During the Middle Ages, there were 15 principalities on the territory of Rus', but their number, as a result of feudal fragmentation, increased to 50. However, 3 of them, the largest, played a special role. These were Galicia-Volynskoe, Vladimirsko-Suzdalskoe and Novgorodskoe. Something can be more or less reliably learned about the latter only from the 9th century. The date of the official founding of Novgorod is considered to be 859, but historians note that the city itself appeared much earlier; it is simply not possible to establish the exact time.

The fact is that all the buildings at that time were completely wooden. Consequently, they easily burned and rotted, and little remained of them. And the activities of people who lived on the same land in later centuries almost completely buried the hopes of archaeologists to reliably establish something about those times. In addition, many written references to the Principality of Novgorod disappeared due to the Tatar-Mongol invasion. A huge number of documents simply perished in the fire.

However, from what we have been able to establish, it becomes clear that the Novgorod principality became acquainted with statehood quite early. And local historians even suggest that Rurik was here. But no confirmation has yet been found, only assumptions.

The earliest records concern the sons of Svyatoslav, Oleg and Yaropolk. A power struggle broke out between them. As a result of fierce battles, Yaropolk defeated his brother and became the Grand Duke, capturing Kyiv. He chose mayors to govern Novgorod. Who were killed by their younger brother, Vladimir, who fled to the Varangians, from where he returned with a mercenary army, received power first in Novgorod, and then in Kyiv. And it was his son, Yaroslav the Wise, who refused to pay tribute to Kyiv. Vladimir, who was gathering a squad to deal with this problem, suddenly died. Power was seized by Svyatopolk the Accursed, who fought rather brutally for power without choosing any methods. But in the end, Yaroslav won, largely with the help of the support of the people, who were afraid of the more cruel prince. Now Yaroslav became the Grand Duke, and he began to send his sons to Novgorod.

Even brief retelling A relatively short period of time, relating to events from the 9th to the 11th centuries, clearly shows that the Novgorod principality had time to get used to both the frequent change of princes and the constant struggle for power between them. It is noticeable that the majority sought to seize the throne, ultimately in Kyiv. Staying in Novgorod was often considered as an intermediate option. What affected a certain perception of princely power by the people: firstly, as temporary, and secondly, inextricably linked with war, squads and campaigns.

At the same time, Novgorod was a fairly large city, where a kind of democracy with elements of oligarchy gradually began to form. This became especially noticeable during the period of feudal fragmentation, when the prince was forced to sign a charter (agreement), on the basis of which he could legally stay in the city. At the same time, his powers were greatly limited. In particular, the prince could not declare war or make peace, independently trade, distribute lands, or grant privileges to anyone. He did not even have the right to hunt in the wrong place or keep a squad in the city itself: the latter was due to the fear that power would be seized by force.

In fact, the figure of the prince was reduced to the role of a military commander, a commander who was obliged to defend the city and received certain privileges in this regard. But his position often remained precarious. In order to gather people other than his own squad, for example, for a military campaign, the prince could address the residents at the people’s meeting, which remained supreme body authorities. But he had no right to order.

Any free man could take part in the meeting. The meeting was convened by the mayor or the thousand, whom the veche appointed, taking away this right over time from the prince. The assembly was also considered the highest judicial body. The posadnik was the highest official who received ambassadors in the absence of the prince and led the armed forces in the same conditions. Tysyatsky was his right hand and assistant. The exact duration of their powers was not specified, but each could lose their position by losing the trust of the people. The Veche had the right to remove anyone it appointed from the relevant position. In general, the breadth of powers is clearly demonstrated by the fact that in Novgorod even a bishop was elected at a people's meeting.

As for the Boyar Council, it, in fact, dealt with trade issues. It also served as an advisory body. United all influential people, headed by a prince. I was preparing questions that were worth bringing up at the meeting.

Times of feudal fragmentation

The uniqueness of the Novgorod principality was fully manifested during the period of feudal fragmentation. Historically, such a division is usually assessed negatively, and it really had an extremely negative impact on the Slavs, making them vulnerable to Tatar-Mongol yoke. But for individual lands this had its advantages. In particular, the geographical location of the Novgorod principality gave it some protection: it turned out to be quite far away even for nomads, and as a result, it suffered less than all other lands from the actions of the Mongols. The Russian princes were much better at defending the western borders. And thanks to fragmentation, Novgorodians did not get involved in the problems of their neighbors.

Also, do not forget that the Novgorod land itself was quite large. It was comparable in size to European states of the same period. And its favorable geographical position allowed it to establish trade with the Hansa and some other neighbors. In addition to Novgorod itself, the principality included Pskov, Yuryev, Ladoga, Torzhok and other territories, including even part of the Urals. Through Novgorod it was possible to gain access to the Neva and the Baltic Sea. But it was not only the geographical location that made the principality so unique, but a combination of various factors, political, economic and cultural. And religious ones, too.

Life, religion and culture

With regard to such a state phenomenon as the Principality of Novgorod, the description will not be complete if attention is not paid to issues of religion, culture and life. The baptism of Novgorod took place shortly after Kyiv, from where the Byzantine priest Joachim Korsunanin was sent for this purpose. But, like many Slavs, the Novgorodians did not immediately abandon pagan beliefs. It got to the point that the Christian religion, not wanting to constantly face resistance from its flock, absorbed some traditions, combining them with Christmas (fortune telling and other rituals).

As for culture, a careful study of the chronicles shows that here, until the capture of the Novgorod principality in the 15th century by Ivan III, a fairly good level of writing and education was maintained. It also affected that these lands suffered less than others from the invasion of the Tatar-Mongol yoke. Much knowledge was passed on from parents to children and was preserved. Which, in turn, affected everyday life. Thus, Novgorodians were ardent adherents of wooden housing construction, cleanliness, and certain rituals associated with nature. The identified cultural layer is so powerful that it is still being studied.

The Novgorod principality is one of the three largest principalities, along with Galicia-Volyn and Vladimir-Suzdal, that existed during the Ancient Rus'. His mention in the chronicles is almost minimal, but his participation in history is incommensurable.

The capital of the principality is Veliky Novgorod, famous for its artisans and traders. Being one of the main centers of education and the largest trading center in Europe, for many centuries it maintained the status of a stronghold of the northern and southern borders.

The main cities of the Novgorod principality: Vologda, Torzhok, Staraya Ladoga, Polotsk, Beloozero, Rostov, Izborsk.

Geographical location

The natural and geographical conditions of the Novgorod principality were determined by its territorial location. Stretching for many kilometers, it occupied vast areas of the northern part of European Russia. The bulk of the land was located between Lake Ilmen and Lake Peipsi.

Most of it was covered by dense taiga forests, but along with them there was endless tundra. The territory where the principality was located was full of forests, lakes and swamps, which, coupled with harsh climatic conditions, made the soil poor and infertile. However, this was compensated by large reserves of wood and building stone, and the swamp soil was a real storehouse of iron ores and salts.

The Novgorod principality had access to many large river routes and seas, and lay nearby. All this provided excellent soil for the development of trade.

Political structure of the principality

The Novgorod principality differed from and in its unique political system. The republican form of government arose in the principality at the very beginning of the 12th century and persisted for several centuries, making it one of the most developed principalities. The absence of a ruling princely dynasty made it possible to maintain unity and avoid fragmentation. This historical period named Republican.

But democracy in the Novgorod principality was elitist. Power was concentrated in the hands of several influential boyar families.

A major role in the public role of Veliky Novgorod was played by the people's assembly - the veche, which was formed after the expulsion of Prince Vsevolod. It had very broad powers: it declared war, made peace, and resolved completely different issues.

Despite the fact that after 882 the center of the Russian land moved to Kyiv, the Novgorod land managed to maintain its independence.

In 980, the Novgorod prince deprived of power Prince of Kyiv with the help of the Varangian squad;

In the second half of the 12th century, Vladimir Monomakh took various measures to strengthen the position of the central government in the Novgorod land. In 1117, despite the discontent of the Novgorod boyars, Vsevolod Mstislavovich ascended the throne in Novgorod.

Novgorod and, located in the north-west, were part of the Kyiv land in the 12th century. In 1348, Pskov, part of the Novgorod land, became a large trade and craft center and separated from Novgorod, becoming an independent republic.

State and political system of the Novgorod feudal republic

The main political feature of the Novgorod land in the 12th century was the republican form of government, unlike other Russian princely lands.

Supreme government agency Novgorod Republic was considered (parliament-meeting).

The veche elected (expelled) princes, decided issues regarding war and peace, and formed legislative acts and tried the heads of the highest executive bodies state power.

The prince (usually from) was called upon to rule the veche. The prince was a symbol of the state. Together with the mayor, the prince performed judicial functions, appointed judges and bailiffs.

The archbishop is the head of the church, had some privileges, including in court, he was also the chairman of the Boyar Council, called “Ospoda” in Novgorod, and “Lord” in Pskov.

Posadnik was elected by the veche for a certain period of time, had certain judicial powers, and decided issues related to the life of the Novgorod Republic.

Economy of Novgorod land

Most of the population in Novgorod was engaged in agriculture. Until the 13th century, agriculture in the Novgorod land developed extremely slowly. This was facilitated by external factors: low yields, epidemics, death of livestock, robber raids. In the 13th century, clearing (a farming system based on cutting and burning forests) was replaced by a new three-field system, which was more efficient. The most produced grain here was rye. Other grains were also grown. Some types of vegetables were also grown. In the Novgorod waters there was fish, which was successfully sold. Beekeeping (honey farming) was developed. Thanks to the abundance in the Novgorod forests different types animals, Novgorod was considered a huge exporter of furs to Europe.

Culture of Novgorod land

Novgorodians used birch bark letters to transmit written information. Novgorod styles of architecture and painting are also widely known. The main religion here was Orthodoxy. The Novgorod language differed from the language of other Russian principalities, called the “Novgorod dialect”.

Fall of the Novgorod Republic

Since the 14th century, the Moscow and Tver principalities tried to subjugate Novgorod to themselves. The Novgorod supreme power was against the collection of tribute by Moscow and asked for support from Lithuania.

The Moscow prince, alarmed by the brewing Novgorod-Lithuanian alliance, accused Novgorod of treason and after the Battle of Shelon (1471), as well as his subsequent campaign against Novgorod in 1478, contributed to the annexation of the Novgorod Republic to. Thanks to this, Moscow inherited the previous relations of the Novgorod Republic with its neighbors. The territory of Novgorod land during the era of the Muscovite kingdom (16th - 17th centuries) was divided into 5 pyatyns: Vodskaya, Shelonskaya, Obonezhskaya, Derevskaya and Bezhetskaya. With the help of graveyards (a unit of administrative division), the geographical location of villages was determined, and the population and their property for taxes were counted.

On March 21, 1499, the son of Ivan 3 became the Grand Duke of Novgorod and Pskov. In April 1502, Vasily became co-ruler of Ivan 3, and after his death in 1505 - sole monarch.

Novgorod land (Republic)

The power of one person over another destroys, first of all, the ruler.

Leo Tolstoy

The largest principality of the era of appanage fragmentation of Rus' was the Novgorod land, which was governed in the form of a boyar republic. The principality flourished due to the development of trade and crafts, because Novgorod, the center of the earth, was located on the most important trade routes. Novgorod maintained its independence from Kyiv for a long time and managed to maintain its independence and identity.

Geographical location

The Novgorod principality or Novgorod land (republic) was located in the northern part of Rus' from the Arctic Ocean to the upper reaches of the Volga, and from the Baltic Sea to the Ural Mountains. The capital is Novgorod. Large cities: Novgorod, Pskov, Staraya Russa, Ladoga, Torzhok, Korela, Pskov and others.

Map of Novgorod land in the 12th-13th centuries.

Specifics geographical location was the almost complete absence of agriculture, since the soil was unsuitable for agriculture, as well as the distance from the steppes, due to which Novgorod practically did not see the Mongol invasion. At the same time, the principality was constantly subjected to military invasions by the Swedes, Lithuanians and German knights. Thus, it was the Novgorod lands that were the shield of Rus', which protected it from the North and West.

Geographical neighbors of the Novgorod Republic:

• Vladimir-Suzdal Principality
• Principality of Smolensk
• Principality of Polotsk
• Livonia
• Sweden

Economic features

The lack of good arable land has led to Crafts and trade actively developed in the Novgorod Republic. Among the crafts that stood out were: iron production, fishing, hunting, salt making and other crafts characteristic of the northern regions. Trade was mainly carried out with neighboring regions: the Baltic states, German cities, Volga Bulgaria, Scandinavia.

Novgorod was the richest trading city in Rus'. This was achieved by the advantageous geographical location, as well as the presence of trade relations with various regions, including with Byzantium and the Caucasus. Basically, Novgorodians traded furs, honey, wax, iron products, pottery, weapons, and so on.

Political structure

The Novgorod feudal republic was formally governed by a prince, but in reality the system of government can be represented in the form of an inverted triangle.

The real power was with the Veche and the boyars. Suffice it to say that it was the veche that appointed the prince, and it could also expel him. In addition, at the citywide assembly, which functioned within the framework of the boyar council (300 gold belts), the following were appointed:

• The prince was invited along with his squad. His residence was outside the city. Main task- protection of Novgorod land from external threats.
• Posadnik is the head of the city administration. His tasks are monitoring the prince, court in the cities, and governing the cities. He was subordinate to the city's street elders.
• Tysyatsky - head of the city administration and city militia (assistant mayor). He was involved in population management.
• The archbishop is the head of the Novgorod church. Tasks: storage of archives and treasury, responsibility for external relations, monitoring of trade, compilation and preservation of chronicles. The archbishop was confirmed by the Moscow metropolitan.

The prince could be summoned by the Novgorodians, but he could also be expelled, which happened often. A gift (agreement) was concluded with the prince, which indicated the rights and obligations of the prince. The prince was seen only as a protector against foreign invaders, but had no influence on domestic politics or the appointment/removal of officials. Suffice it to say that during the 12th-13th centuries the princes in Novgorod changed 58 times! Therefore, we can safely say that the real power in this principality belonged to the boyars and merchants.

The political independence of the Novgorod Republic was formalized in 1132-1136 after the expulsion of Prince Vsevolod Mstislavich. After this, the Novgorod land eliminated the power of Kyiv and became a virtually independent state with a republican form of government. Therefore, it is customary to say that the Novgorod state was a boyar republic with elements of a system of city self-government.

Novgorod the Great

Novgorod - the capital of the Novgorod land, was founded in the 9th century as a result of the unification of the villages of three tribes: Chud, Slavic and Meryan. The city was located along the Volkhov River and was divided by it into two parts: eastern and western. The eastern part was called Torgovaya, and the western part - Sophia (in honor of the cathedral).

Novgorod was one of the largest and most beautiful cities not only in Rus', but also in Europe. The city's population was quite educated compared to other cities. This was largely due to the fact that crafts and trade developed in the city, which required specific knowledge.

Culture

Novgorod is one of the largest cities of its time. It is no coincidence that he is often called Mister Veliky Novgorod. In the center of the city was the St. Sophia Cathedral. The pavements in the city were paved with logs and were constantly renewed. The city itself was surrounded by a moat and wooden walls. The city practiced wood and stone construction. As a rule, churches and temples were built of stone, one of the functions of which was to store money.

Chronicles, fairy tales and epics were created in the Novgorod land. Much attention was paid to icon painting. The brightest painting of that era is “Angel with Golden Hair,” which today can be seen in the Russian Museum of St. Petersburg.

Architecture and fresco painting also developed in the principality. The main direction of development is realism.

Main events

Main events in the principality in the 12th-13th centuries:

• 1136 - the expulsion of Prince Vsevolod Mstislavich, after which the Novgorodians independently elected their own prince.
• 1156 - independent election Novgorod Archbishop
• 1207-1209 - social movements in Novgorod against the boyars
• 1220-1230 reign of Yaroslav, son of Vsevolod the Big Nest
• 1236-1251 - reign of Alexander Nevsky

During the period of state fragmentation of Rus', completely the city of Novgorod has passed a special path. While on the main territory former country At this time, the foundations of state power were being laid, and tendencies towards democracy were spreading in Novgorod. The different political culture that developed there, as well as the different value orientations of the residents, were very different from the collective values ​​and traditions of the central government of Moscow Rus'.

Novgorod, located in the north-west, was relatively protected from attacks by the Tatar-Mongols in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. This, according to researchers, allowed the city to form a special version of the development of Russian civilization.

Territory of the Novgorod Principality

Novgorod land in its scale (13-15 centuries) was a huge state that could compete in territory with any European kingdoms. In addition to Novgorod itself, the Novgorod principality included the Pskov lands, Ladoga, Yuryev, Torzhok and many other territories. Through Novgorod, access was provided along the Neva to the Baltic Sea and along the Northern Dvina to the White Sea. In the south, the lands extended to Torzhok, Velikiye Luki and Volokolamsk. In the northeast, the Principality of Novgorod included the Urals. In these territories, cities such as Vyatka, Vologda, Pskov and others arose. What distinguished Novgorod from other principalities (central and southern) was that it was facing Europe, protecting Russian borders from the aggression of Swedish and German feudal lords.

In the thirteenth century, the city of Novgorod already had its own rich legal and political culture. At the beginning of the ninth century, Yaroslav the Wise, refusing to pay tribute to Kyiv, laid the foundation for the independence and isolation of Novgorod.

In 1136, Novgorod experienced a popular uprising, the purpose of which was to remove the prince with a restriction of his rights, as well as to secure power for the mayor, who was to be elected at the veche. In addition, the Novgorod people demanded the right to remove and install princes at their own request. A special agreement prohibited the prince from distributing volosts, judging the people of Novgorod, trading with European countries (besides the Novgorodians themselves), distributing immunities (special privileges), and even hunting outside a certain urban area. The income of the princes was also limited. And finally, as had happened before in Europe, the entire princely court was evicted from the city to the “Rurik settlement”. This was done in order to limit the possibility of seizing city power by military means. The independence of the Novgorod principality came to an end in 1478, when it finally became part of the Moscow state.