The first ruler in Russia. Grand Dukes of Ancient Russia and the Russian Empire

All the supreme rulers in Russia put a lot into its development. Thanks to the power of the ancient Russian princes, the country was built, territorially expanded, and provided with protection to fight the enemy. Many buildings were built, which today have become an international historical and cultural landmark. Russia was replaced by a dozen rulers. Kievan Rus finally disintegrated after the death of Prince Mstislav.
The collapse took place in 1132. Separate, independent states were formed. All territories have lost their value.

Princes of Russia in chronological order

The first princes in Russia (the table is presented below) appeared thanks to the Rurik dynasty.

Prince Rurik

Rurik ruled the Novgorodians near the Varangian Sea. Therefore, he had two names: Novgorod, Varangian. After the death of his brothers, Rurik remained the only ruler in Russia. He was married to Efanda. His assistants. They looked after the economy, arranged courts.
The reign of Rurik in Russia fell in the period from 862 to 879. After, he was killed by two brothers Dir and Askold, they took the city of Kyiv into power.

Prince Oleg (Prophetic)

Dir and Askold did not rule for long. Oleg was Efanda's brother, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Oleg was famous throughout Russia for his intelligence, strength, courage, dominance.He captured the city of Smolensk, Lyubech and Constantinople in his possession. He made the city of Kyiv the capital of the Kievan state. Killed Askold and Dir.Igor, became the adopted son of Oleg and his direct heir to the throne.In his state lived the Varangians, Slovaks, Krivichi, Drevlyans, northerners, glades, Tivertsy, streets.

In 909, Oleg met a wise sorcerer who told him:
- You will soon die from a snake bite, because you will abandon your horse. It so happened that the prince abandoned his horse, exchanging it for a new, younger one.
In 912, Oleg learned that his horse had died. He decided to go to the place where the remains of the horse lay.

Oleg asked:
- From this, the horse, I will accept death? And then, a poisonous snake crawled out of the horse's skull. The snake bit him, after which Oleg died. The prince's funeral lasted several days with all honors, because he was considered the most powerful ruler.

Prince Igor

Immediately, after the death of Oleg, the throne was taken by his stepson (Rurik's own son) Igor. The dates of the reign of the prince in Russia vary from 912 to 945. His main task was to preserve the unity of the state. Igor defended his state from the attack of the Pechenegs, who periodically made attempts to take over Russia. All the tribes that were in the state regularly paid tribute.
In 913, Igor married a young Pskovian girl, Olga. He met her by chance in the city of Pskov. During his reign, Igor suffered quite a few attacks and battles. While fighting the Khazars, he lost all his best army. After that, he had to re-create the armed defense of the state.

Princess Saint Olga

After the death of her husband Igor, his wife Olga took the throne. Despite the fact that she was a woman, she was able to manage the entire Kievan Rus. In this not an easy task, she was helped by intelligence, quick wit and masculinity. All the qualities of a ruler gathered in one woman and helped her to cope perfectly with the rule of the state. She took revenge on the greedy Drevlyans for the death of her husband. Their city Korosten soon became part of her possession. Olga is the first of the Russian rulers who converted to Christianity.

Svyatoslav Igorevich

Olga waited a long time for her son to grow up. And having reached the age of majority, Svyatoslav fully became the ruler in Russia. The years of the reign of the prince in Russia from 964 to 972. Svyatoslav, already at the age of three, became the direct heir to the throne. But since he could not physically manage Kievan Rus, his mother, St. Olga, replaced him. All childhood and adolescence, the child learned military affairs. Studied courage, militancy. In 967, his army defeated the Bulgarians. After the death of his mother, in 970, Svyatoslav staged an invasion of Byzantium. But the forces were not equal. He was forced to sign a peace treaty with Byzantium. Svyatoslav had three sons: Yaropolk, Oleg, Vladimir. After Svyatoslav returned back to Kyiv in March 972, the young prince was killed by the Pechenegs. From his skull, the Pechenegs forged a gilded bowl for pies.

After the death of his father, the throne was taken by one of the sons of the prince Ancient Russia(table below) Yaropolk.

Yaropolk Svyatoslavovich

Despite the fact that Yaropolk, Oleg, Vladimir were brothers, they were never friends. Moreover, they were constantly at war with each other.
All three wanted to rule Russia. But Yaropolk won the fight. Sent his siblings out of the country. During the reign, he managed to conclude a peaceful, eternal treaty with Byzantium. Yaropolk wanted to make friends with Rome. Many were not happy with the new ruler. There was a lot of permissiveness. The pagans, together with Vladimir (Yaropolk's brother), successfully seized power into their own hands. Yaropolk had no choice but to flee the country. He began to live in the city of Roden. But some time later, in 980, he was killed by the Vikings. Yaropolk decided to make an attempt to seize Kyiv for himself, but it all ended in failure. During his short reign, Yaropolk failed to make global changes in Kievan Rus, because he was famous for his peacefulness.

Vladimir Svyatoslavovich

Prince Vladimir of Novgorod was the youngest son of Prince Svyatoslav. Ruled by Kievan Rus from 980 to 1015. He was warlike, courageous, possessed all the necessary qualities that the ruler of Kievan Rus should have had. He performed all the functions of a prince in ancient Russia.

During his reign,

• built a defense along the rivers Desna, Trubezh, Sturgeon, Sula.
• There were many beautiful buildings built.
• Made Christianity the state religion.

Thanks to his great contribution to the development and prosperity of Kievan Rus, he received the nickname "Vladimir the Red Sun." He had seven sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Yaroslav, Mstislav, Svyatoslav, Boris, Gleb. He divided his lands equally among all his sons.

Svyatopolk Vladimirovich

Immediately after the death of his father in 1015, he became the ruler of Russia. He was not enough part of Russia. He wanted to take over the entire Kyiv state and decided to get rid of his own brothers. To begin with, on his orders, it was necessary to kill Gleb, Boris, Svyatoslav. But this did not bring him happiness. Without causing the approval of the people, he was expelled from Kyiv. For help in the war with his brothers, Svyatopolk turned to his father-in-law, who was the king of Poland. He helped his son-in-law, but the reign of Kievan Rus did not last long. In 1019 he had to flee from Kyiv. In the same year, he committed suicide, as his conscience tormented him, because he killed his brothers.

Yaroslav Vladimirovich (Wise)

He ruled Kievan Rus in the period from 1019 to 1054. He was nicknamed the Wise, because he had an amazing mind, wisdom, masculinity, inherited from his father. He built two big cities: Yaroslavl, Yuryev. He treated his people with care and understanding. One of the first princes who introduced a code of laws called “Russian Truth” into the state. Following his father, he divided the land equally between his sons: Izyaslav, Svyatoslav, Vsevolod, Igor and Vyacheslav. From birth, he brought up in them peace, wisdom, love of the people.

Izyaslav Yaroslavovich the First

Immediately after the death of his father, he took the throne. He ruled Kievan Rus from 1054 to 1078. The only prince in history who could not cope with his duties. His assistant was his son Vladimir, without whom Izyaslav would have simply ruined Kievan Rus.

Svyatopolk

The spineless prince took over the reign of Kievan Rus immediately after the death of his father Izyaslav. Ruled from 1078 to 1113.
He had a hard time finding mutual language with Old Russian princes (table below). During his reign, there was a campaign against the Polovtsy, in the organization of which Vladimir Monomakh helped him. They won the battle.

Vladimir Monomakh

After the death of Svyatopolk, Vladimir was elected ruler in 1113. He served the state until 1125. Smart, honest, brave, reliable, courageous. It was these qualities of Vladimir Monomakh that helped him rule Kievan Rus and fall in love with the people. He is the last of the princes of Kievan Rus (table below), who managed to preserve the state in its original form.

Attention

All wars with the Polovtsy ended in victory.

Mstislav and the collapse of Kievan Rus

Mstislav is the son of Vladimir Monomakh. He took the throne of the ruler in 1125. He was similar to his father not only outwardly, but also in character, in the way of ruling Russia. The people treated him with respect. In 1134, he handed over the reign to his brother Yaropolk. That served as the development of unrest in the history of Russia. Monomakhovichi lost the throne. But soon there was a complete disintegration of Kievan Rus into thirteen separate states.

The Kyiv rulers did a lot for the Russian people. During their reign, everyone diligently fought against the enemies. There was a development of Kievan Rus as a whole. Many buildings were completed, beautiful buildings, churches, schools, bridges that were destroyed by enemies, and everything was built anew. All the princes of Kievan Rus, the table below, did a lot to make history unforgettable.

Table. Princes of Russia in chronological order

In modern historiography, the title "Kyiv princes" is used to designate a number of rulers of the Kyiv principality and Old Russian state. The classical period of their reign began in 912 with the reign of Igor Rurikovich, who was the first to bear the title of "Grand Duke of Kyiv", and lasted until about the middle of the 12th century, when the collapse of the Old Russian state began. Let's take a brief look at the most prominent rulers during this period.

Oleg the Prophet (882-912)

Igor Rurikovich (912-945) - the first ruler of Kyiv, called the "Grand Duke of Kyiv." During his reign, he conducted a number of military campaigns, both against neighboring tribes (Pechenegs and Drevlyans), and against the Byzantine kingdom. The Pechenegs and the Drevlyans recognized the supremacy of Igor, but the Byzantines, militarily better equipped, put up stubborn resistance. In 944, Igor was forced to sign a peace treaty with Byzantium. At the same time, the terms of the agreement were beneficial for Igor, since Byzantium paid a significant tribute. A year later, he decided to attack the Drevlyans again, despite the fact that they had already recognized his authority and paid tribute to him. Igor's warriors, in turn, got the opportunity to cash in on the robberies of the local population. The Drevlyans ambushed in 945 and, having captured Igor, executed him.

Olga (945-964)- The widow of Prince Rurik, who was killed in 945 by the Drevlyane tribe. She headed the state until her son, Svyatoslav Igorevich, became an adult. It is not known exactly when she transferred power to her son. Olga was the first of the rulers of Russia to accept Christianity, while the whole country, the army and even her son were still pagans. Important facts her reign was to bring to the obedience of the Drevlyans who killed her husband Igor Rurikovich. Olga established the exact amount of taxes that the lands subject to Kyiv had to pay, systematized the frequency of their payment and the timing. Was held administrative reform, dividing the lands subordinate to Kyiv into clearly defined units, each of which was headed by a princely official "tiun". Under Olga, the first stone buildings appeared in Kyiv, Olga's tower and the city palace.

Svyatoslav (964-972)- the son of Igor Rurik and Princess Olga. characteristic feature reign was that Olga actually ruled most of his time, first due to the minority of Svyatoslav, and then because of his constant military campaigns and absence in Kyiv. Assumed power around 950. He did not follow the example of his mother, and did not accept Christianity, which was then unpopular among the secular and military nobility. The reign of Svyatoslav Igorevich was marked by a series of continuous conquest campaigns that he carried out against neighboring tribes and state formations. The Khazars, Vyatichi, the Bulgarian kingdom (968-969) and Byzantium (970-971) were attacked. The war with Byzantium brought heavy losses both sides, and ended, in fact, in a draw. Returning from this campaign, Svyatoslav was ambushed by the Pechenegs and was killed.

Yaropolk (972-978)

Vladimir the Saint (978-1015) – Kyiv prince, best known for the baptism of Rus. He was a prince of Novgorod from 970 to 978, when he seized the throne of Kyiv. During his reign, he continuously conducted campaigns against neighboring tribes and states. He conquered and annexed to his state the tribes of the Vyatichi, Yatvyag, Radimichi and Pechenegs. Spent a number government reforms aimed at strengthening the power of the prince. In particular, he began minting a single state coin, replacing the previously used Arab and Byzantine money. With the help of invited Bulgarian and Byzantine teachers, he began to spread literacy in Russia, forcibly sending children to study. He founded the cities of Pereyaslavl and Belgorod. The main achievement is the baptism of Russia, carried out in 988. The introduction of Christianity as state religion also contributed to the centralization of the Old Russian state. The resistance of various pagan cults, then widespread in Russia, weakened the power of the Kyiv throne and was brutally suppressed. Prince Vladimir died in 1015 during another military campaign against the Pechenegs.

SvyatopolkCursed (1015-1016)

Yaroslav the Wise (1016-1054) is the son of Vladimir. He feuded with his father and seized power in Kyiv in 1016, driving his brother Svyatopolk away. The reign of Yaroslav is represented in history by traditional raids on neighboring states and internecine wars with numerous relatives who claimed the throne. For this reason, Yaroslav was forced to temporarily leave the throne of Kyiv. He built the churches of Hagia Sophia in Novgorod and Kyiv. It is dedicated to her main temple in Constantinople, so the fact of such a construction spoke of the equality of the Russian church with the Byzantine one. As part of the confrontation with the Byzantine Church, he independently appointed the first Russian Metropolitan Hilarion in 1051. Yaroslav also founded the first Russian monasteries: the Kiev Caves Monastery in Kyiv and the Yuryev Monastery in Novgorod. For the first time he codified feudal law by issuing a code of laws "Russian Truth" and a church charter. He did a great job of translating Greek and Byzantine books into Old Russian and Church Slavonic, constantly spending large sums for new books. He founded a large school in Novgorod, in which the children of elders and priests learned to read and write. He strengthened diplomatic and military ties with the Varangians, thus securing the northern borders of the state. He died in Vyshgorod in February 1054.

SvyatopolkCursed (1018-1019)- secondary interim rule

Izyaslav (1054-1068)- son of Yaroslav the Wise. According to his father's will, he sat on the throne of Kyiv in 1054. Throughout almost the entire reign, he was at enmity with his younger brothers Svyatoslav and Vsevolod, who sought to seize the prestigious Kyiv throne. In 1068, the troops of Izyaslav were defeated by the Polovtsians in a battle on the Alta River. This led to the Kyiv uprising in 1068. At the veche meeting, the remnants of the defeated militia demanded that they be given weapons in order to continue the fight against the Polovtsy, but Izyaslav refused to do this, which forced the people of Kiev to revolt. Izyaslav was forced to flee to the Polish king, his nephew. With the military assistance of the Poles, Izyaslav regained the throne for the period 1069-1073, was again overthrown, and in last time ruled from 1077 to 1078.

Vseslav Charodey (1068-1069)

Svyatoslav (1073-1076)

Vsevolod (1076-1077)

Svyatopolk (1093-1113)- the son of Izyaslav Yaroslavich, before taking the throne of Kyiv, he periodically headed the Novgorod and Turov principalities. The beginning of the Kyiv principality of Svyatopolk was marked by the invasion of the Polovtsy, who inflicted a serious defeat on the troops of Svyatopolk in the battle near the Stugna River. This was followed by several more battles, the outcome of which is not known for certain, but in the end, peace was concluded with the Polovtsy, and Svyatopolk took the daughter of Khan Tugorkan as his wife. The subsequent reign of Svyatopolk was overshadowed by the continuous struggle between Vladimir Monomakh and Oleg Svyatoslavich, in which Svyatopolk usually supported Monomakh. Svyatopolk also repelled the constant raids of the Polovtsians led by the khans Tugorkan and Bonyak. He died suddenly in the spring of 1113, possibly by poisoning.

Vladimir Monomakh (1113-1125) was a prince of Chernigov when his father died. He had the right to the throne of Kyiv, but ceded it cousin Svyatopolk, because he did not want war at that time. In 1113, the people of Kiev raised an uprising, and, having thrown Svyatopolk, they invited Vladimir to the kingdom. For this reason, he was forced to accept the so-called "Charter of Vladimir Monomakh", which alleviates the situation of the city's lower classes. The law did not affect the foundations of the feudal system, but regulated the conditions of enslavement and limited the profits of usurers. Under Monomakh, Russia reached the peak of its power. The Minsk principality was conquered, and the Polovtsy were forced to migrate east of the Russian borders. With the help of an impostor who pretended to be the son of a previously murdered Byzantine emperor, Monomakh organized an adventure aimed at placing him on the Byzantine throne. Several Danubian cities were conquered, but success could not be further developed. The campaign ended in 1123 with the signing of peace. Monomakh organized the publication of improved editions of The Tale of Bygone Years, which have survived in this form to this day. Monomakh also created several works on his own: the autobiographical Ways and Fishes, the code of laws “the charter of Vladimir Vsevolodovich” and “Instructions of Vladimir Monomakh”.

Mstislav the Great (1125-1132)- the son of Monomakh, formerly the prince of Belgorod. He ascended the throne of Kyiv in 1125 without resistance from the other brothers. Among the most outstanding deeds of Mstislav, one can name a campaign against the Polovtsians in 1127 and the sacking of the cities of Izyaslav, Strezhev and Lagozhsk. After a similar campaign in 1129, the Principality of Polotsk was finally annexed to the possessions of Mstislav. In order to collect tribute, several campaigns were made in the Baltic states, against the Chud tribe, but they ended in failure. In April 1132, Mstislav died suddenly, but managed to transfer the throne to Yaropolk, his brother.

Yaropolk (1132-1139)- Being the son of Monomakh, he inherited the throne when his brother Mstislav died. At the time of coming to power, he was 49 years old. In fact, he controlled only Kyiv and its environs. By his natural inclinations he was a good warrior, but he did not possess diplomatic and political abilities. Immediately after the assumption of the throne, the traditional civil strife began, connected with the succession to the throne in the Principality of Pereyaslavl. Yuri and Andrei Vladimirovich expelled Vsevolod Mstislavich from Pereyaslavl, who was imprisoned there by Yaropolk. Also, the situation in the country was complicated by the frequent raids of the Polovtsy, who, together with the allied Chernigov, plundered the outskirts of Kyiv. The indecisive policy of Yaropolk led to a military defeat in the battle on the Supoy River with the troops of Vsevolod Olgovich. The cities of Kursk and Posemye were also lost during the reign of Yaropolk. This development of events further weakened his authority, which was used by the Novgorodians, who announced their separation in 1136. The result of the reign of Yaropolk was the actual collapse of the Old Russian state. Formally, only the Principality of Rostov-Suzdal retained submission to Kyiv.

Vyacheslav (1139, 1150, 1151-1154)

Many historians attribute the formation of Kievan Rus as a state to the years of the reign of Prince Oleg - from 882 to 912, but this is not so. Before him, the great princes ruled, who began the Rurik dynasty, which received its name from Rurik, Prince of Novgorod, whom the people of Kyiv called to rule them. He died in 879, and only 3 years later the throne passed to Prophetic Oleg, who raised Rurik's son Igor as his own. It is Igor Rurikovich who is considered the founder of the dynastic family.

This princely family ruled for more than 700 years, distributing Russian cities and small lands among their sons. Some of them built cities, such as Yuri Dolgoruky, who founded Moscow, which still stands as a reminder of the era of Kievan Rus, or Kiy, who gave his name to the future capital of the Rus.

Origins of Kievan Rus

The unification of the lands of the Slavic tribes under the unified rule of Kyiv was not an easy task, since it did not make sense to conquer them, because the great city needed allies, not captives. That is why Rurik and his descendants exempted their neighbors from paying tribute to the Pechenegs, but collected it themselves.

Interestingly, very long time the great princes of Kyiv were elected to the throne by the people and their rule had to justify his trust. This did not prevent representatives of the fertile family tree Rurikovich constantly fight for the throne.

After the death of Prince Oleg, his stepson Igor continued to unite the Slavic tribes under the protection of Kyiv, but the exorbitant tribute that they had to pay eventually led to an uprising of the Drevlyans, who killed the prince. His widow Olga, although she avenged her husband, but, being a fair woman and the first to receive Orthodox baptism, set the amount of tribute that could not be violated.

As a rule, the formation of any state is a matter based on wars and treacherous murders. The Slavic peoples did not pass such acts. The Grand Dukes of Rurikovich were constantly either on campaigns against the Pechenegs or Byzantium, or staged civil strife and killed each other.

The most famous princes of Kievan Rus were either those who committed fratricide for the sake of the throne, or those under whom the state grew stronger and flourished.

Prince Vladimir the Holy

Ancient Russia was often shaken by strife, so the first long peaceful time, when one prince ruled Kyiv, and his sons revered and lived each in his own lot, entered the annals. These were the times of Prince Vladimir, called the Holy people.

Vladimir Svyatoslavovich was the grandson of Igor Rurikovich. From his father, he received Novgorod, which was considered the most unprestigious inheritance, to rule. Yaropolk got Kyiv, and Oleg - all the Drevlyane lands. After the death of Svyatopolk and Oleg, who was forced to flee from the betrayal of his elder brother, Yaropolk annexed the Drevlyansky lands to Kyiv and began to rule alone.

Prince Vladimir, having found out about this, went to war with him, but his elder brother died not from his hand, but from the hand of a servant who betrayed him. Prince Vladimir sat on the throne and even adopted the son of Yaropolk Svyatopolk.

Far from all the great princes of the Rurik family were so concerned for the people as St. Vladimir. Under him, not only schools were built for the children of commoners and a special council was created, which included wise boyars, but fair laws were established, and Orthodoxy was adopted. The baptism of Russia by Vladimir is a significant event, when people came to God not one by one, but by a whole people. The first baptism took place in the waters of the Dnieper and entered the annals along with other good deeds of the Grand Duke of Kyiv.

Prince Svyatopolk

Vladimir the Red Sun had 12 sons and a nephew Svyatopolk. His eldest son Boris was to become his beloved son and heir to the throne, but when the old prince died, he returned from a campaign against the Pechenegs, and Svyatopolk seized power.

In the memory of the people and in the annals of Kyiv, he remained as Svyatopolk I Yaropolchich the Accursed. The prince received such a nickname for the murder of his cousins ​​​​Boris, Gleb and Svyatoslav. He also made an attempt on the life of Yaroslav.

Wanting to personally rule Ancient Russia, Svyatopolk the Accursed committed many betrayals and betrayals, so that when Yaroslav gathered an army and went to Kyiv (for the second time), he had to flee. From fear, his mind was clouded, and he ended his days in the Bohemian wastelands, forever remaining in the memory of his descendants as cursed prince who killed his brothers.

Prince Yaroslav

Yaroslav the Wise was one of the most illustrious sons of Vladimir "Red Sun", who received a high people's appreciation and universal love. He was born approximately between 978 and 987. and at first he was the prince of Rostov, then Novgorod, until in 1019 he took the throne of Kyiv. Disputes about the date of birth of Yaroslav are still ongoing. Since he was the third son of Vladimir the Holy from his marriage to Ragneda, which took place in 976, he could not have been born in 978, as it is customary to indicate in history books. Examination of the prince's remains indicated that at the time of his death he was between 60 and 70 years old, and not 76 years old.

No matter how much Yaroslav the Wise actually lived, he remained in the memory of the people as a fair, intelligent and brave ruler, although his path to the throne was not easy and bloody. The long reign of Prince Yaroslav in Kyiv until his death erased the memories of civil strife between the numerous sons of St. Vladimir, as well as constant military campaigns. His reign was marked by the introduction of a code of laws in public administration, the construction of two great cities - Yaroslavl and Yuryev, and the strengthening of the influence of Kievan Rus on the political European arena. It was he who began to use dynastic marriages as a fastening of military and friendly alliances between powers.

Prince Yaroslav Vladimirovich was buried in St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv.

Prince Izyaslav

The eldest son of Yaroslav the Wise took the throne of Kyiv in 1054, after the death of his father. This is the only Rurik prince who ruled Russia ineptly, spending his efforts not on strengthening the borders and increasing the welfare of the people, as his father did, but on feuds with his younger brothers Svyatoslav and Vsevolod.

Izyaslav I Yaroslavich was overthrown by a people's council and an uprising twice, which in itself speaks of the quality of his government. Each time he returned the throne of Kyiv with the support of the Polish troops. Neither his brothers nor sons made Russia stronger, preferring defense to attack. Until 1113, unrest and the pulling of the throne from one prince to another reigned in the country.

Vladimir Monomakh

The most famous and significant figure on the Kiev throne was Prince Vladimir, who received the nickname Monomakh among the people. At one time, he ceded the Kyiv throne to his cousin Svyatopolk Izyaslavich, but after the death of the latter, at the request of the people, he took it.

Vladimir Monomakh can be compared with the legendary King Arthur. He was so loved and revered by the people for his courage, justice and generosity that songs and epics were composed in his honor long after his death.

During the reign of Vladimir, Kievan Rus became a truly powerful and strong power, with which all neighbors reckoned. He conquered the Principality of Minsk, and the Polovtsy moved away from the borders of Russia for a long time. Vladimir Vsevolodovich not only issued laws that make life easier for ordinary people and reduce taxes from them, but also continued the publication of The Tale of Bygone Years. It is in his interpretation that she has survived to this day. In addition, he himself wrote several works, including an autobiography, a set of laws and teachings from Vladimir Monomakh.

Rurik, son of Prince Rostislav

If in the days of Kievan Rus there was a book where various kinds of records would be entered, then Rurik Rostislavich would definitely be there. The following factors distinguished him from other princes of Kyiv:

• Neither the date of his birth nor the name of his mother is known, which is considered nonsense for the ruling dynasties. It is known for certain that his father was Prince Rostislav Mstislavich of Smolensk.
• He occupied the princely throne in Kyiv 8 times, which in itself speaks either of his stubbornness, or that the people, disliking the prince, overthrew him from the throne every 2-3 years.
• He managed to visit not only the ruler of Russia, but also a monk, which had not happened before him with the princes of Kyiv.
• His reign brought ruin to the capital city as strong as the subsequent attacks of the Mongol army.
• The name of Rurik is associated with both the birth of a dynasty on the throne of Kiev and the fall of a great power.

Rurik Rostislavich remained in the memory of people and chroniclers as a man who ruined Kyiv Orthodox churches worse than barbarians.

Romanov dynasty

If we turn to the history of Kievan Rus, and then the Russian state, we can notice one oddity: members ruling families did not have surnames. The Grand Dukes of the Romanov dynasty began to be so called only from 1917, and until that time all the kings, and later the emperors, were called exclusively by their first name and patronymic.

The Romanov dynasty began in 1613, when the first representative of the boyar family, who had this surname for more than 100 years, ascended the Russian throne. Pyotr Alekseevich Romanov, known in history as Peter I, was the last Russian tsar, becoming the first emperor of Russia.

The direct branch of this family ended with his daughter Elizabeth Petrovna, who did not marry and remained childless, being the sovereign empress of the country. The throne passed to the son of her older sister Anna, forming a completely new dynastic surname of Holstein-Gottorp-Romanovsky.

Thus, Pyotr Alekseevich Romanov was the last direct representative of the male line of this surname. Despite this, Russian emperors all over the world they were perceived as the Romanovs, and after the revolution, the children from the marriages of the descendants of the great royal dynasty left it behind them along with the titles that their ancestors had. She was already called the Grand Dukes by right of birth.

In the vastness of the East European Plain, the Slavs, our direct ancestors, have lived since ancient times. It is still not known exactly when they arrived there. Be that as it may, they soon settled widely throughout the great waterway of those years. Slavic cities and villages arose from the Baltic to the Black Sea. Despite the fact that they were of the same clan-tribe, especially peaceful relations never been between them.

In constant civil strife, the tribal princes were quickly exalted, who soon became Great and began to rule the entire Kievan Rus. These were the first rulers of Russia, whose names have come down to us through an endless series of centuries that have passed since that time.

Rurik (862-879)

There is still fierce debate among scientists about the reality of this historical figure. Either there was such a person, or it is a collective character, the prototype of which was all the first rulers of Russia. Whether he was a Varangian, or a Slav. By the way, we practically do not know who the rulers of Russia were before Rurik, so everything in this matter is based solely on assumptions.

Slavic origin is very likely, since Rurik could have nicknamed him for the nickname Sokol, which was translated from Old Slavonic into Norman dialects exactly as “Rurik”. Be that as it may, but it is he who is considered the founder of the entire Old Russian state. Rurik united (as far as it was possible at all) under his own hand many Slavic tribes.

However, almost all the rulers of Russia were engaged in this business with varying success. It is thanks to their efforts that our country today has such a significant position on the world map.

Oleg (879-912)

Rurik had a son, Igor, but by the time his father died, he was too small, and therefore his uncle, Oleg, became the Grand Duke. He glorified his name with militancy and the luck that accompanied him on the military path. Particularly remarkable is his campaign against Constantinople, which opened up incredible prospects for the Slavs from the emerging opportunities for trade with distant eastern countries. His contemporaries respected him so much that they called him "prophetic Oleg".

Of course, the first rulers of Russia were figures so legendary that we most likely will never know about their real exploits, but Oleg was certainly an outstanding personality.

Igor (912-945)

Igor, the son of Rurik, following the example of Oleg, also repeatedly went on campaigns, annexed a lot of lands, but he was not such a successful warrior, and his campaign against Greece turned out to be completely deplorable. He was cruel, often "ripped off" the defeated tribes to the last, for which he later paid the price. Igor was warned that the Drevlyans did not forgive him, they advised him to take a large squad to the field. He disobeyed and was killed. In general, the series "Rulers of Russia" once told about this.

Olga (945-957)

However, the Drevlyans soon regretted their act. Igor's wife, Olga, first dealt with their two conciliatory embassies, and then burned the main city of the Drevlyans, Korosten. Contemporaries testify that she was distinguished by a rare mind and strong-willed rigidity. During her reign, she did not lose a single inch of land that was conquered by her husband and his ancestors. It is known that in her declining years she converted to Christianity.

Svyatoslav (957-972)

Svyatoslav went to his ancestor, Oleg. He was also distinguished by courage, determination, directness. He was an excellent warrior, tamed and conquered many Slavic tribes, often beat the Pechenegs, for which they hated him. Like other rulers of Russia, he preferred (if possible) to agree "amicably". If the tribes agreed to recognize the supremacy of Kyiv and paid off with tribute, then even their rulers remained the same.

He attached the hitherto invincible Vyatichi (who preferred to fight in their impenetrable forests), beat the Khazars, after which he took Tmutarakan. Despite the small number of his squad, he successfully fought with the Bulgarians on the Danube. Conquered Andrianople and threatened to take Constantinople. The Greeks preferred to pay off with a rich tribute. On the way back, he died along with his retinue on the rapids of the Dnieper, being killed by the same Pechenegs. It is assumed that it was his squads who found the swords and the remains of equipment during the construction of the Dneproges.

General characteristics of the 1st century

Since the first rulers of Russia reigned on the Grand Duke's throne, the era of constant unrest and civil strife gradually began to end. There was a relative order: the princely squad defended the borders from the arrogant and ferocious nomadic tribes, and they, in turn, pledged to help with warriors and paid tribute to the polyud. The main concern of those princes were the Khazars: at that time they were paid tribute (not regular, during the next raid) by many Slavic tribes, which greatly undermined the authority of the central government.

Another problem was the lack of uniformity. The Slavs who conquered Constantinople were viewed with contempt, since at that time monotheism (Judaism, Christianity) was already actively established, and the pagans were considered almost animals. But the tribes actively resisted all attempts to interfere with their faith. "Rulers of Russia" tells about this - the film quite truthfully conveys the reality of that era.

This contributed to the growth in the number of minor troubles within the young state. But Olga, who converted to Christianity and began to promote and condone the construction of Christian churches in Kyiv, paved the way for the baptism of the country. The second century began, in which the rulers of Ancient Russia did many more great deeds.

Vladimir St. Equal to the Apostles (980-1015)

As you know, between Yaropolk, Oleg and Vladimir, who were the heirs of Svyatoslav, there was never brotherly love. Even the fact that the father, during his lifetime, determined his own land for each of them did not help. It ended with the fact that Vladimir destroyed the brothers and began to rule alone.

The ruler in Ancient Russia, recaptured red Russia from the regiments, fought a lot and bravely against the Pechenegs and Bulgarians. He became famous as a generous ruler who did not spare gold for giving gifts to people loyal to him. First, he demolished almost all Christian temples and churches that were built under his mother, and a small Christian community endured constant persecution from him.

But the political situation developed in such a way that the country had to be brought to monotheism. In addition, contemporaries speak of strong feeling, which broke out at the prince to the Byzantine princess Anna. No one would give her away for a pagan. So the rulers of Ancient Russia came to the conclusion that it was necessary to be baptized.

And therefore, already in 988, the baptism of the prince and all his associates took place, and then the new religion began to spread among the people. Vasily and Konstantin married Anna to Prince Vladimir. Contemporaries spoke of Vladimir as a strict, tough (sometimes even cruel) person, but they loved him for his directness, honesty and justice. The church still extols the name of the prince for the reason that he began to massively build temples and churches in the country. This was the first ruler of Russia to be baptized.

Svyatopolk (1015-1019)

Like his father, Vladimir during his lifetime distributed land to his numerous sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Yaroslav, Mstislav, Svyatoslav, Boris and Gleb. After his father died, Svyatopolk decided to rule independently, for which he issued an order to eliminate his own brothers, but was expelled from Kyiv by Yaroslav of Novgorod.

With the help of the Polish king Boleslav the Brave, he was able to take Kyiv a second time, but the people accepted him coolly. Soon he was forced to flee the city, and then died on the way. His death is a dark story. It is assumed that he took his own life. In folk legends, he is nicknamed "cursed".

Yaroslav the Wise (1019-1054)

Yaroslav quickly became an independent ruler of Kievan Rus. He was distinguished by a great mind, did a lot for the development of the state. He built many monasteries, contributed to the spread of writing. His authorship belongs to "Russkaya Pravda", the first official collection of laws and regulations in our country. Like his ancestors, he immediately distributed allotments of land to his sons, but at the same time he strictly punished "to live in peace, not to intrigue each other."

Izyaslav (1054-1078)

Izyaslav was the eldest son of Yaroslav. Initially, he ruled Kyiv, distinguished himself as a good ruler, but he did not know how to get along with the people very well. The latter also played a role. When he went to the Polovtsians and failed in that campaign, the people of Kiev simply kicked him out, calling his brother, Svyatoslav, to reign. After he died, Izyaslav again returned to the capital city.

In principle, he was a very good ruler, but rather difficult times fell to his lot. Like all the first rulers of Kievan Rus, he was forced to solve a lot of difficult issues.

General characteristics of the 2nd century

In those centuries, several practically independent (the most powerful) Chernigov, Rostov-Suzdal (Vladimir-Suzdal later), Galicia-Volynskoye stood out from the composition of Russia at once. Novgorod stood apart. Ruled by the Veche following the example of the Greek city-states, he did not generally look at the princes very well.

Despite this fragmentation, formally Russia was still considered an independent state. Yaroslav was able to expand its borders to the very river Ros. Under Vladimir, the country adopts Christianity, the influence of Byzantium on its internal affairs increases.

So, at the head of the newly created church stands the metropolitan, who was directly subordinate to Tsargrad. new faith brought with it not only religion, but also a new script, new laws. The princes at that time acted together with the church, built many new churches, and contributed to the enlightenment of their people. It was at this time that the famous Nestor lived, who is the author of numerous written monuments of that time.

Unfortunately, things didn't go so smoothly. The eternal problem there were both constant raids by nomads and internal strife, constantly tearing apart the country, depriving it of its strength. As Nestor, the author of The Tale of Igor's Campaign, put it, "the Russian land groans" from them. The enlightening ideas of the Church are beginning to appear, but so far the people have not accepted the new religion well.

Thus began the third century.

Vsevolod I (1078-1093)

Vsevolod the First could well remain in history as an exemplary ruler. He was truthful, honest, contributed to the education and development of writing, he knew five languages. But he was not distinguished by a developed military and political talent. The constant raids of the Polovtsy, pestilence, drought and famine did not contribute to his authority in any way. Only his son Vladimir, later nicknamed Monomakh, kept his father on the throne (a unique case, by the way).

Svyatopolk II (1093-1113)

He was the son of Izyaslav, he was distinguished by a good character, but he was extremely weak-willed in some matters, which is why the specific princes did not consider him to be the Grand Duke. However, he ruled very well: having listened to the advice of the same Vladimir Monomakh, at the Dolobsky Congress in 1103 he persuaded his opponents to undertake a joint campaign against the "cursed" Polovtsy, after which in 1111 they were utterly defeated.

The spoils of war were enormous. Polotsk in that battle, almost two dozen were killed. This victory resounded loudly throughout all the Slavic lands, both in the East and in the West.

Vladimir Monomakh (1113-1125)

Despite the fact that by seniority he was not supposed to take the throne of Kyiv, it was Vladimir who was elected there by unanimous decision. Such love is explained by the rare political and military talent of the prince. He was distinguished by intelligence, political and military courage, was very brave in military affairs.

He considered each campaign against the Polovtsy a holiday (the Polovtsy did not share his views). It was under Monomakh that the princes, who were overly zealous in matters of independence, were severely curtailed. Leaves to posterity "Instruction to children", where he talks about the importance of honest and selfless service to his homeland.

Mstislav I (1125-1132)

Following the precepts of his father, he lived in peace with his brothers and other princes, but raged at the slightest hint of rebelliousness and desire for civil strife. So, in anger, he expels the Polovtsian princes from the country, after which they are forced to flee from the discontent of the ruler in Byzantium. In general, many rulers of Kievan Rus tried not to kill their enemies unnecessarily.

Yaropolk (1132-1139)

He is known for his skillful political intrigues, which ultimately turned out badly in relation to the "Monomakhoviches". At the end of his reign, he decides to transfer the throne not to his brother, but to his nephew. The matter almost comes to confusion, but the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich, the "Olegovichi", nevertheless ascend to the throne. Not for long, however.

Vsevolod II (1139-1146)

Vsevolod was distinguished by good makings of a ruler, he ruled wisely and firmly. But he wanted to transfer the throne to Igor Olegovich, securing the position of the "Olegovichs". But the people of Kiev did not recognize Igor, he was forced to take monastic vows, and then he was completely killed.

Izyaslav II (1146-1154)

But the inhabitants of Kyiv enthusiastically received Izyaslav II Mstislavovich, who, with his brilliant political abilities, military prowess and intelligence, vividly reminded them of his grandfather, Monomakh. It was he who introduced the indisputable rule that has remained since then: if an uncle is alive in the same princely family, then the nephew cannot receive his throne.

He was in a terrible enmity with Yuri Vladimirovich, the prince of the Rostov-Suzdal land. His name will not say anything to many, but later Yuri will be called Dolgoruky. Izyaslav twice had to flee from Kyiv, but until his death he never gave up the throne.

Yuri Dolgoruky (1154-1157)

Yuri finally gets access to the throne of Kyiv. Having stayed on it for only three years, he achieved a lot: he was able to pacify (or punish) the princes, contributed to the unification of fragmented lands under strong rule. However, all his work turned out to be meaningless, because after the death of Dolgoruky, the squabble between the princes flares up with renewed vigor.

Mstislav II (1157-1169)

It was the devastation and quarrels that led to the fact that Mstislav II Izyaslavovich ascended the throne. He was a good ruler, but he did not have a very good disposition, and also condoned princely civil strife ("divide and rule"). Andrei Yurievich, the son of Dolgoruky, expels him from Kyiv. Known in history under the nickname Bogolyubsky.

In 1169, Andrew did not limit himself to the expulsion of his father's worst enemy, burning Kyiv to the ground along the way. So at the same time he took revenge on the people of Kiev, who by that time had acquired the habit of expelling princes at any time, calling to his principality anyone who would promise them "bread and circuses."

Andrei Bogolyubsky (1169-1174)

As soon as Andrei seized power, he immediately moved the capital to his beloved city, Vladimir on the Klyazma. Since then, the dominant position of Kyiv immediately began to weaken. Having become stern and domineering towards the end of his life, Bogolyubsky did not want to put up with the tyranny of many boyars, wanting to establish autocratic power. Many did not like this, and therefore Andrei was killed as a result of a conspiracy.

So what did the first rulers of Russia do? The table will give a general answer to this question.

In principle, all the rulers of Russia from Rurik to Putin did the same. The table can hardly convey all the hardships that our people endured on the difficult path of becoming a state.