History of Russia. Mstislav Vladimirovich the Great. The reign of Prince Mstislav Vladimirovich

home Mstislav 1 the Great (Mstislav Vladimirovich) – Grand Duke Kyiv, son ancient Russian prince

Vladimir Monomakh.

Mstislav was born in 1076 and died in 1132.

Brief biography of Mstislav the Great Mstislav was the son of Vladimir Monomakh and the English princess Gita of Ues, in European countries

he was known under the name Harold - so Mstislav was called in honor of his grandfather Harold 2 Godwinson. At baptism he took the name Theodore. Mstislav was the eldest son and was supposed to take the throne and become the Grand Duke of Kyiv after the death of his father, Vladimir Monomakh, but the path to the throne of the Grand Duke was not so simple - Rus' was torn apart internecine wars

between princes, therefore, before ascending the throne of Kyiv, Mstislav changed principalities several times. He reigned for the longest time in Novgorod.

After the death of Yaropolk Izyaslavich, his brother Svyatopolk was supposed to become prince for life in Kyiv, but he broke his promise. In place of Svyatopolk, Mstislav was sent to Novgorod, who also made a vow of eternal reign to the Novgorodians. In 1094, Vladimir Monomakh, who was then a prince in Chernigov, clashes with the Svyatoslavichs, who begin to lay claim to Chernigov, Smolensk and Novgorod. After these territories were captured by the Svyatoslavichs, Mstislav went to reign in Rostov, but spent only a year there - from 1094 to 1095, after which he left for Smolensk.

However, later Mstislav returns to Novgorod and, together with the townspeople, puts up serious resistance to Prince Oleg Svyatoslavich, who wanted to capture Rostov, Murom and Ryazan. The army against Oleg was led by Mstislav and his brother, together they were able to defeat the enemy on the Koloksha River.

In 1102, the Grand Duke of Kiev Svyatopolk decides to replace Mstislav in Novgorod with his son, but the Novgorod people resist and do not accept the new ruler - Mstislav remains in the city. Under Mstislav, Novgorod greatly expanded its borders and achieved economic and political prosperity.

However, Mstislav, like his predecessor, is forced to break his vow to the Novgorodians and leave the city on the orders of his father, who transfers him to reign in Belgorod. Mstislav's place is taken by his son Vsevolod.

Vladimir Monomakh dies in 1125, and after his death Mstislav becomes the Grand Duke of Kyiv. Surprisingly, despite the civil strife, Mstislav’s candidacy suits everyone - he is quickly and easily accepted and no attempt is made to take his place. However, contrary to expectations, at first Mstislav owned only Kiev and the Principality of Kyiv, the rest of the lands refused to obey him.

The opportunity to change the situation is given to him only in 1127, when the struggle for power in Chernigov begins, and Mstislav strives to participate in this struggle. Mstislav opposes Vsevolod, gathers an army of Polovtsy and seizes part of the Chernigov territories. In the same year, Smolensk also submitted to Mstislav, where he sent his own son to reign.

Having won power in Rus', Mstislav turns to foreign policy. He makes a series of campaigns against the Principality of Polotsk and captures several Polotsk cities. Some time later, in 1128, he again gathered an army and returned to the Polovtsians, this time in order to finally subjugate these lands, destroy the local princes and put Izyaslav there to reign.

However, Mstislav’s military campaigns did not always end successfully; he suffered a number of failures in the Baltic states, tried several times to capture Lithuania and even reached the capital, but way back Russian troops were defeated.

Mstislav died on April 14, 1132, leaving the throne to his brother Yaropolk. After the death of Mstislav, another major internecine war broke out in Rus'.

Children and family

Mstislav married in 1095 the daughter of the Swedish king, who bore him children, among whom there were four boys: Vsevolod (Prince of Novgorod), Izyaslav (Prince of Kursk, Volyn and later Grand Duke of Kiev), Rostislav (Prince of Smolensk), Svyatopolk (Prince of Polotsk , Pskov, Novgorod, Vladimir-Volyn).

After the death of his first wife, Mstislav marries a second time, and in this marriage two children appear.

Results of the reign of Mstislav the Great

The period of Mstislav's reign was successful for Rus'. He received his nickname because he succeeded, albeit at short term, but to stop civil strife by forcing the princes to once again submit to the will of Kyiv and the Grand Duke. Under him, Rus' made a number of successful military campaigns, expanded its territories, and there was growth in the economy thanks to a skillful tax policy - Mstislav levied just enough taxes to prevent the population from going bankrupt and starving. Under him, many churches were built, cities expanded, and the Principality of Novgorod reached its peak.

- (June 1, 1076 April 14, 1132), Old Russian prince, Grand Duke of Kiev (from 1125), eldest son of Vladimir Monomakh (see VLADIMIR Monomakh) and Gita, daughter of the English king Harald II. In 1088-1093 and 1095-1117 he was the prince of Novgorod, in 1093... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

- (1.6.1076 ≈ 14.4.1132), Old Russian prince, eldest son of Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh and Gita, daughter of the English king Harald II. In 1088≈1093 and 1095≈1117 he ruled the Novgorod land, in 1093≈95 he ruled the lands of Rostov and Smolensk. At 1117≈25… Great Soviet Encyclopedia

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- (Christian name Gabriel) Grand Duke of Kiev, eldest son of Monomakh. Genus. in 1075 in Smolensk, from the marriage of Vladimir with Gida Garaldovna, Queen of England; reigned in Rostov and Novgorod; successfully fought with the restless Oleg of Chernigov,... ...

- (Christian name Gabriel) Grand Duke of Kiev, eldest son of Monomakh. Genus. in 1075 in Smolensk, from the marriage of Vladimir with Gida Garaldovna, Queen of England; reigned in Rostov and Novgorod; successfully fought with the restless Oleg of Chernigov,... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron

Mstislav Vladimirovich the Great- (1076 1132) vel. book Kyiv (1125 32), eldest son of Vladimir Monomakh. In 1088-1117 he reigned in Novgorod, Rostov and Smolensk. In 1117 25 father's co-ruler Kiev throne and Prince Belgorodsky. M.V.V. took part in Lyubechsky, Vitichevsky ... Russian humanitarian encyclopedic dictionary

Mstislav Vladimirovich the name of several princes: Mstislav Vladimirovich the Brave (d. 1036) son of Vladimir Svyatoslavich, prince of Tmutarakan and Chernigov Mstislav Vladimirovich the Great (1076 1132) son of Vladimir Monomakh, great ... ... Wikipedia

Grand Duke of Kiev (1076 1132), son of Vladimir Monomakh. Several times he was a prince in Novgorod, acting in complete unity with the Novgorodians and contributing to the strengthening and beautification of the city. He married a Novgorod woman, the daughter of a mayor. When at 1125... ... Biographical Dictionary

- (died 1036), Old Russian prince, son of Vladimir Svyatoslavich (see VLADIMIR Svyatoslavich) and the Polotsk princess Rogneda (see ROGNEDA). Around 988 he was planted by his father to reign in Tmutarakan. In 1016 he fought against the Khazars, in 1022 he conquered the Kasogs and imposed... encyclopedic Dictionary

- (1076 1132) Grand Duke of Kiev (from 1125), son of Vladimir Monomakh. From 1088 he reigned in Novgorod, Rostov, Smolensk, etc. He took part in princely congresses and campaigns against the Polovtsians. Organized the defense of Rus' from its western neighbors... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

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• History of Russian Goverment. Volume 2. From Grand Duke Svyatopolk to Grand Duke Mstislav Izyaslavovich, Nikolai Karamzin. Karamzin Nikolai Mikhailovich (1766–1826), Russian historian, writer, honorary member of the St. Petersburg Academy (1818). Creator of the History of the Russian State (vol. 1-12, 1816-29), one of...

V. DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL INDEPENDENCE. UNCLE AND NEPHEW

(Start)

Mstislav I. – Cases of Chernigov and Polotsk. – The value of the next period.

With the death of Vladimir, the generation of the grandchildren of Yaroslav I almost ended. The youngest of the Svyatoslavichs, Yaroslav, still remained alive. But he was an unenterprising, peace-loving prince, who was content with his seniority among the descendants of Svyatoslav, i.e. the eldest of their kind at the Chernigov table, and did not think of declaring any claims to the reign of Kiev. Therefore, Monomakh’s eldest son Mstislav, who reigned for a long time in Novgorod during his father’s lifetime, freely occupied the Kiev table. He was a worthy successor to his famous predecessor, educated in his labor school and fully capable of maintaining the importance of the Grand Duke of Kyiv at the height at which it was placed. Like his father, he knew how to keep neighboring barbarians in fear and in obedience junior princes, and severely punished obstinate relatives.

However, almost at the beginning of his reign, Mstislav committed a violation of customary law in relation to seniority, precisely in the Chernigov Svyatoslavich family. Oleg's son Vsevolod suddenly attacked his uncle Yaroslav and took Chernigov from him. Yaroslav turned to the Grand Duke and reminded him of his oath to preserve the Chernigov table for him. The Grand Duke expressed his intention to help his uncle and punish his nephew, although the latter was married to the daughter of Mstislav himself. He began to prepare for the campaign against Chernigov. Vsevolod Olgovich, deceived by the hope of help from his Polovtsian allies, resorted to negotiations; began to beg Mstislav and bribed his advisers; so the noblest boyars of Kyiv began to support his advances. Of course, the daughter’s requests also shook the Grand Duke’s resolve. Thoughtfully, he turned to the council of priests. Around that time, Metropolitan Nikita died, and a new metropolitan had not yet been appointed. Between clergy highest value in Kyiv it was then used by Gregory, abbot of St. Andrew's monastery. He was Monomakh's favorite and was held in high esteem by Mstislav; this Gregory took the side of Vsevolod. It was not difficult to foresee the decision of the council, in which the majority of votes in advance belonged to Vsevolod. In addition, in general, the ancient Russian clergy considered one of their main duties to turn princes away from internecine warfare and shedding blood. The Council took upon itself the sin of perjury. Mstislav listened to his advice and left Vsevolod alone. Yaroslav retired to the banks of the Oka in his Murom-Ryazan volosts, where he soon died. This incident served as an example for other princes to violate old family customs and encouraged their nephews to sometimes disrespect the seniority of their uncles. The Chronicler notes that Mstislav later regretted the injustice he had committed until the end of his days. The Monomakh family at that time owned for the most part Rus'. Mstislav occupied the great reign of Kiev. His brothers were in prison: Yaropolk in Southern Pereyaslavl, Vyacheslav in Turov, Andrey in Vladimir-Volynsky, Yuri in the land of Rostov-Suzdal; and sons: Vsevolod in Novgorod the Great, Izyaslav in Kursk, Rostislav in Smolensk. Following his father's policy, Mstislav planned to acquire another region for his family, namely Krivskaya, or Polotsk, part of which had already been conquered by Monomakh (Minsk). Despite the loss of the Minsk inheritance, the Polotsk Vseslavichs did not want, like other Russian princes, to submit to the Grand Duke of Kyiv. Mstislav sent his brothers and sons to attack them. Vsevolod Chernigovsky was also supposed to participate in this campaign. Southern and northern squads from different sides entered the Polotsk land and destroyed some cities (1129). The Vseslavichs reconciled, but not for long. The following year, when Mstislav was gathering an army against the Polovtsians, the Vseslavichs, contrary to their recent oath, refused to go with Russia against the “mangy” Bonyak. Having dealt with the Polovtsians, the Grand Duke decided to put an end to the hostile family of Vseslav. It is unknown how he managed to capture most of the Polotsk princes with their wives and children. Then he put them in boats and sent them to Constantinople to his relative, Emperor John Komnenos. There, according to some news, the Polotsk princes entered the Greek service and distinguished themselves by their courage in campaigns against the Saracens. And their volost was given to Izyaslav, one of the sons of the Grand Duke.

Mstislav was not inferior to his father in the active defense of Russian borders from hostile neighbors. According to some chronicles, his governors allegedly drove the Polovtsians not only beyond the Don, but also beyond the Volga. In addition, he sent his sons to fight the Chud peoples who were disturbing Novgorod lands. The volosts of Pinsk-Turov Polesie and the newly conquered Polotsk land brought the Kyiv prince into direct conflict with the western neighbors of the Russian Slavs, with the restless Lithuanians. In the year of his death, the Grand Duke, together with his sons, himself undertook a successful campaign against Lithuania.

Mstislav, who had been the prince of Novgorod for a long time, by all indications retained living ties with Novgorod even after he moved to the south. So, after the death of his first wife Christina, while his father was still alive, he married the daughter of the noble Novgorod boyar Dimitri Zavidich. Almost at the same time, Mstislav’s eldest son Vsevolod-Gabriel, who was his successor in Novgorod, also married a Novgorod hawthorn. The oldest of the princely charters that have come down to us in the original equally testifies to Mstislav’s disposition towards his first destiny. This charter was given to the Novgorod Yuryev Monastery for some lands and court duties. There is also a note from his son Vsevolod stating that he is donating a silver dish to be used at the monastery meal. During the great reign of Mstislav, his beloved Novgorod region suffered great disasters: extreme spring floods and autumn frosts caused severe crop failures, the consequence of which was severe famine, so that in 1128 in Novgorod, octopus of rye cost half a hryvnia, a huge price for that time. According to the Novgorod Chronicle, the starving people ate chaff, linden leaves, birch bark, moss, and horse meat. Many people died from this famine, and parents often gave their children into slavery to foreign guests just to save them from death. In the streets, squares, and roads, people fell dead; An unbearable stench spread throughout the city from the corpses that they did not have time to remove in time.

St. Nicholas Cathedral in Novgorod. Founded by Prince Mstislav Vladimirovich

Mstislav-Theodore died after a short reign, fifty-six years old, therefore, still in full development forces (1132). He was buried in the monastery of St. Theodora: he himself created this monastery in honor of the saint whose name he bore. He was the last of the great princes of Kyiv who knew how to strictly protect their supreme importance among their relatives and thereby maintain the unity of the Russian lands. After him we no longer see such princes in Kyiv. However, their position became more and more difficult if they wanted to imitate their predecessors in relation to the appanage princes. Superhuman efforts would be needed to keep in unity both the branched descendants of Vladimir the Great and the Russian regions, scattered over a vast space and striving for a separate political life.

Although the Monomakhovich family owned most of Rus', this family itself, in turn, was divided into different generations that competed with each other. Therefore, the period following the death of Mstislav I represents the constant isolation of the Russian regions under the control of certain branches of the princely house, which more and more take on the character of local independent dynasties. The basis for this separation, as we have seen, was the division approved by the Lyubets Congress. The Kiev prince can no longer, as before, distribute inheritances and move younger princes from one end of Rus' to the other. The concept of seniority in the entire Igorevich offspring becomes confused due to their extreme reproduction and division; More and more often, rivalry between nephews and uncles arises because of him. Kyiv begins to change hands; Moreover, some shadow of tribal law still remains; but in essence the right of the strongest or most courageous already applies. The ancient metropolis of Russian cities, although it still continues to serve as the focus of Russian education, is little by little losing the significance of the focus that it served in the political life of the Russian people.

The son of Vladimir Monomakh and Gita of Wessex, an English princess, Mstislav received the name Theodore at baptism. In Europe he was called Harald - in honor of his crowned grandfather, the Anglo-Saxon king. Mstislav was born on June 1, 1076.

Prince of Novgorod and Rostov. Wars with Svyatoslavichs

After the death of his brother Yaropolk Izyaslavich, Svyatopolk broke his promise to the Novgorodians to reign in Novgorod for life and settled in Turov. And in Novgorod his place was taken by Mstislav, the grandson of the Kyiv prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich.

Mstislav also swore to the Novgorodians to reign with them until the end of his life (1086). In 1094, the Svyatoslavichs made claims to rule in Chernigov, Smolensk, and Novgorod.

By that time, Mstislav already ruled in Rostov. Davyd Svyatoslavich during this period (1094 - 1095) sat on the throne in Novgorod, but moved to Smolensk, and the Novgorodians later did not accept him back.

Together with the Novgorodians, Mstislav in 1096 fought with Oleg Svyatoslavich, expelled from the south. On the Medveditsa River, in a battle with Oleg’s brother Yaroslav Svyatoslavich, Mstislav won, and then defeated Oleg. In 1102

Svyatopolk Izyaslavovich, the prince of Kiev, wanted to place his son in Novgorod instead of Mstislav. But the Novgorodians responded to Svyatopolk threateningly, saying that they could send a new prince if he had two heads. Under Mstislav, Detinets was expanded in Novgorod (1116), construction began on the Church of the Annunciation (1103), and St. Nicholas Cathedral (1113). Prince of Belgorod. In 1117, his father ordered Mstislav to go to reign in Belgorod.

Yaroslav Svyatopolchich, Mstislav's son-in-law, did not like this transfer to the south, which is why he expelled him from Volyn. Chroniclers condemn Yaroslav Svyatopolchich for opposing his father-in-law Mstislav. And his son Vsevolod was imprisoned in Novgorod.

Grand Prince of Kyiv

Vladimir Monomakh died (1125). As his eldest son, Mstislav became heir Principality of Kyiv. This did not cause resistance from the Svyatoslavichs of Chernigov. The legality of Mstislav's succession to the throne was also recognized by all the brothers. But at first he was in charge exclusively of Kyiv. Mstislav decided to expand his possessions during the struggle for the reign of Chernigov (1127).

As a result of military and diplomatic manipulations, Kursk and Posemye went to Mstislav, where he immediately planted his son Izyaslav, and Murom and Ryazan separated from Chernigov, Yaroslav and his descendants ruled there. In 1127, some more movements took place: Vyacheslav Vladimirovich left Smolensk, moving to Turov, and Smolensk was headed by Mstislav’s son, Rostislav, who later founded a local dynasty.

Then, in 1127, Mstislav undertook a campaign against the Polotsk lands, as a result of which several cities were devastated and plundered, and in Polotsk, Davyd Vseslavich was overthrown, and his brother Rogvolod took his place. The next year (1128) Rogvolod died. Davyd returned to Polotsk again, who did not want peace with Mstislav. And during the next campaign (1129) Mstislav captured Davyd, Rostislav and Svyatoslav Vseslavich along with their families.

He annexed the Principality of Polotsk to the Principality of Kyiv, and left the secondary prince Vasilko Svyatoslavich in the city of Izyaslavl on Polotsk land. Mstislav sent the captured princes of Polotsk to Constantinople. In the Baltic lands, Mstislav's military campaigns had varying success: Chud imposed tribute (1130), defeat at Yuryev (1131), a successful campaign in Lithuania (1132) and defeat on the way back.

After Mstislav's death

Mstislav died on April 14, 1132, transferring the reign in Kyiv to his brother Yaropolk, with whom an agreement was concluded on the transfer of Pereyaslavl to Vsevolod Mstislavich. This plan could not be implemented due to the disagreement of the younger Vladimirovichs and due to the loss of Novgorod and Polotsk.

The Olgovichs, in turn, took advantage of the confrontation between the Vladimirovichs and Mstislavichs and regained Posemye and began the struggle for the main throne. Historians date the year of death of Mstislav Vladimirovich the Great to the beginning of the collapse Kievan Rus into separate independent principalities.

Mstislav Vladimirovich (Mstislav the Great) - Prince of Kiev, son of an Old Russian prince.

The years of Mstislav's life are 1076-1132.

Mstislav was born in 1076 and died in 1132.

Mstislav was the son of Vladimir Monomakh and the English princess Gita of Ues. In Europe, Mstislav was called Harold (in honor of the grandfather of Harold 2nd Godwinson), and at baptism he received the name Theodore.

Mstislav was supposed to inherit the throne and become the Grand Duke of Kyiv after his father, but his rise to power was not easy - he clashed with the Svyatoslavichs and, before the death of Vladimir Monomakh, changed his place of reign several times.

After the death of Yaropolk Izyaslavich, his brother Svyatopolk was supposed to become prince in Novgorod for life, but he broke his promise and Mstislav came to reign in Novgorod, making a similar vow of lifelong reign. In 1094, Vladimir, who was then reigning in Chernigov, clashed with the Svyatoslavichs, who presented their claims to Chernigov, Smolensk and Novgorod and successfully captured them. Mstislav was sent to reign in Rostov, where he remained from 1094 to 1095, and then went to Smolensk.

In 1096, Mstislav, together with the Novgorodians, organized resistance to Oleg Svyatoslavich, who wanted to capture Rostov, Murom and Ryazan. Mstislav and his brother Vyacheslav became the head of the army, which Vladimir Monomakh sent to help his sons, and together they were able to defeat Oleg on the river. Kolokshe.

In 1102, the Kiev prince Svyatopolk decided to replace Mstislav as the Novgorod prince with his son, but the Novgorodians did not accept the new prince. Under Mstislav, this principality strengthened significantly: the lands were expanded, the city became stronger, and could defend itself and defend itself from invasions.

However, Mstislav, like his predecessor, had to break the vow he had made: in 1117, his father transferred him to reign in Belgorod, and his son Vsevolod took the place of Mstislav himself in Novgorod.

Great Reign

In 1125, Vladimir Monomakh dies, and Mstislav becomes the Grand Duke of Kyiv. Despite the fears, his appointment is accepted calmly; the Svyatoslavichs do not see anything wrong with Mstislav becoming the next Grand Duke. Mstislav's brothers also unconditionally recognized their brother's seniority and his right to the throne. Despite this, at the very beginning of his reign, Mstislav controlled only Kiev, but not all of Russia.

The opportunity to subjugate other Russian lands opened up for Mstislav in 1127, when the struggle for power began in Chernigov. Mstislav opposed Vsevolod, who gathered an army and seized power in Chernigov, and defeated him, taking away a number of lands. In the same year, Mstislav sent his son to reign in Smolensk.

Later, Mstislav continued his conquests: he made a campaign against the Principality of Polotsk, as a result of which many Polotsk cities were taken and plundered. In 1128, the campaign against the Polovtsians was repeated, this time he managed to subjugate the Polotsk land to the power of Rus', the local princes were captured, and Izyaslav was transferred to reign.

However foreign policy Mstislav's campaign was not always successful, he often suffered defeats in the Baltic states, reached Lithuania several times, but on the way back his troops were defeated.

Mstislav died on April 14, 1132, transferring his throne to his brother Yaropolk. After his death, another large-scale civil strife unfolded in Rus'.

Family and Children

Mstislav married in 1095 the daughter of the Swedish king Inga 1st, Princess Christina, who bore him ten children, among whom were four boys: Vsevolod (became the Prince of Novgorod), Izyaslav (Prince of Kursk, Volyn and later the Grand Duke of Kiev), Rostislav (Prince of Smolensk), Svyatopolk (Prince of Polotsk, Pskov, Novgorod, Vladimir-Volyn).

After the death of his first wife in 1122, Mstislav married a second time, and in this marriage two children were born - Vladimir and Efrosinya.

Results of the reign of Mstislav the Great

In general, Mstislav's reign was quite successful. He managed, although not for long, to unite Rus', make it a single state again and restrain the princes from civil strife (which resumed only after his death). Under him, Rus' made a series of victorious military campaigns into neighboring territories, defeated the Polovtsians and conquered new lands. Under Mstislav, cities began to expand, this was especially noticeable in Novgorod and Novgorod Principality. Many new churches were built.

Historians note that Mstislav received his nickname precisely because he managed to pacify the princes, forcing them to again take into account the opinion of the Grand Duke and not wage constant wars. Under Mstislav, there was also a fairly honest and moderate tax collection policy: although there were taxes, they were not so high as to ruin the peasants and feudal lords.