Solovetsky uprising: a brief history

Solovetskoy uprising, which took place from 1668 to 1676 to date is one of the most noteworthy events in Russian history. The revolt was organized by the monks, who refused the innovations of the patriarch Nikon.

Solovetsky Rebellion: causes

First of all, it should be noted that the Solovetsky Monastery in the early 17th century turned into an important military object in connection with the Russian-Swedish war. After all, all of its buildings were well fortified, which allowed to protect the earth from invading enemies. In addition, every person who lived in or near the monastery was armed and perfectly trained to defend himself from attack. By the way, at that time the population was 425 people. And in the case of a siege by the Swedish troops in the monastery was stored a huge amount of edible stocks.

The first discontent of the clergy was caused by the reform of Patriarch Nikon, who condemned the Old Believers. In 1636 a whole batch of new books, corrected according to the reform, was sent to the Solovetsky Monastery. But the monks, even without looking at the books, were sealed from the chests and sent to the custody of the armory. This was the first expression of discontent with the organs of government.

It is also worth recalling that the beginning of the 17th century was accompanied by constant mass uprisings against the government and innovations. It was a troubled time, when even the smallest changes could turn into a real insurgency. And the Solovetsky uprising was no exception to the general laws. Some historians have tried to expose the rebellion of monks as resistance to ignorant clerics and adherents of the old faith.

Solovetsky uprising and fighting

In fact, not only the monks of the Solovetsky Monastery took part in the mutiny. They were joined by runaway soldiers, dissatisfied peasants, and also associates of Stepan Razin. After this replenishment, the insurrection has already acquired a certain political significance.

It is worth noting that for the first few years practically no military action was taken. The king hoped for a peaceful solution to such a sensitive issue. For example, government troops moved to the Solovetsky Islands only in the summer. For several months they tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to block the connection of rebellious monks with the mainland. As soon as the cold came , the troops moved to the Sumy prison. It is interesting that most of the Streltsy simply blossomed to their homes. This comparatively peaceful situation was maintained until 1674.

It was in 1674 that the government found out that Kozhevnikov, Sarafanov and other Razin brothers in arms were hiding behind the walls of the monastery. Since then, real attacks have started, accompanied by victims. The government allowed active fighting, including the shelling of the walls of the monastery.

And in December 1675 the monks decided not to pray for the king anymore. This "innovation" was not liked by all the rebels, so some of them had to be temporarily imprisoned in a monastery prison.

Solovetsky uprising: results

Despite the constant, round-the-clock siege, undermining and shelling, the government troops failed to penetrate the walls of the monastery. In January 1677, the rebel left the black Feoktist, who immediately went to the king's troops. It was he who told how to insinuate inside the monastery.

On the night of the first of February, fifty archers quietly penetrated a small secret hole (a window for carrying water) into the drying room of the monastery. Then the soldiers opened the gates and let the rest of the troops.

In the courtyard, 30 rebels tried to repel the attack, but unsuccessfully - the battle was unequal. It is interesting that by this day there were practically no monks left behind the walls - some of them left the house on their own, and some were expelled. Several priests were imprisoned at the monastery - they were released by government forces.

Thus, the Solovetsky uprising ceased. As a result, about 30 rebels were executed, the rest were sent to prisons.