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

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Goals:

• to acquaint students with the reign of the first Russian princes: Rurik, Oleg, Igor, Olga, Svyatoslav;
• talk about their role in the formation of the Russian state;
• check the level of knowledge of the main problems of the topic, students' understanding of the main theoretical issues and factual material;
• develop the ability to compare the activities of historical figures, analyze and compare their reign;
• continue to form the ability to independently highlight the main idea, draw a conclusion;
• continue to form the ability to work with test material in the form of a test.
• arouse students' interest in national history;
• to cultivate a sense of patriotism and selfless service to the Motherland on the example of these historical figures.

Lesson type: with slide presentation.

Equipment: computer, multimedia projector, materials for individual work of students (questionnaires), map.

DURING THE CLASSES

I. Teacher's word:(the teacher introduces the topic and purpose of the lesson and recalls the previous topic).

II. Review questions

- When did the state form among the Eastern Slavs? (IX century)

– What is a state? (The state is such an organization of life in which there is a single system for managing people living in the same territory; relations between them are regulated on the basis of uniform laws or traditions, there is a common economy, culture, religion, a single language, and the borders are guarded by the army)

How is a state formed? (This is a long process. It is formed as an inevitable and natural result of the decomposition of the tribal system).

- What are the prerequisites for the creation of a state in Russia.
(1. Economic development: the social division of labor leads to the separation of craft from agriculture. The development of trade led to the formation of market relations and the emergence of cities, as centers of trade. The cities of Novgorod and Kiev are located on the trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks."
2. Social processes in the period of military democracy:

• the tribal community was replaced by a neighboring community (territorial),
• the development of private property led to property inequality and the formation of classes
• the top of the community is grouped around the prince, creates a squad and seizes power in the tribe.
• a tribal community member becomes a plowman. The prince and his squad are engaged in waging war.

3. The next reasons for the formation of the state are the religious and cultural community of the tribal unions of the Slavs.
4. The need for protection from external attacks.
5. Implementation of the policy of conquest).

- In the 8th-9th centuries. the Eastern Slavs develop a social structure. What was it called and what was it? (This is “Military Democracy.” A prince stood at the head of a tribe or a union of tribes. They helped him manage the tribe: governor- tribal leader retinue- a group of warriors personally devoted to the prince, their profession is war; veche- tribal assembly. The prince and governors are still elected by the people, but the desire to make their power hereditary is already visible.)

- Thus, at the beginning of the 9th century, the Russian state appeared. How did this happen, the very historical fact? (The Vikings Askold and Dir reigned in Kiev, Rurik began to rule in Novgorod. Two state centers appeared, through which the trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks" passed. In 882, Prince Oleg, who began to reign after the death of Rurik, killed Askold and Dir, took the throne of Kiev, united Russia, making Kiev the capital of the state. The state became known as Kievan Rus.)

– How did the Russian people learn about their history? (Nestor "The Tale of Bygone Years")

- There are various theories of the creation of the Old Russian state, name them. (1. Norman - calling by the Novgorodians in 862 3 Varangian brothers (Rurik, Sineus, Truvor). Rurik managed to unite the Krivichi tribes, measuring, all, Murom around Novgorod. 2. Anti-Norman (Lomonosov) - the formation of statehood among the Slavs occurred before the arrival of the Varangians).

Conclusion: In the 9th century Thanks to political, economic, social and cultural prerequisites, a single state was formed - Kievan Rus.

Another conclusion is in verses:

1 student

Do we remember the history of the Fatherland?
Why is the country named like that?
There are many hypotheses and theories
Russia - Russia has been one since antiquity.
They speak from Ruriks. From the Swedes
From Sarmatian Russia went tribes,
Well, I think that the ancestor
He was tall, brave and strong.
It is from courage and growth
We got the name of the country
The root "Ros" is so easy to distinguish here,
All concepts are immediately visible.
Herodotus was known for his learning,
I saw ancestors in ancient times,
Admired strength, rebelliousness,
He said: "Growth, strength is great,"
The Pechenegs and the Polovtsy knew
Russian courage, valor, honor,
Our fellows defeated them
We can't count the victorious meetings.
Let them say, to whomever it pleases,
That Russia is a word from strangers,
I believe in the strength, the growth of the people,
For me, there are no other theories.

III. Explanation of new material

Slide (lesson topic and epigraph)

Glory to our side!
Glory to Russian antiquity!
And the legends of old
We must not forget!

N.P. Konchalovskaya.

Slide (lesson objectives)

• Get acquainted with the activities of the first Russian princes.
• Assess their contribution to the development of our state.
• Organize knowledge.

Plan.(Slide)

1. Prince Rurik.
2. Oleg's activities
3. Igor Rurikovich.
4. Duchess Olga.
5. Svyatoslav Igorevich.
6. Features of the reign of the first Russian princes.

Introductory speech of the teacher: familiarity with the topic and objectives of the lesson.

- Our lesson will be held in the form of slide presentations prepared by your classmates.
Here is your task: listening carefully to each speaker, record the main events and activities of the princes in the following table.
After the presentation, you can ask the speaker questions on this topic.
Along the way, carefully follow their performances and at the end of the slide presentation, you guys will make your own assessment of the work of your classmates according to the "5" point system. But this is a little later.

Table: "Activities of the first princes"

Speakers are coming. In the course of the presentation, we write down the terms in a notebook:

polyudie- a detour by the Kiev prince with a squad of his lands to collect tribute.
Lessons- the exact amount of tribute.
Graveyards- places of collection of tribute.

The teacher distributes questionnaires, a commission of students counts questionnaires (assessment of the work of speakers) collects.

Questionnaire example:

- There is a table in front of you. You have organized a new topic. Tell me, what are the features of the reign of princes?
What do they have in common?

General in the activities of the princes:(write down)

The activities of the first Russian princes were subordinated to two main goals:

1. They sought to extend their power to all East Slavic tribes.
2. Maintain profitable trade relations with other countries, especially with Byzantium.

Conclusion: Each of these princes made a huge contribution to the development of the Russian state, they not only ruled the country, they served it faithfully and are rightfully worthy of our respect, admiration and imitation.

2 student.

And again the memory calls to the past,
And forever dizzy.
Millennium - here it is, lives
In metal, in stone, in thoughts and words.
And the book of life comes to life,
I take it with trepidation to leaf through it.
My mysterious homeland
Great-grandfather Kievan Rus!
Open and bright soul
Good and true blood sister,
Confidently walked into the big world
Friends to joy and enemies to fear.
Here our pain and anger shoulder to shoulder
They stood up against the offenders with a sword,
Here our joy was born in song
And a free bird rose into the sky.
Sacred Slavic places,
Here it is still easy to breathe,
And earthly beauty delights the eye,
And the melody of centuries is barely audible.
And the frescoes smile from the walls
Relatives of our affectionate, big.
And again they raise us from our knees ...
Yes, who said that all the past is ashes?
We are soldered to the past soul!

IV. Homework: paragraphs 5, 6. Essay "Glory to our side ..."

Collect notebooks with tables.

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, relations between them have never been especially peaceful.

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 the Old Slavic language into Norman dialects precisely 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 generally possible) under his 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. Especially 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 certainly was indeed 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 Kiev 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 was 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 Kiev, 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 the Christian temples and churches that were built under his mother, and the 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 a strong feeling that flared up in the prince for 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 on his own, for which he issued an order to eliminate his own brothers, but was expelled from Kiev by Yaroslav of Novgorod.

With the help of the Polish king Boleslav the Brave, he was able to take Kiev 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 Kiev, 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. The 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 was both the constant raids of nomads and internal strife, constantly tearing apart the country, depriving it of 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 Kiev, 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 Kiev 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 Kiev, but until his death he never gave up the throne.

Yuri Dolgoruky (1154-1157)

Yuri finally gets access to the throne of Kiev. 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 Kiev. Known in history under the nickname Bogolyubsky.

In 1169, Andrew did not limit himself to the expulsion of his father's worst enemy, burning Kiev 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 Kiev 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.

In 862, Prince Rurik was invited to reign in northwestern Russia, who became the founder of the new state. What was the activity of the first Kiev princes - we learn from the article on history for the 10th grade.

Domestic and foreign policy of the first Russian princes

Let's form a table The first Kiev princes.

Starting in order, one should mention not Rurik as the first Russian prince, but his boyars Askold and Dir as the first princes of Kiev. Having not received cities in Northern Russia for control, they went south, to Constantinople, but, moving along the Dnieper, they landed near a small town that had a convenient geographical and strategic position.

In 879 Rurik died and Oleg became his successor until the age of his son Igor. In 882, Oleg makes an aggressive campaign against Kiev. Fearing a major battle with a large army of co-rulers. Oleg lured them out of the city by cunning, and then killed them.

Rice. 1. Borders of Russia in the 9th century.

The names of Askold and Dir are familiar to every resident of Kiev. These are the first martyrs of the Russian land. In 2013, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kiev Patriarchate canonized them as saints.

Having captured Smolensk and Lyubech, Oleg established control over the trade route "From the Varangians to the Greeks", transferred the capital of Russia from Novgorod to Kiev, creating Kievan Rus - a single principality of the Eastern Slavs. He built cities, determined the amount of taxes from the subordinate southern tribes, and successfully fought the Khazars.

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Rice. 2. Map of the route from the Varangians to the Greeks.

In 907, Oleg made a trip to Constantinople, according to which he was able to conclude a trade agreement beneficial for Russia with the Romans.

Igor's reign

After the death of Oleg, Igor took the reins of government. He made two campaigns against Byzantium - in 941 and 944, but neither was crowned with great success. The fleet of the Rus was completely burned by Greek fire. In 913 and 943 he made two trips to the Caspian lands.

In 945, while collecting tribute from subordinate tribes, Igor succumbed to the pressure of the squad and decided to collect tribute in a larger amount. Returning to the lands of the Drevlyans for the second time, but already with a small detachment, Igor was killed in the capital of the Drevlyan land, the city of Iskorosten.

Olga and Svyatoslav

The regent for the two-year-old son of Igor Svyatoslav was his mother, Olga. The princess avenged the murder of Igor by devastating the Drevlyane land and burning Iskorosten.

Olga owns the first economic reform in Russia. She established lessons and graveyards - the amount of tribute and the places of their collection. In 955, she converted to Christianity, becoming the first Russian princess of the Orthodox faith.

Svyatoslav, having matured, spent all his time on campaigns, dreaming of military glory. In 965, he destroyed the Khazar Khaganate, and two years later, at the request of the Byzantines, he invaded Bulgaria. He did not fulfill the terms of the agreement with the Romans, capturing 80 Bulgarian cities and starting to reign in the occupied lands. This gave rise to the Byzantine-Russian war of 970-971, as a result of which Svyatoslav was forced to leave Bulgaria, but on the way home he was killed by the Pechenegs.

Vladimir Red Sun

Between the three sons of Svyatoslav, an internecine war broke out, in which Vladimir emerged victorious. Under him, extensive urban planning unfolded in Russia, but his most important achievement was elsewhere. In 988, Vladimir baptized Russia, moving from paganism to Orthodox Christianity, announcing that Russia is now the younger sister of the great Byzantium.

Rice. 3. Baptism of Russia.

Using the prepared ground for the development of the young state, the son of Vladimir, Yaroslav the Wise, will make Russia the advanced state of Europe, which will flourish during the years of his reign.

What have we learned?

The first princes of Kiev were mainly engaged in the expansion and strengthening of the young Russian state. Their task was to secure the borders of Kievan Rus from external aggression and to make allies, primarily in the person of Byzantium. The adoption of Christianity and the destruction of the Khazars partially resolved these issues.

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The article briefly talks about the great princes of Russian Russia - a topic studied in the history of the 10th grade. What were they famous for? What were their deeds and role in history?

Summoned Vikings

In 862, the northwestern tribes of the Eastern Slavs decided to end their wars among themselves and invite an independent ruler to rule over them fairly. Slav Gostomysl from the Ilmen tribe led a campaign to the Varangians and returned from there with Rurik and his squad. Together with Rurik came his two brothers - Sienus and Truvor. Rurik sat down to reign in Ladoga, and two years later, according to the Ipatiev Chronicle, he built Novgorod. Rurik had a son, Igor, who was to become a prince after his death. The hereditary rule became the foundation of the ruling dynasty.

Rice. 1. Map of Kievan Rus in the 10th century.

In 879, Rurik died, and Igor was still too small. Oleg acted as regent - either Rurik's brother-in-law, or his governor. Already in 882, he captured Kiev, where he transferred the capital of Ancient Russia from Novgorod. Having captured Kiev, Oleg established full control over the trade route "From the Varangians to the Greeks." Oleg managed to conclude a profitable agreement with Byzantium on duty-free trade, which is a great achievement for the Russian economy of that time.

In 912 Oleg died and Igor became the prince of Kiev. In 914, Igor re-conquered the Drevlyans, setting a tribute greater than Oleg's. In 945, Igor, collecting tribute from the Drevlyans, considered that he had not collected enough. Returning with a small detachment for re-assembly, he was killed in the city of Iskorosten for his greed.

Both Rurik, and Oleg, and Igor reduced their domestic political activity to the subjugation of the Slavic tribes surrounding Russia and imposing tribute on them. Their activities were largely aimed at conducting military campaigns to gain authority within Russia and in the international arena.

The reign of Olga and Svyatoslav

In 945, Olga suppressed the rebellion of the Drevlyans and avenged Igor by destroying Iskorosten. Olga left the foreign and began to engage in domestic politics. She carried out the first reform in Russia, creating a system of lessons and graveyards - the amount of tribute and places and time of its collection. In 955 Olga goes to Constantinople and accepts Christianity.

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Rice. 2. Burning Iskorosten.

It is not known exactly when Svyatoslav came to power. The Tale of Bygone Years speaks of his first military campaign in 964. Svyatoslav was a big fan of war and battles, so he continued the policy of his father and grandfather and spent his whole life in battles, and Olga continued to rule Russia on his behalf until her death. Having conquered Bulgaria, he moved the capital to Pereyaslavets-on-the-Danube and planned to govern the young state from there. But these lands were in the sphere of interests of Byzantium, which forced Svyatoslav to return to Russia within a year.

Rice. 3. Svyatoslav and John Tzimiskes.

Svyatoslav did not survive his mother for long. He died near the Dnieper rapids from a scimitar of the Pechenegs, who ambushed him when he was returning from Bulgaria to Kiev in 972.

The foreign policy of Russia in the 9th-10th centuries

Byzantium remained the main direction of the campaigns of the first Russian princes, although periodically military campaigns were carried out in other countries. To illuminate this issue, we will compile a table The first Russian princes and their activities in foreign policy.

It should be noted that the first Russian princes were also engaged in the defense of the southern borders from the constant raids of the nomadic Khazar and Pecheneg tribes.

What have we learned?

In general, the foreign policy of the first Russian princes dominated the domestic one. This was due to the desire to unite under one authority all the East Slavic tribes and protect them from external military aggression.

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In this post, we will focus on such a difficult topic as the first Kiev princes. Today, 7 author's historical portraits from Oleg the Prophet to Vladimir II Monomakh will be presented, all these historical portraits are written for the maximum score and meet all the criteria for assessing work on the exam.

You see in front of you a map of Ancient Russia, or rather the tribes that lived on their territory. You see that this is the territory of present-day Ukraine and Belarus. Ancient Russia stretched from the Carpathians in the West, to the Oka and Volga in the East, and from the Baltic in the North, to the Black Sea steppes in the South. Of course, Kiev was the capital of this Old Russian state, and it was there that the princes of Kiev sat. We will begin the study of Ancient Russia with Prince Oleg. Unfortunately, no information about this prince has been preserved, and only the legend “The Legend of the Prophetic Oleg” has been preserved, which you all know very well. And in 882, Oleg went to Kiev from Novgorod. He was Rurik's combatant (862-882) and while Rurik's son, Igor, was small, Oleg was his regent. And in 882, Oleg captured Kiev, killing Askold and Dir, and from that moment the time of his reign began.

Oleg Veshchiy - Historical portrait

Lifetime:9th century - beginning10th century

Years of government: 882-912

1. Domestic policy:

1.1. He made Kiev the capital of Ancient Russia, so some historians consider Oleg the founder of the Old Russian state. “Let Kiev be the mother of Russian cities”

1.2. He united the northern and southern centers of the Eastern Slavs, by conquering the lands of the streets, Tivertsy, Radimichi, northerners, Drevlyans, subjugating such cities as Smolensk, Lyubech, Kiev.

2. Foreign policy:

2.1. He made a successful campaign against Constantinople in 907.

2.2. Concluded favorable for the country peace and trade agreements with Byzantium.

Results of activity:

Prince Oleg during the years of his reign significantly increased the territory of Russia, concluded the first trade agreement with Byzantium (Constantinople)

The second ruler after Oleg was Igor Stary and much is unknown about his reign in modern history and we only know about the last four years of his reign in Kiev.

Historical portrait of Igor Stary

Life time: endIX century -II quarterX century

Years of government: 912-945

Main activities:

1. Domestic policy:

1.1. Continued the unification of the East Slavic tribes

1.2. He was the governor in Kiev during the reign of Oleg

2. Foreign policy:

2.1. Russian-Byzantine war 941-944

2.2. War with the Pechenegs

2.3. War with the Drevlyans

2.4. Military campaign against Byzantium

Results of activity:

He extended his power to the Slavic tribes between the Dniester and the Danube, concluded a military-trade agreement with Byzantium, conquered the Drevlyans.

After the murder of Igor by the Drevlyans for excessive collection of tribute, his wife, Olga, ascended the throne.

Duchess Olga

Lifetime:II-3rd quarterX century.

Years of government: 945-962

Main activities:

1. Domestic policy:

1.1. Strengthening the central government by reprisals against the Drevlyane tribe

1.2. She carried out the first tax reform in Russia: she introduced lessons - a fixed amount of tribute collection and graveyards - places of tribute collection.

2. Foreign policy:

2.1. She was the first Russian princess and ruler in general who converted to Christianity.

2.2. She was able to prevent the Drevlyan dynasty of princes from reigning in Kiev.

Results of activity:

Olga strengthened the internal position of the young Russian state, established relations with Byzantium, increased the authority of Russia, and was able to maintain the Russian throne for her son Svyatoslav.

After the death of Olga, the reign of Svyatoslav Igorevich, known for his rich foreign policy, began in Kiev.

Svyatoslav Igorevich

Time of life: second half of the 10th century.

Years of reign 945 - 972

Main activities:

1. Domestic policy:

1.1. He led the further strengthening of the ancient Russian state, like his predecessors.

1.2. Tried to create an empire.

2. Foreign policy:

2.1. He conducted a military campaign against Bulgaria in 967.

2.2. Defeated the Khazar Khaganate in 965.

2.3. Conducted a military campaign against Byzantium.

Results of activity:

He established diplomatic relations with many peoples of the world, strengthened the position of Russia on the world stage, removed the threat from the Volga Bulgaria and the Khazar Khaganate, expanded the possessions of the Kiev prince, wanted to create an empire, but his plans were not destined to come true.

After the death of Svyatoslav, Prince Yaropolk (972-980) ascended the throne of Kiev, who, over the 8 years of his reign, made a very small contribution to the history of Ancient Russia. After his reign, Vladimir I, popularly nicknamed the Red Sun, entered the throne of Kiev.

Vladimir I Svyatoslavovich (Saint, Red Sun) – Historical portrait

Life time: 3rd quarter of the 10th century - first half of the 11th century (~ 960-1015);
Years of government: 980-1015

Main activities:
1. Domestic policy:
1.1. The final annexation of the lands of the Vyatichi, Cherven cities, as well as lands on both sides of the Carpathians.
1.2. pagan reform. In order to strengthen the grand ducal power and to introduce Russia to the rest of the world, in 980 Vladimir carried out a Pagan reform, according to which Perun was placed at the head of the pantheon of Slavic gods. After the failure of the reform, Vladimir I decided to baptize Russia according to the Byzantine rite.
1.3. Acceptance of Christianity. After the failure of the pagan reform, under Vladimir in 988, Christianity was adopted as the state religion. The baptism of Vladimir and his entourage was performed in the city of Korsun. The reason for choosing Christianity as the main religion was the marriage of Vladimir to the Byzantine princess Anna and the prevalence of this faith in Russia.
2. Foreign policy:
2.1. Protection of the borders of Russia. Under Vladimir, in order to protect, the Unified Defensive System from nomads and the Alert System were created.
2.2. The defeat of the Radimichi militia, a campaign in the Volga Bulgaria, the first clash of Russia with Poland, as well as the conquest of the Polotsk principality.

Results of activity:
1. Domestic policy:
1.1. The unification of all the lands of the Eastern Slavs as part of Kievan Rus.
1.2. The reform streamlined the pagan pantheon. It prompted Prince Vladimir to turn to a fundamentally new religion.
1.3. Strengthening princely power, raising the authority of the country on the world stage, borrowing Byzantine culture: fresco, architecture, icon painting, the Bible was translated into Slavic...
2. Foreign policy:
2.1. The Unified Defense System from nomads and the Alert System helped to quickly notify the center about crossing the border, and accordingly about the attack, which gave Russia an advantage.
2.2. Expansion of the borders of Russia through the active foreign policy of Prince Vladimir the Holy.

After Vladimir, a very prominent ruler was Yaroslav, nicknamed the Wise.

Yaroslav the Wise

Life time: endX- middleXI century

Years of government: 1019-1054

Main activities:

1. Domestic policy:

1.1. Establishment of dynastic ties with Europe and Byzantium, through the conclusion of dynastic marriages.

1.2. The founder of written Russian legislation - "Russian Pravda"

1.3. Erected St. Sophia Cathedral and the Golden Gate

2. Foreign policy:

2.1. Military campaigns in the Baltic

2.2. The final defeat of the Pechenegs

2.3. Military campaign against Byzantium and the Polish-Lithuanian lands

Results of activity:

During the reign of Yaroslav, Russia reached its peak. Kiev became one of the largest cities in Europe, the prestige of Russia increased on the world stage, the active construction of temples and cathedrals began.

And the last prince, whose characteristics we will give in this post, will be Vladimir II.

Vladimir Monomakh

VTime of life: second half of the 11th century - first quarter of the 12th century.

Years of government: 1113-1125

Main activities:

1. Domestic policy:

1.1. He stopped the collapse of the Old Russian state. "Let each one keep his fatherland"

1.2. Nestor compiled "The Tale of Bygone Years"

1.3. Introduced the "Charter of Vladimir Monomakh"

2. Foreign policy:

2.1. He organized successful campaigns of princes against the Polovtsians

2.2. Continued the policy of strengthening dynastic ties with Europe

Results of activity:

He was able to unite the Russian lands for a short time, became the author of Teachings to Children, he managed to stop the Polovtsian raids on Russia.

© Ivan Nekrasov 2014

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