Principality of Galicia territory. Galician Rus'. Lands included in the principality

ST. PETERSBURG UNIVERSITY

Department: History

Subject: Russian history

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Topic: "Galician-Volyn Principality"

1st year student of distance learning

Chernyavsky Dmitry Yurievich

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Introduction

Conclusion

Used Books

Introduction

The history of the Fatherland, the history of Russia, sets itself the goal of showing the place and role of its peoples in world development, helping us to comprehend our special place in a long series of human generations. Who are we, where are our historical roots, what place does our people occupy in the history of Europe and Asia, what are their relationships with other countries and peoples. What the people of Russia gave to the world and what they received from it.

History should give us precise guidelines regarding our own people. It should evoke our respect and admiration for his worthy deeds and feelings of regret and condemnation for his bad and shameful deeds. History should and can give a calm and honest answer to the question - what constitutes pride and glory in the life path of peoples, and what constitutes dishonor and shame. Past generations invisibly stretch out their hands to us. They pass on to us not only their work skills, experience, achievements, their acquisitions, successes - material, spiritual, cultural, but also their mistakes, miscalculations, failures, troubles and sorrows. All this left its mark on history and was inherited by people living today. And we, having accepted something from their past and rejected something, we ourselves leave as a legacy to future generations both our achievements and our mistakes and shortcomings.

The history of Russia gives us the opportunity to understand the process of creating human society on the territory of our Fatherland, to identify the stages of development of this process over the centuries, to compare this development with the entire course of humankind, to enrich our memory and our minds with knowledge of the laws of this development.

Knowing the past means in many ways understanding the present and foreseeing the future. Truly, as the ancient Romans said, “history is the teacher of life.”

1. Grand Dukes of the Galicia-Volyn Principality

In the second half of the 12th century, the most notable figures on the political horizon of Galician-Volyn Rus were the descendants of Rostislav and Monomakh. Let's name here five princes: the princes of Galitsky - the grandson of Rostislav Vladimir Volodarevich, his son, famous for the "Tale of Igor's Campaign" Yaroslav Osmomysl, Yaroslav's cousin - Ivan Berladnik, as well as the Volyn princes of the descendants of Monomakh - his great-great-grandson Roman Mstislavich of Volyn and his son Daniel .

Thanks to the exceptionally fertile black earth soil, feudal land ownership arose and flourished here relatively early. Therefore, it is especially characteristic of South-Western Rus' that a powerful boyars, often opposing themselves to the princes, are especially characteristic. Numerous forestry and fishing industries were developed here, and skilled artisans worked. Slate whorls from the local city of Ovruch were distributed throughout the country. Salt deposits were also important for the region.

In the middle of the 12th century, in the Principality of Galicia, which by that time had become independent and separated from Volyn, the first great princely unrest began, behind which the interests of both boyar groups and urban strata were visible. The townspeople of Galich, taking advantage of the departure of their prince Vladimir Volodarevich to hunt, invited his nephew from the younger branch of the same Rostislavichs, Ivan Rostislavich, who reigned in the small town of Zvenigorod, to reign. Judging by the later affairs of this prince, he showed himself to be a ruler close to broad strata of the city, and his invitation instead of the eccentric and pugnacious Vladimir Volodarevich was quite logical. Vladimir besieged Galich, but the townspeople stood up for their chosen one, and only the inequality of forces and the townspeople’s lack of military experience tipped the scale in favor of the Galician prince. Ivan fled to the Danube, where he settled in the Berlad region, which is why he received the nickname Berladnik. Vladimir occupied Galich and brutally dealt with the rebellious townspeople.

After long wanderings, Ivan Berladnik once again tried to return to Galich. The chronicle reports that the Smerds openly went over to his side, but he faced strong princely opposition. By this time, his opponent Vladimir Volodarevich had already died, but the Galician throne passed to his son - the energetic, intelligent and militant Yaroslav Osmomysl, married to Yuri Dolgoruky's daughter Olga. The Slovo says about Yaroslav Osmomysl that he “supported with his iron regiments” the Ugric Mountains (Carpathians). The rulers of Hungary and Poland rose up against Ivan, and the Chernigov princes also sought his head. And he received support from the Kyiv prince, who in those years sought to weaken his opponent Yaroslav Osmomysl, who was supported by Yuri Dolgoruky.

Under Yaroslav, the Principality of Galicia reached its greatest prosperity and was famous for its wealth and developed international connections, especially with Hungary, Poland, and Byzantium. True, this was not easy for Yaroslav Osmomysl, and the author of “The Lay of Igor’s Campaign,” talking about his successes and power, omits the political difficulties that this prince had to experience in the fight against the boyar clans. First he fought Ivan Berladnik. Later, his son Vladimir rebelled against him, who, together with his mother, the daughter of Yuri Dolgoruky, and prominent Galician boyars fled to Poland. Behind this rebellion one can clearly see the opposition of the willful Galician boyars to the policies of Yaroslav Osmomysl, who sought to centralize power relying on the “junior squad” and the townspeople who had suffered from the willfulness of the boyars.

The Galician boyars who remained in the city persuaded Vladimir to return and promised help in the fight against his father. Indeed, during the boyar conspiracy, Yaroslav Osmomysl was taken into custody and released only after he “kissed the cross” that he would show loyalty to his wife and son. However, the struggle between Yaroslav and Vladimir continued for a long time. Vladimir fled, ended up in Novgorod-Seversky with his sister Efrosinya Yaroslavna, Igor’s wife, and took part in the unsuccessful Polovtsian campaign of the Seversky prince. He returned to Galich only after the death of his father in 1187, but was soon expelled from there by the boyars.

If the Principality of Galicia was firmly in the hands of the Rostislavichs, then the descendants of Monomakh were firmly in the Principality of Volyn. The grandson of Monomakh Izyaslav Mstislavich ruled here. Then the Monomakhovichs divided the Volyn principality into several smaller principalities that were part of the Volyn principality.

By the end of the 12th century, in this principality, as in other large principalities-states, a desire for unification and centralization of power began to be visible. This line manifested itself especially clearly under Prince Roman Mstislavich. Relying on the townspeople and small landowners, he resisted the willfulness of the boyar clans and subjugated the appanage princes with his imperious hand. Under him, the Volyn principality turned into a strong and relatively unified state. Now Roman Mstislavich began to lay claim to all of Western Rus'. He took advantage of the discord among the rulers of Galich after the death of Yaroslav Osmomysl and tried to reunite the Galician and Volyn principalities under his rule. At first he succeeded, but the Hungarian king got involved in the internecine struggle, managed to capture Galich and expelled Roman from there. His rival, Osmomysl's son Vladimir, was captured, sent to Hungary and imprisoned in a tower there. But soon the enterprising prince escaped from captivity, going down the ropes to his friends waiting with horses. He appeared in Germany with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and, with the support of German and Polish troops, again reigned in Galich. And only after his death in 1199, Roman Mstislavich again united Volyn and Galich for a long time. Later he became the Grand Duke of Kyiv, becoming the owner of a vast territory equal to the German Empire.

Roman, like Yaroslav Osmomysl, continued the policy of centralizing power, suppressed boyar separatism, and promoted the development of cities. Similar aspirations were visible in the policies of the emerging centralized power in France, England, and other European countries. The rulers of the large Russian principalities in this sense followed the same path as other countries, relying on growing cities and small landowners dependent on them. It was this layer that became both in Europe and later in Rus' the basis of the nobility - the support of the central government. But if in Europe this process proceeded naturally, in Rus' it was interrupted at the very beginning by the devastating Tatar-Mongol invasion.

The policy of Roman Mstislavich was continued by his son Monomakhovich in the fifth generation, Daniil Romanovich. He lost his father in 1205, when he was only four years old. The Galician-Volyn boyars immediately raised their heads. The princess and her young heir fled from the principality, leaving her palace through an underground passage, and found shelter in Poland. And the boyars invited the sons of Igor Seversky to Galich, which had now become the capital city of the united principality. During the civil strife, the principality again split into a number of fiefs, which allowed Hungary to conquer it. The Igorevich princes continued the struggle for power, in the fire of which many boyar families, townspeople, peasants perished, and two of the Igorevichs were hanged.

In 1211, Daniil returned to Galich, but not for long - the boyars again drove him and his mother out of the city. The boyars put a protege from their rada at the head of the principality, which caused discontent among all the Rurikovichs. Only in 1221 did Daniil Galitsky first regain the Volyn throne, and several years before the Tatar-Mongol invasion, in 1234 he established himself in Galich. Only in 1238 did Daniil Romanovich assert his power over the Galicia-Volyn land. In 1240, having occupied Kyiv, Daniel managed to unite Southwestern Rus' and the Kyiv land. He was known as a brave and talented commander. His personal bravery was legendary.

During these years of struggle against the willful and wealthy Galician boyars, Daniil relied on the townspeople, the “younger squad,” like other Russian princes - centralizers. One of his assistants advised Daniel: “Sir, if you don’t suppress the bees, don’t eat the honey,” that is, you can’t retain power without dealing with the boyars.

But even after Daniel’s establishment in the principality, the boyars continued to fight against his policy of centralizing power, entered into an agreement with Hungary, then with Poland, and undermined the political and military might of the principality.

2. Galicia-Volyn land in the XII - XIII centuries.

In the extreme southwest of Ancient Rus' there were Galician and Volyn lands: Galician - in the Carpathian region, and Volyn - adjacent to it on the banks of the Bug. Both Galician and Volynian, and sometimes only Galician land, were often called Chervonnaya (i.e., Red) Russia, after the city of Cherven in Galich. The Galician-Volyn principality was formed on the basis of the lands of the former Vladimir-Volyn principality, which was located on the western and southwestern borders of Rus'. In the XI - XII centuries. Vladimir-Volynsky was ruled by minor princes sent here by the great Kyiv princes.

The Galicia-Volyn land was located in places extremely favorable for economy, trade, and political contracts with the outside world. Its borders approached on one side the foothills of the Carpathians and abutted the Danube. From here it was a stone's throw to Hungary, Bulgaria, to the trade route along the Danube to the Center of Europe, to the Balkan countries and Byzantium. From the north, northeast and east, these lands embraced the possessions of the Kyiv principality, which protected it from the onslaught of the mighty Rostov-Suzdal princes.

There were rich black soils in wide river valleys, as well as vast forests favorable for fishing activities, and significant deposits of rock salt, which were exported to neighboring countries. Large cities arose and flourished on the territory of the Galicia-Volyn land. This is Vladimir - Volynsky, named after Vladimir 1. It was for many years the residence of the grand ducal governors. Galich, which grew up in the salt trade, was also located here, where in the middle of the 12th century a powerful and independent boyars and active urban strata were formed. The centers of local appanage principalities grew noticeably, where the descendants of Rostislav, the son of the eldest son of Yaroslav the Wise, Vladimir, who died early, “sat”. Rostislav Vladimirovich was given lifelong possession of the insignificant Vladimir-Volynsky. And now the Rostislavichs owned Przemysl, Dorogobuzh, Terebovl, Buzhesk, Turiisk, Cherven, Lutsk, Kholm. These cities were rich and beautiful, they had many stone buildings, almost all of them were well fortified, and had powerful fortresses. Once upon a time, many of these cities were conquered from Poland, first by Vladimir, and then by Yaroslav the Wise. Convenient geographical location (neighborhood with Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic) allowed active foreign trade. In addition, the lands of the principality were relatively safe from nomads. As in Vladimir-Suzdal Rus', there was a significant economic boom here.

The Volyn land with its center in Vladimir Volynsky began to separate itself before everyone else. The Vladimir-Volyn principality passed for a long time from the power of one prince to another, until in 1134 the grandson of Vladimir Monomakh, Izyaslav Mstislavich, reigned here. He became the founder of the local princely dynasty.

Later, the Galician land with its center in Galich became isolated. It initially constituted only part of the possessions of the father of the son of Yaroslav the Wise, Vladimir, and the son of the latter, Rostislav, who died during his lifetime. Only in the 12th century. under Vladimir Volodarevich (1141 - 1152), the Galician lands became independent from Kyiv, and this principality achieved special power under Vladimir’s son Yaroslav Osmomysl. However, it was under this prince that feudal strife began to tear the land apart. The boyars took advantage of his complicated family affairs to fight against Yaroslav Osmomysl, who was trying to establish strong power. The boyars managed to arrest Yaroslav, and his mistress Nastasya was burned at the stake. In the end, Yaroslav nevertheless won this fight, and appointed Oleg “Nastasich” as heir. However, after the death of Yaroslav, the boyars achieved the expulsion of Oleg and proclaimed Yaroslav’s legitimate son Vladimir prince. But they did not get along with Vladimir either, since the prince, according to the chronicle, “does not like thoughts with his husbands.” Foreign forces also intervened in the internecine struggle. The Hungarian king placed his son Andrei on the Galician throne, and took Vladimir to prison in Hungary. However, Vladimir managed to escape to the court of the German Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and, returning, became a prince again.

Already during these civil strife, many of the boyars were thinking about a new ruler: the Vladimir-Volyn prince Roman Mstislavich. After the death of Vladimir (1199), Roman Mstislavich was proclaimed Prince of Galicia. Thus, the unification of the Vladimir-Volyn and Galician principalities took place into a single Galician-Volyn principality, one of the largest principalities of the Russian land.

The outstanding commander Roman Mstislavich managed to temporarily stop the boyar strife, he occupied Kyiv and accepted the title of Grand Duke, maintained peaceful relations with Byzantium and established peace with Hungary. However, pursuing an active foreign policy, he intervened in the civil strife of the Polish princes (whose relatives he was) and in 1205 died in a battle with his cousin, the Krakow prince Leshko the White. A new strife began in the Galicia-Volyn principality: after all, the heir to the princely throne, Daniel, was only 4 years old. The boyars seized power.

One of the boyars, Volodislav Kormilichich, even became a prince for some time, which was a complete violation of all the customs that then existed in the Russian land. This is the only case of a boyar's reign.

The strife led to the actual fragmentation of the Galician-Volyn principality into a number of separate small fiefs, constantly at war with each other. Polovtsian, Polish, and Hungarian troops helped their rivals by robbing, enslaving, and even killing the local population. The princes of other lands of Rus' also interfered in Galicia-Volyn affairs. And yet, by 1238, Daniil managed to deal with the boyar opposition. He became one of the most powerful princes of Rus'. Kyiv also obeyed his will. In 1245, Daniil Romanovich defeated the combined forces of Hungary, Poland, the Galician boyars and the Principality of Chernigov, thereby completing the struggle to restore the unity of the principality. The boyars were weakened, many boyars were exterminated, and their lands passed to the Grand Duke. However, Batu's invasion, and then the Horde yoke, disrupted the economic and political development of this land.

Conclusion

Galicia-Volyn Rus' was in special climatic conditions. The mild climate and fertile lands have always attracted a large agricultural population here. At the same time, this flourishing region was constantly subject to raids by its neighbors - Poles, Hungarians, steppe nomads. In addition, an extremely strong boyars formed here early on, which not only oppressed the farmers, but also fiercely fought for power with the local princes. Only in 1199, with great difficulty, Roman Mstislavich managed to unite Galicia and Volyn under his rule. After his death in 1205, power in the principality was seized by the boyars, turning it for a long time into a series of small fiefs at war with each other. Only in 1238, after a fierce struggle, Roman’s son and heir Daniel regained power and became one of the most powerful Russian princes. In 1240, Daniel managed to unite southwestern Rus' and the land of Kyiv. However, in the same year, the Galicia-Volyn principality was devastated by the Mongol-Tatars, and 100 years later these lands became part of Lithuania (Volyn) and Poland (Galich).

Galician Volyn principality prince

Used Books

1.History of Russia from ancient times to 1861, Pavlenko N.I., Moscow, 2001.

2.Formation of the state territory of North-Eastern Rus' in the 10th - 19th centuries. Kuchkin V.A., Moscow, 1984

.Kievan Rus and the Russian principalities of the 12th - 13th centuries, Rybakov B.A., Moscow, 1982.

.History of Russia, Orlov A.S., Moscow, 2004.

.Old Russian principalities of the X - XIII centuries, Moscow, 1975.

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VLADIMIRO-SUZDAL PRINCIPALITY

The Vladimir-Suzdal principality is regarded as a classic example of a Russian principality during the period of feudal fragmentation. There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, it occupied a vast territory of northeastern lands - from the Northern Dvina to the Oka and from the sources of the Volga to the confluence of the Oka and the Volga. Moscow arose on the territory of the principality, which eventually became the capital of a great state.

Secondly, it was to the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality that the grand-ducal title passed from Kyiv. All Vladimir-Suzdal princes, descendants of Monomakh - from Yuri Dolgoruky (1125-1157) to Daniil of Moscow (1276-1303) - bore the title of grand duke. This placed the Vladimir-Suzdal principality in a special central position in comparison with other Russian principalities of the period of feudal fragmentation.

Third, The metropolitan see was moved to Vladimir. After Batu’s devastation of Kyiv in 1240, the Patriarch of Constantinople replaced the Greek Metropolitan Joseph in 1246 by installing the Russian-born Metropolitan Kirill as the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. In his travels around the dioceses, Kirill clearly gave preference to North-Eastern Rus'. And Metropolitan Maxim, who followed him, in 1299, “not tolerating Tatar violence,” left the metropolis in Kyiv. In 1300 he finally “sat in Volodymyr and with all his clergy.” Maxim was the first of the metropolitans to appropriate the title of Metropolitan of “All Rus'”.

Note that on the territory of the principality are Rostov the Great and Suzdal - two of the oldest Russian cities, the first of which is mentioned in the chronicle in 862, the second in 1024. These important northeastern Russian centers from ancient times were given by the great princes of Kyiv as appanages to their sons . Initially, the principality was called Rostov-Suzdal. In 1108, Vladimir Monomakh founded the city of Vladimir on Klyazma, which became part of the Rostov-Suzdal principality, in which Vladimir’s eldest son, Yuri Dolgoruky, occupied the grand princely throne. After the death of Yuri Dolgoruky, his son Andrei Bogolyubsky (1157–1174) moved the capital from Rostov to Vladimir. From then on, the Vladimir-Suzdal principality began.

It should be said that the Vladimir-Suzdal principality maintained its unity and integrity for a short time. Soon after its rise under the Grand Duke Vsevolod Yuryevich the Big Nest (1176–1212), it began to split into small principalities. At the beginning of the 13th century. The Principality of Rostov separated from it in the 70s. In the same century, under the youngest son of Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky, Daniil, the Moscow principality became independent.

The economic state of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality reached its peak in the second half of the 12th – early 13th centuries. under the Grand Dukes Andrei Bogolyubsky and Vsevolod the Big Nest. His power was symbolized by two magnificent churches erected in Vladimir in the second half of the 12th century - the Assumption and Demetrius Cathedrals, as well as the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, built on the eastern approaches to Vladimir. The erection of such architectural structures was possible only with a well-established economy.

Russian people migrating from the south settled on land that had long been inhabited by Finnish tribes. However, the Russians did not displace the ancient population of the region; they mostly coexisted peacefully with them. The matter was made easier by the fact that the Finnish tribes did not have their own cities, and the Slavs built fortified cities. In total, in the XII–early XIII centuries. about a hundred cities were built, which became centers of higher culture.

The structure of the feudal class in the Vladimir-Suzdal principality differed little from that of Kyiv. However, here a new category of small feudal lords appears- so called "children of the boyars».

In the 12th century. a new term appears "nobles"- the lowest part of the military service class. In the XIV century. They received land (estates) for their service and began to be called “landowners.” The ruling class also included the clergy.

Politic system The Vladimir-Suzdal principality was early feudal monarchy with strong grand ducal power. Thus, already the first Rostov-Suzdal prince Yuri Dolgoruky is characterized as a strong monarch who managed to conquer Kyiv in 1154, where he placed his son Andrei Bogolyubsky on the throne, who, however, escaped from there a year later. In 1169, Andrei Bogolyubsky again conquered Kyiv, but did not remain on the Kiev throne, but returned to Vladimir, where he managed to subjugate the Rostov boyars, for which he was described in Russian chronicles as an “autocrat” of the Vladimir-Suzdal land. His reign lasted until 1174.

As noted earlier, after the death in 1212 of Vsevolod the Big Nest, who took the Vladimir-Suzdal throne in 1176, the principality began to split into a number of smaller ones, but the Vladimir throne throughout the XIII-XIV centuries. nevertheless, it was traditionally regarded as the grand ducal, first throne even at the time of the Mongol-Tatar yoke.

The Grand Dukes of Vladimir relied in their activities on the squad, with the help of which the military power of the principality was created. From the squad, as in Kyiv times, a council was formed under the prince. It included representatives of the clergy, and after the transfer of the metropolitan see to Vladimir, the metropolitan himself. The council concentrated the reins of government the entire Vladimir-Suzdal principality, it included governors-combatants who ruled the cities.

The Grand Ducal Palace was managed by a butler, or “dvorsky,” who was the second most important person in the state apparatus.

Ipatiev Chronicle mentions tiuns, swordsmen and children, who were also among the princely officials. It's obvious that The Vladimir-Suzdal principality inherited the palace-patrimonial system of government from Kievan Rus. Local government was concentrated in the hands of governors stationed in cities and volostels in rural areas. The governing bodies also administered justice in the lands under their jurisdiction.

Before the transfer of the metropolitan see to Vladimir, the Vladimir-Suzdal principality had several dioceses headed by archbishops or bishops. Candidates for bishops were elected at councils of the highest clergy with the participation of the Grand Duke and were ordained by the metropolitans. Dioceses were divided into districts headed by church foremen. The lowest unit of church organization were parishes led by priests. The “black” clergy included monks and nuns, headed by monastery abbots. Monasteries were often founded by princes.

Sources of law

Unfortunately, the sources of law of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality have not reached us, but there is no doubt that it contained national legislative codes of Kievan Rus. Legal system consisted of sources of secular law and church legal sources. The most important source of law remained “Russian Truth”, which came to us in a large number of lists compiled in the Vladimir-Suzdal principality in the 13th–14th centuries, which indicates its wide distribution in North-Eastern Rus'.

All-Russian statutes of the first Christian princes were also in effect- “The Charter of Prince Vladimir on tithes, church courts and church people”, “The Charter of Prince Yaroslav on church courts.” They also came down in a large number of lists compiled in the Vladimir-Suzdal principality. Probably, the Grand Dukes of Vladimir specified the general provisions of these statutes in relation to specific dioceses, but there is no doubt that their general provisions were unshakable. They acquired particular significance after the transfer of the metropolitan see to Vladimir.

GALICY-VOLYNIAN priNCIPALY

The southwestern principalities of Rus' - Vladimir-Volyn and Galicia, which united the lands of the Dulebs, Tiverts, Croats, Buzhans, became part of Kievan Rus at the end of the 10th century. under Vladimir Svyatoslavich. However the policy of the great Kyiv princes regarding Volhynia and Galicia did not find support among the local landed nobility, and already from the end of the 11th century. the struggle for the separation of these lands began, although the Volyn land traditionally had close ties with Kiev.

In Volyn until the middle of the 12th century. there was no own dynasty of princes. As a rule, it was directly ruled from Kyiv or sometimes by Kyiv proteges.

The formation of the Galician principality began in the second half of the 11th century. This process is connected with the activities of the founder of the Galician dynasty, Prince Rostislav Vladimirovich, grandson of Yaroslav the Wise. The heyday of the Principality of Galicia occurred during the reign of Yaroslav Osmomysl (1153–1187), who resolutely resisted the Hungarians and Poles who were pressing on him and waged a fierce struggle against the boyars. With the death of his son Vladimir Yaroslavich, the Rostislavich dynasty ceased to exist.

In 1199. Vladimir-Volynsky Prince Roman Mstislavich took possession of the Galician principality and united the Galician and Volyn lands into a single Galician-Volyn principality. Its center was Galich, then Kholm, and from 1272 Lvov. The victorious campaigns of Roman's squads against Lithuania, Poland, Hungary and the Polovtsians created high international authority for him and the principality. After the death of Roman (1205), the western lands of Rus' again entered a period of unrest and princely-boyar civil strife. The struggle of the feudal groups in the western lands of Rus' reached its greatest severity under the young sons of Roman Mstislavich - Daniil and Vasilka. The Galician-Volyn principality broke up into appanages - Galician, Zvenigorod and Vladimir ( with centers in Galich, Zvenigorodka and Vladimir-Volynsky). This made it possible for Hungary, where young Daniel was raised at the court of King Andrew II, to constantly interfere in Galician-Volyn affairs, and soon to occupy Western Russian lands. The boyar opposition was not so organized and mature as to turn the Galician land into a boyar republic, but it had enough strength to organize endless conspiracies and riots against the princes.

Shortly before the invasion of Batu's hordes, Daniil Romanovich managed to overcome the opposition from the powerful Galician and Volyn boyars and in 1238 entered Galich in triumph. In the fight against the feudal opposition, power relied on the squad, city leaders and feudal service lords. The masses strongly supported Daniel's unifying policy. In 1239, the Galician-Volyn army captured Kiev, but the success was short-lived.

Hoping to create an anti-Horde coalition on a European scale with the help of his father, Daniil Romanovich agreed to accept the royal crown offered to him. The coronation took place in 1253 during campaigns against the Lithuanian Yatvingians in the small town of Dorogichina near the western border of the principality. The Roman Curia also turned its attention to Galicia and Volhynia, hoping to spread Catholicism to these lands.

In 1264, Daniil Romanovich died in Kholm. After his death, the decline of the Galicia-Volyn principality began, breaking up into four appanages. In the XIV century. Galicia was captured by Poland, and Volyn by Lithuania. After the Union of Lublin in 1569, the Galician and Volyn lands became part of a single multinational Polish-Lithuanian state - the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Feature social structure of the Galicia-Volyn principality was what was created there a large group of boyars, in whose hands almost all land holdings were concentrated. However, the process of formation of large feudal landownership did not proceed in the same way everywhere. In Galicia, its growth outpaced the formation of the princely domain. In Volyn, on the contrary, along with boyar land tenure, domain land ownership received significant development. This is explained by the fact that it was in Galicia that the economic and political prerequisites for a more rapid growth of large feudal landownership matured earlier than in Volyn. The princely domain began to take shape when the predominant part of the communal lands was seized by the boyars and the circle of free lands for the princely domains was limited. In addition, the Galician princes, trying to enlist the support of local feudal lords, distributed part of their lands to them and thereby reduced the princely domain.

Most An important role among the feudal lords of the Galician-Volyn principality was played by the Galician boyars - “the men of Galicia”. They owned large estates and dependent peasants. In sources of the 12th century. the ancestors of the Galician boyars act as “princely men.” The strength of this boyars, who expanded the boundaries of their possessions and conducted large-scale trade, continuously increased. There was a constant struggle within the boyars for lands and power. Already in the 12th century. “Men of Galicia” oppose any attempts to limit their rights in favor of princely power and growing cities.

Another group consisted of service feudal lords, the sources of land holdings of which were princely grants, boyar lands confiscated and redistributed by the princes, as well as unauthorized seizures of communal lands. In the vast majority of cases, they held land conditionally while they served, i.e. for service and under the condition of service. Serving feudal lords supplied the prince with an army consisting of feudal-dependent peasants. The Galician princes relied on them in their fight against the boyars.

The ruling class of the Galicia-Volyn principality also included large church nobility in the person of archbishops, bishops, abbots of monasteries and others, who also owned vast lands and peasants. Churches and monasteries acquired mainly land holdings through grants and donations from princes. Often, like princes and boyars, they seized communal lands, and turned peasants into monastic or church feudal-dependent people.

The bulk of the rural population in the Galicia-Volyn principality were peasants. Both free and dependent peasants were called smerds. The predominant form of peasant land ownership was communal, later called “dvorishche”. Gradually the community broke up into individual households.

The process of the formation of large land holdings and the formation of a class of feudal lords was accompanied by an increase in the feudal dependence of the peasants and the emergence of feudal rent. Labor rent in the 11th–12th centuries. gradually replaced by product rent. The amount of feudal duties was set by the feudal lords at their own discretion.

The brutal exploitation of peasants intensified the class struggle, which often took the form of popular uprisings against the feudal lords. Such a mass uprising of peasants was, for example, the uprising in 1159 under Yaroslav Osmomysl.

Serfdom in the Galicia-Volyn principality was preserved, but the number of serfs decreased, many of them were planted on the land and merged with the peasants.

In the Galicia-Volyn principality there were over 80 cities, including the largest - Berestye (later Brest), Vladimir (later Vladimir-Volynsky), Galich, Lvov, Lutsk, Przemysl, Kholm.

The largest group of the urban population were artisans. Jewelry, pottery, blacksmithing and glass-making workshops were located in the cities. They worked both for the customer and for the market, internal or external. The salt trade brought great profits. Being a large commercial and industrial center, Galich quickly also acquired the significance of a cultural center. The famous Galician-Volyn Chronicle and other written monuments of the 12th–13th centuries were created there.

Feature The Galician-Volyn principality was that for a long time it was not divided into appanages and that power, essentially, was in the hands of the large boyars.

Thus, since the Galician-Volyn princes did not have a broad economic and social base, their power was fragile.

However, it was inherited. The place of the deceased father was taken by the eldest of the sons, whom his other brothers were supposed to “honor in their father’s place.” The widow-mother enjoyed significant political influence under her sons. But, despite the system of vassalage on which relations between members of the princely domain were built, each princely domain was politically largely independent.

The Galician boyars played a major role in the political life of the country. It even controlled the princely table - it invited and removed princes. The history of the Galicia-Volyn principality is full of examples when princes who lost the support of the boyars were forced to leave their principalities. The forms of struggle of the boyars against unwanted princes are also characteristic. They invited Hungarians and Poles against them, put to death unwanted princes (this is how the princes Igorevich were hanged in 1208), and removed them from Galicia. There is a known fact when the boyar Volodislav Kormilchich, who did not belong to the dynasty, proclaimed himself a prince in 1231. Often, representatives of the ecclesiastical nobility were at the head of boyar revolts directed against the prince. In such a situation The main support of the princes were the middle and small feudal lords, as well as the city elite.

The Galician-Volyn princes still had certain administrative, military, judicial and legislative powers. In particular, they appointed officials in cities and towns, allocating them with land holdings under the condition of service, and were formally the commanders-in-chief of all armed forces. At the same time, each boyar had his own military militia, and since the Galician boyars’ regiments often outnumbered the prince’s, in case of disagreement, the boyars could argue with the prince using military force.

The supreme judicial power of the princes in case of disagreements with the boyars passed to the boyar elite. Finally, the princes issued letters concerning various issues of government, but they were often not recognized by the boyars.

The boyars exercised their power with the help of the council of boyars. Its members included the largest landowners, bishops and persons holding the highest government positions. The composition, rights, and competence of the council were not determined. The boyar council was convened, as a rule, on the initiative of the boyars themselves.

The prince did not have the right to convene a council at his own request, and could not issue a single state act without his consent. The council zealously protected the interests of the boyars, even interfering in the prince's family affairs. Thus, this body, not being formally the highest authority, actually ruled the principality. Since the council included boyars who occupied the largest administrative positions, the entire state administrative apparatus was actually subordinate to it.

From time to time, under emergency circumstances, in order to strengthen their power, the Galician-Volyn princes convened a veche, but it did not have much influence. Small merchants and artisans could be present, however, the decisive role was played by the top feudal lords.

The Galician-Volyn princes took part in all-Russian feudal congresses. Occasionally, congresses of feudal lords were convened, relating only to the Galicia-Volyn principality. So, in the first half of the 12th century. A congress of feudal lords took place in the city of Shartse to resolve the issue of civil strife over the volosts between the sons of the Przemysl prince Volodar Rostislav and Vladimirk.

It is noteworthy that In the Galicia-Volyn principality, palace-patrimonial administration arose earlier than in other Russian lands. In the system of this administration, the courtier, or butler, played a significant role. He was basically in charge of all issues relating to the prince's court, he was entrusted with the command of individual regiments, and during military operations he protected the life of the prince.

Among the palace ranks there are mentioned a printer, a steward, a cup keeper, a falconer, a hunter, a stable keeper, etc.. Printer was in charge of the princely chancellery, was the custodian of the princely treasury, which at the same time was also the princely archive. In his hands was the princely seal. Stolnik was in charge of the prince's table, served him during meals, and was responsible for the quality of the table. Chashnichy He was in charge of the side forests, cellars and everything related to the supply of drinks to the princely table. Administered falconer There was falconry and bird hunting. Hunter was in charge of hunting the beast. Main function stable boy was reduced to serving the princely cavalry. Numerous princely keykeepers acted under the control of these officials. The positions of butler, printer, steward, groom and others gradually turned into palace ranks.

Territory Galicia-Volynsky The principalities were initially divided into thousands and hundreds. As the thousand and sotskys with their administrative apparatus gradually were part of the palace-patrimonial apparatus of the prince, instead of them positions arose voivode and volostels . Accordingly, the territory of the principality was divided into voivodeships and volosts. IN communities elected elders who were in charge of administrative and minor judicial matters.

Posadniks were appointed and sent directly to the cities by the prince. They not only had administrative and military power, but also performed judicial functions and collected tributes and duties from the population.

Legal system The Galician-Volyn principality was not much different from the legal systems that existed in other Russian lands during the period of feudal fragmentation. The norms of "Russian Truth", only slightly modified, continued to apply here. The Galician-Volyn princes also issued their own legal acts. Among them, a valuable source characterizing the economic relations of the Galician principality with Czech, Hungarian and other merchants is the Charter of Prince Ivan Rostislavich Berladnik in 1134, which established a number of benefits for foreign merchants. Around 1287, the Manuscript of Prince Vladimir Vasilkovich was published, concerning the rules of inheritance law in the Vladimir-Volyn principality. The document talks about the transfer by Prince Vladimir of the right to exploit the feudal-dependent population to the heirs and the management of villages and cities. Around 1289, the Charter of the Volyn prince Mstislav Daniilovich was published, characterizing the duties that fell on the shoulders of the feudal-dependent population of Southwestern Rus'.

The Galicia-Volyn principality arose on the territory of two adjacent ancient Russian regions - Galicia and Volyn. At first, there were two separate principalities here - Galician and Volyn, then they were united into one. Galician land occupied the southwestern corner of ancient Rus', covering the territory of modern Moldova and Northern Bukovina. In the south it reached the Black Sea and the Danube, in the west it bordered with Hungary, from which it was separated by the Carpathians, in the northwest - with Poland, in the north - with Volyn and in the east - with the Principality of Kyiv. Volyn occupied the region of the Upper Pripyat and its right tributaries. Its neighbors were Poland, Lithuania, the Turovo-Pinsk principality and Galicia.

Galician land was densely populated. Since ancient times, arable farming has flourished here. Abundant crops were grown on rich black soils. There were a lot of cattle. There were rich salt mines on the territory of Galicia. Table salt was exported from here to Russian principalities and neighboring foreign states. Volyn was also an ancient rich Slavic region.

In Galicia-Volyn Rus', crafts reached a high level of development. There were relatively many cities (about 80). The largest of them were Vladimir, Lutsk, Buzhsk, Cherven, Belz, Pinsk, Berestye - in Volyn and Galich, Przemysl, Zvenigorod, Terebovl, Kholm - in Galicia. The capitals of the lands - Galich and Vladimir - belonged to the largest ancient Russian urban centers. The growth of crafts and agriculture contributed to the development of internal trade. At that time, Galician-Volyn Rus was conducting brisk trade with other Russian principalities and foreign states, which was greatly facilitated by its advantageous position on water and land trade routes. The Galicia-Volyn land traded with Byzantium, the Danube countries, Crimea, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic and other countries. Many foreign merchants lived in its cities - Germans, Surozhians, Bulgarians, Jews, Armenians, as well as merchants from other Russian principalities.

In the Galician land, as the most developed part of ancient Rus', large boyar land ownership developed early. The power of the princes settled here quite late - at the end of the 11th century.

By the time the princes arrived here, the main lands had already been captured by local boyars. The Galician princes therefore failed to create any significant princely domain. This circumstance left a deep imprint on the entire socio-political life of the Galicia-Volyn principality. XII and XIII centuries. The history of Galicia-Volyn Rus' is filled with an almost incessant struggle between the princely power and the boyars. The rich and powerful Galician boyars looked at the prince as their protege, called upon to protect their interests from the people and from external enemies. They had their own body - the boyar council, with the help of which they sought to keep the prince in their hands and direct his activities. The princely power relied on service feudal lords, whose center was mainly Volyn, and on the growing power of cities interested in limiting the feudal privileges of the landed nobility and eliminating feudal barriers that hindered the development of crafts and trade.

Despite the fierce struggle, the Galician-Volyn princes were unable to break the boyars, although some of them managed to greatly increase the importance of princely power. Describing the power of the boyars, the chronicler writes that they “called themselves princes, but they themselves ruled the whole land.” In the struggle for power, the boyars did not disdain any means. They willingly surrendered to the protection of Polish and Hungarian feudal lords. The interweaving of internal struggle with external wars is a characteristic feature of the history of the Galician-Volyn principality of the 12th - 13th centuries.

The Galician land separated from Kyiv by the beginning of the 12th century. in the line of great-grandsons of Yaroslav the Wise - the Rostislavichs. Somewhat later, in the middle of the 12th century, Volyn also became independent. From the middle of the 12th century. both principalities are experiencing significant political growth. At that time, one of the outstanding Western Russian princes, Yaroslav Vladimirovich Osmomysl (1153 - 1187), ruled in the Galician land. Yaroslav established his power at the mouth of the Danube, defeated the Kyiv prince and captured Kiev (1154), where he installed his ally, the Smolensk prince Rostislav, established peaceful relations with Byzantium and allied relations with Hungary. The glory of the power of Yaroslav Osmomysl spread throughout Rus' and beyond. Addressing him, the author of “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign” says: “Galichians Osmomysl Yaroslav! You sit high on your gold-plated table, propping up the Ugric mountains with your iron shelves, blocking the queen’s path, closing the gates to the Danube.”

Yaroslav's son Vladimir, as a result of a clash with the Galician boyars, fled to the Hungarian king. A certain prince, the great-great-grandson of Monomakh, Roman Mstislavovich, took advantage of his escape and captured Galich in 1188, but not for long. He had to wage a stubborn struggle with the Galician boyars, who were supported by the Hungarian king. Only in 1199, Roman, with the support of the townspeople, managed to unite the Galician and Volyn principalities. He successfully fought the Galician boyars and took away lands from some of them. Prince Roman took possession of Kiev in 1201. His title of “Grand Duke” was recognized in the Galician land, and in Novgorod, and in Byzantium. The newly created powerful principality attracted the attention of Pope Innocent III, who wanted to draw it into his orbit of influence. An embassy was sent from Rome to Prince Roman with an offer of the royal title, but the pope's proposals were rejected by Roman.

In 1201 Roman was killed in a battle with the Poles. After his death, two young sons remained - Daniil and Vasilko.

The Hungarian and Polish kings, taking advantage of the opportunity, laid claims to Galich and Volyn.

Roman's widow and her children were forced to flee. Only after a long struggle did Daniil Romanovich establish himself in Galich by 1238, relying on the population of the cities. Both principalities were reunited. Daniil Romanovich (1238 - 1264) waged a fierce struggle against the boyars, who called for both Polish and Hungarian interventionists against the prince. Daniel even moved the capital to Kholm, which became the center of the united Galician-Volyn principality.

When Daniel annexed the Turovo-Pinsk principality to his possessions, the lands of the Galicia-Volyn principality reached almost to Kyiv. In addition, Daniel fought with Lithuania and Poland. He took away significant areas of land from the Lithuanian Yatvingian tribe, and in the fight against Poland he captured Lublin. The heyday of the Galicia-Volyn principality was dealt a blow by the invasion of Batu. Daniel could not fight the hordes of Tatar-Mongols and was forced to recognize himself as a vassal of the Khan of the Golden Horde. However, he did not give up thoughts of struggle and tried to organize a crusade against the conquerors. To do this, he entered into an alliance with the Pope. Daniel also hoped to receive support from the Hungarian and Polish kings. However, after the Tatar-Mongols began to directly threaten to invade, Daniil’s “allies” did not help him. Pope Innocent IV persistently sought to spread his political and church influence in the Galicia-Volyn principality, but Daniel retained complete independence in relations with Rome.

After the death of Daniel, the saddest pages in the history of the Galicia-Volyn principality began. Continuous strife between the princes led to the fact that in 1349 the Volyn principality was finally captured by Lithuania. The Principality of Galicia fell under the rule of Poland, and Transcarpathian Rus' became the prey of the Hungarian king.

The territory of the Galician-Volyn land extended from the Carpathians to Polesie, covering the flows of the Dniester, Prut, Western and Southern Bug, and Pripyat rivers. The natural conditions of the principality favored the development of agriculture in the river valleys, and in the foothills of the Carpathians - salt mining and mining. Trade with other countries played an important place in the life of the region, in which the cities of Galich, Przemysl, and Vladimir-Volynsky were of great importance.

The strong local boyars played an active role in the life of the principality, in constant struggle with which the princely authorities tried to establish control over the state of affairs in their lands. The processes taking place in the Galicia-Volyn land were constantly influenced by the policies of the neighboring states of Poland and Hungary, where both princes and representatives of boyar groups turned for help or to find refuge.

The rise of the Galician principality began in the second half of the 12th century. under Prince Yaroslav Osmomysl (1152-1187). After the unrest that began with his death, the Volyn prince Roman Mstislavich managed to establish himself on the Galich throne, who in 1199 united the Galich land and most of the Volyn land as part of one principality. Waging a fierce struggle with the local boyars, Roman Mstislavich tried to subjugate other lands of Southern Rus'.

After the death of Roman Mstislavich in 1205, his eldest son Daniel (1205-1264), who was then only four years old, became his heir. A long period of civil strife began, during which Poland and Hungary tried to divide Galicia and Volyn between themselves. Only in 1238, shortly before Batu’s invasion, Daniil Romanovich managed to establish himself in Galich. After the conquest of Rus' by the Mongol-Tatars, Daniil Romanovich found himself in vassal dependence on the Golden Horde. However, the Galician prince, who had great diplomatic talents, skillfully used the contradictions between the Mongolian state and Western European countries.

The Golden Horde was interested in preserving the Principality of Galicia as a barrier from the West. In turn, the Vatican hoped, with the assistance of Daniil Romanovich, to subjugate the Russian Church and for this promised support in the fight against the Golden Horde and even a royal title. In 1253 (according to other sources in 1255) Daniil Romanovich was crowned, but did not accept Catholicism and did not receive real support from Rome to fight the Tatars.

After the death of Daniil Romanovich, his successors were unable to resist the collapse of the Galicia-Volyn principality. By the middle of the 14th century. Volyn was captured by Lithuania, and the Galician land by Poland.

Novgorod land

From the very beginning of the history of Rus', the Novgorod land played a special role in it. The most important feature of this land was that the traditional farming practice of the Slavs, with the exception of growing flax and hemp, did not provide much income here. The main source of enrichment for the largest landowners of Novgorod - the boyars - was profit from the sale of trade products - beekeeping, hunting fur and sea animals.

Along with the Slavs who lived here since ancient times, the population of the Novgorod land included representatives of the Finno-Ugric and Baltic tribes. In the XI-XII centuries. Novgorodians mastered the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland and held access to the Baltic Sea in their hands from the beginning of the 13th century. The Novgorod border in the West ran along the line of Lakes Peipus and Pskov. The annexation of the vast territory of Pomerania from the Kola Peninsula to the Urals was important for Novgorod. Novgorod maritime and forestry industries brought enormous wealth.

Trade ties of Novgorod with its neighbors, especially with the countries of the Baltic basin, strengthened from the middle of the 12th century. Furs, walrus ivory, lard, flax, etc. were exported to the West from Novgorod. Items imported to Rus' were cloth, weapons, metals, etc.

But despite the size of the territory of the Novgorod land, it was distinguished by a low level of population density and a relatively small number of cities compared to other Russian lands. All cities, except for the “younger brother” of Pskov (separated from 1268), were noticeably inferior in number of inhabitants and in importance to the main city of the Russian medieval North - Mister Veliky Novgorod.

The economic growth of Novgorod prepared the necessary conditions for its political isolation into an independent feudal boyar republic in 1136. The princes in Novgorod retained exclusively official functions. The princes acted in Novgorod as military leaders, their actions were under the constant control of the Novgorod authorities. The right of the princes to court was limited, their purchase of lands in Novgorod was prohibited, and the income they received from the properties determined for their service was strictly fixed. From the middle of the 12th century. The Grand Duke of Vladimir was formally considered the Prince of Novgorod, but until the middle of the 15th century. he did not have the opportunity to really influence the state of affairs in Novgorod.

The highest governing body of Novgorod was evening, real power was concentrated in the hands of the Novgorod boyars. Three to four dozen Novgorod boyar families held in their hands more than half of the privately owned lands of the republic and, skillfully using the patriarchal-democratic traditions of Novgorod antiquity to their advantage, did not let go of the power over the richest land of the Russian Middle Ages out of their control.

Elections to positions were carried out from the environment and under the control of the boyars mayor(head of city administration) and Tysyatsky(leaders of the militia). Under boyar influence, the post of head of the church was replaced - archbishop. The archbishop was in charge of the treasury of the republic, the external relations of Novgorod, the law of court, etc. The city was divided into 3 (later 5) parts - “ends”, whose trade and craft representatives, along with the boyars, took a noticeable part in the management of the Novgorod land.

The socio-political history of Novgorod is characterized by private urban uprisings (1136, 1207, 1228-29, 1270). However, these movements, as a rule, did not lead to fundamental changes in the structure of the republic. In most cases, social tension in Novgorod was skillfully

used in their struggle for power by representatives of rival boyar groups, who dealt with their political opponents with the hands of the people.

The historical isolation of Novgorod from other Russian lands had important political consequences. Novgorod was reluctant to participate in all-Russian affairs, in particular, the payment of tribute to the Mongols. The richest and largest land of the Russian Middle Ages, Novgorod, could not become a potential center for the unification of Russian lands. The ruling boyar nobility in the republic sought to protect the “antiquities” and to prevent any changes in the existing balance of political forces within Novgorod society.

Strengthening from the beginning of the 15th century. in Novgorod the trend towards oligarchies, those. The usurpation of power exclusively by the boyars played a fatal role in the fate of the republic. In conditions that intensified from the middle of the 15th century. Moscow's attack on Novgorod independence, a significant part of Novgorod society, including the agricultural and trading elite that did not belong to the boyars, either went over to Moscow's side or took a position of passive non-interference.

Preventive war - suicide due to fear of death

Otto von Bismarck

The Galician-Volyn principality was located in the southwestern part of Rus'. With the beginning of feudal fragmentation, the principality separated from the Kyiv government and actually laid claim to a leading role in Rus'. This principality was distinguished by the presence of fertile soils, forests, trade routes and a specific management system.

Princes

Princes of the Galician-Volyn principality:

• Yaroslav Osmomysl (1153-1187). Ruled in Galich.
• Roman Mstislavich. From 1170 he ruled in Volyn, and in 1199 he subjugated Galich, forming a single principality. Ruled until 1205.
• Daniil Romanovich. 1205-1219 - reign under the tutelage of the mother. Next - independent management.

During times of fragmentation, the boyars enjoyed great influence. suffice it to say that both Roman Mstislavich and Daniil Romanovich waged the main struggle not with neighboring principalities and kingdoms, but with their own boyars. The results were not the best. In 1205, after Roman's death, his young children were expelled from the principality. A leapfrog began with the invitation of rulers. Things got to the point that for some time the boyar Volodislav Kormilichich became the prince of the Galicia-Volyn principality. This was a unique case of a local interruption of the Rurik dynasty in a separate principality.

In 1254, Daniel proclaimed himself king, and the principality became a kingdom. After the death of the prince-king in 1264, the principality split into a number of small regions that existed until 1352, when Galicia passed to Poland, Volyn to Lithuania.

Development

The Galician-Volyn principality, the development of which took place in the 12th-13th centuries, can be reduced to the following main dates:

• 1199 - unification into a single principality. Before that there were 2 centers - Volyn and Galich.
• 1214 - Treaty of Seles between Hungary and Poland. The Hungarians planned to take Eastern Galicia for themselves, and the Poles planned to take Western Galicia.
• 1234 - Mikhail Vsevolodovich Chernigov occupied Galich.
• 1236 - Daniil Romanovich captures Galich.
• 1240 - he captures Kyiv.
• 1264 - the principality was divided into many smaller ones.
• 1352 - Poland captured Galicia, and Lithuania captured Volhynia.

The favorable geographical location of the principality led to constant attempts by neighbors to seize this territory. We are talking not only about the struggle with other appanage principalities, but also the confrontation with Lithuania, Hungary and Poland. All these countries repeatedly launched military campaigns against the principality.

Geographical location and lands

The Galician-Volyn principality was located in the southwestern part of Rus' between the Dniester and the Prut, as well as with access to the Carpathians. The main characteristic of the geographical location of the principality is the presence of a mild climate and fertile lands. There were black soil lands, vast forests and deposits of rock salt, thanks to which the principality managed to grow rich. The chronicles indicate that salt was traded with Byzantium, Poland, the Czech Republic and other countries.

Neighbors of the Galicia-Volyn principality:

• Kingdom of Hungary
• Polish Kingdom
• Principality of Lithuania
• Principality of Polotsk
• Turovo-Pinsk Principality
• Principality of Kiev
• Polovtsian steppes

To the south were undeveloped lands, which not only the Galician-Volyn princes, but also the Polovtsy and the Hungarians had views of.

Large cities: Galich, Vladimir-Volynsky, Berestye, Lutsk, Lvov, Dorogobuzh, Terebovl.

Map

Map of the Galicia-Volyn principality with its geographical location within the boundaries of Appanage Rus'.

Economic development

Features of the economic development of the Galicia-Volyn principality should be sought in its geographical location. Fertile lands influenced the wealth of the region, but much more important was the presence of salt mining, the trade of which brought huge amounts of money to the treasury. Another important economic feature of the region is that international trade routes passed through the principality.

Culture

In the Galicia-Volyn principality, chronicle writing flourished. The peak of this process occurred during the reign of Daniil Romanovich. This prince is called in the chronicles an ideal ruler, as well as a magnificent warrior: daring, fearless and wise. If we look at the chronicles of these lands, they look more like a colorful story. If in other chronicles there is a listing of facts and events, then in this case the situation is different - the entire narration is in the form of a story.

The architecture of Galich and Volyn is unique. European culture, as well as the proximity of Kyiv with its traditions, left its mark on it. As a result, an amazing color was achieved, and the cities began to amaze with their beauty and grace. Architects in construction used colorful glass that let in light, decoration of buildings inside and outside, relief images, gilding and much more. These were rich cities, which was reflected in the culture.

Peculiarities

The political features of the Galicia-Volyn principality relate to the governance system. schematically it can be depicted as a horizontal line.

Power was distributed almost equally between the prince, the veche and the boyars. That is why the position of the boyars was so strong, and that is why there was a struggle for power between rich people and the prince. after all, in other large principalities, triangles of control were traced, where someone ended up at the top and received a leading role. This was not the case in this principality.

General features of the development of the principality during the period of feudal fragmentation (11-13 centuries):

• The struggle with Kiev for supremacy in Rus'
• Active development of rock salt mining.
• A large amount of arable land and forests.
• Active foreign trade and urban growth due to this.