The first Kiev princes

The first Kiev princes had a peculiar and uncertain power. It can not be attributed to any of the types of power that are usually allocated. They did not have a blood relationship with the peoples of Rus, the land was not in their ownership, the very definition of "Russian land" appears only in the time of Svyatoslav's authority. The main tasks of the Kiev princes were to unite the tribes and create a single state. The first Kiev princes sought to establish trade relations with their neighbors, and also to secure the movement of merchant ships to foreign markets. Of course, the defense of Russia from the opponents, too, was part of the paramount task of the Kiev princes.

The first princes of Kiev, having taken possession of the route "from the Varangians to the Greeks", directed their efforts to conquer the tribes living far from this path. In the conquered areas princely order was established and the governor was appointed from the local princes, the sons of the Grand Duke or the vigilantes. The main task that this authority carried out was the collection of tribute.

In Kiev in the spring were large caravans from large boats. They went to the lower reaches of the Dnieper, and then went out to the Black Sea, along which they reached Constantinople. Trading business of the Russian princes in Constantinople lasted up to six months. It was a kind of Russian fair under the supervision of the Greeks. The rules that controlled the stay of Russians in Constantinople determined the relationship between Rus and the Greeks. The organization of such caravans also lay on the shoulders of princes. They pulled goods to Kiev, supplied caravans with protection and provided favorable terms of trade. Thus, Rurik's foreign and domestic policy largely depended on the development of trade.

The protection of the borders of Russia was a matter that constantly took a lot of energy. The raids of the steppe people practically did not cease. They attacked not only the border areas, but Kiev itself. The first Kiev princes gradually surrounded Kiev with walls and fortresses, and the border with ramparts and other structures. To ensure the safety of merchant caravans following on land, other measures were required. It was necessary either to come to mutually beneficial cooperation, or to defeat rivals by force. This was how the policy of the first princes of Kiev was based on raids.

The significance of Kiev was great due to trade. It was the most southern city on the Dnieper. Here merchants gathered, here a warehouse of goods was arranged, here was the main market. Kiev was the center of trade in Russia.

The policy of the first princes of Kiev became the foundation of the history of the development of Russia. This is the first power that unites disparate tribes. It was the princes of Kiev who prepared the soil on which the tree of national unity and self-consciousness had grown up. The Kiev princes rallied the state externally, and then it rallied and from within.

Sufficiently detailed information about the princes of Kiev are available only from the time of Prince Oleg. He united all the main cities on the way "from the Varangians and the Greeks". Oleg's unification activities extended to Drevlyans, Northerners and Radimichs. We can say that he created Russian-Slavic independence and power.

After Oleg's death, Igor ascended the throne. Igor's rule was not marked by great victories, nor by profitable contracts. Igor died when he wanted to collect a double tribute from the Drevlyans.

Igor's widow Olga had a son who was destined for the throne of his father. Since the position of women among the Slavs was not infringed, Olga took over the board. She fixed her order on her land with a firm hand. Her main act is the adoption of Christianity.

Svyatoslav, although he already wore a Slav name, was still a Varangian by nature. Svyatoslav made the first successful campaigns even during the reign of Olga. He subordinated vyatichi, defeated the Khazars, defeated the yasov and kasogs, and later - took the city of Bolgar.