Power Politics in Kievan Rus': Vladimir Monomakh and His Dynasty, 1054-1246

471 Pages·2016·5.004 MB·English

by  Martin Dimnik

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Power Politics in Kievan Rus :
Vladimir Monomakh and His Dynasty,
1054–1246
The aim of this study is to write the political history of the dynasty of Kievan Rus′
descended from Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh, which ruledfrom the middle of
the eleventh century to the middle of the thirteenth century. In doing so, it argues,
both from documented evidence and from circumstantial evidence, that Monomakh
manipulated the politics of Rus′to his advantage. The book attempts to address all rel-
evant political information that the chronicles report on Vladimir Monomakh. The
events are examined in chronological order in imitation of the method used by the
chronicles. It is hoped that this method of presentation will give the readers a clearer
understanding of the relationship of the various events, such as succession rivalries,
territorial disputes, and treaties. From the time of Yaroslav’s death in 1054to the first
half of the 1240s, of all the dynasties, Vsevolod’s descendants most consistently wielded
political supremacy. In large part, the groundwork for their success was laid by
Vladimir Monomakh. In addition to being blessed with good fortune, Monomakh
exercised exceptional foresight, ambition, and political acumen. To date, however, no
comprehensive study has been written concerning the dynasty as a whole. This study
proposes to fill that lacuna.
This book is addressed to scholars and students of the history of Kievan Rus′. It
proposes to introduce students to the princely dynasties of Kievan Rus′and to the
problems that the princes of these dynasties faced, such as succession in an orderly man-
ner. It also provides a detailed examination of these problems for the mature scholar.
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studies and texts 202
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Power Politics in Kievan Rus :
Vladimir Monomakh and His Dynasty,
1054–1246
MARTIN DIMNIK
Translated by hugh mcdonald
with the collaboration of the author
pontifical institute of mediaeval studies
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Acknowledgment
The publication of this volume was made possible by funds generously
provided by the Basilian Fathers of the University of St Michael’s College.
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication
Dimnik, Martin, 1941–, author
Power politics in Kievan Rusʹ: Vladimir Monomakh and his dynasty,
1054–1246 / Martin Dimnik.
(Studies and texts ; 202)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Issued in print and electronic formats.
ISBN 978-0-88844-202-4 (hardback).– ISBN 978-1-77110-376-3 (pdf)
1.Vladimir Vsevolodovich, Grand Duke of Kiev, 1053–1125. 2.Kievan
Rus– Kings and rulers– Biography. 3.Kievan Rus– History– 862–1237.
4.Kievan Rus– Politics and government. 5.Russia– History– To 1533.
I.Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, issuing body II.Title.
III.Title:Vladimir Monomakh and his dynasty, 1054–1246. IV.Series:Studies
andtexts (Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies) ; 202
DK73.D54 2016 947’.02 C2016-901464-9 C2016-901465-7
© 2016
Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies
59 Queen’s Park Crescent East
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2C4
www.pims.ca
MANUFACTUREDINCANADA
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Contents
List of Figures ix
Abbreviations xi
Acknowledgments xv
Preface xvii
Introduction 1
CHAPTERONE 8
Vsevolod Yaroslavich Lays the Political Foundations for Monomakh
(1054–1093)
CHAPTERTWO 31
The Congress at Lyubech (1097)
CHAPTERTHREE 56
Vladimir Monomakh Successfully Occupies Kiev (1113–1125)
CHAPTERFOUR 69
Monomakh’s Son Mstislav Succeeds His Father to Kiev (1125–1132)
CHAPTERFIVE 78
The Monomashichi Fight over the Lands of Pereyaslavl′(1132–1139)
CHAPTERSIX 97
Vsevolod Ol′govich of Chernigov Usurps Control of Kiev (1139–1146)
CHAPTERSEVEN 120
Izyaslav Mstislavich Regains Kiev for the Monomashichi (1146–1154)
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CHAPTEREIGHT 151
Interdynastic Disputes (1155–1167)
CHAPTERNINE 171
Andrey BogolyubskiyAsserts His Superiority over the Princes of
Rus′(1167–1174)
CHAPTERTEN 196
More Succession Rivalries (1174–1181)
CHAPTERELEVEN 206
Svyatoslav and Ryurik as Co-rulers in Kiev (1182–1194)
CHAPTERTWELVE 230
Ryurik’s Turbulent Reign (1194–1208)
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN 271
The Reigns of Vsevolod Bol′shoe Gnezdoand Vsevolod Chermnyy
(d. 1212)
CHAPTERFOURTEEN 287
The Rostislavichi Attain Primacy in Rus′(1212–1223)
CHAPTERFIFTEEN 306
The Princes at War (1224–1234)
CHAPTERSIXTEEN 324
The Vsevolodovichi Fight for Supremacy (1212–1232)
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN 339
Rivalries for Kiev and Galich (1232–1237)
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN 351
The Tatar Invasion (1237–1246)
Conclusion 371
Bibliography 384
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Glossary 397
Maps 398
1 The Lands of Rus′in the Middle of the Twelfth Century
2 Polovtsian Tribes in the Second Half of the Twelfth and the First
Half of the Thirteenth Century
3 The Lands of Kiev, Chernigov, Pereyaslavl′, Turov, Polotsk,
Murom, and Ryazan′
4 The Lands of Novgorod and Suzdalia
5 The Lands of Volyn′and Galicia
Genealogical Tables 404
1 The First Princes of Rus′
2 The House of Galich
3 The House of Turov
4 The House of Chernigov
5 The House of Ryazan′
6 The Monomashichi
7 The House of Suzdalia
8 The House of Volyn′
9 The House of Smolensk
Index 420
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cUniversität Regensburg
List of Figures
The plates follow page xvi. All photographs except 16–18 are by the author.
1. A monument dedicated to the triumvirate princes at Lyubech; from left
to right are Svyatopolk, Svyatoslav, andVladimir Monomakh.
2. Marble sarcophagus brought from Greece in which Yaroslav “the Wise”
was buried,now located in the Cathedral of St Sophia (Holy Wisdom) in
Kiev.
3. Cathedral of St Sophia in Kiev built by Yaroslav “the Wise,” and in which
he was buried.
4. The reconstructed Golden Gate of Kiev.
5. The Church Spasskiy Sobor at Berestovo (Cathedral of the Saviour) in
Kiev, where two graves of princes were found, believed to be those of
Yury Dolgorukiyand his son Gleb.
6. Kiev, Church of St Cyril at Dorogozhichi,where Maria,the daughter of
Mstislav Vladimirovich,was buried.
7. The Caves Monastery with the main entrance to the Trinity Monastery.
8. A burial Church of St Spas,built in the twelfth century in Pereyaslavl′.
9. The Assumption Church in Vladimir Volyn′skiy, where Mstislav
Izyaslavich was buried.