izyaslavich. He went with him on campaigns against the Polovtsians and supported his rule. However, Vsevolod's will was destined to come true. Svyatopolk died in 1113.

The beginning of the reign

After the death of Svyatopolk, the people raised an uprising against usurers. The noble elite of Kiev urged Vladimir to reign in the hope of ending riots and trouble. He agreed and, as expected, suppressed the insurrection. Then the new ruler of Kiev decided to understand the reasons for the discontent of the people. He acted as a reconciler of the contradictions of different social strata of the population. At his will, a number of rules concerning the debt law were regulated.

Vladimir Monomakh issued a charter, thanks to which the situation of the poor class of people was much improved - the tyranny of the usurers was banned, enslavement due to debts was terminated. For many years the Kyivans wanted to see him as the prince of Kiev, and their expectations were justified.

Vladimir Monomakh: the years of government

From 1067 and 1078 he became Prince of Smolensk and Chernigov, respectively. He was also a writer, a military leader. Prince Vladimir Monomakh, whose reign is 1113 - 1125, ruled the state for 12 years. His mother was a Greek. Anna (Maria) Konstantinovna was the daughter of the Emperor of Byzantium Constantine IX Monomakh, hence the nickname of the great Prince of Kiev. Vladimir's rule was marked by the political and economic strengthening of Russia, a flourishing in the field of literature and culture. This was the time of the construction of churches, the creation of chronicle arches, the Pechersk Paterik began to be written, including the lives of many Russian princes. During this period, Daniel describes his journey to Jerusalem.

Vladimir Monomakh was a well-rounded and educated man, he had a penchant for literary activity. In his "Instruction" Prince of Kiev left wise advice to his descendants, he condemned the internecine strife and called for unity and be one unshakable people. He did not forget about the legislative work and after Yaroslav the Wise he finished it.

The family of the prince

Historians suggest that only Vladimir had three wives. He also had ten sons. He bequeathed the youngest, who was called Mstislav Udaloy, he ruled for seven years. Vladimir Monomakh, whose reign was marked by a notable rise in the life of the whole people, was one of the last rulers under which Rus was united. His sons won many victories and made successful campaigns, were brave warriors and captured cities. These exploits glorified the prince throughout Europe. Vladimir Monomakh, whose portrait is presented below, has always stood up for the people, for which the latter greatly respected him.

Board Policy

Vladimir Monomakh, whose reign became one of the quietest for the state, has always been for the maintenance of peace and against civil strife. As a wise man, he understood that internal disagreements only harm the state. However, in his efforts to keep the peace, he was often at the center of controversy. In 1078, he was a participant in the battle on Nezhatina Niva during the resolution of the internecine dispute, the reason for which was his father's ascension to the throne.

After that Vladimir became Prince of Chernigov. Then he transferred the city to Oleg Svyatoslavovich, who wanted to attack and organize a battle. But Vladimir left Chernigov and moved to Pereslavl. Here the people were very pleased with his principality, since in his person he received protection from the excesses of the Polovtsians. Later Pereslavl was transferred to his younger brother Rostislav, and Vladimir himself moved to Smolensk. He always tried to maintain peace with the princes of specific lands, helped them to resist external enemies, was among the initiators and an active participant in the congresses.

Undoubtedly, Vladimir Monomakh, whose years of government were among the most successful, was determined and wise, he was aware of the need to avoid strife and internecine disputes. Also the prince was cruel, but fair. He did not tolerate arbitrary rulers who threatened to shake the borders of Russia. He did not hesitate a bit and cut short the aggression on the part of both external and internal enemies. Other rulers feared him - the Greek emperor, realizing the growing power of Kievan Rus, presented gifts to Vladimir, among them - the scepter, hat, ancient barms and power. These objects also began to symbolize the reign in the future.

Board result

Thanks to the reign of Monomakh, Russia grew stronger, its authority increased in the eyes of other states. Many Kyivites hoped that Vladimir's reforms would affect the succession system. However, as a wise ruler, Monomakh saw what could follow such changes in the state system - a series of wars and a struggle between all the princes who would not want to lose the right to take over the government.

Vladimir lived 73 years. In 1125, on May 19, he went to church on the bank of the River Alt. It was once built by his own order. He died at the entrance to his beloved church. At the same place, Prince Boris was once killed. The great ruler in the Kiev-Sophia cathedral was buried.