Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh: biography, years of reign, main events

The grandfather of Vladimir Monomakh was the great Russian prince Yaroslav the Wise. Is wisdom passed on by inheritance? Who knows. But Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh did not disgrace the memory of his great grandfather - his reign was one of the calmest and fairest in the history of Kievan Rus. Vladimir Monomakh is credited with uniting Russian zemstvos, strengthening centralized power, ending civil strife, and creating a strong army.

No less famous are the “Charter of Vladimir Monomakh” and his “Teachings to Children”. And for many, the name of this ruler is firmly associated with the hat of the same name, a symbol of the autocracy of Rus'. The reign of Prince Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh was the time of the creation of a strong state in which the army, culture, and economy developed.

Ancestors of Monomakh

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Of all his children, the great Yaroslav the Wise gave preference to his son Vsevolod. This was not a secret - for example, Yaroslav in his will gave instructions to bury Vsevolod in the future next to his own sarcophagus in the St. Sophia Cathedral. The two eldest sons - Izyaslav and Svyatoslav - were not awarded such an honor.

Is this related to the change in the order of succession to the throne introduced by Yaroslav the Wise? Perhaps he wanted his far from eldest son to rule the Russian land? Maybe he saw great potential in him? It is useless to speculate about this now, but in the Testament of 1054, Yaroslav clearly indicates a new procedure for obtaining power. According to the document, the throne is no longer inherited from father to son, but passes to the eldest in the family. Thanks to this order of succession to the throne, Vsevolod actually had the opportunity to become a Grand Duke, after his older brothers.

You might be wondering: is this “Confidential”? Interpretation of the word

Vsevolod, Vladimir’s father, was famous for his learning - so, Monomakh later proudly said that his father was able to independently learn 5 languages. Vsevolod surrounded himself with learned men, monks and nuns, and collected a library of rare books. His wife was a Byzantine princess, whose name has not been preserved by history. The most common version is that she was the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX Monomakh. Hence the answer to the question why Vladimir Vsevolodovich received the nickname Monomakh - this is a family name passed on to him on his mother’s side. Translated, “Monomakh” means “combatant.” It is difficult to imagine a more suitable nickname for the Grand Duke.

Do good, find peace and drive away evil, and live forever in the memory of Vladimir Monomakh

May the descendants of the Orthodox of their native land know the past fate,

12
But what was sown on good ground signifies him who hears the word and understands, and who is fruitful; he who sows good seed is the Son of Man; The field is the world; the good seed are the sons of the Kingdom, and the tares are the sons of the evil one. He proposed another parable to them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field . He proposed another parable to them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed. in your field, which, although it is smaller than all the seeds, but when it grows, it is greater than all the grains and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air fly and take refuge in its branches, having purified your souls to unfeigned brotherly love, constantly love one another from a pure heart, like those born again not from corruptible seed, but from incorruptible, from the word of God, living and abiding forever.
3
This is what my blessed father and all good and perfect men did” (64) - there is a deep understanding of responsibility before the people, history, and the Russian land. At the end of his life, he continues to recognize himself as a link in the chain of generations: the grandson of “a blessed, glorious brotherly lover and lover of the poor, and a good sufferer for the Russian land
. 4
Why are we destroying the Russian land, arranging feuds among ourselves? May we, from now on, unite with one heart and guard the Russian land
5with one mouth and one heart6
“Tales of Bygone Years” (“Tales of Past Years, where the Russian Land came from, who became the first to reign in Kiev and how the Russian Land arose”)
78
let us correct the evil that happened in the Russian land and among us, brothers
910
with a prayer to stand up for the Russian land, for the Orthodox faith against the “filthy”: the filthy will rejoice and take our land, which your fathers and grandfathers defended with great labor and courage, fighting for the Russian land and others searching for lands
11
“to guard the Russian land and fight with the filthy”
12
“Monomakh’s story about his life” I took pity on Christian souls, and burning villages, and monasteries and said: “Let the pagans not boast” “and God helped us”

Vladimir Monomakh I do not praise myself or my courage, but I praise God and glorify His mercy. But by the grace of God I am what I am; and His grace in me was not in vain, but I labored more than all of them: not I, however, but the grace of God, which with me do a man’s work, as God will send you God’s savings better than man’s. I will take vengeance, and I will repay good, brethren, and Russian land.
If any of you does not want goodness and peace for Christians, may he not see peace from God for his soul in the next world! 1314151617
learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls
18
I act as a psalmist, a prayer book to have “pure thoughts, motivating yourself to good deeds” “Turn away from evil, do good, find peace and drive away evil, and live forever and ever” “Lord have mercy” cry constantly in secret, do not destroy any Christian soul , while doing good, do not be lazy about anything good. You have only one Teacher - Christ , for great power requires great accountability;
and now we begin Lent, a time of soul-saving reflection, when church pastors and princes must boldly speak the truth 1912345678910111213141516171819

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early years

Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh was born in 1053; just a year later his brilliant grandfather dies. The first 13 years of his life - all that was allotted to him under the motto “childhood” - were spent in Pereyaslav-Yuzhny, at the court of his father. Vladimir was taught literacy, military affairs, and the law of God. The little prince was often taken hunting with him - he was an excellent rider, was not afraid of wild animals, and his father’s squad treated him with respect. Later, in his famous “Teaching of Vladimir Monomakh to Children,” Monomakh wrote:

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I have been in the paws of a bear and on the horns of a tour.

Characteristics, works, death

The surviving writings and correspondence of Vladimir Vsevolodovich paint his image as a ruler generously endowed with the virtues of a Christian sovereign, statesman and writer. Two letters to him from Metropolitan Nikephoros I have survived, the content of which characterizes their addressee as a very educated person and modest to the point of asceticism in everyday life. In his first letter, the Metropolitan expounds to the prince his teaching on fasting and abstinence. Metropolitan Nikifor praises the Grand Duke for his indifference to worldly goods: Vladimir Vsevolodovich sleeps on bare ground and “ wears the clothes of an orphan

” and only, “
entering the city, dividing power
,” he dresses in princely clothes;
the ruler gives his entourage rich feasts “ for the sake of the princely majesty
,” while he himself feeds on bread and water, “
sitting down and disgracing
.” The second message is a response to the question of Vladimir Monomakh about the deviations (of the Latins from Orthodoxy), which, quite possibly, was caused by the prince’s desire to conform church teaching with his political and family ties with the Roman Catholic ruling houses.

Lesson for children

In the final part of the Teaching

In front of the list of “paths” the author’s features were most clearly revealed.
The text is a kind of “princely mirror” - a set of moral and practical commandments of the ruler. At the beginning there follows the commandment of individual prayer for every free time: “ Even if you ride a horse, you will not be a tool with anyone, if you don’t know how to say any prayers, but you call for Lord for mercy without ceasing in secret, for the prayer of all is better than to think foolishly.” driving
.”
Then there are short and succinct instructions about patronage of the weak, the inadmissibility of murder “ neither right nor wrong
,” about prudence in oaths and the need to observe the kiss of the cross, about veneration and patronage of “
bishops, and priests, and abbots
,” about the perniciousness of pride, lies, and drunkenness and fornication - “
in this the soul and body perish
.”
According to Vladimir Vsevolodovich, the prince must oversee everything himself, both in his house and on the march, without relying “ on the tivun, or on the youth
,” or “
on the governor
,” and ensure that the soldiers do not do “dirty things.”
neither your own nor strangers, neither in villages nor in everyday life, but don’t start cursing you
,” honor foreign merchants and ambassadors (“
you should glorify a person in passing throughout all lands
”), and greet everyone (“
you haven’t greeted a person without greeting.
” ), learn (“
you don’t know how to do it, but teach this, like the fathers of my houses, sitting in the gray 5 language, because there is honor from other lands
”), etc.;
The crown of everything is “ have the fear of God
.”

Demise

Reign in Smolensk and Chernigov

In 1073, Vladimir Monomakh was appointed to reign in Smolensk. Having gained experience in the Rostov-Suzdal lands, he became no less effective in leading the Smolensk lands. But this is a fairly short period - only 5 years. Already in 1078, Monomakh’s life took a sharp turn.

In 1078, his father, Vsevolod Yaroslavovich, began to rule Kiev. Vladimir, as his eldest son and right hand, was given control of the city of Chernigov and the surrounding lands. By this time, Vladimir was already a fairly experienced warrior - by the time he was 25, he had completed 20 military campaigns. The strong talent of the military leader came in very handy - in these lands there were frequent raids by the Mongol-Tatars and Polovtsians.

Monomakh Vladimir Vsevolodovich

Statesman. Warlord. Grand Duke of Kyiv. Nicknamed Monomakh in honor of his maternal grandfather, the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX Monomakh. He managed to become the inspirer and leader of the joint campaigns of the Russian princes against the Polovtsians. His works include: “The Teachings of Vladimir Monomakh”, the story “On Paths and Fishing”.

Vladimir Monomakh was born on August 3, 1053 in the city of Pereyaslavl, Ukraine. The boy received the nickname Monomakh thanks to his mother, who was the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX Monomakh. His father, Prince Vsevolod Yaroslavovich, kept his son with him, teaching all the canons of military art. However, this was only a “warm-up”. After all, at the age of thirteen, the boy entered the combat field, where he was taken by his father to comprehend military affairs.

At the same time, Vladimir began to reign independently in the Rostov-Suzdal lands, acquiring his first experience in government. This experience came in handy when Monomakh was appointed to reign in Smolensk. This is the period from 1073 to 1078. The prince took part in battles, helping his neighbors in the fight against external enemies: the Polovtsians. Military campaigns during this period were frequent. In 1076, Monomakh and Oleg Svyatoslavich supported the Poles by participating in a campaign against the Czechs. Together with his father and Svyatopolk Izyaslavich, he went against Vseslav of Polotsk.

In 1078, his father, Vsevolod Yaroslavich, took over the reign of Kiev, and his twenty-five-year-old son Vladimir Monomakh inherited Chernigov. To protect the estate, the young prince is forced to repeatedly repel the devastating raids of the Polovtsy and Mongol-Tatars. For a decade and a half, the son was his father’s right-hand man, helping him in resolving political issues and more than once became the head of the grand ducal squads that made campaigns to pacify the rebellious princes or destroy the Polovtsian hordes.

When his father died on April 10, 1093, Vladimir Monomakh could become his successor: Prince of Kyiv. However, according to the existing rules of succession, the Kiev throne should be occupied by the eldest of the Rurikovichs. At that time, this was his cousin Svyatopolk Izyaslavich. Monomakh did not want civil strife and fratricidal war and gave the throne to his brother, and he himself again went to rule Chernigov.

Over the next twenty years, Vladimir Monomakh knew both the joy of victories and the bitterness of defeats. In battles he lost his eldest son and younger brother. In 1094 he gave the Chernigov lands to Oleg Svyatoslavovich, leaving behind the more “modest” Principality of Pereyaslavl.

The Polovtsians continued to annoy Kievan Rus as before. Regular raids bled the lands dry. Vladimir Monomakh became the ideological inspirer of the unification of the princes in the face of a common enemy. Some researchers believe that the prince initiated preventive strikes against the enemy, organizing forays into the Polovtsian steppe. on March 27, 1111 was successful , after which the main goal was achieved: Russia got rid of the raids of nomads for a long time. Nine years later, the Pecheneg troops finally left the Russian lands. The defense of Rus' from the Polovtsians is considered the main merit of Vladimir Monomakh.

Since the sons of Vladimir Monomakh, in addition to fighting the nomads, regularly organized military campaigns against Livonia and Bulgaria, people in Europe started talking about the prince’s power. Vladimir caused great concern among the Byzantine Emperor. According to legend, as a sign of peaceful disposition, the ruler of the empire sent rich gifts to Vladimir Monomakh: an orb, a scepter, a hat and ancient barmas. Subsequently, these items became a symbol of sovereign power in Rus', and the headdress was called the “Monomakh Cap”. These gifts are now in the Kremlin Armory. They are also presented in all reproductions and photographs depicting Vladimir Monomakh.

Monomakh also made his contribution to ending fratricidal wars on Russian soil. To create a strong army, the consolidation of all the princes was required, which was not observed in those years. One of the main events during his reign was the Lyubech Congress of princes, rulers of six Russian principalities. At the meeting, issues regarding the division of territories and the unification of armies were resolved. This agreement became a significant achievement in the ruler’s internal political activities and had a beneficial effect on strengthening the state. But the unification of forces was prevented by the betrayal of Davyd Igorevich, which led to new strife. Only later, Vladimir Monomakh convened a second congress, at which the rulers were able to come to a peaceful solution.

In April 1113, Svyatopolk Izyaslavich fell ill and died. Kyiv split into two parties. Some stood up for Vladimir Vsevolodovich; it was impossible to find a better candidate. His name was on everyone’s lips; he was the largest figure in Rus' of that period. However, Monomakh still did not want to violate the rules of inheritance of the Kyiv table, since Svyatoslav’s descendants were to rule after Svyatopolk: Davyd of Chernigov, Oleg Seversky and Yaroslav of Murom.

However, the people were indignant, many remembered Oleg as the instigator of unrest: “We don’t want Svyatoslavichs!” In this case, the entourage of the deceased Svyatopolk had another option acceptable to them: it was beneficial for them to place the son of the Grand Duke, Yaroslav of Volyn, on the throne. Under him, the nobility retained their position, posts, and income.

But people turned out to be against such options. As a result, the accumulated hatred towards Svyatopolk’s entourage broke through. The Kievans demolished the estate of the thousand Putyata Vyshatich and the courtyards of the sotskys. Now the Kiev boyars and clergy, the family of the late Svyatopolk, in panic, called to Monomakha. They feared for their lives and wanted to save their courtyards and monasteries from robbery.

The common people also called Vladimir. After hesitating, on May 4, 1113, Monomakh accepted the invitation and ascended the Kiev throne. As soon as he and his squad appeared in Kyiv, order was instantly restored and the riot stopped. The population of the city joyfully greeted the prince. Everyone knew about his justice. The Svyatoslavichs were forced to recognize the supremacy of Vladimir Vsevolodovich, since they could not resist the wishes of the people.

Monomakh turned out to be an effective reformer in the field of legislation. Vladimir supplemented the code of laws “Russian Truth”, written by his grandfather Yaroslav the Wise. Revenge for murder was prohibited and replaced with a fine. It was also prohibited to turn a slave into slavery for outstanding debts, and the very situation of the common people was alleviated.

The dominant position of the Great Prince of Kyiv was so strengthened that no one dared to challenge his seniority. Monomakh controlled three quarters of the state's territory. Under the prince, a fortress was rebuilt in Suzdal and fortifications in Vladimir-on-Klyazma. The Spasskaya Church and the Assumption Cathedral also appeared there, which were included in the list of architectural monuments. Temples were also erected in Smolensk, Rostov and other cities where the prince ruled.

The foreign policy of Vladimir Monomakh also turned out to be successful. The raids of the Volga Bulgarians, Polovtsians and Mongol-Tatars no longer bothered the state, and the Berendey and Torque tribes were forever driven out of Rus'. In 1123, Russian-Byzantine negotiations culminated in a dynastic marriage: the granddaughter of Monomakh became the wife of the son of the Byzantine Emperor John II, Alexei. The concentration of power in one hand and the cessation of internecine wars strengthened the state. A period of cultural development began.

The wise prince managed to leave his mark in literature. Unfortunately, only four of his works have survived to this day: a letter to Oleg Svyatoslavich, an autobiographical chronicle about military campaigns, “The Charter of Vladimir Vsevolodovich” (or “The Charter of Vladimir Monomakh”), as well as the famous book “The Teachings of Vladimir Monomakh”, which is still known under the titles “Teaching of Vladimir Vsevolodovich”, “Testament of Vladimir Monomakh to Children”.

Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh died on May 19, 1125 near the city of Pereyaslavl. He was buried in the Kiev St. Sophia Cathedral next to his father.

Family of Vladimir Monomakh

Father - Vsevolod Yaroslavich, Prince of Kiev. Mother - Monomakhina, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX Monomakh.

First wife - Gita of Wessex, exiled princess (marriage in 1074), daughter of King Harold II of England, with whom he had children:

Son - Mstislav Vladimirovich the Great (1076-1132), Grand Duke of Kiev from 1125;

Son - Izyaslav Vladimirovich (1077/1078-1096), Prince of Kursk;

Son - Svyatoslav Vladimirovich (-1114), Prince of Smolensk (until 1113) and Pereyaslavl;

Son - Yaropolk Vladimirovich (1082-1139), Prince of Pereyaslavl and Grand Duke of Kiev from 1132;

Son - Vyacheslav Vladimirovich (-1154), Prince of Smolensk, Turov, Grand Duke of Kiev in 1139, 1150, 1151-1154;

The second wife is Euphemia (c. 1099), possibly Greek (d. May 7, 1107).

Daughter - Maria (Maritsa) Vladimirovna (-1147), married to the false Diogenes;

Daughter - Evfemia Vladimirovna (-1139), married Kalman I, King of Hungary;

Daughter - Agafia Vladimirovna;

Son - Yuri Vladimirovich Dolgoruky (c. 1099-1157), Prince of Rostov, Suzdal, Grand Duke of Kiev in 1149-1150 and from 1155;

Son - Roman Vladimirovich (-1119), Prince of Volyn;

Son - Andrei Vladimirovich (1102-1142), Prince of Volyn, Prince of Pereyaslavl.
20.10.2018

Right hand of the Prince of Kyiv

For the next fifteen years, Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh was the main adviser to his father, the Grand Duke of Kyiv, his hope and support. Several times a month he covered the distance from Chernigov to Kyiv on horseback, if his father suddenly needed his advice.

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A number of historians note the shortsightedness of Monomakh's father, Vsevolod, as a military leader. Paying tribute to his cunning and resourceful mind in matters of politics, upon careful study it became clear that all military victories during the reign of Vsevolod were won either directly by his son Vladimir, or under his direct leadership.

Memory and veneration

In the era of the formation of the Russian kingdom

Because of this legend, Vladimir Monomakh became an extremely important figure in the era of Ivan the Terrible, the first crowned Russian Tsar. The story of the receipt of royal regalia by Vladimir Vsevolodovich became the preface to the ceremony of the wedding of Tsar John to the kingdom in the year, and soon after the wedding many images of Grand Duke Vladimir were created

The icon of Blessed is the Host of the Heavenly King, which in the center, among the holy host, depicts a rider on a black horse in imperial dress, with a closed Byzantine type crown and with a cross in his hands, in which some researchers see Vladimir Monomakh, also dates back to the mid-16th century.

In the year, a royal prayer place (“Monomakh’s Throne”) appeared in the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, the walls of which were decorated with 12 bas-reliefs illustrating the Legend of the Princes of Vladimir

. In the first composition, Vladimir Vsevolodovich is shown sitting on a throne in ceremonial princely robes and in a high hat with a pommel, similar in shape to the crown of Emperor Constantine Monomakh on another bas-relief of this throne. In the second composition, Vladimir is presented on horseback, wearing a dress, a fairy tale and a princely hat. In the 11th, he greets the gifts sent by the emperor with his head uncovered. In the last composition, Metropolitan Neophytos crowns Vladimir Monomakh as king with a crown in the form of a high cap with a pommel. The prince is depicted in a ceremonial royal dress, on his chest there is a cross on a thick chain, in his hand he receives a staff-staff from the Metropolitan.

In the year, the painting of the Golden Chamber, the ceremonial hall of the Russian sovereigns, was completed, on the walls of which illustrations for “The Tale” were also reproduced. The iconography of the cycle was close to the reliefs of the throne. According to the description, Vladimir Vsevolodovich was depicted: sitting on a throne in the chambers, going on a campaign (in contrast to the relief composition, he was depicted in armor) and being crowned king. His ceremonial image was placed on the wall, “which is from the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.” He was presented sitting “under the golden royal seat” in full imperial vestments: “ In his right hand he holds a scepter, on his head there is a royal crown... on his shoulders there is a diadem and a cross on his chest with a golden skull

.” Next to him was painted the image of Emperor Constantine Monomakh. The similarity of their iconographies (clothing, regalia) emphasized the “equality of honor” of the Russian prince and the Roman basileus. The portrait of Vladimir Vsevolodovich, half-length in a medallion, was located on the wall facing the Red Porch; he was presented among other great princes, relatives of the first Russian Tsar, whose images were also enclosed in medallions.

Consolidating veneration

The image of Vladimir Vsevolodovich was placed in the Titular Book of the Year, where he is presented as a middle-aged man with a long thick beard and short curly hair, chest-length, in a 3/4 turn, on his head is a princely hat with a fur trim, the collar of the dress is embroidered with precious stones and pearls. The style of the portrait is characteristic of the 17th century, and the iconography probably dates back to the images of the Golden Chamber.

The canonization of Vladimir Vsevolodovich was confirmed by the inclusion of his name in the Cathedral of All Saints Who Shone in the Russian Land, and in the year - in the Cathedral of Kyiv Saints.

Justice above all: renunciation of the Kyiv throne

In 1093, Vsevolod Yaroslavovich dies. The years were difficult - crop failure for several years in a row, death and illness all around. Vladimir Monomakh, the eldest son of the deceased prince, is known for his wisdom and prudence, and many boyars of that time wanted to see him on the throne.

But Monomakh always put legality and decency at the forefront and was not going to challenge the rules of succession introduced by his grandfather, Yaroslav the Wise. Without the slightest hesitation, he places the reign in the hands of the eldest in the Rurik family. Such at that time was his cousin Svyatopolk Izyaslavovich, who was sitting in the small town of Turov. Svyatopolk's squad was more than modest - it consisted of only 800 people, nothing compared to the military capabilities of Vladimir. In the event of a military coup, Svyatopolk would not have had a chance, but Monomakh, of his own free will, removed himself from the political scene for many years.

He went to rule Chernigov, but a year later, in 1094, he gave this city to Prince Oleg Svyatoslavovich, the godfather of his first-born Mstislav. Oleg expressed his claims to this city, but, not having troops to take it away by force, he enlisted the support of the Polovtsians, who, in exchange for help, devastated the Chernigov lands. Monomakh decided not to shed the blood of Russian people in vain and voluntarily gives up Chernigov. He himself is content with the Pereyaslav principality, which is modest by those standards.

Domestic policy

The year 1127 for Rus' was marked by another internal war, which this time was started by Vsevolod Olgovich. He captured the hereditary city of Prince Yaroslav - Chernigov. Mstislav Vladimirovich was forced to intervene, sided with Yaroslav and recaptured Chernigov. Vsevolod, having learned about the actions of Mstislav, used the same weapons with which his father, the Polovtsian army, organized internecine wars. As chroniclers write, Vsevolod hired about 7,000 Polovtsy for the war with Mstislav Vladimirovich. Approaching Chernigov, the Polovtsian troops stopped and sent ambassadors to the city, who were supposed to convince the Prince of Chernigov to give the city to Vsevolod. But these ambassadors were captured and put in prison. Waiting for an answer from their ambassadors, and not receiving it for a long time, the Polovtsy suspected something was wrong and, thinking about Vsevolod’s betrayal, left Rus'. The Grand Duke and his army set off in pursuit of the barbarians. According to chroniclers, Mstislav’s army drove the Polovtsians all the way beyond the Volga, thereby depriving them for a long time of the desire to send troops to Rus'. The Kiev ruler was angry with Vsevolod and wanted to punish him for starting the war, but he began to humbly ask the prince for mercy and swore eternal devotion. Mstislav Vladimirovich believed his brother and did not punish him.

New internecine war

At the same time, a new misfortune happened in the state; Vladimirko and Rostislav Volodarev started a war among themselves. Their enmity was long-standing, but during Monomakh’s life they did not dare to go to war, fearing punishment from the Kyiv prince. Mstislav Vladimirovich tried to persuade the brothers to peace and convince them not to start a fratricidal war, but in vain. Vladimirko went to Hungary, from where he returned with 3,000 troops. The subsequent battle lasted a long time, but did not lead to anything; both princes were left with their inheritances. This war had no continuation, since the Kiev prince literally demanded peace from the Volodars and ordered them to rule their destinies. Otherwise, Mstislav threatened to severely punish the culprit.

Natural disasters

The huge misfortune of Kievan Rus at that time - famine - deserves special mention. In the period from 1126 to 1128, a terrible famine began throughout the country. The reason for this was intense heat - almost all the fields burned down, partial earthquakes, and solar eclipses. In winter there were terrible frosts that lasted almost the entire spring. Chroniclers write that on April 3, 1127, snow of 30 centimeters still lay on almost all territories of the state. Many Russians died from the terrible famine of 1126-1128.

Son of Monomakh against the son of the Prince of Kyiv

The strength and influence of Monomakh during this period are perfectly illustrated by the situation with Novgorod. According to the will of Yaroslav the Wise, this city had a special status. Second in importance after Kyiv, Novgorod was not included in the list of fiefs passed down the family ladder. According to tradition, it was ruled by the son of the Kyiv prince. At the time of Svyatopolk’s accession to the Kiev throne, the first-born of Monomakh, his son Mstislav, ruled in Novgorod.

In 1102, Svyatopolk attempted to replace his son Monomakh with his own offspring, but suffered a crushing failure. The Novgorodians, who loved Mstislav, wise beyond his years, answered the Kyiv prince: “If your son has two heads, then send him to us.” Svyatopolk did not take risks. Thus, the tradition of the transfer of power in Novgorod was broken and the power of Monomakh was once again demonstrated.

short biography

The image of a Greek princess from a historical film.
Monomakhinya

- a representative of the Byzantine imperial Monomakh dynasty, unknown by personal name, who was married to the Kyiv prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich (1030-1093) in 1046, mother of Vladimir Monomakh. Personal name options: Anastasia, Maria, Irina, Theodora or Anna. The synodics of the Vydubitsky Monastery in Kyiv call Vsevolod’s wife Anastasia. The version about “Mary” is based on surviving seals. Perhaps one of the names is a dying monastic name.

It was from his mother that Prince Vladimir received the nickname “Monomakh”, which from Greek means “Combatant”[1]wikipedia

Death of Svyatopolk. Rise of the People

In the spring of 1113, the Kiev prince Svyatopolk dies. Poisoning was suspected, but now most historians are inclined to believe that he died from an ulcer. At the time of Svyatopolk’s death, the common people were in an extremely depressed state. The main problem is the moneylenders, whom the late prince had sympathy for. Svyatopolk and his family, largely because of this, were extremely unpopular among the people.

At that time, loan sharks had a common rate of 200-300% for a loan. A huge number of ordinary people could not pay off such loans. They sold the last things they had to the moneylenders - their wives, children and, ultimately, themselves. As a result, entire families were turned from free people into slaves.

The merchants were also dissatisfied with Svyatopolk's rule. Shortly before his death, the “salt tax” was introduced, which significantly limited the possibility of trade.

The result of discontent among almost all segments of the population was the uprising of 1113. On the day of the prince's death, many moneylenders were killed and their wealth was plundered. Attacks began on Jewish neighborhoods. The boyars and wealthy citizens were in a panic - what if the rage of the people spread to them? A new ruler was urgently needed - strong, confident, respected and proven to be fair. None of the existing Rurikovichs at that time fit this description better than Vladimir II Vsevolodovich Monomakh.

Reforms

Having received the right to a great reign, Monomakh first of all solves the problem of usury. It was this question that could not be delayed.

He issues a new law, the so-called “Charter on Res,” which later became part of the ancient Russian legislation of “Russian Truth.” The new law prohibited charging debtors more than 50% per annum; if the debtor (or, in other words, the “purchase”) worked for the creditor for 3 years, his debt, along with interest, was considered paid. The “Charter on Rez” reduced social tension in society. The sympathy of the common people for the new Kyiv prince strengthened.

Time to strengthen the state

During his reign, Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh established himself as a ruler who strengthened the position of Kievan Rus. The period of the reign of Vladimir and his son Mstislav was the last period of strengthening the centralized power of the Kyiv princes. By 1125, three-quarters of what was then Rus' was in the hands of Vladimir Monomakh and his sons. Weak attempts by relatives to change the situation, for example, the son of Svyatopolk Yaroslav, were nipped in the bud.

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By the time of his accession to the throne, Monomakh was already 60 years old. Wise, balanced decisions - this is what distinguished Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh. Domestic and foreign policy were subordinated to one goal - strengthening the centralized Russian state

Notes

1. Rudakov V. E.
   Smolensk land // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg, 1890-1907.
2. Filyushkin A.I.
   Titles of Russian sovereigns. M.; St. Petersburg, 2006. P. 16.
3. Yanin V.L.
   Actual seals of ancient Russia of the X-XV centuries. M., 1970. T 1: Seals of the 10th - early 13th centuries. pp. 16-17, 20-23
4. Menaion, May, part 3 - M.: Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, 2002. - P. 360.
5. Solovyov S.
   M. Retrieved February 27, 2013.
6. Vladimir (Russian princes) // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg, 1890-1907.
7. Rybakov B. A. “The Birth of Rus'”
8. ↑
9. Demin A. S.
   About ancient Russian literary creativity. - M.: Languages ​​of Slavic Culture, 2003. - P. 155.
10. Library of literature of Ancient Rus'. - St. Petersburg: Nauka, 1997. - T. 5. - P. 90.
11. Pashuto V. T. Foreign Policy of Ancient Rus' / ed. V. P. Shusharina.
12. Izyaslav Vladimirovich // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg, 1890-1907.
13. Perkhavko V.B.
    Euphrosyne of Polotsk // Princes and princesses of the Russian land of the 11th–16th centuries. - M., 2002. - P. 188.
14. Nazarenko A.V.
    Vladimir Monomakh and the Welfs at the end of the 11th century // Medieval Russia. - 2007. - Issue. 7. - pp. 71-119.
15. Sanin E. G. (Barnabas)
    .
    God's judgment: history. story. - M., 2010. - 337 p.; Vasiliev B. L.
    Vladimir Monomakh: a novel.
    - M., 2010. - 365 p.; Ladinsky A.P.
    Anna Yaroslavna - Queen of France.
    The last journey of Vladimir Monomakh: history. novels. - M., 2010. - 763 pp.; Minchik S.S.
    Griboyedov and Crimea.
    - Simferopol, 2011. - P. 125-128; Sedugin V.I.
    Vladimir Monomakh. - M.; Yauza, 2010. - 318 p.

Dynastic marriages

It was with the aim of strengthening the role of Rus' in the international arena that Monomakh actively used dynastic marriages. He had many children, even more grandchildren - and for everyone the ruler tried to find a party that was profitable at that time.

Monomakh married his daughter Maria to a Byzantine who portrayed Leo Diogenes, the deceased son of Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes.

His three granddaughters, daughters of Mstislav's eldest son, were given as wives to foreign monarchs: the kings of Norway and Hungary and the Danish prince. Another granddaughter, Eupraxia, became the wife of the nephew of the Byzantine emperor.

The son of Monomakh, Yuri Dolgoruky, married the daughter of the Polovtsian khan. This was one of the most far-sighted marriages - Yuri's son, Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, would later have loyal allies in the Polovtsians.

Son Mstislav was married to the Swedish princess Christina.

There are countless marriages concluded by the daughters and granddaughters of Monomakh with Russian princes. The great ruler tried to achieve family unity by all means.

Personal life

Monomakh was married at least twice; most historians are still inclined to think that he had three wives.

First wife, Gita of Wessex, English princess, daughter of King Harold the Second. From his marriage to her, Monomakh had 5, and according to some versions 6, sons - Mstislav (the future Grand Duke), Izyaslav, Svyatoslav, Yaropolk, Vyacheslav.

The second wife appeared in Monomakh’s life when he was 46 years old. He had been widowed for two years now - his wife Gita died in 1097, according to legend, while participating in a crusade. History has not preserved the name of the second wife; it is only known that she was Greek. Over the course of 8 years, she gave birth to Vladimir six children, including the founder of Moscow, Yuri Dolgorukov. All her children had Greek names. In 1107, the Greek woman died.

Even less information has been preserved about the third wife of Vladimir Monomakh. A number of historians deny its existence altogether, believing that Monomakh was married twice. But still, most are inclined to believe that the third wife of the prince who crossed the 50-year mark was the Polovtsian princess, who took the name Anna at baptism. There is no information about children from this marriage, but it is known that the third wife survived her husband by 2 years.

Literary heritage of Monomakh

Vladimir Monomakh, like his father, was a literate and well-read man. Only 4 of his creations have survived to this day:

• "Vladimir Monomakh's teaching to children." One of the most ancient Russian literary monuments. The “Teaching” touches on the theme of faith, adoption of Christian values, and helping those in need. Vladimir also gives instructions on the importance of unity and centralization of power. Being a wise politician, he saw what internecine wars and the thirst for personal power lead to, and tried to warn his descendants.

• Letter to Oleg Svyatoslavich. Monomakh writes this letter, addressed to his cousin, after the death of his youngest son, who died in a battle with Oleg. Monomakh sadly asks why his brother did not repent before him, hopes for reconciliation and asks to send the widow of his murdered son to him.

• Chronicle of military campaigns. A work in which Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh describes his brave campaigns in the first person. The prince's biography is generously strewn with victories. He personally participated in 83 military campaigns.

• Charter of Vladimir Monomakh. Old Russian code of laws limiting the rights of moneylenders and the power of landowners

Lesson for children

The teaching is one of three texts that have survived to this day, the authorship of which is attributed to Vladimir Monomakh. It is a will to descendants, reflecting the ideals on the basis of which the grand ducal family should live. There is a description of the life of Monomakh, his campaigns against the Polovtsians and confrontations with other princes in civil strife.

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Relatives of Vladimir Monomakh

Biography of Vladimir Monomakh

Death

On May 19, 1125, Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh completed his journey. The main events of his life - the creation of an addition to the "Russian Truth", the expulsion of the Pechenegs from the Russian land, peace with the Polovtsian khans - all this was aimed at strengthening the central power in Rus'. He lived an extremely long 71 years for those times, and, according to the recollections of eyewitnesses, all these years he worked for the benefit of strong Rus'. He was given an easy death.

The man who united the country, increased its military power, and strengthened the position of Rus' in the international arena was buried with honors in Kyiv, in the St. Sophia Cathedral, next to his respected father.

Source

Results of the board

The reign of Prince Mstislav Vladimirovich was rated higher by distant descendants than by his contemporaries. He owes the nickname “Great” not to the chronicle tradition - it was introduced into circulation by the historian V.N. Tatishchev at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries.

Although Mstislav had the characteristics of an outstanding statesman, his attempts to unite the disintegrating Russian lands yielded only short-term results. After his death, the strife between the princes broke out with renewed vigor. The results of foreign and military policy also turned out to be ambiguous - the prince knew both victories and defeats in wars. And dynastic marriages in conditions of fragmentation were not effective as a political tool.

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