Yaroslav the Wise

Prince Yaroslav the Wise (circa 980-1054) was the son of Vladimir the First Svyatoslavovich and Princess of Polotsk Rogneda. His wife was the daughter of a king of Swedish Olav Ingigerd (Irina in baptism).

In adulthood, Yaroslav became a prince of Rostov, and after some time (after Vysheslav died) prince of Novgorod.

In 1015 (after the death of Vladimir the First Svyatoslavovich) Kiev throne was captured by Yaroslav's stepbrother Svyatopolk the First Damned. According to one version, Svyatopolk, wishing to eliminate rivals, kills all the brothers. Yaroslav can not kill. Sister Predslav warns him of danger. According to another version, in the death of all the brothers, Yaroslav the Wise himself is guilty. In 1015, in December in the battle of Lyubec, Svyatopolk was defeated. Yaroslav the Wise took Kiev.

However, in 1018 Svyatopolk again invaded the Russian land. In the Battle of Bug, Kiev was won. Yaroslav the Wise fled to Novgorod. From there he planned to go to Scandinavia. But the Novgorodians forced the prince to continue the battle. In the battle of Alta Svyatopolk was defeated. Thus, Yaroslav the Wise has again won Kiev.

Another brother was claiming the throne of Kiev, Mstislav. Yaroslav after the victory over Svyatopolk begins a new fight. In 1024, the Battle of Lystven took place. Victory in the battle won Mstislav. However, Yaroslav was allowed to reign in Kiev. Thus, the Old Russian state was divided among the brothers. Yaroslav was given territory from the Dnieper to the west, and Mstislav to the east along with Chernigov. He died in 1035 Mstislav. From this moment Yaroslav became "autocratic" in Russia.

The activity of the ruler after the last battle at Lystvom was mainly aimed at enlightening and spreading Christianity in the country. In 1036-37, on the orders of Prince Yaroslav, powerful fortresses were erected, and the Golden Gate with the Church of the Annunciation was erected. In addition, the temple of St. Sophia was founded , the monasteries of Saint Irene and George were built.

In the "Tale of Bygone Years," there is a lot of information pointing to the enlightenment activity of the ruler. Under Prince Yaroslav, many books were translated from Greek into Russian. These works formed the basis of a library created in the Temple of Sofia. The first legislative act in Russia was created by Yaroslav the Wise. "Russian Truth" has become the main source of economic, social, legal relations of the ancient Slavs.

Approximately in 1050 Metropolitan Hilarion of Kiev was appointed - the first Russian metropolitan who defended the independence of the Russian diocese and independence from Constantinople.

In the foreign policy sphere, the activity of the ruler was aimed at strengthening the position of the Old Russian state. Vladimir I Yaroslavovich, on the initiative of Yaroslav the Wise, undertook in 1043 the campaign of Russian troops to Byzantium, which ended in failure.

It should be noted that the nickname "Wise" Yaroslav is credited for his enlightenment and law-making activities within the country. However, the governor did much to strengthen the state's external relations. Thus, Yaroslav conducted a very wise "dynastic policy." Marriages, which were concluded by his children, allowed Russia to become related to almost the whole of Europe. This "dynastic policy" contributed to the development of the principality, new cities were founded in the state, trade flourished, cathedrals and monasteries were built. Alexander "The First Blessed" later legislated this "dynastic policy". According to the established establishment of the Imperial House, unequal marriages were forbidden .

According to some reports, the death of Yaroslav came in 1054, on February 20. The ruler bequeathed the throne to the son of Izyaslav, who ruled in Novgorod.