Russian history. Prince Vladimir the Saint. All about Prince Vladimir.

How Vladimir took the throne

The time in which Vladimir was born was cruel. Human life was often of little value. Power and glory had a much higher price in the eyes of the Russians - Vladimir's contemporaries.

Initially appointed by his father to reign in Novgorod, the future head of Kievan Rus decided to take revenge on his brother Yaropolk for the death of his second brother, Oleg. He acted in a roundabout way: he wooed the Polotsk princess Rogneda, as if unaware that she was Yaropolk’s bride. Rogneda, naturally, rejected the offer, and then Vladimir destroyed Polotsk, killed Rogneda’s father and two brothers, and married her against her will. Yaropolk took refuge in a small town, but he failed to escape the punishing hand of his younger brother: Vladimir sent assassins to him. As soon as the murder was completed, Vladimir remained the sole ruler of Rus'.

Book miniature

Some of the earliest images of Vladimir Svyatoslavich can be seen in the Radziwill Chronicle from the collection of the Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg.

In the 17th century, a portrait of the prince appears in the Tsar's Titular Book, also known as the Great Sovereign Book, or the Root of Russian Sovereigns. The “Titular Book” was created in 1672 in the Ambassadorial Prikaz for the ruling sovereign Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov. Here Prince Vladimir is depicted not as a Byzantine, but as a Western European ruler: probably, the painters of the Armory Chamber who worked on the portrait were guided by the portraits of medieval Western European monarchs known to them from engravings.

Portrait of Prince Vladimir from the Tsar's Titular Book. 1672

Portrait of King Edward II of England (1284-1327). England, approx. 1640. National Portrait Gallery, London

Vladimir the pagan

For the first half of his reign, Vladimir remained a pagan. He demanded the worship of pagan gods, especially highlighting among them Perun, a lover of sacrifices. In front of the prince's mansion stood a huge idol of this deity. Chronicles refer to this period of the reign of Vladimir Svyatoslavovich as the only case of death of the first Christians living in Rus' at the hands of pagans. A legend has been preserved according to which the Christian Varangian had to sacrifice his only son to Perun. However, he resisted when the wise men came for the young man. And then father and son both died at the hands of angry pagans.

Baroque

Historical painting comes to Russia in the 18th century. Russian artists of this era borrowed style and subjects from European art, turning mainly to ancient themes. But there were rare exceptions: for example, the founder of Russian historical painting Anton Losenko (1737–1773) depicts an episode of Prince Vladimir’s matchmaking with the daughter of the Polotsk governor Rogneda. Although a subject from the history of Ancient Rus' was chosen for the picture, otherwise the author is inclined to the Western European painting tradition, which was more popular in Russia at that time. Before us is a gallant palace scene, although in reality Vladimir took the girl as his wife against her will, killing her parents before her eyes. Losenko dresses his characters in the European style: Prince Vladimir wears a fancy headdress with ostrich feathers, a mantle lined with ermine fur - an attribute of Western European monarchs that came to Rus' in the times of Peter the Great. Vladimir is depicted without a beard, which brings him closer to the image of the Western European ruler of that time. Behind the characters is a palace wall decorated with pilasters (such decorations also came to Russia in the era of Peter the Great’s Baroque).

Anton Losenko. Vladimir and Rogneda. 1770. Timing

Franz Christoph Janneck. Gallant couple in the interior. Mid-18th century Private collection

Baptism of Vladimir and all Rus'

The Grand Duke of Kiev was distinguished by his belligerence and more than once undertook long campaigns in order to strengthen Rus', protect its borders, and, if possible, annex new territories to it. The campaign against the city of Korosten (Chersonese), which at that time belonged to Byzantium, turned out to be fateful not only for the prince, but also for the entire Russian land. The city desperately defended itself, but eventually surrendered to the mercy of the winner. Enraged by his luck, Vladimir threatened to seize Constantinople unless Anna, the sister of the Greek emperors, agreed to marry him.

Anna agreed, but on the condition that Vladimir would become a Christian. The chronicles add that the prince’s eyes were very sore at this time. He thought for a long time, but in the end he decided to be baptized. As soon as the Christian priest, performing the ritual, touched Vladimir, his pain suddenly stopped and he felt healthy. This miraculous healing convinced the prince of the correctness of his decision.

Whether this is what actually happened is unknown. What reasons prompted Vladimir to be baptized? Perhaps he, having the opportunity to observe different tribes and states during campaigns, came to the conclusion that it was Christianity that would help the prince unite Rus' and serve to strengthen the central government. Perhaps he was impressed by the high level of development of Byzantium, which was flourishing at that time. It is possible that Vladimir’s decision was influenced by the fact that his grandmother Olga became a Christian in her adult years.

After receiving baptism, Vladimir began to convert Russians to the new faith. The year 988 was a turning point in history - Rus' became Orthodox. For the most part, the baptism process was peaceful, but there were also riots. So, the freedom-loving Novgorodians rebelled, and the prince had to pacify the rebellious ones “with fire and sword.”

Russian history. Prince Vladimir the Saint. All about Prince Vladimir.

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All about Prince Vladimir.

Years of reign: 980 - 1015.

Vladimir is the son of Svyatoslav, his mother is Malusha, housekeeper-slave of Princess Olga, concubine of Svyatoslav.

Came to power as a result of victory in the first feudal struggle between the sons of Prince Svyatoslav: Vladimir, Yaropolk and Oleg.

During his reign, the process of forming the state of Kievan Rus was completed.

Domestic policy.

• Further strengthening of the Old Russian state:

- 980 - the first religious reform , pagan reform, proclamation of Perun as the supreme deity was carried out;

- 988 - adoption of Christianity , strengthening of the power of the prince under the name of the one God. The Church has become a huge force uniting the people;

- 988 - completion of administrative reform : Vladimir appointed his sons to governors and to cities;

- carrying out judicial reform , adopting the “Zemlyanoy Charter” - a set of norms of oral customary (from the word “customs”) law;

- carrying out military reform: instead of Varangian mercenaries, the prince is served by “the best men” from the Slavs; Vladimir fortified the southern borders with the “Serpentine Ramparts” - a solid wall made of an earthen embankment, earthen trenches, and outposts.

• Expansion of the territory of Rus':

- annexation of new East Slavic tribes: the Vyatichi in 981-982, the Radimichi and Croats in 984.

• Construction of new cities, strengthening and decoration of the capital:

- a new fortress was built in Kyiv, the city was fortified with earthen ramparts, and decorated with architectural structures;

— cities were built: Belgorod, Pereyaslavl, Vladimir-Klyazma and others.

• Development of culture.

- creation of the Slavic alphabet by the enlighteners Cyril and Methodius;

- translation of books from Greek, the beginning of the spread of literacy;

- introduction of a special tax for the development of culture and architecture - tithe . In 986-989 the first church was built - Tithe (Assumption of the Virgin Mary)

- development of icon painting, as well as fresco painting - images on wet plaster.

- the beginning of large-scale stone construction.

Foreign policy.

The main directions are the fight against the Pechenegs, wars with Poland and Hungary.

• Strengthening the international authority of Rus':

— with the adoption of Christianity, the country was no longer considered barbaric and began to be perceived as a civilized state;

— Vladimir introduced dynastic marriages; he himself was married to the sister of the Byzantine emperor, Anna.

Military clashes and peace negotiations with foreign countries:

- fighting the Pechenegs;

- conquest of the Principality of Polotsk;

- trip to Volga Bulgaria;

- 981 - the first clashes with Poland over the border Cherven Rus - Cherven and Przemysl were captured;

- 985 – campaign against Danube Bulgaria and a peace treaty with it;

- 985 - campaigns against Volga Bulgaria , as well as the imposition of tribute to Khazaria;

- 988 - 989 - siege of Korsun (Cherssones) in Crimea;

- 991 - campaign in the Dniester lands against the White Croats;

- Pecheneg raids : 990, 992 - on Peryaeslavl, 996 - battle of Vasilyevo, 997 - Pecheneg attack on Kiev; construction in the south - a solid wall (picket) on an earthen embankment - Serpentine Shafts.

— diplomatic contacts with countries: ambassadors of the Pope came to Kyiv, the Russian embassy went to Germany, Rome. Peace treaties with the Czech Republic, Byzantium, Hungary, Poland.

Acceptance of Christianity.

Reasons for accepting Christianity:

• the need to ensure a stronger unification of tribes on the basis of a single ideology - religion;
• the adoption of a monotheistic religion (that is, belief in one God) strengthened the authority of the ruling stratum and the ruler;
• social inequality also required the emergence of a new ideology in order to justify the rich and somehow console the poor with the hope of a happy life in paradise, that is, the justification of inequality;
• the new religion would expand the cultural influence of more developed countries, especially Byzantium.
• the need to increase the international authority of Rus': the opportunity arose to enter into political alliances with other countries through dynastic marriages. In addition, Rus' would no longer be considered a barbaric, pagan country.

The meaning of accepting Christianity:

• strengthening the power of the prince;
• The church began to play a major role in the country, uniting the people and strengthening the princely power;
• development of culture, writing, education; the emergence of Christian laws - do not kill, do not steal and many others that contributed to the formation of moral principles;
• however, Christianity contributed to increased exploitation by condemning protests, persecuting dissidents;
• the growing international authority of Rus', Rus' achieved equality with other Christian countries, and dynastic marriages became possible.

The significance of the reign of Vladimir the Saint.

• Significant strengthening of the power of the Grand Duke with the adoption of a single religion.
• The beginning of the formation of a unified ideology.
• Completion of the process of forming the state territory of Rus' - all East Slavic lands were annexed.
• The final establishment of a ladder system of transfer of power, that is, to the eldest in the princely family.
• Creation of a system of defensive structures and fortresses on the southern borders.
• Significant cultural development.
• Strengthening the international authority of Rus'.

Some interesting facts about the activities of Prince Vladimir.

• Under Vladimir, many kilometers of defensive lines were built around Kyiv. They were called “Serpentine Ramparts” because, according to legend, battles of Russian heroes with a huge serpent, which became a habit of the Slavic lands, took place here. Watchtowers were also erected here . If the enemy approached Kyiv, then signal lights were lit - this was how they reported the approach of the enemy.
• Vladimir carried out a pagan reform in 980. 6 gods were left: Perun - the god of war and thunderstorms, Khors - the god of sunlight, Simargl - the god of the underworld, Stribog - the god of the wind, Dazhbog - the god of fertility and light, Makosh - the goddess of fertility and patroness of the clan .
• An interesting fact is the adoption of Christianity. Vladimir decided to marry the Byzantine princess Anna, the sister of Emperor Vasily II. But he was against the marriage, since Vladimir was the illegitimate son of Svyatoslav and the housekeeper slave Maklushi. According to the agreement, Prince Vladimir undertook to help Vasily suppress the rebellion - after which the wedding was to take place. The emperor did not fulfill his promise. Then the prince captured the stronghold of Byzantium - the city of Chersonesos (Korsun). The Emperor agreed to the marriage, but on the condition that Vladimir accepted Christianity.
• The baptism of Rus' was very difficult. People did not want to forget their gods, whom their ancestors worshiped. Novgorod especially rebelled. He was baptized “with fire and sword”: Putyata (Kiev thousand) - with a sword, and Dobrynya (Vladimir’s uncle, governor in Novgorod) - with fire, when he and his soldiers set fire to the houses of the Novgorodians in order to distract them from resistance.

DATES (detailed).

TERMS.

The clergy is a special class in Russia at the end of the 10th century, engaged in the administration of religious cults; was divided into black (monasticism) and white (living “in the world” - priests, deacons).

Baptism is a Christian rite (sacrament) performed on a person entering the Christian church.

Metropolitan is the second in the church hierarchy after the patriarch in the Orthodox Church. In Ancient Rus' - the head of the Russian metropolis, subordinate to the Patriarch of Constantinople.

Orthodoxy is one of the main directions in Christianity. It arose in 395 in connection with the division of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern. The theological foundations were determined in Byzantium in the 10th-11th centuries. It finally took shape in 1054 with the division of the Christian Church into Catholic and Orthodox. Byzantium and its capital Constantinople became the center of Orthodoxy. 988 - the baptism of Rus', Orthodoxy became the state religion.

Christianity is one of the world religions (along with Buddhism and Islam). Originated in the 1st century AD. like faith in Jesus Christ, the God-man, who accepted death on the cross to atone for human sins, and then resurrected and ascended to heaven. Jesus means “Savior”, Christ means “anointed one”. The main source of doctrine is the Bible (Holy Scripture). In the course of its development, it split into a number of independent directions: Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Protestantism.

Church (from the Greek house of the Lord) - in Christianity it is:

• the building in which worship takes place;
• the name of the entire set of religious Christian communities.

Historical figures.

Cards.

Material prepared by: Melnikova Vera Aleksandrovna.

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The reign of Vladimir after the baptism of Rus'

According to the chroniclers, the stern prince seemed to be reborn, having adopted a new religion. He devoted all the remaining years of his reign to literally serving the people. He successfully fought with the Pechenegs, expelling them for several years. He forced the Vyatichi, Chud and Volga Bulgarian tribes to submit. Prykarpattya joined Kievan Rus.

In the south of the state, Vladimir built well-fortified cities that were supposed to protect the land from raids by nomads.

He divided the state into regions, and at the head of each he placed one of his princely sons. He himself contributed a lot to the construction of temples, inviting Greek craftsmen for construction and painting. He created schools where literacy was taught. Since these schools existed at churches, Christian priests did a lot to educate Rus'. Prince Vladimir cared for the sick and poor, generously distributing money from the state treasury for charitable purposes.

The rules of law also underwent changes: the executions of criminals stopped - the prince ordered to replace them with cash farming.

Art of Ancient Rus'

It is unknown when exactly Vladimir Svyatoslavich was canonized, but, judging by the iconographic images, in the 15th century he was revered as a saint. Icon painters often depict the prince with his sons, the innocent murdered Boris and Gleb, as in the icon from the St. Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod (left). In the 15th century, when Constantinople was captured by the Turks, it was especially important for Russian rulers to emphasize the continuity of Rus' from Byzantium, and Vladimir began to be portrayed as a Byzantine emperor. The fresco by Dionysius (right) depicts the Byzantine Empress Irene with her son. One can note the great iconographic similarity of the Russian prince with the rulers of Byzantium: on Vladimir’s head is a golden crown, which the Russian princes did not wear, and he is dressed in a Byzantine dress decorated with gold. However, the image is still Russified: over Byzantine clothes, Vladimir is wearing a long-sleeved fur-lined fur coat - clothing typical of Rus' at that time.

Icon of Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir with the holy princes Boris and Gleb from the St. Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod. End of the 15th century Museum-apartment of P.D. Corina

Dionysius. Fresco “Empress Irina with her son at the Seventh Ecumenical Council” (fragment). 1502. Ferapontov Belozersky Mother of God Nativity Monastery

Results of the reign of Vladimir

Vladimir remained on the throne for almost 4 decades. During the time he was “at the helm” of the state, Kievan Rus grew noticeably stronger, and its international authority grew. The central government, which had begun to weaken due to princely civil strife, strengthened again. Trade and art developed rapidly.

But Vladimir’s main achievement is that he managed to transform a barbaric pagan country into a Christian state. The people bitterly mourned the prince and named him the Red Sun for his concern for the principality and ordinary people.

Classicism

The Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg, built in 1801–1811, is decorated with numerous sculptural images made by the best masters of those years: Stepan Pimenov, Ivan Martos, Fyodor Gordeev, Vasily Demut-Malinovsky. The statue of Vladimir, made by Stepan Pimenov, depicts the prince as an ancient hero, rather than a medieval ruler. At the beginning of the 19th century, classicism dominated Russian art, and artists were inspired by Greek and Roman sculpture: Prince Vladimir is dressed in a light antique tunic and has the physique of an Olympic athlete.

Stepan Pimenov. Statue of Prince Vladimir. Facade of the Kazan Cathedral. 1801-1811. Saint Petersburg

Hercules. Ancient Rome. I–II centuries n. e. State Hermitage Museum

Vanguard

Costume sketch. Prince Vladimir. Opera "Rogneda"

Russian antiquity also serves as a source of inspiration for avant-garde artists. They are especially interested in folk art - lubok, which is characterized by flatness and some caricature of the characters, as well as bright, almost flashy colors. In the sketch of the student of Nicholas Roerich and Ivan Bilibin, Alexandra Shchekotikhina-Pototskaya, for the 1916 production of the opera “Rogneda” (from the collection of the State Central Theater Museum named after A.A. Bakhrushin), the figure of Vladimir is depicted flatly, without black and white elaboration, and the details of the face are described deliberately simply: they are disproportionate and reminiscent of popular prints.

Results and results of the board

• As a result of the civil strife of 977-980, Vladimir killed his brother Yaropolk and came to power.
• At the beginning of his reign, he was faced with the need to suppress the uprisings of the Vyatichi and Radimichi.
• After the clash with the Volga Bulgars, peace was concluded, embassies were exchanged, and in 1000 a profitable treaty was concluded.
• A campaign was made against the Khazars, but it was not possible to gain a foothold in the lower reaches of the Volga.
• At first he tried to focus on paganism, then he converted to Christianity and baptized Rus', which caused religious conflicts.
• For the sake of concluding the first dynastic marriage between the ruling houses of Rus' and Byzantium, Vladimir made Christianity the state religion, helped the ruler of Constantinople suppress the uprising of Bardas Phocas and carried out campaigns against the Danube Bulgarians. Having joined the ranks of the Christian states, Rus' overcame civilizational isolation, Greek culture actively began to penetrate the life of the Slavs, and the Greeks no longer expected to be afraid of the pagan Rus.
• Vladimir was able to temporarily stop the onslaught of the Pechenegs by building defensive ramparts, founding fortified cities and relocating northern tribes to guard the borders.
• The beginning of coinage in Rus' dates back to the reign of Vladimir.
• The confrontation with Poland that began during Vladimir’s lifetime was successful, but after the death of the prince, the Poles took advantage of the civil strife to return part of the lands he had conquered
• He hoped to transfer the title of Grand Duke to his son Boris, bypassing the existing tradition of inheritance by seniority, which became one of the reasons for the second internecine war in Rus'.

Contemporary painting

Since the time of perestroika, many monuments and paintings have been dedicated to Prince Vladimir. Vladimir is depicted in the foreground of Ilya Glazunov’s work “Eternal Russia”. Behind the prince's back is the overthrow of a pagan idol. Glazunov imitates the style of icon painters: his characters are flat and almost static. The feryaz, decorated with pagan solar symbols, speaks about the pagan past of Vladimir.

Ilya Glazunov. Eternal Russia. 1988. Moscow State Art Gallery of Ilya Glazunov

Ilya Glazunov. Eternal Russia (fragment). 1988. Moscow State Art Gallery of Ilya Glazunov