The Rus’ principalities (1125–1246)

doi:10.1017/CHOL9780521812276.006

5 - The Rus’ principalities (1125–1246)

from Part I - Early Rus’ and the Rise of Muscovy (c. 900–1462)

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 March 2008

Martin Dimnik

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Maureen Perrie

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Maureen Perrie: Affiliation:
University of Birmingham

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Summary

Introduction

The years 1125 to 1246 witnessed the creation of new principalities and eparchies, the flourishing of some and the demise of others. During this period the system of lateral succession governed the political hierarchy of princes within individual dynasties in their promotions to the office of senior prince, and the political hierarchy of senior princes between different dynasties in their rivalries for Kiev, the capital of Rus’.

From the earliest times, it appears, the princes of Rus’ followed a system of succession governed by genealogical seniority. It dictated that, after the senior prince of the dynasty died, his eldest surviving brother replaced him. After all the brothers had ruled in rotation, succession went to the eldest surviving nephew. Vladimir Sviatoslavich (d. 1015) had no surviving brothers. Before his death, therefore, he designated his eldest son, Sviatopolk, to rule Kiev. The latter, fearing that his brothers would usurp power from him, waged war against them. In the end, Iaroslav ‘the Wise’ (Mudryi) was the victor.

Iaroslav, evidently following the example of his father Vladimir, gave hereditary domains to his sons and observed the principle of lateral succession (for a fuller discussion of dynastic politics 1015–1125, see Chapter 4). Hoping to obviate future fratricidal wars, however, he changed the nature of succession to Kiev. He granted his three eldest surviving sons and their descendants, the inner circle so to speak, the right to rule Kiev. Accordingly, his two youngest sons, Igor’ and Viacheslav, became debarred or izgoi. He designated the eldest son, Iziaslav, to replace him in Kiev.

Keywords

Mikhail Vsevolodovich Mstislav Romanovich Andrei Bogoliubskii Iurii Dolgorukii Sviatoslav Vsevolodovich River Kalka Rus' principalities Vladimir Monomakh's successors Riurik Rostislavich Vsevolod Big Nest

Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge History of Russia , pp. 98 - 126

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CHOL9780521812276.006 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2006

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