History of the reign of Russian tsars. Grand Dukes of Ancient Rus' and the Russian Empire

All the supreme rulers of Rus' contributed a lot to its development. Thanks to the power of the ancient Russian princes, the country was built, expanded territorially, and provided with protection to fight the enemy. Many buildings were built that today have become an international historical and cultural landmark. Rus' has been replaced by a dozen rulers. Kievan Rus finally disintegrated after the death of Prince Mstislav.
The collapse occurred in 1132. Separate, independent states were formed. All territories have lost their value.

Princes of Rus' in chronological order

The first princes in Rus' (the table is presented below) appeared thanks to the Rurik dynasty.

Prince Rurik

Rurik ruled the Novgorodians near the Varangian Sea. Therefore, it had two names: Novgorod, Varangian. After the death of his siblings, Rurik remained the only ruler in Rus'. He was married to Efanda. His assistants. They looked after the household and held courts.
Rurik's reign in Rus' took place from 862 to 879. Afterwards, two brothers Dir and Askold killed him and took the city of Kyiv into power.

Prince Oleg (Prophetic)

Dir and Askold did not rule for long. Oleg, Efanda’s brother, decided to take matters into his own hands. Oleg was famous throughout Rus' for his intelligence, strength, courage, and authority.He captured the cities of Smolensk, Lyubech and Constantinople into his possessions. Made the city of Kyiv the capital of the Kyiv state. Killed Askold and Dir.Igor, became adopted son Oleg and his direct heir to the throne.In his state lived the Varangians, Slovaks, Krivichi, Drevlyans, Northerners, Polyans, Tivertsy, and Ulichs.

In 909 Oleg met a sage-magician who told him:
“You will soon die from a snake bite because you will abandon your horse.” It so happened that the prince abandoned the horse, exchanging it for a new, younger one.
In 912, Oleg learned that his horse had died. He decided to go to the place where the remains of the horse lay.

Oleg asked:
- Will this horse cause me to die? And then, out of the horse’s skull crawled poisonous snake. The snake bit him, after which Oleg died. The prince's funeral lasted several days with all honors, because he was considered the strongest ruler.

Prince Igor

Immediately after Oleg's death, the throne was taken by his stepson ( native son Rurik) Igor. The dates of the prince's reign in Rus' vary from 912 to 945. His main task was to maintain the unity of the state. Igor defended his state from the attacks of the Pechenegs, who periodically made attempts to take over Russia. All tribes that were members of the state regularly paid tribute.
In 913, Igor married a young Pskov girl, Olga. He met her by chance in the city of Pskov. During his reign, Igor suffered quite a few attacks and battles. Fighting with the Khazars, he lost all his best army. After which, he had to re-create the armed defense of the state.


And again, in 914, the prince’s new army was destroyed in the fight against the Byzantines. The war lasted a long time and in the end, the prince signed an eternal peace treaty with Constantinople. The wife helped her husband in everything. They ruled half of the state. In 942 they had a son, who was named Svyatoslav. In 945, Prince Igor was killed by the neighboring Drevlyans, who did not want to pay tribute.

Princess Saint Olga

After the death of her husband Igor, his wife Olga took the throne. Despite the fact that she was a woman, she was able to rule all of Kievan Rus. In this difficult task, she was helped by her intelligence, intelligence and courage. All the qualities of a ruler came together in one woman and helped her cope well with the rule of the state. She took revenge on the greedy Drevlyans for the death of her husband. Their city of Korosten soon became part of her possessions. Olga is the first of the Russian rulers to convert to Christianity.

Svyatoslav Igorevich

Olga waited a long time for her son to grow up. And having reached adulthood, Svyatoslav fully became the ruler of Rus'. The years of the prince's reign in Rus' from 964 to 972. Svyatoslav already at the age of three became the direct heir to the throne. But since he physically could not rule Kievan Rus, he was replaced by his mother, Saint Olga. Throughout his childhood and adolescence, the child learned about military affairs. I learned courage and belligerence. In 967, his army defeated the Bulgarians. After the death of his mother, in 970, Svyatoslav launched an invasion of Byzantium. But the forces were not equal. He was forced to sign a peace treaty with Byzantium. Svyatoslav had three sons: Yaropolk, Oleg, Vladimir. After Svyatoslav returned back to Kyiv, in March 972, the young prince was killed by the Pechenegs. From his skull, the Pechenegs forged a gilded pie bowl.

After the death of his father, the throne was taken by one of the sons, the prince of Ancient Rus' (table below) Yaropolk.

Yaropolk Svyatoslavovich

Despite the fact that Yaropolk, Oleg, and Vladimir were siblings, they were never friends. Moreover, they constantly fought with each other.
All three wanted to rule Russia. But Yaropolk won the fight. Sent his siblings outside the country. During his reign, he managed to conclude a peaceful, eternal treaty with Byzantium. Yaropolk wanted to make friends with Rome. Many were not happy with the new ruler. There was a lot of permissiveness. The pagans, together with Vladimir (Yaropolk’s brother), successfully seized power into their own hands. Yaropolk had no choice but to simply flee the country. He began to live in the city of Roden. But some time later, in 980, he was killed by the Varangians. Yaropolk decided to make an attempt to capture Kyiv for himself, but it all ended in failure. During his short reign, Yaropolk failed to make global changes in Kievan Rus, because he was famous for his peacefulness.

Vladimir Svyatoslavovich

Novgorod Prince Vladimir was the youngest son of Prince Svyatoslav. Ruled Kievan Rus from 980 to 1015. He was warlike, courageous, possessed everything the necessary qualities, which the ruler of Kievan Rus should have had. Performed all the functions of a prince in ancient Rus'.

During his reign,

  • built defenses along the Desna, Trubezh, Osetra, and Sula rivers.
  • Many beautiful buildings were built.
  • Made Christianity the state religion.

Thanks to his great contribution to the development and prosperity of Kievan Rus, he received the nickname “Vladimir the Red Sun.” He had seven sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Yaroslav, Mstislav, Svyatoslav, Boris, Gleb. He divided his lands equally among all his sons.

Svyatopolk Vladimirovich

Immediately after the death of his father in 1015, he became the ruler of Rus'. Part of Rus' was not enough for him. He wanted to take over everything Kyiv state and decided to get rid of his siblings. First, on his orders, it was necessary to kill Gleb, Boris, and Svyatoslav. But this did not bring him happiness. Without arousing the approval of the people, he was expelled from Kyiv. For help in the war with his brothers, Svyatopolk turned to his father-in-law, who was the king of Poland. He helped his son-in-law, but the rule of Kievan Rus did not last long. In 1019 he had to flee from Kyiv. That same year he committed suicide, as his conscience tormented him because he had killed his brothers.

Yaroslav Vladimirovich (Wise)

He ruled Kievan Rus from 1019 to 1054. He was nicknamed the Wise because he had an amazing mind, wisdom, and courage, inherited from his father. He built two large cities: Yaroslavl, Yuryev. He treated his people with care and understanding. One of the first princes who introduced a set of laws into the state called “Russian Truth”. Following his father, he divided the land equally between his sons: Izyaslav, Svyatoslav, Vsevolod, Igor and Vyacheslav. From birth, he instilled in them peace, wisdom, and love of people.

Izyaslav Yaroslavovich First

Immediately after the death of his father, he ascended the throne. He ruled Kievan Rus from 1054 to 1078. He was the only prince in history who could not cope with his responsibilities. His assistant was his son Vladimir, without whom Izyaslav would simply have destroyed Kievan Rus.

Svyatopolk

The spineless prince took over the rule of Kievan Rus immediately after the death of his father Izyaslav. Ruled from 1078 to 1113.
He had a hard time finding common language with ancient Russian princes (table below). During his reign, there was a campaign against the Polovtsians, in the organization of which Vladimir Monomakh helped him. They won the battle.

Vladimir Monomakh

After the death of Svyatopolk, Vladimir was elected ruler in 1113. Served the state until 1125. Smart, honest, brave, reliable, courageous. It was these qualities of Vladimir Monomakh that helped him rule Kievan Rus and be loved by the people. He is the last of the princes of Kievan Rus (table below) who managed to preserve the state in its original form.

Attention

All wars with the Polovtsians ended in victory.

Mstislav and the Collapse of Kievan Rus

Mstislav is the son of Vladimir Monomakh. He ascended the throne as ruler in 1125. He was similar to his father not only in appearance, but also in character, in the way he ruled Russia. The people treated him with respect. In 1134 he transferred the rule to his brother Yaropolk. Which contributed to the development of turmoil in the history of Russia. The Monomakhovichs lost their throne. But soon there was a complete collapse of Kievan Rus into thirteen separate states.

The Kyiv rulers did a lot for the Russian people. During their reign, everyone diligently fought their enemies. The development of Kievan Rus as a whole was underway. Many constructions were completed, beautiful buildings, churches, schools, bridges, which were destroyed by enemies, and everything was built anew. All the princes of Kievan Rus, the table below, did a lot that made history unforgettable.

Table. Princes of Rus' in chronological order

Prince's name

Years of reign

10.

11.

12.

13.

Rurik

Oleg the Prophet

Igor

Olga

Svyatoslav

Yaropolk

Vladimir

Svyatopolk

Yaroslav the Wise

Izyaslav

Svyatopolk

Vladimir Monomakh

Mstislav

862-879

879-912

912-945

945-964

964-972

972-980

980-1015

1015-1019

1019-1054

1054-1078

1078-1113

1113-1125

1125-1134

The history of the Russian state goes back much more than a thousand years, and to be completely honest, even before the onset of awareness and establishment of statehood, a colossal number of the most diverse tribes lived on vast territories. The final period of ten centuries, and a little more, can be called the most interesting, full of a wide variety of personalities and rulers that were significant for the fate of the entire country. And the chronology of the rulers of Russia, from Rurik to Putin, is so long and confusing that it would not be a bad idea to understand in more detail how we managed to overcome this long journey of several centuries, who stood at the head of the people at every hour of their lives and why they be remembered by descendants, leaving their shame and glory, disappointment and pride for centuries. Be that as it may, they all left their mark, were worthy daughters and sons of their time, providing their descendants with a great future.

Main stages: rulers of Russia in chronological order, table

Not every Russian, no matter how sad it may be, is well versed in history, let alone list the list of Russian rulers in chronological order at least in the last hundred years it will hardly be able to. And for a historian this is far from such a simple task, especially if you also need to briefly talk about the contribution of each of them to history home country. That is why historians decided to conditionally divide all this into the main historical stages, connecting them according to some specific characteristic, for example, by the social system, foreign and domestic policy, and so on.

Russian rulers: chronology of stages of development

It is worth saying that the chronology of the rulers of Russia can tell a lot even to a person who has no special abilities or knowledge in historical terms. The historical, as well as personal, characteristics of each of them largely depended on the conditions of the very era when they happened to lead the country at that particular period of time.

Among other things, over the entire historical period, not only the rulers of Rus' from Rurik to Putin (the table below will definitely be of interest to you) were replaced by one another, but also the historical and political center of the country itself changed the place of its own deployment, and often this did not depend at all from the people, who, however, did not suffer much from this. For example, until the forty-seventh year of the sixteenth century, the country was ruled by princes, and only after that came monarchization, which ended in November 1917 with the Great October Revolution, very tragically.

Further more, and almost the entire twentieth century can be attributed to the stage of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and subsequently the formation of new, almost completely independent states. Thus, all the rulers of Russia, from Rurik to Putin, will help to better understand the path we have taken up to this point, point out the advantages and disadvantages, sort out the priorities and clearly weed out historical mistakes so as not to repeat them in the future, again and again.

Russian rulers in chronological order: Novgorod and Kyiv - where I came from

Historical materials, which have no reason to doubt, for this period, which begins in 862 and ends with the end of the reign of the Kyiv princes, are in fact quite scarce. However, they allow us to understand the chronology of the rulers of Russia at that time, although at that time similar state simply did not exist.

Interesting

The chronicle of the twelfth century, “The Tale of Bygone Years,” makes it clear that in 862, the great warrior and strategist, famous for his enormous strength of mind, the Varangian Rurik, taking his brothers, went at the invitation of local tribes to reign in the capital city of Novgorod. In fact, it was then that turning point in Russian history, called the “calling of the Varangians,” which ultimately helped unite the Novgorod principalities with the Kyiv principalities.

Varangian from the people of Rus' Rurik replaced Prince Gostomysl, and came to power in 862. He ruled until 872, when he died, leaving his young son Igor, who might not have been his only offspring, in the care of his distant relative Oleg.

Since 872, regent Prophetic Oleg , left to look after Igor, decided not to limit himself to the Novgorod principality, captured Kyiv and moved his capital there. It was rumored that he did not die from an accidental snake bite in 882 or 912, but it is no longer possible to find out thoroughly.

After the death of the regent in 912, Rurik’s son came to power, Igor, which is the first of the Russian rulers to be clearly traced in both Western and Byzantine sources. In the fall, Igor decided to collect tribute from the Drevlyans in larger size, than it was supposed to, for which they treacherously killed him.

Prince Igor's wife Princess Olga ascended the throne after the death of her husband in 945, and managed to accept Christianity even before it was accepted final decision about the baptism of Rus'.

Formally, after Igor, his son ascended the throne, Svyatoslav Igorevich. However, since at that time he was three years old, his mother Olga became regent, whom he successfully moved after 956, until he was killed by the Pechenegs in 972.

In 972, the eldest son of Svyatoslav and his wife Predslava came to power. Yaropolk Svyatoslavovich. However, he only had to sit on the throne for two years. Then he simply fell into the millstone of civil strife, was killed and ground into the “flour of time.”

In 970, the son of Svyatoslav Igorevich ascended to the Novgorod throne from his personal housekeeper Malusha, Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich, who later received the nickname for accepting Christianity Great and Baptist. Eight years later, he ascended the Kiev throne, seizing it, and also moving his capital there. It is he who is considered the prototype of that same epic character, covered for centuries with glory and a certain mystical aura, Vladimir the Red Sun.

Grand Duke Yaroslav Vladimirovich the Wise sat on the Kiev throne in 1016, which he managed to seize under the guise of unrest, which arose after the death of his father Vladimir, and after him his brother Svyatopolk.

From 1054, the son of Yaroslav and his wife, the Swedish princess Ingigerda (Irina), named Izyaslav, began to rule in Kyiv, until he died heroically in the midst of a battle against his own uncles in 1068. Buried Izyaslav Yaroslavich at the iconic Hagia Sophia in Kyiv.

Starting from this period, that is, 1068, some personalities ascended the throne who did not leave any serious mark in historical terms.

Grand Duke, by name Svyatopolk Izyaslavovich rose to the throne already in 1093 and ruled until 1113.

It was at this moment in 1113 that one of the greatest Russian princes of his time came to power Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh that he left the throne after just twelve years.

For the next seven years, until 1132, the son of Monomakh, named Mstislav Vladimirovich.

Beginning in 1132, and again for exactly seven years, the throne was occupied by Yaropolk Vladimirovich, also the son of the great Monomakh.

Fragmentation and civil strife in Ancient Rus': the rulers of Russia in order and at random

It must be said that the Russian rulers, the chronology of whose leadership is offered to you for general education and increasing knowledge about their own historical basis, always cared for the statehood and prosperity of their own people, one way or another. They consolidated their positions in the European arena as best they could, but their calculations and aspirations were not always justified, but one cannot judge their ancestors too harshly; one can always find several weighty or not so weighty arguments in favor of one or another decision.

During the period when Rus' was a deeply feudal land, fragmented into the smallest principalities, persons on the throne of Kyiv changed at a catastrophic speed, without even having time to accomplish anything more or less significant. Around the middle of the thirteenth century, Kyiv generally fell into complete decline, leaving only a few names about that period in the memory of descendants.

Great Russian rulers: chronology of the Vladimir principality

The beginning of the twelfth century for Rus' was marked by the emergence of late feudalism, the weakening of the principality of Kyiv, as well as the emergence of several other centers from which strong pressure was observed from large feudal lords. The largest such centers were Galich and Vladimir. It is worth dwelling in more detail on the princes of that era, although there is no significant trace in history modern Russia they did not leave, and perhaps their role was simply not yet appreciated by their descendants.

Rulers of Russia: list of times of the Moscow Principality

After it was decided to move the capital to Moscow from the previously capital Vladimir, the feudal fragmentation of the Russian lands began to gradually decrease, and the main center, of course, began to gradually and unobtrusively increase its own political influence. And the rulers of that time became much more fortunate; they managed to hold on to the throne longer than the miserable Vladimir princes.

Beginning in 48 of the sixteenth century, Russia experienced hard times. The ruling dynasty of princes actually collapsed and ceased to exist. This period is usually called timelessness, when real power was in the hands of boyar families.

Monarchical rulers of Russia: chronology before and after Peter I

Historians are accustomed to distinguishing three periods of formation and development of Russian monarchical rule: the pre-Petrine period, the reign of Peter, and the post-Petrine period.

After difficult troubled times, the glorified Bulgakov came to power. Ivan Vasilievich Grozny(from 1548 to 1574).

After the father of Ivan the Terrible, his son was blessed to reign Feodor, nicknamed the Blessed(from 1584 to 1598).

It is worth knowing that Tsar Fyodor Ivanovich was the last of the Rurik family, but he was never able to leave an heir. People considered him inferior, both in terms of health and mental abilities. Beginning in the year 98 of the sixteenth century, times of unrest began, which lasted until the year 12 of the next century. The rulers changed like pictures in a silent movie, each pulling in his own direction, thinking little about the good of the state. In 1612, a new royal dynasty came to power - the Romanovs.

The first representative of the royal dynasty was Michael, he spent time on the throne from 1613 to 1645.

Alexey's son Fedor took the throne in 76 and spent exactly 6 years on it.

Sofya Alekseevna, his blood sister was engaged government from 1682 until 1689.

Peter I ascended the throne as a young man in 1689, and remained on it until 1725. It was greatest period national history, the country finally gained stability, the economy took off, and the new king began to call himself emperor.

In 1725, the throne was occupied by Ekaterina Skavronskaya, and left him in 1727.

In 30 she sat on the throne Queen Anna, and ruled for exactly 10 years.

Ivan Antonovich stayed on the throne for only a year, from 1740 to 1741.

Ekaterina Petrovna ran from '41 to '61.

In 1962 she took the throne Catherine the Great, where she stayed until 1996.

Pavel Petrovich(from 1796 to 1801).

Following Paul came Alexander I (1081-1825).

Nicholas I came to power in 1825 and left it in 1855.

A tyrant and a slob, but very responsible Alexander II had the opportunity to bite his family's legs by lying on the floor from 1855 to 1881.

The very last of the Russian tsars Nicholas II, ruled the country until 1917, after which the dynasty was completely and unconditionally interrupted. Moreover, it was then that a completely new political system called a republic was formed.

Soviet rulers of Russia: in order from the revolution to the present day

The first Russian ruler after the revolution was Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, who formally ruled the huge colossus of workers and peasants until 1924. In fact, by the time of his death he was no longer able to decide anything and a strong personality with an iron hand had to be put forward in his place, which is what happened.

Dzhugashvili (Stalin) Joseph Vissarionovich(from 1924 to 1953).

Corn lover Nikita Khrushchev became the very “first” First Secretary until 1964.

Leonid Brezhnev took Khrushchev's place in 1964 and died in 1982.

After Brezhnev, the so-called “thaw” came, when he ruled Yuri Andropov(1982-1984).

Konstantin Chernenko took up the post of general secretary in 1984 and left a year later.

Mikhail Gorbachev decided to introduce the notorious “perestroika”, and as a result became the first, and at the same time the only president of the USSR (1985-1991).

Boris Yeltsin, named the leader of a Russia independent from anyone (1991-1999).

The real head of state today, Vladimir Putin has been the President of Russia since the “millennium”, that is, 2000. There was a break in his reign for a period of 4 years, when he led the country quite successfully Dmitry Medvedev.

Such a great country as Russia should naturally be very rich in history. And this is true! Here you will see what were rulers of Russia and you can read biographies of Russian princes, presidents and other rulers. I decided to provide you with a list of rulers of Russia, where under each one there will be a short biography under the cut (next to the name of the ruler, click on this icon “ [+] “, to open the biography under the cut), and then, if the ruler is significant, a link to the full article, which will be very useful for schoolchildren, students and anyone interested in the history of Russia. The list of rulers will be replenished; Russia really had a lot of rulers and each one is worthy of a detailed review. But, alas, I don’t have that much strength, so everything will be gradual. In general, here is a list of the rulers of Russia, where you will find biographies of the rulers, their photographs and the dates of their reign.

Novgorod princes:

Kyiv Grand Dukes:

  • (912 - autumn 945)

    Grand Duke Igor is a controversial character in our history. Historical records They give different information about him, from the date of birth to the cause of his death. It is generally accepted that Igor is the son of the Prince of Novgorod, although there are inconsistencies regarding the prince’s age in different sources...

  • (autumn 945 - after 964)

    Princess Olga is one of the great women of Rus'. Ancient chronicles provide very contradictory information regarding the date and place of birth. It is possible that Princess Olga is the daughter of the one called the Prophetic, or maybe her pedigree comes from Bulgaria from Prince Boris, or she was born in a village near Pskov, and again there are two options: an ordinary family and the ancient princely family of Izborsky.

  • (after 964 - spring 972)
    Russian prince Svyatoslav was born in 942. His parents were -, famous for the war with the Pechenegs and campaigns against Byzantium and. When Svyatoslav was only three years old, he lost his father. Prince Igor collected an unbearable tribute from the Drevlyans, for which he was brutally killed by them. The widowed princess decided to take revenge on these tribes and sent a princely army on a campaign, which was led by a young prince under the tutelage of the governor Sveneld. As you know, the Drevlyans were defeated, and their city of Ikorosten was completely destroyed.
  • Yaropolk Svyatoslavich (972-978 or 980)
  • (June 11, 978 or 980 - July 15, 1015)

    One of the greatest names in the fate of Kievan Rus is Vladimir the Holy (Baptist). This name is shrouded in legends and secrets; epics and myths were composed about this man, in which he was invariably called by the bright and warm name of Prince Vladimir the Red Sun. And the Prince of Kiev, according to the chronicles, was born around 960, a half-breed, as contemporaries would say. His father was the mighty prince, and his mother was a simple slave Malusha, who was in the service of the prince, from the small town of Lyubech.

  • (1015 - autumn 1016) Prince Svyatopolk the Accursed is the son of Yaropolk, after whose death he adopted the boy. Svyatopolk wanted great power during Vladimir’s life and prepared a conspiracy against him. However, he became a full-fledged ruler only after the death of his stepfather. He earned the throne in a dirty way - he killed all the direct heirs of Vladimir.
  • (autumn 1016 - summer 1018)

    Prince Yaroslav I Vladimirovich the Wise was born in 978. The chronicles do not indicate a description of his appearance. It is known that Yaroslav was lame: the first version says that from childhood, and the second version says that this was a consequence of one of his wounds in the battle. The chronicler Nestor, describing his character, mentions his great mind, prudence, devotion to the Orthodox faith, courage and compassion for the poor. Prince Yaroslav the Wise, unlike his father, who loved to organize feasts, led a modest lifestyle. Great devotion to the Orthodox faith sometimes turned into superstition. As mentioned in the chronicle, on his order, the bones of Yaropolk were dug up and, after illumination, they were reburied in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. With this act, Yaroslav wanted to save their souls from torment.

  • Izyaslav Yaroslavich (February 1054 - September 15, 1068)
  • Vseslav Bryachislavich (September 15, 1068 - April 1069)
  • Svyatoslav Yaroslavich (March 22, 1073 - December 27, 1076)
  • Vsevolod Yaroslavich (January 1, 1077 - July 1077)
  • Svyatopolk Izyaslavich (April 24, 1093 - April 16, 1113)
  • (20 April 1113 - 19 May 1125) The grandson and son of a Byzantine princess went down in history as Vladimir Monomakh. Why Monomakh? There are suggestions that he took this nickname from his mother, the Byzantine princess Anna, the daughter of the Byzantine king Constantine Monomakh. There are other assumptions about the nickname Monomakh. Allegedly after a campaign in Taurida, against the Genoese, where he killed the Genoese prince in a duel during the capture of Kafa. And the word monomakh is translated as combatant. Now, of course, it is difficult to judge the correctness of this or that opinion, but it was with such a name as Vladimir Monomakh that the chroniclers recorded it.
  • (20 May 1125 - 15 April 1132) Having inherited a strong power, Prince Mstislav the Great not only continued the work of his father, Prince of Kyiv Vladimir Monomakh, but also made every effort for the prosperity of the Fatherland. Therefore, the memory remained in history. And his ancestors named him Mstislav the Great.
  • (17 April 1132 - 18 February 1139) Yaropolk Vladimirovich was the son of the great Russian prince and was born in 1082. No information has been preserved about the childhood years of this ruler. The first mention in history of this prince dates back to 1103, when he and his retinue went to war against the Polovtsians. After this victory in 1114, Vladimir Monomakh entrusted his son with the rule of the Pereyaslavl volost.
  • Vyacheslav Vladimirovich (February 22 - March 4, 1139)
  • (5 March 1139 – 30 July 1146)
  • Igor Olgovich (until August 13, 1146)
  • Izyaslav Mstislavich (August 13, 1146 - August 23, 1149)
  • (28 August 1149 - summer 1150)
    This prince of Kievan Rus went down in history thanks to two great achievements - the founding of Moscow and the flourishing of the North-Eastern part of Rus'. There are still debates among historians about when Yuri Dolgoruky was born. Some chroniclers claim that this happened in 1090, while others are of the opinion that this significant event took place around 1095-1097. His father was the Grand Duke of Kyiv -. Almost nothing is known about the mother of this ruler, except that she was the prince’s second wife.
  • Rostislav Mstislavich (1154-1155)
  • Izyaslav Davydovich (winter 1155)
  • Mstislav Izyaslavich (December 22, 1158 - spring 1159)
  • Vladimir Mstislavich (spring 1167)
  • Gleb Yuryevich (March 12, 1169 - February 1170)
  • Mikhalko Yurievich (1171)
  • Roman Rostislavich (July 1, 1171 - February 1173)
  • (February - March 24, 1173), Yaropolk Rostislavich (co-ruler)
  • Rurik Rostislavich (March 24 - September 1173)
  • Yaroslav Izyaslavich (November 1173-1174)
  • Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich (1174)
  • Ingvar Yaroslavich (1201 - January 2, 1203)
  • Rostislav Rurikovich (1204-1205)
  • Vsevolod Svyatoslavich Chermny (summer 1206-1207)
  • Mstislav Romanovich (1212 or 1214 - June 2, 1223)
  • Vladimir Rurikovich (June 16, 1223-1235)
  • Izyaslav (Mstislavich or Vladimirovich) (1235-1236)
  • Yaroslav Vsevolodovich (1236-1238)
  • Mikhail Vsevolodovich (1238-1240)
  • Rostislav Mstislavich (1240)
  • (1240)

Vladimir Grand Dukes

  • (1157 - June 29, 1174)
    Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky was born in 1110, was the son and grandson of. As a young man, the prince was named Bogolyubsky for his especially reverent attitude towards God and his habit of always turning to Scripture.
  • Yaropolk Rostislavich (1174 - June 15, 1175)
  • Yuri Vsevolodovich (1212 - April 27, 1216)
  • Konstantin Vsevolodovich (spring 1216 - February 2, 1218)
  • Yuri Vsevolodovich (February 1218 - March 4, 1238)
  • Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich (1246-1248)
  • (1248-1248/1249)
  • Andrei Yaroslavich (December 1249 - July 24, 1252)
  • (1252 - November 14, 1263)
    In 1220, Prince Alexander Nevsky was born in Pereyaslav-Zalesky. While still very young, he accompanied his father on all campaigns. When the young man turned 16 years old, his father Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, due to his departure to Kyiv, entrusted Prince Alexander with the princely throne in Novgorod.
  • Yaroslav Yaroslavich of Tver (1263-1272)
  • Vasily Yaroslavich of Kostroma (1272 - January 1277)
  • Dmitry Alexandrovich Pereyaslavsky (1277-1281)
  • Andrey Alexandrovich Gorodetsky (1281-1283)
  • (autumn 1304 - November 22, 1318)
  • Yuri Danilovich Moskovsky (1318 - November 2, 1322)
  • Dmitry Mikhailovich Terrible Eyes of Tver (1322 - September 15, 1326)
  • Alexander Mikhailovich Tverskoy (1326-1328)
  • Alexander Vasilyevich Suzdal (1328-1331), Ivan Danilovich Kalita of Moscow (1328-1331) (co-ruler)
  • (1331 - March 31, 1340) Prince Ivan Kalita was born in Moscow around 1282. But the exact date, unfortunately, has not been established. Ivan was the second son of Moscow Prince Danila Alexandrovich. The biography of Ivan Kalita before 1304 was not marked by practically anything significant or important.
  • Semyon Ivanovich Proud of Moscow (October 1, 1340 - April 26, 1353)
  • Ivan Ivanovich the Red of Moscow (March 25, 1353 - November 13, 1359)
  • Dmitry Konstantinovich of Suzdal-Nizhny Novgorod (June 22, 1360 - January 1363)
  • Dmitry Ivanovich Donskoy of Moscow (1363)
  • Vasily Dmitrievich Moskovsky (August 15, 1389 - February 27, 1425)

Moscow princes and Moscow grand dukes

Russian emperors

  • (22 October 1721 – 28 January 1725) The biography of Peter the Great deserves special attention. The fact is that Peter 1 belongs to the group of Russian emperors who made a huge contribution to the history of the development of our country. This article talks about the life of a great man, about the role he played in the transformation of Russia.

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    Also on my website there are a number of articles about Peter the Great. If you want to thoroughly study the history of this outstanding ruler, then I ask you to read the following articles from my website:

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  • (28 January 1725 – 6 May 1727)
    Catherine 1 was born under the name Marta, she was born into the family of a Lithuanian peasant. Thus begins the biography of Catherine the First, the first empress of the Russian Empire.

  • (7 May 1727 – 19 January 1730)
    Peter 2 was born in 1715. Already in early childhood he became an orphan. First, his mother died, then in 1718, Peter II’s father, Alexei Petrovich, was executed. Peter II was the grandson of Peter the Great, who was absolutely not interested in the fate of his grandson. HE never considered Pyotr Alekseevich as the heir to the Russian throne.
  • (4 February 1730 – 17 October 1740) Anna Ioannovna is known for her difficult character. She was a vindictive and vindictive woman, and was distinguished by her capriciousness. Anna Ioannovna had absolutely no ability to conduct government affairs, and was not even simply inclined to do so.
  • (17 October 1740 - 25 November 1741)
  • (November 9, 1740 – November 25, 1741)
  • (November 25, 1741 – December 25, 1761)
  • (December 25, 1761 – June 28, 1762)
  • () (June 28, 1762 - November 6, 1796) Many will probably agree that the biography of Catherine 2 is one of the most fascinating stories about the life and reign of the amazing, strong woman. Catherine 2 was born on April 22\May 2, 1729, in the family of Princess Johanna-Elizabeth and Prince Christian August of Anhalt-Zerb.
  • (November 6, 1796 – March 11, 1801)
  • (Blessed) (March 12, 1801 – November 19, 1825)
  • (December 12, 1825 – February 18, 1855)
  • (Liberator) (February 18, 1855 – March 1, 1881)
  • (Peacemaker) (March 1, 1881 – October 20, 1894)
  • (20 October 1894 - 2 March 1917) The biography of Nicholas II will be quite interesting to many of the residents of our country. Nicholas II was the eldest son Alexandra III, Russian Emperor. His mother, Maria Fedorovna, was Alexander's wife.

23.04.2017 09:10

Rurik (862-879)

Rurik Prince of Novgorod, nicknamed Varangian, as he was called to reign over the Novgorodians from across the Varangian Sea. Rurik is the founder of the Rurik dynasty. He was married to a woman named Efanda, with whom he had a son named Igor. He also raised Askold’s daughter and stepson. After his two brothers died, he became the sole ruler of the country. He gave all the surrounding villages and suburbs to the management of his confidants, where they had the right to independently conduct justice. Around this time, Askold and Dir, two brothers who were in no way related to Rurik by family ties, occupied the city of Kyiv and began to rule the glades.

Oleg (879 – 912)

Prince of Kyiv, nicknamed the Prophetic. Being a relative of Prince Rurik, he was the guardian of his son Igor. According to legend, he died after being bitten in the leg by a snake. Prince Oleg became famous for his intelligence and military valor. With a huge army at that time, the prince went along the Dnieper. On the way, he conquered Smolensk, then Lyubech, and then took Kyiv, making it the capital. Askold and Dir were killed, and Oleg showed the little son of Rurik, Igor, to the glades as their prince. He went on a military campaign to Greece and with a brilliant victory secured the Russians preferential rights to free trade in Constantinople.

Igor (912 – 945)

Following the example of Prince Oleg, Igor Rurikovich conquered all the neighboring tribes and forced them to pay tribute, successfully repelled the raids of the Pechenegs and also undertook a campaign in Greece, which, however, was not as successful as the campaign of Prince Oleg. As a result, Igor was killed by neighboring conquered tribes of the Drevlyans for his irrepressible greed in extortions.

Olga (945 – 957)

Olga was the wife of Prince Igor. She, according to the customs of that time, very cruelly took revenge on the Drevlyans for the murder of her husband, and also conquered the main city of the Drevlyans - Korosten. Olga was distinguished by very good leadership abilities, as well as a brilliant, sharp mind. Already at the end of her life, she converted to Christianity in Constantinople, for which she was subsequently canonized and named Equal to the Apostles.

Svyatoslav Igorevich (after 964 - spring 972)

The son of Prince Igor and Princess Olga, who, after the death of her husband, took the reins of power into her own hands while her son grew up, learning the intricacies of the art of war. In 967, he managed to defeat the army of the Bulgarian king, which greatly alarmed the Byzantine emperor John, who, in cahoots with the Pechenegs, persuaded them to attack Kyiv. In 970, together with the Bulgarians and Hungarians, after the death of Princess Olga, Svyatoslav went on a campaign against Byzantium. The forces were not equal, and Svyatoslav was forced to sign a peace treaty with the empire. After his return to Kyiv, he was brutally killed by the Pechenegs, and then Svyatoslav’s skull was decorated with gold and made into a bowl for pies.

Yaropolk Svyatoslavovich (972 – 978 or 980)

After the death of his father, Prince Svyatoslav Igorevich, made an attempt to unite Rus' under his rule, defeating his brothers: Oleg Drevlyansky and Vladimir of Novgorod, forcing them to leave the country, and then annexed their lands to the Principality of Kyiv. He managed to conclude new agreement with the Byzantine Empire, and also to attract the horde of the Pecheneg Khan Ildea into his service. Tried to establish diplomatic relations with Rome. Under him, as the Joachim manuscript testifies, Christians were given a lot of freedom in Rus', which caused the displeasure of the pagans. Vladimir of Novgorod immediately took advantage of this displeasure and, having agreed with the Varangians, recaptured Novgorod, then Polotsk, and then besieged Kyiv. Yaropolk was forced to flee to Roden. He tried to make peace with his brother, for which he went to Kyiv, where he was a Varangian. Chronicles characterize this prince as a peace-loving and meek ruler.

Vladimir Svyatoslavovich (978 or 980 – 1015)

Vladimir Svyatoslavovich Vladimir was the youngest son of Prince Svyatoslav. He was the Prince of Novgorod from 968. Became Prince of Kyiv in 980. He was distinguished by a very warlike disposition, which allowed him to conquer the Radimichi, Vyatichi and Yatvingians. Vladimir also waged wars with the Pechenegs, with Volga Bulgaria, with the Byzantine Empire and Poland. It was during the reign of Prince Vladimir in Rus' that defensive structures were built on the boundaries of the rivers: Desna, Trubezh, Osetra, Sula and others. Vladimir also did not forget about his capital city. It was under him that Kyiv was rebuilt with stone buildings. But Vladimir Svyatoslavovich became famous and remained in history thanks to the fact that in 988 - 989. made Christianity the state religion of Kievan Rus, which immediately strengthened the country’s authority in the international arena. Under him, the state of Kievan Rus entered its period of greatest prosperity. Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich became an epic character, in which he is referred to as “Vladimir the Red Sun.” Canonized by Russian Orthodox Church, named Prince Equal to the Apostles.

Svyatopolk Vladimirovich (1015 – 1019)

During his lifetime, Vladimir Svyatoslavovich divided his lands between his sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Yaroslav, Mstislav, Svyatoslav, Boris and Gleb. After Prince Vladimir died, Svyatopolk Vladimirovich occupied Kyiv and decided to get rid of his rival brothers. He gave the order to kill Gleb, Boris and Svyatoslav. However, this did not help him establish himself on the throne. Soon he himself was expelled from Kyiv by Prince Yaroslav of Novgorod. Then Svyatopolk turned for help to his father-in-law, King Boleslav of Poland. With the support of the Polish king, Svyatopolk again took possession of Kiev, but soon circumstances developed such that he was again forced to flee the capital. On the way, Prince Svyatopolk committed suicide. This prince was popularly nicknamed the Damned because he took the lives of his brothers.

Yaroslav Vladimirovich the Wise (1019 – 1054)

Yaroslav Vladimirovich, after the death of Mstislav of Tmutarakansky and after the expulsion of the Holy Regiment, became the sole ruler of the Russian land. Yaroslav was distinguished by a sharp mind, for which, in fact, he received his nickname - the Wise. He tried to take care of the needs of his people, built the cities of Yaroslavl and Yuryev. He also built churches (St. Sophia in Kyiv and Novgorod), understanding the importance of spreading and establishing the new faith. It was Yaroslav the Wise who published the first set of laws in Rus' called “Russian Truth”. He divided the plots of the Russian land between his sons: Izyaslav, Svyatoslav, Vsevolod, Igor and Vyacheslav, bequeathing them to live in peace among themselves.

Izyaslav Yaroslavich the First (1054 – 1078)

Izyaslav was the eldest son of Yaroslav the Wise. After the death of his father, the throne of Kievan Rus passed to him. But after his campaign against the Polovtsians, which ended in failure, the Kievans themselves drove him away. Then his brother Svyatoslav became the Grand Duke. Only after the death of Svyatoslav did Izyaslav return to the capital city of Kyiv. Vsevolod the First (1078 - 1093) Perhaps, Prince Vsevolod could well have been a useful ruler, thanks to his peace-loving disposition, piety and truthfulness. Being myself educated person Knowing five languages, he actively contributed to education in his principality. But, alas. Constant, incessant raids of the Polovtsians, pestilence, and famine did not favor the rule of this prince. He remained on the throne thanks to the efforts of his son Vladimir, who would later be called Monomakh.

Svyatopolk the Second (1093 – 1113)

Svyatopolk was the son of Izyaslav the First. It was he who inherited the Kyiv throne after Vsevolod the First. This prince was distinguished by a rare lack of spine, which is why he was unable to calm the internecine friction between the princes for power in the cities. In 1097, a congress of princes took place in the city of Lyubich, at which each ruler, kissing the cross, pledged to own only his father’s land. But this fragile peace treaty was not allowed to come to fruition. Prince Davyd Igorevich blinded Prince Vasilko. Then the princes, at a new congress (1100), deprived Prince David of the right to own Volyn. Then, in 1103, the princes unanimously accepted Vladimir Monomakh’s proposal for a joint campaign against the Polovtsians, which was done. The campaign ended in Russian victory in 1111.

Vladimir Monomakh (1113 – 1125)

Despite the right of seniority of the Svyatoslavichs, when Prince Svyatopolk the Second died, Vladimir Monomakh was elected Prince of Kyiv, who wanted the unification of the Russian land. Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh was brave, tireless and stood out from the rest with his remarkable mental abilities. He managed to humble the princes with meekness, and he fought successfully with the Polovtsians. Vladimir Monoma is a vivid example of the prince’s service not to his personal ambitions, but to his people, which he bequeathed to his children.

Mstislav the First (1125 – 1132)

The son of Vladimir Monomakh, Mstislav the First, was very similar to his legendary father, demonstrating the same remarkable qualities of a ruler. All the disobedient princes showed him respect, fearing to anger the Grand Duke and share the fate of the Polovtsian princes, whom Mstislav expelled to Greece for disobedience, and in their place he sent his son to reign.

Yaropolk (1132 – 1139)

Yaropolk was the son of Vladimir Monomakh and, accordingly, the brother of Mstislav the First. During his reign, he came up with the idea of ​​​​transferring the throne not to his brother Vyacheslav, but to his nephew, which caused turmoil in the country. It was because of these strife that the Monomakhovichs lost the throne of Kiev, which was occupied by the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich, that is, the Olegovichs.

Vsevolod the Second (1139 – 1146)

Having become the Grand Duke, Vsevolod the Second wanted to secure the throne of Kiev for his family. For this reason, he handed over the throne to Igor Olegovich, his brother. But Igor was not accepted by the people as a prince. He was forced to take monastic vows, but even the monastic robe did not protect him from the wrath of the people. Igor was killed.

Izyaslav the Second (1146 – 1154)

Izyaslav the Second fell in love with the people of Kiev to a greater extent because with his intelligence, disposition, friendliness and courage he very much reminded them of Vladimir Monomakh, the grandfather of Izyaslav the Second. After Izyaslav ascended the Kiev throne, the concept of seniority, accepted for centuries, was violated in Rus', that is, for example, while his uncle was alive, his nephew could not be the Grand Duke. A stubborn struggle began between Izyaslav II and Rostov Prince Yuri Vladimirovich. Izyaslav was driven out of Kyiv twice during his life, but this prince still managed to retain the throne until his death.

Yuri Dolgoruky (1154 – 1157)

It was the death of Izyaslav the Second that paved the way to the throne of Kyiv Yuri, whom the people later nicknamed Dolgoruky. Yuri became the Grand Duke, but he did not reign for long, only three years later, after which he died.

Mstislav the Second (1157 – 1169)

After the death of Yuri Dolgoruky, as usual, internecine strife began between the princes for the Kiev throne, as a result of which Mstislav the Second Izyaslavovich became the Grand Duke. Mstislav was expelled from the Kyiv throne by Prince Andrei Yuryevich, nicknamed Bogolyubsky. Before the expulsion of Prince Mstislav, Bogolyubsky literally ruined Kyiv.

Andrei Bogolyubsky (1169 – 1174)

The first thing Andrei Bogolyubsky did when he became Grand Duke was to move the capital from Kyiv to Vladimir. He ruled Russia autocratically, without squads or councils, persecuted everyone who was dissatisfied with this state of affairs, but in the end he was killed by them as a result of a conspiracy.

Vsevolod the Third (1176 – 1212)

The death of Andrei Bogolyubsky caused strife between ancient cities (Suzdal, Rostov) and new ones (Pereslavl, Vladimir). As a result of these confrontations, Andrei Bogolyubsky’s brother Vsevolod the Third, nicknamed the Big Nest, became king in Vladimir. Despite the fact that this prince did not rule and did not live in Kyiv, nevertheless, he was called the Grand Duke and was the first to force an oath of allegiance not only to himself, but also to his children.

Constantine the First (1212 – 1219)

The title of Grand Duke Vsevolod the Third, contrary to expectations, was transferred not to his eldest son Constantine, but to Yuri, as a result of which strife arose. The father’s decision to confirm Yuri as Grand Duke was also supported by Vsevolod the Big Nest’s third son, Yaroslav. And Konstantin was supported in his claims to the throne by Mstislav Udaloy. Together they won the Battle of Lipetsk (1216) and Constantine nevertheless became the Grand Duke. Only after his death did the throne pass to Yuri.

Yuri the Second (1219 – 1238)

Yuri successfully fought with Volga Bulgarians and Mordovians. On the Volga, on the very border of Russian possessions, Prince Yuri built Nizhny Novgorod. It was during his reign that the Mongol-Tatars appeared in Rus', who in 1224, at the Battle of Kalka, defeated first the Polovtsians, and then the troops of the Russian princes who came to support the Polovtsians. After this battle, the Mongols left, but thirteen years later they returned under the leadership of Batu Khan. Hordes of Mongols devastated the Suzdal and Ryazan principalities, and also defeated the army of Grand Duke Yuri II in the Battle of the City. Yuri died in this battle. Two years after his death, hordes of Mongols plundered the south of Rus' and Kyiv, after which all Russian princes were forced to admit that from now on they and their lands were under the rule of Tatar yoke. The Mongols on the Volga made the city of Sarai the capital of the horde.

Yaroslav the Second (1238 – 1252)

The Khan of the Golden Horde appointed Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich of Novgorod as Grand Duke. During his reign, this prince was engaged in restoring Rus', devastated by the Mongol army.

Alexander Nevsky (1252 – 1263)

Being at first the Prince of Novgorod, Alexander Yaroslavovich defeated the Swedes on the Neva River in 1240, for which, in fact, he was named Nevsky. Then, two years later, he defeated the Germans in the famous Battle on the Ice. Among other things, Alexander fought very successfully against Chud and Lithuania. From the Horde he received a label for the Great Reign and became a great intercessor for the entire Russian people, as he traveled to the Golden Horde four times with rich gifts and bows. Alexander Nevsky was subsequently canonized.

Yaroslav the Third (1264 – 1272)

After Alexander Nevsky died, his two brothers began to fight for the title of Grand Duke: Vasily and Yaroslav, but the Khan of the Golden Horde decided to give the label to reign to Yaroslav. However, Yaroslav failed to get along with the Novgorodians; he treacherously called even the Tatars against his own people. The Metropolitan reconciled Prince Yaroslav III with the people, after which the prince again swore an oath on the cross to rule honestly and fairly.

Vasily the First (1272 - 1276)

Vasily the First was the prince of Kostroma, but laid claim to the throne of Novgorod, where the son of Alexander Nevsky, Dmitry, reigned. And soon Vasily the First achieved his goal, thereby strengthening his principality, previously weakened by division into appanages.

Dmitry the First (1276 – 1294)

The entire reign of Dmitry the First took place in a continuous struggle for the rights of the grand duke with his brother Andrei Alexandrovich. Andrei Alexandrovich was supported by Tatar regiments, from which Dmitry managed to escape three times. After his third escape, Dmitry nevertheless decided to ask Andrei for peace and, thus, received the right to reign in Pereslavl.

Andrew the Second (1294 – 1304)

Andrew the Second pursued a policy of expanding his principality through the armed seizure of other principalities. In particular, he laid claim to the principality in Pereslavl, which led to civil strife with Tver and Moscow, which, even after the death of Andrei II, was not stopped.

Saint Michael (1304 – 1319)

The Tver prince Mikhail Yaroslavovich, having paid a large tribute to the khan, received from the Horde a label for grand reign, bypassing the Moscow prince Yuri Danilovich. But then, while Mikhail was waging war with Novgorod, Yuri, conspiring with the Horde ambassador Kavgady, slandered Mikhail in front of the khan. As a result, the khan summoned Mikhail to the Horde, where he was brutally killed.

Yuri the Third (1320 – 1326)

Yuri the Third married the khan's daughter Konchaka, who in Orthodoxy took the name Agafya. It was for her premature death that Yuri insidiously accused Mikhail Yaroslavovich Tverskoy, for which he suffered an unjust and cruel death at the hands of the Horde Khan. So Yuri received a label to reign, but the son of the murdered Mikhail, Dmitry, also laid claim to the throne. As a result, Dmitry killed Yuri at the first meeting, avenging his father's death.

Dmitry the Second (1326)

For the murder of Yuri the Third, he was sentenced to death by the Horde Khan for arbitrariness.

Alexander Tverskoy (1326 – 1338)

The brother of Dmitry II - Alexander - received from the khan a label for the Grand Duke's throne. Prince Alexander of Tverskoy was distinguished by justice and kindness, but he literally ruined himself by allowing the Tver people to kill Shchelkan, the Khan’s ambassador, hated by everyone. Khan sent a 50,000-strong army against Alexander. The prince was forced to flee first to Pskov and then to Lithuania. Only 10 years later, Alexander received the khan’s forgiveness and was able to return, but at the same time, he did not get along with the Prince of Moscow - Ivan Kalita - after which Kalita slandered Alexander Tverskoy in front of the khan. Khan urgently summoned A. Tverskoy to his Horde, where he executed him.

John the First Kalita (1320 – 1341)

John Danilovich, nicknamed "Kalita" (Kalita - wallet) for his stinginess, was very careful and cunning. With the support of the Tatars, he devastated the Tver Principality. It was he who took upon himself the responsibility of accepting tribute for the Tatars from all over Rus', which also contributed to his personal enrichment. With this money, John bought entire cities from appanage princes. Through the efforts of Kalita, the metropolis was also transferred from Vladimir to Moscow in 1326. He founded the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow. Since the time of John Kalita, Moscow has become the permanent residence of the Metropolitan of All Rus' and becomes the Russian center.

Simeon the Proud (1341 – 1353)

The Khan gave Simeon Ioannovich not only the label for the Grand Duchy, but also ordered all the other princes to obey only him, so Simeon began to call himself the Prince of All Rus'. The prince died without leaving an heir from a pestilence.

John the Second (1353 – 1359)

Brother of Simeon the Proud. He had a meek and peace-loving disposition, he obeyed the advice of Metropolitan Alexei in all matters, and Metropolitan Alexei, in turn, enjoyed great respect in the Horde. During the reign of this prince, relations between the Tatars and Moscow improved significantly.

Dmitry the Third Donskoy (1363 – 1389)

After the death of John the Second, his son Dmitry was still small, so the khan gave the label for the grand reign to the Suzdal prince Dmitry Konstantinovich (1359 - 1363). However, the Moscow boyars benefited from the policy of strengthening the Moscow prince, and they managed to achieve grand reign for Dmitry Ioannovich. The Suzdal prince was forced to submit, and together with the rest of the princes northeastern Rus' swore allegiance to Dmitry Ioannovich. The relationship between Rus' and the Tatars also changed. Due to civil strife within the horde itself, Dmitry and the rest of the princes took the opportunity not to pay the already familiar quitrent. Then Khan Mamai entered into an alliance with the Lithuanian prince Jagiell and moved with a large army to Rus'. Dmitry and other princes met Mamai’s army on the Kulikovo field (next to the Don River) and at the cost of huge losses on September 8, 1380, Rus' defeated the army of Mamai and Jagiell. For this victory they nicknamed Dmitry Ioannovich Donskoy. Until the end of his life, he cared about strengthening Moscow.

Vasily the First (1389 – 1425)

Vasily ascended the princely throne, already having experience of rule, since even during his father’s life he shared the reign with him. Expanded the Moscow Principality. Refused to pay tribute to the Tatars. In 1395, Khan Timur threatened Rus' with invasion, but it was not he who attacked Moscow, but Edigei, the Tatar Murza (1408). But he lifted the siege from Moscow, receiving a ransom of 3,000 rubles. Under Vasily the First, the border with principality of Lithuania The Ugra River was designated.

Vasily the Second (Dark) (1425 – 1462)

Vasily II the Dark Yuri Dmitrievich Galitsky decided to take advantage of the minority of Prince Vasily and declared his rights to the grand ducal throne, but the khan decided the dispute in favor of the young Vasily II, which was greatly facilitated by the Moscow boyar Vasily Vsevolozhsky, hoping in the future to marry his daughter to Vasily, but these expectations were not was destined to come true. Then he left Moscow and assisted Yuri Dmitrievich, and he soon took possession of the throne, on which he died in 1434. His son Vasily Kosoy began to lay claim to the throne, but all the princes of Rus' rebelled against this. Vasily the Second captured Vasily Kosoy and blinded him. Then Vasily Kosoy’s brother Dmitry Shemyaka captured Vasily the Second and also blinded him, after which he took the throne of Moscow. But soon he was forced to give the throne to Vasily the Second. Under Vasily the Second, all metropolitans in Rus' began to be recruited from Russians, and not from Greeks, as before. The reason for this was the acceptance of the Florentine Union in 1439 by Metropolitan Isidore, who was from the Greeks. For this, Vasily the Second gave the order to take Metropolitan Isidore into custody and appointed Ryazan Bishop John in his place.

John the Third (1462 -1505)

Under him, the core of the state apparatus and, as a consequence, the state of Rus' began its formation. He annexed Yaroslavl, Perm, Vyatka, Tver, and Novgorod to the Moscow principality. In 1480 he overthrew Tatar-Mongol yoke(Standing on the Ugra). In 1497, the Code of Laws was compiled. John the Third launched a large construction project in Moscow and strengthened the international position of Rus'. It was under him that the title “Prince of All Rus'” was born.

Vasily the Third (1505 - 1533)

“The last collector of Russian lands” Vasily the Third was the son of John the Third and Sophia Paleologus. He was distinguished by a very unapproachable and proud disposition. Having annexed Pskov, he destroyed the appanage system. He fought with Lithuania twice on the advice of Mikhail Glinsky, a Lithuanian nobleman whom he kept in his service. In 1514, he finally took Smolensk from the Lithuanians. He fought with Crimea and Kazan. In the end, he managed to punish Kazan. He recalled all trade from the city, ordering from now on to trade at the Makaryevskaya fair, which was then moved to Nizhny Novgorod. Vasily the Third, wishing to marry Elena Glinskaya, divorced his wife Solomonia, which further turned the boyars against themselves. From his marriage to Elena, Vasily the Third had a son, John.

Elena Glinskaya (1533 – 1538)

She was appointed to rule by Vasily the Third himself until their son John came of age. Elena Glinskaya, as soon as she ascended the throne, dealt very harshly with all the rebellious and dissatisfied boyars, after which she made peace with Lithuania. Then she decided to repel the Crimean Tatars, who boldly attacked Russian lands, however, these plans were not allowed to come true, since Elena died suddenly.

John the Fourth (Grozny) (1538 – 1584)

John the Fourth, Prince of All Rus', became the first Russian Tsar in 1547. Since the late forties, he ruled the country with the participation of the Elected Rada. During his reign, the convening of all Zemsky Sobors began. In 1550, a new Code of Law was drawn up, and reforms of the court and administration were carried out (Zemskaya and Gubnaya reforms). Ivan Vasilyevich conquered the Kazan Khanate in 1552, and the Astrakhan Khanate in 1556. In 1565, the oprichnina was introduced to strengthen the autocracy. Under John the Fourth, trade relations with England were established in 1553, and the first printing house in Moscow was opened. Lasted from 1558 to 1583 Livonian War for going to Baltic Sea. In 1581, the annexation of Siberia began. All domestic politics The country under Tsar John was accompanied by disgraces and executions, for which the people called him the Terrible. The enslavement of peasants increased significantly.

Fyodor Ioannovich (1584 – 1598)

He was the second son of John the Fourth. He was very sickly and weak, and lacked mental acuity. That is why very quickly the actual control of the state passed into the hands of the boyar Boris Godunov, the tsar’s brother-in-law. Boris Godunov, surrounding himself with exclusively devoted people, became a sovereign ruler. He built cities, strengthened relations with countries Western Europe, built Arkhangelsk harbor on the White Sea. By order and instigation of Godunov, an all-Russian independent patriarchate was approved, and the peasants were finally attached to the land. It was he who in 1591 ordered the murder of Tsarevich Dmitry, who was the brother of the childless Tsar Feodor and was his direct heir. 6 years after this murder, Tsar Fedor himself died.

Boris Godunov (1598 – 1605)

The sister of Boris Godunov and the wife of the late Tsar Fyodor abdicated the throne. Patriarch Job recommended that Godunov’s supporters gather Zemsky Sobor, at which Boris was elected king. Godunov, having become king, was afraid of conspiracies on the part of the boyars and, in general, was distinguished by excessive suspicion, which naturally caused disgrace and exile. At the same time, boyar Fyodor Nikitich Romanov was forced to take monastic vows, and he became the monk Filaret, and his young son Mikhail was sent into exile to Beloozero. But it was not only the boyars who were angry with Boris Godunov. A three-year crop failure and the ensuing pestilence that struck the Muscovite kingdom forced the people to see this as the fault of Tsar B. Godunov. The king tried as best he could to ease the lot of the starving people. He increased the earnings of people working on government buildings (for example, during the construction of the bell tower of Ivan the Great), generously distributed alms, but people still grumbled and willingly believed rumors that the legitimate Tsar Dmitry had not been killed at all and would soon take the throne. In the midst of preparations for the fight against False Dmitry, Boris Godunov suddenly died, and at the same time managed to bequeath the throne to his son Fedor.

False Dmitry (1605 – 1606)

The fugitive monk Grigory Otrepiev, who was supported by the Poles, declared himself Tsar Dmitry, who miraculously managed to escape from the murderers in Uglich. He entered Russia with several thousand people. An army came out to meet him, but it also went over to the side of False Dmitry, recognizing him as the rightful king, after which Fyodor Godunov was killed. False Dmitry was a very good-natured man, but with a sharp mind; he diligently dealt with all state affairs, but caused the displeasure of the clergy and boyars because, in their opinion, he did not sufficiently respect the old Russian customs, and completely neglected many. Together with Vasily Shuisky, the boyars entered into a conspiracy against False Dmitry, spread a rumor that he was an impostor, and then, without hesitation, they killed the fake tsar.

Vasily Shuisky (1606 – 1610)

The boyars and townspeople elected the old and inexperienced Shuisky as king, while limiting his power. In Russia, rumors about the salvation of False Dmitry again arose, in connection with which new unrest began in the state, intensified by the rebellion of a serf named Ivan Bolotnikov and the appearance of False Dmitry II in Tushino (“Tushino thief”). Poland went to war against Moscow and defeated Russian troops. After this, Tsar Vasily was forcibly tonsured a monk, and a troubled time of interregnum came to Russia, lasting three years.

Mikhail Fedorovich (1613 – 1645)

Certificates of the Trinity Lavra, sent throughout Russia and calling for protection Orthodox faith and the fatherland, did their job: Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, with the participation of the Zemstvo head of Nizhny Novgorod, Kozma Minin (Sukhorokiy), gathered a large militia and moved towards Moscow in order to clear the capital of rebels and Poles, which was done after painful efforts. On February 21, 1613, the Great Zemstvo Duma met, at which Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov was elected Tsar, who, after much denial, nevertheless ascended the throne, where the first thing he did was to pacify both external and internal enemies.

He concluded the so-called pillar agreement with the Kingdom of Sweden, and in 1618 he signed the Treaty of Deulin with Poland, according to which Filaret, who was the Tsar’s parent, was returned to Russia after a long captivity. Upon his return, he was immediately elevated to the rank of patriarch. Patriarch Filaret was an adviser to his son and a reliable co-ruler. Thanks to them, by the end of the reign of Mikhail Fedorovich, Russia began to enter into friendly relations with various Western states, having practically recovered from the horror of the troubled times.

Alexey Mikhailovich (Quiet) (1645 – 1676)

Alexey Mikhailovich Tsar Alexey is considered one of the best people ancient Russia. He had a meek, humble disposition and was very pious. He absolutely could not stand quarrels, and if they happened, he suffered greatly and tried in every possible way to reconcile with his enemy. In the first years of his reign, his closest adviser was his uncle, boyar Morozov. In the fifties, Patriarch Nikon became his adviser, who decided to unite Rus' with everything else Orthodox world and commanded everyone from now on to be baptized in the Greek manner - with three fingers, which created a split among the Orthodox in Rus'. (The most famous schismatics are the Old Believers, who do not want to deviate from the true faith and be baptized with a “cookie”, as the Patriarch - Boyarina Morozova and Archpriest Avvakum ordered).

During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, riots broke out every now and then in different cities, which were suppressed, and the decision of Little Russia to voluntarily join the Moscow state provoked two wars with Poland. But the state survived thanks to the unity and concentration of power. After the death of his first wife, Maria Miloslavskaya, in whose marriage the tsar had two sons (Fedor and John) and many daughters, he married a second time to the girl Natalya Naryshkina, who bore him a son, Peter.

Fedor Alekseevich (1676 – 1682)

During the reign of this tsar, the issue of Little Russia was finally resolved: its western part went to Turkey, and the East and Zaporozhye to Moscow. Patriarch Nikon was returned from exile. They also abolished localism - the ancient boyar custom of taking into account the service of their ancestors when occupying government and military positions. Tsar Fedor died without leaving an heir.

Ivan Alekseevich (1682 – 1689)

Ivan Alekseevich, together with his brother Pyotr Alekseevich, was elected tsar thanks to the Streltsy revolt. But no participation in government affairs, Tsarevich Alexei, suffering from dementia, did not accept. He died in 1689 during the reign of Princess Sophia.

Sophia (1682 – 1689)

Sophia remained in history as the ruler of an extraordinary mind and possessed all necessary qualities a real queen. She managed to calm the unrest of the schismatics, curb the archers, conclude an “eternal peace” with Poland, very beneficial for Russia, as well as the Nerchinsk Treaty with distant China. The princess undertook campaigns against the Crimean Tatars, but fell victim to her own lust for power. Tsarevich Peter, however, having guessed her plans, imprisoned his half-sister in the Novodevichy Convent, where Sophia died in 1704.

Peter the Great (1682 – 1725)

The greatest tsar, and since 1721 the first Russian emperor, statesman, cultural and military figure. He carried out revolutionary reforms in the country: collegiums, the Senate, bodies of political investigation and state control were created. He made divisions in Russia into provinces, and also subordinated the church to the state. Built a new capital - St. Petersburg. Peter's main dream was to eliminate Russia's backwardness in development compared to European countries. Taking advantage of Western experience, Pyotr Alekseevich tirelessly created manufactories, factories, and shipyards.

To facilitate trade and for access to the Baltic Sea, he won from Sweden Northern War, lasting 21 years, thereby “cutting through” a “window to Europe.” Built a huge fleet for Russia. Thanks to his efforts, the Academy of Sciences was opened in Russia and the civil alphabet was adopted. All reforms were carried out using the most brutal methods and caused multiple uprisings in the country (Streletskoye in 1698, Astrakhan from 1705 to 1706, Bulavinsky from 1707 to 1709), which, however, were also mercilessly suppressed.

Catherine the First (1725 – 1727)

Peter the Great died without leaving a will. So, the throne passed to his wife Catherine. Catherine became famous for equipping Bering in trip around the world, and also established the Supreme Privy Council at the instigation of the friend and ally of her late husband Peter the Great, Prince Menshikov. Thus, Menshikov concentrated in his hands virtually all state power. He persuaded Catherine to appoint as heir to the throne the son of Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich, to whom his father, Peter the Great, had sentenced Peter Alekseevich to death for his aversion to reforms, and also to agree to his marriage with Menshikov’s daughter Maria. Before Peter Alekseevich came of age, Prince Menshikov was appointed ruler of Russia.

Peter the Second (1727 – 1730)

Peter the Second did not rule for long. Having barely gotten rid of the imperious Menshikov, he immediately fell under the influence of the Dolgorukys, who, by distracting the emperors in every possible way with amusements from state affairs, actually ruled the country. They wished to marry the emperor to Princess E. A. Dolgoruky, but Peter Alekseevich suddenly died of smallpox and the wedding did not take place.

Anna Ioannovna (1730 – 1740)

The Supreme Privy Council decided to somewhat limit the autocracy, so they chose Anna Ioannovna, the Dowager Duchess of Courland, daughter of Ivan Alekseevich, as empress. But she was crowned Russian throne autocratic empress and, first of all, having assumed her rights, she destroyed the Supreme Privy Council. She replaced it with the Cabinet and instead of the Russian nobles, she distributed positions to the Germans Ostern and Minich, as well as the Courlander Biron. The cruel and unjust rule was subsequently called “Bironism.”

Russia's intervention in Poland's internal affairs in 1733 cost the country dearly: the lands conquered by Peter the Great had to be returned to Persia. Before her death, the empress appointed the son of her niece Anna Leopoldovna as her heir, and appointed Biron as regent for the baby. However, Biron was soon overthrown, and Anna Leopoldovna became the empress, whose reign cannot be called long and glorious. The guards staged a coup and proclaimed Empress Elizaveta Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great.

Elizaveta Petrovna (1741 – 1761)

Elizabeth destroyed the Cabinet established by Anna Ioannovna and returned the Senate. Issued a decree abolishing the death penalty in 1744. She established the first loan banks in Russia in 1954, which became a great boon for merchants and nobles. At the request of Lomonosov, she opened the first university in Moscow and in 1756 opened the first theater. During her reign, Russia fought two wars: with Sweden and the so-called “seven years”, in which Prussia, Austria and France took part. Thanks to the peace concluded with Sweden, part of Finland was ceded to Russia. The “Seven Years” War was brought to an end by the death of Empress Elizabeth.

Peter the Third (1761 – 1762)

He was absolutely unsuited to governing the state, but he was of a complacent disposition. But this young emperor managed to turn absolutely all layers of Russian society against himself, since, to the detriment of Russian interests, he showed a craving for everything German. Peter the Third, not only made a lot of concessions in relation to the Prussian Emperor Frederick the Second, but also reformed the army according to the same Prussian model, dear to his heart. He issued decrees on the destruction of the secret chancellery and the free nobility, which, however, were not distinguished by certainty. As a result of the coup, because of his attitude towards the empress, he quickly signed an abdication of the throne and soon died.

Catherine the Second (1762 – 1796)

Her reign was one of the greatest after the reign of Peter the Great. Empress Catherine ruled harshly, suppressed Pugachev's peasant uprising, won two Turkish wars, the result of which was the recognition of the independence of Crimea by Turkey, as well as the withdrawal of the coast from Russia Sea of ​​Azov. Russia acquired the Black Sea Fleet, and active construction of cities began in Novorossiya. Catherine the Second established the colleges of education and medicine. Opened cadet corps, and for training girls - the Smolny Institute. Catherine the Second, herself possessing literary abilities, patronized literature.

Paul the First (1796 – 1801)

He did not support the changes that his mother, Empress Catherine, started in the state system. Among the achievements of his reign, one should note a very significant improvement in the life of serfs (only a three-day corvee was introduced), the opening of a university in Dorpat, as well as the emergence of new women's institutions.

Alexander the First (Blessed) (1801 – 1825)

The grandson of Catherine the Second, upon ascending the throne, vowed to rule the country “according to the law and heart” of his crowned grandmother, who, in fact, was involved in his upbringing. At the very beginning, he took a number of different liberation measures aimed at different sections of society, which aroused the undoubted respect and love of people. But external political problems distracted Alexander from internal reforms. Russia, in alliance with Austria, was forced to fight against Napoleon; Russian troops were defeated at Austerlitz.

Napoleon forced Russia to abandon trade with England. As a result, in 1812, Napoleon nevertheless, violating the treaty with Russia, went to war against the country. And in the same year, 1812 Russian troops defeated Napoleon's army. Alexander the First established the State Council in 1800, ministries and the cabinet of ministers. He opened universities in St. Petersburg, Kazan and Kharkov, as well as many institutes and gymnasiums, and the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. Made the life of the peasants much easier.

Nicholas the First (1825 – 1855)

He continued the policy of improving peasant life. Founded the Institute of St. Vladimir in Kyiv. Published a 45-volume complete collection of laws of the Russian Empire. Under Nicholas the First in 1839, the Uniates were reunited with Orthodoxy. This reunification was a consequence of the suppression of the uprising in Poland and the complete destruction of the Polish constitution. There was a war with the Turks, who oppressed Greece, and as a result of Russia's victory, Greece gained independence. After the rupture of relations with Turkey, which was sided with England, Sardinia and France, Russia had to join a new struggle.

The emperor died suddenly during the defense of Sevastopol. During the reign of Nicholas the First, Nikolaevskaya and Tsarskoye Selo railways, great Russian writers and poets lived and worked: Lermontov, Pushkin, Krylov, Griboyedov, Belinsky, Zhukovsky, Gogol, Karamzin.

Alexander II (Liberator) (1855 – 1881)

Alexander II had to end the Turkish war. The Paris Peace Treaty was concluded on very unfavorable terms for Russia. In 1858, according to an agreement with China, Russia acquired the Amur region, and later Usuriysk. In 1864, the Caucasus finally became part of Russia. The most important state transformation of Alexander II was the decision to free the peasants. He died at the hands of an assassin in 1881.

Alexander the Third (1881 – 1894)

Nicholas II - the last of the Romanovs, ruled until 1917. This marks the end of a huge period of development of the state, when the kings were in power.

After the October Revolution, a new political structure appeared - the republic.

Russia during the USSR and after its collapse The first few years after the revolution were difficult. Among the rulers of this period one can single out Alexander Fedorovich Kerensky.

After the legal registration of the USSR as a state and until 1924, Vladimir Lenin led the country.

Nikita Khrushchev was the First Secretary of the CPSU after Stalin's death until 1964;
- Leonid Brezhnev (1964-1982);

Yuri Andropov (1982-1984);

Konstantin Chernenko, general secretary CPSU (1984-1985); After the betrayal Gorbachev USSR ruined:

Mikhail Gorbachev, first president of the USSR (1985-1991); After Yeltsin’s drunkenness, independent Russia was on the verge of collapse:

Boris Yeltsin, leader of independent Russia (1991-1999);


The current head of state, Vladimir Putin, has been the President of Russia since 2000 (with a break of 4 years, when the state was led by Dmitry Medvedev) Who are they, the rulers of Russia? All the rulers of Russia from Rurik to Putin, who have been in power for the entire more than thousand-year history of the state, are patriots who wanted the flourishing of all the lands of the vast country. Most of the rulers were not random people in this difficult field and each made their own contribution to the development and formation of Russia.

Of course, all the rulers of Russia wanted goodness and prosperity for their subjects: the main forces were always directed to strengthening the borders, expanding trade, and strengthening defense capabilities.

The Norman or Varangian theory, which reveals aspects of the formation of statehood in Rus', is based on one simple thesis - the calling of the Varangian prince Rurik by the Novgorodians to manage and protect a large territory of the Ilmen Slovenian tribal union. Thus, the answer to the question of what event is associated with the emergence of the dynasty is quite clear.

This thesis is present in the ancient one, written by Nestor. At the moment it is controversial, but one fact is still indisputable - Rurik became the founder of a whole dynasties of sovereigns who ruled not only in Kyiv, but also in other cities of the Russian land, including Moscow, and that is why the dynasty of rulers of Rus' was called Rurikovich.

History of the dynasty: the beginning

The genealogy is quite complex, it is not so easy to understand it, but the beginning of the Rurik dynasty is very easy to trace.

Rurik

Rurik became the first prince in his dynasty. Its origin is a highly controversial issue. Some historians suggest that he was from a noble Varangian-Scandinavian family.

Rurik's ancestors came from the trading Hedeby (Scandinavia) and were related to Ragnar Lothbrok himself. Other historians, distinguishing between the concepts of “Norman” and “Varangian”, believe that Rurik was of Slavic origin, perhaps he was related to Novgorod prince Gostomysl (it is believed that Gostomysl was his grandfather), and for a long time lived with his family on the island of Rügen.

Most likely, he was a jarl, that is, he had a military squad and kept boats, engaged in trade and sea ​​robbery. But precisely with his calling first to Staraya Ladoga, and then to Novgorod, the beginning of the dynasty is connected.

Rurik was called to Novgorod in 862 (when he began to rule exactly, of course, is unknown; historians rely on data from the PVL). The chronicler claims that he came not alone, but with two brothers - Sinius and Truvor (traditional Varangian names or nicknames). Rurik settled in Staraya Ladoga, Sinius in Beloozero, and Truvor in Izborsk. I wonder what any other mentions there is no mention of brothers in PVL. The beginning of the dynasty is not associated with them.

Oleg and Igor

Rurik died in 879, leaving young son Igor(or Ingvar, according to the Scandinavian tradition). A warrior, and possibly a relative of Rurik, Oleg (Helg) was supposed to rule on behalf of his son until he came of age.

Attention! There is a version that Oleg ruled not just as a relative or confidant, but as an elected jarl, that is, he had all the political rights to power according to Scandinavian and Varangian laws. The fact that he transferred power to Igor could indeed mean that he was his close relative, perhaps a nephew, his sister’s son (according to Scandinavian tradition, an uncle is closer than his own father; boys in Scandinavian families were given to be raised by their maternal uncle).

How many years did Oleg reign?? He successfully ruled the young state until 912. It is he who is credited with the complete conquest of the route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” and the capture of Kyiv, then his place was taken by Igor (already as the ruler of Kiev), by that time married to a girl from Polotsk (according to one version) - Olga.

Olga and Svyatoslav

Igor's reign can't be called successful. He was killed by the Drevlyans in 945 during an attempt to take double tribute from their capital, Iskorosten. Because only son Igor, Svyatoslav, was still small, then the throne in Kyiv, by a common decision of the boyars and squads, was taken by his widow Olga.

Svyatoslav ascended the Kiev throne in 957. He was a warrior prince and never stayed long in his capital rapidly growing state. During his lifetime, he divided the lands of Rus' between his three sons: Vladimir, Yaropolk and Oleg. He gave Novgorod the Great as his inheritance to Vladimir (illegitimate son). Oleg (the younger) was imprisoned in Iskorosten, and the elder Yaropolk was left in Kyiv.

Attention! Historians know the name of Vladimir’s mother; it is also known that she was a whitewashed servant, that is, she could not become the ruler’s wife. Perhaps Vladimir was the eldest son of Svyatoslav, his first-born. That is why he was recognized as the father. Yaropolk and Oleg were born from Svyatoslav's legal wife, possibly a Bulgarian princess, but they were younger than Vladimir in age. All this subsequently influenced the relations between the brothers and led to the first princely feud in Rus'.

Yaropolk and Vladimir

Svyatoslav died in 972 on the island of Khortitsa(Dnieper rapids). After his death, the Kiev throne was occupied by Yaropolk for several years. A war for power in the state began between him and his brother Vladimir, ending with the murder of Yaropolk and the victory of Vladimir, who ultimately became the next prince of Kyiv. Vladimir ruled from 980 to 1015. His main merit is baptism of Rus' and the Russian people into the Orthodox faith.

Yaroslav and his sons

An internecine war broke out between Vladimir’s sons immediately after his death, as a result of which one of Vladimir’s eldest sons from the Polotsk princess Ragneda, Yaroslav, took the throne.

Important! In 1015, the Kiev throne was occupied by Svyatopolk (later nicknamed the Accursed). He was not Vladimir’s own son. His father was Yaropolk, after whose death Vladimir took his wife as his wife, and recognized the born child as his first-born.

Yaroslav reigned until 1054. After his death, the right of ladder came into force - the transfer of the Kyiv throne and the “junior” in seniority in the Rurikovich family.

The Kiev throne was occupied by Yaroslav's eldest son - Izyaslav, Chernigov (the next "seniority" throne) - Oleg, Pereyaslavsky - Yaroslav's youngest son Vsevolod.

For a long time, the sons of Yaroslav lived peacefully, observing the behests of their father, but, ultimately, the struggle for power entered an active phase and Rus' entered the era of Feudal fragmentation.

Pedigree of the Rurikovichs. The first Kyiv princes (table or Rurik dynasty diagram with dates, by generation)

Generation Prince's name Years of reign
I generation Rurik 862-879 (Novgorod reign)
Oleg (Prophetic) 879 – 912 (Novgorod and Kiev reigns)
II Igor Rurikovich 912-945 (Kiev reign)
Olga 945-957
III Svyatoslav Igorevich 957-972
IV Yaropolk Svyatoslavich 972-980
Oleg Svyatoslavich Prince-governor in Iskorosten, died in 977
Vladimir Svyatoslavich (Saint) 980-1015
V Svyatopolk Yaropolkovich (stepson of Vladimir) Damned 1015-1019
Yaroslav Vladimirovich (Wise) 1019-1054
VI Izyaslav Yaroslavovich 1054-1073; 1076-1078 (Kiev reign)
Svyatoslav Yaroslavovich (Chernigovsky) 1073-1076 (Kiev reign)
Vsevolod Yaroslavovich (Pereyaslavsky) 1078-1093 (Kiev reign)

Genealogy of the Rurikovichs of the period of feudal fragmentation

Tracing the dynastic line of the Rurikovich family during the period of Feudal fragmentation is incredibly difficult, since the ruling princely the genus has grown to its maximum. The main branches of the clan at the first stage of feudal fragmentation can be considered the Chernigov and Pereyaslav lines, as well as the Galician line, which needs to be discussed separately. The Galician princely house originates from the eldest son of Yaroslav the Wise, Vladimir, who died during his father’s lifetime, and whose heirs received Galich as an inheritance.

It is important to note that all representatives of the clan sought to occupy the Kiev throne, since in this case they were considered the rulers of the entire state.

Galician heirs

Chernigov house

Pereyaslavsky house

With the Pereyaslav House, which was nominally considered the youngest, everything is much more complicated. It was the descendants of Vsevolod Yaroslavovich who gave rise to the Vladimir-Suzdal and Moscow Rurikovichs. The main representatives of this house were:

  • Vladimir Vsevolodovich (Monomakh) - was the prince of Kyiv in 1113-1125 (VII generation);
  • Mstislav (the Great) - the eldest son of Monomakh, was the prince of Kyiv in 1125-1132 (VIII generation);
  • Yuri (Dolgoruky) - the youngest son of Monomakh, became the ruler of Kyiv several times, the last in 1155-1157 (VIII generation).

Mstislav Vladimirovich gave rise to the Volyn House of Rurikovich, and Yuri Vladimirovich - to the Vladimir-Suzdal House.

Volyn House

Pedigree of the Rurikovichs: Vladimir-Suzdal House

The Vladimir-Suzdal house became the main one in Rus' after the death of Mstislav the Great. The princes who made first Suzdal and then Vladimir-on-Klyazma their capital, played a key role V political history period of the Horde invasion.

Important! Daniil Galitsky and Alexander Nevsky are known not only as contemporaries, but also as rivals for the grand ducal label, and they also had a fundamentally different approach to faith - Alexander adhered to Orthodoxy, and Daniil accepted Catholicism in exchange for the opportunity to receive the title of King of Kyiv.

Pedigree of the Rurikovichs: Moscow House

In the final period of Feudal fragmentation, the House of Rurikovich numbered more than 2000 members (princes and younger princely families). Gradually, the leading position was taken by the Moscow House, which traces its pedigree to the youngest son of Alexander Nevsky, Daniil Alexandrovich.

Gradually, the Moscow house from grand ducal transformed into royal. Why did this happen? Thanks also to dynastic marriages, as well as successful internal and foreign policy individual representatives of the House. The Moscow Rurikovichs did a gigantic job of “gathering” the lands around Moscow and overthrowing the Tatar-Mongol Yoke.

Moscow Ruriks (diagram with reign dates)

Generation (from Rurik in the direct male line) Prince's name Years of reign Significant marriages
XI generation Alexander Yaroslavovich (Nevsky) Prince of Novgorod, Grand Duke according to the Horde label from 1246 to 1263 _____
XII Daniil Alexandrovich Moskovsky 1276-1303 (Moscow reign) _____
XIII Yuri Daniilovich 1317-1322 (Moscow reign)
Ivan I Daniilovich (Kalita) 1328-1340 (Great Vladimir and Moscow reigns) _____
XIV Semyon Ivanovich (Proud) 1340-1353 (Moscow and Great Vladimir reign)
Ivan II Ivanovich (Red) 1353-1359 (Moscow and Great Vladimir reign)
XV Dmitry Ivanovich (Donskoy) 1359-1389 (Moscow reign, and from 1363 to 1389 – Great Vladimir reign) Evdokia Dmitrievna, the only daughter of Dmitry Konstantinovich (Rurikovich), Prince of Suzdal - Nizhny Novgorod; annexation of all territories of the Principality of Suzdal-Nizhny Novgorod to the Moscow Principality
XVI Vasily I Dmitrievich 1389-1425 Sofya Vitovtovna, Daughter of the Great Lithuanian prince Vytautas (complete reconciliation of the princes of Lithuania with the ruling Moscow house)
XVII Vasily II Vasilievich (Dark) 1425-1462 _____
XVIII Ivan III Vasilievich 1462 – 1505 In his second marriage to Sophia Paleologus (niece of the last Byzantine emperor); nominal right: to be considered the successor of the imperial Byzantine crown and Caesar (king)
XIX Vasily III Vasilievich 1505-1533 In his second marriage to Elena Glinskaya, a representative of a wealthy Lithuanian family, descended from the Serbian rulers and Mamai (according to legend)
XX