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The capital of ancient Russia: the first and the next

Interest in the history of the Slavic tribes, in particular the eastern branch, is growing every day. Regularly in the press there are theories and hypotheses that break down the established facts, refute them or confirm. Disputes revolve around the question of which city bore the title of the capital of ancient Russia. Let's try to figure this out.

Traditions of antiquity

If we believe in legends and chronicles that have come down to us from the depths of centuries, then it was Kiev who was the mother of Russian cities. Polyanskie princes united the tribes of the Slavs and laid on the mountain the city, which was declared its residence. Approximately from the fifth century (the date of the foundation of the modern Ukrainian capital), the city grew and developed, and with it the country strengthened. When the Vikings landed on the steep banks of the Dnieper, Kiev was already a well-known shopping center of the region. Rurikovich made a lot for the founding of the state and for its high authority in the medieval world.

The state grew, and in it lived many descendants of the princely family. Everyone wanted to rule and founded the cities in which he declared himself a prince. So, the first capital of ancient Russia received not so much help, as many rivals. And when the wealth and power of Kiev faded away, there was a large number of cities that began to call themselves dining rooms. Instead of the Kyiv principality, which lost its primacy, other people came to the world arena: Smolensk, Novgorod-Seversky, Ryazan, Chernigov, Vladimir-Suzdal, and later Moscow. Therefore, the capital of ancient Russia was not alone.

Zlatoverchy Kiev

If the teacher at a history lesson turns to the student with a question, call the capital of ancient Russia, he does not hesitate, he will answer that this is Kiev. The golden-domed city stands on seven hills, like Rome, Jerusalem or Constantinople. It has an unusually advantageous geographical position and lies at the crossroads of the most important trade routes. Since its foundation until the times of the Mongol-Tatar yoke and its destruction by the Khan Baty, he played an exceptional role in the life of the region. Therefore, in 1020 the capital of ancient Russia is Kiev.

He rose from the ashes, although he became dependent on stronger neighbors, but nevertheless grew and developed without losing his beautiful face. However, still in the memory of the people the city remained the main one, as it focused on cultural and spiritual life.

Velikiy Novgorod

His story begins around the turn of the ninth and tenth centuries. Although archaeologists assume that in the territory of modern Novgorod people have settled much earlier than generally thought. This city, founded by the Slavs, was built following the example of Kiev. Here they erected a similar St. Sophia Cathedral, a courtyard, a spacious square for public gatherings. This capital of ancient Russia since its foundation has acted as a rich trading city with a special culture, democracy and morals. But still he paid tribute to Kiev and sent his vigilantes at the request of the table princes.

When Kiev fell under the blows of the Mongols, Novgorod managed to escape. This allowed him to rise above the rest of the Russian principalities, and the Novgorod Republic blossomed and drowned in luxury for a long time.

Other capitals

Some researchers distinguish four capitals of ancient Russia. It:

  • Kiev;
  • Novgorod, later called the Great;
  • The Old Ladoga;
  • Vladimir.

The first two hailstones we examined. In the 11th century (1020) the capital of ancient Rus was the city of Kiev, and it was the main one until it was conquered by the Mongols in 1240. From that time the medieval state ceased to exist, and therefore the conversation about its main cities is meaningless.

Ladoga and Vladimir-on-Klyazma

The old Ladoga today is a small village in which Rurik's donkey was two years old before being drafted to Novgorod. It is the stay of the legendary prince that gives the right to attribute the castle to the number of capitals of the ancient state. However, there is one thing, since archaeologists confirm that the city was founded by the Varangians, and the population consisted mainly of Scandinavians. The rest of the ancient capitals of Russia such as Novgorod, Vladimir and Kiev were erected and inhabited by the Slavs, therefore they have more rights to be called the main cities. And the state as such did not exist then, it arose later, when Prophetic Oleg entered the city of Kiya.

Vladimir is the city that Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky chose for himself after his march to Kiev. The Principality at that time was powerful and rich, so the title of the capital city gave Vladimir-na-Klyazma an even more flourishing. It was the beginning of the construction of cathedrals and temples, luxurious palaces. At the beginning of the fourteenth century , the metropolia was moved here. After the Mongol invasion and the rise of Moscow, Vladimir gradually lost its actual primacy, but remained the capital formally.

Instead of an afterword

We examined the ancient capitals of Russia, which were officially recognized as such. These are ancient settlements with a rich history and beautiful legends. On their territory today you can see majestic structures that will remind you of their former glory. All of them once played an important role in the life of the medieval state of the Eastern Slavs. And today they attract tourists with unique sights, which were built by the best masters in Europe.

What is the capital of Ancient Rus? You will not hear a single answer, because every city is worthy of wearing this title, as well as many other cities that were the capitals of the appanage principalities, they are still pearls on the world map.

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