There were Rurikovichs for sure, but was there a Rurik... Most likely he was, but his personality still raises many more questions than answers.
The Tale of Bygone Years tells about the calling of Rurik by the Eastern Slavs. According to the Tale, this happened in 862 (although the calendar in Rus' in those years was different, and the year in fact was not 862). Some researchers. and this can be seen in particular from the diagram below, Rurik is called the founder of the dynasty, but its foundation is considered only from his son Igor. Probably, during his lifetime, Rurik did not have time to recognize himself as the founder of a dynasty, because he was busy with other things. But the descendants, after thinking about it, decided to call themselves a dynasty.
Three main hypotheses regarding the origin have been formed.
- The first - the Norman theory - claims that Rurik with his brothers and retinue were from the Vikings. Among the Scandinavian peoples at that time, as proven by research, the name Rurik really existed (meaning “illustrious and noble man”). True, there are problems with a specific candidate, information about which is also available in other historical stories or documents. There is no clear identification with anyone: for example, the noble Danish Viking of the 9th century, Rorik of Jutland, or a certain Eirik Emundarson from Sweden, who raided the Baltic lands, is described.
- Second, Slavic version, where Rurik is shown as a representative of the princely family of the Obodrites from the West Slavic lands. There is information that one of the Slavic tribes living on the territory of historical Prussia was then called Varangians. Rurik is a variant of the Western Slavic “Rerek, Rarog” - not a personal name, but the name of the Obodrit princely family, meaning “falcon”. Supporters of this version believe that the coat of arms of the Rurikovichs was precisely a symbolized image of a falcon.
- The third theory believes that Rurik really did not exist at all - the founder of the Rurik dynasty emerged from the local Slavic population during the struggle for power, and two hundred years later his descendants, in order to ennoble their origins, ordered the author of The Tale of Bygone Years a propaganda story about the Varangian Rurik.
Over the years, the princely dynasty of Rurikovich was fragmented into many branches. Not many European dynasties can compare with it in the ramifications and large number of offspring. But this was the very policy of this ruling group; they did not set out to sit firmly in the capital; on the contrary, they sent their offspring to all corners of the country.
The branching of the Rurikovichs begins in the generation of Prince Vladimir (some call him the Saint, and some the Bloody), and first of all the line of the princes of Polotsk, descendants of Izyaslav Vladimirovich, separates.
Very briefly about some of the Rurikovichs
After the death of Rurik, power passed to Saint Oleg, who became the guardian of Rurik’s young son, Igor. Prophetic Oleg united the scattered Russian principalities into one state. He glorified himself with intelligence and belligerence, with a large army he went down the Dnieper, took Smolensk, Lyubech, Kyiv and made the latter his capital city. Askold and Dir were killed, and Oleg showed little Igor to the clearings:
“Here is the son of Rurik - your prince.”
As you know, according to legend, he died from a snake bite.
Further Igor grew up and became the Grand Duke of Kyiv. He contributed to the strengthening of statehood among the Eastern Slavs, the spread of power Prince of Kyiv on East Slavic tribal associations between the Dniester and Danube. But in the end he turned out to be a greedy ruler, for which he was killed by the Drevlyans.
Olga, Igor's wife, brutally took revenge on the Drevlyans for the death of her husband and conquered their main city of Korosten. She was distinguished by a rare intelligence and great abilities. In her declining years she accepted Christianity and was later canonized.
One of the most famous princesses in Rus'.
Svyatoslav. Known as one of the most prominent commanders from the Rurik family, for the most part he did not sit still, but was on military campaigns. His son Yaropolk considered responsible for the death of his brother Oleg, who tried to claim the Kiev throne.
But Yaropolk was also killed, and again by his brother, Vladimir.
The same one Vladimir that Rus' baptized. Kyiv Grand Duke Vladimir Svyatoslavovich was at first a fanatical pagan; he is also credited with such traits as vindictiveness and bloodthirstiness. At least he did not regret his brother and got rid of him in order to take the princely throne in Kyiv.
His son Yaroslav Vladimirovich, to whom history added the nickname “Wise,” was truly a wise and diplomatic ruler of the Old Russian state. The time of his reign was not only about internecine feudal wars between close relatives, but also attempts to Kievan Rus on the world political arena, attempts to overcome feudal fragmentation, construction of new cities. The reign of Yaroslav the Wise is the development of Slavic culture, a kind of golden period of the Old Russian state.
Izyaslav - I- the eldest son of Yaroslav, after the death of his father he took the Kiev throne, but after an unsuccessful campaign against the Polovtsians, he was driven out by the people of Kiev, and his brother became the Grand Duke Svyatoslav. After the death of the latter, Izyaslav returned to Kyiv again.
Vsevolod - I could be a useful ruler and worthy representative Rurikovich, but it didn’t work out. This prince was pious, truthful, loved education very much and knew five languages, but the Polovtsian raids, famine, pestilence and turmoil in the country did not favor his principality. He held onto the throne only thanks to his son Vladimir, nicknamed Monomakh.
Svyatopolk - II- the son of Izyaslav I, who inherited the Kiev throne after Vsevolod I, was distinguished by his lack of character and was unable to pacify the civil strife of the princes over the possession of cities. At the congress in Lyubich Pereslavl in 1097, the princes kissed the cross “to each one own his father’s land,” but soon Prince David Igorevich blinded Prince Vasilko.
The princes gathered again for a congress in the year 1100, and deprived David of Volhynia; at the suggestion of Vladimir Monomakh, they decided at the Dolob congress, in 1103, to undertake a joint campaign against the Polovtsians, the Russians defeated the Polovtsians on the Sal River (in 1111) and took a lot of cattle: cattle, sheep, horses, etc. The Polovtsian princes alone killed up to 20 people . The fame of this victory spread far among the Greeks, Hungarians and other Slavs.
Vladimir Monomakh. A widely known representative of the Rurik dynasty. Despite the seniority of the Svyatoslavichs, after the death of Svyatopolk II, Vladimir Monomakh was elected to the Kiev throne, who, according to the chronicle, “wanted good for the brethren and the whole Russian land.” He stood out for his great abilities, rare intelligence, courage and tirelessness. He was happy in his campaigns against the Polovtsians. He humbled the princes with his severity. The “teaching to children” he left behind is remarkable, in which he gives purely Christian moral teaching and a high example of the prince’s service to his homeland.
Mstislav - I. Resembling his father Monomakh, Monomakh's son, Mstislav I, lived harmoniously with his brothers in mind and character, inspiring respect and fear in the disobedient princes. So, he expelled the Polovtsian princes who disobeyed him to Greece, and instead of them, he installed his son to rule in the city of Polotsk.
Yaropolk, Mstislav's brother, Yaropolk, son of Monomakh, decided to transfer the inheritance not to his brother Vyacheslav, but to his nephew. Thanks to the discord that arose from here, the Monomakhovichs lost the Kiev throne, which passed to the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich - the Olegovichs.
Vsevolod - II. Having achieved a great reign, Vsevolod wanted to consolidate the Kiev throne in his family and handed it over to his brother Igor Olegovich. But not recognized by the people of Kiev and tonsured a monk, Igor was soon killed.
Izyaslav - II. The people of Kiev recognized Izyaslav II Mstislavovich, who vividly resembled his famous grandfather Monomakh with his intelligence, brilliant talents, courage and friendliness. With the accession of Izyaslav II to the grand-princely throne, the concept of seniority rooted in ancient Rus' was violated: In one family, a nephew could not be a grand duke during his uncle’s lifetime.
Yury Dolgoruky". Prince of Suzdal from 1125, Grand Duke of Kiev in 1149-1151, 1155-1157, founder of Moscow. Yuri was the sixth son of Prince Vladimir Monomakh. After the death of his father, he inherited the Rostov-Suzdal principality and immediately began to strengthen the borders of his inheritance, erecting fortresses on them. So, for example, under him the fortress of Ksyantin arose, as modern Tver was previously called. By his order, the following cities were founded: Dubna, Yuryev-Polsky, Dmitrov, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Zvenigorod, Gorodets. The first chronicle mention of Moscow in 1147 is also associated with the name of Yuri Dolgoruky.
The life of this prince is unusual and interesting. The youngest son of Vladimir Monomakh could not claim more than an appanage principality. He received the Rostov principality as his inheritance, which became prosperous under Yuri. Many settlements arose here. The tireless son of Monomakh received his nickname “Dolgoruky” for his ambitions, for constantly interfering in other people’s affairs and for his constant desire to seize other people’s lands.
Owning the Rostov-Suzdal land, Yuri always sought to expand the territory of his principality and often raided neighboring lands owned by his relatives. Most of all, he dreamed of capturing Kyiv. In 1125, Yuri moved the capital of the principality from Rostov to Suzdal, from where he made campaigns to the south, strengthening his squad with mercenary Polovtsian troops. He annexed the cities of Murom, Ryazan, and part of the lands along the banks of the Volga to the Rostov Principality.
The Suzdal prince occupied Kyiv three times, but he never managed to stay there for long. The struggle for the great reign with his nephew Izyaslav Mstislavich was long. Yuri entered Kiev three times as Grand Duke, but only the third time did he remain so until the end of his days. The people of Kiev did not like Prince Yuri. This was explained by the fact that Yuri more than once resorted to the help of the Polovtsians and was almost always a troublemaker during periods of struggle for the throne. Yuri Dolgoruky was a “newcomer” for the people of Kiev, from the North. According to the chronicler, after the death of Yuri in 1157, the people of Kiev plundered his rich mansions and killed the Suzdal detachment that came with him.
Andrey Bogolyubsky. Having accepted the title of grand duke, Andrei Yuryevich transferred the throne to Vladimir on the Klyazma, and from then on Kyiv began to lose its primacy position. The stern and strict Andrei wanted to be autocratic, that is, to rule Russia without a council or squads. Andrei Bogolyubsky mercilessly pursued the disgruntled boyars, they plotted against Andrei's life and killed him.
Alexander Nevskiy". Grand Duke of Novgorod (1236-1251). Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky consistently pursued a policy aimed at strengthening the northwestern borders of Rus' and reconciliation with the Tatars.
While still the Prince of Novgorod (1236-1251), he showed himself to be an experienced commander and wise ruler. Thanks to the victories won in the “Battle of the Neva” (1240), in the “Battle of the Ice” (1242), as well as numerous forays against the Lithuanians, Alexander for a long time discouraged the Swedes, Germans and Lithuanians from taking possession of the northern Russian lands.
Alexander pursued the opposite policy towards the Mongol-Tatars. It was a policy of peace and cooperation, the purpose of which was to prevent a new invasion of Rus'. The prince often traveled to the Horde with rich gifts. He managed to achieve the release of Russian soldiers from the obligation to fight on the side of the Mongol-Tatars.
Yuri - III. Having married the sister of Khan Konchak, in Orthodoxy Agafya, Yuri acquired great strength and help from the Tatars who were related to him. But soon, thanks to the claims of Prince Dmitry, the son of Mikhail, who was tortured by Khan, he had to report to the horde. Here, at the first meeting with Dmitry, Yuri was killed by him, in revenge for the death of his father and for a violation of morality (marriage to a Tatar).
Dmitry - II. Dmitry Mikhailovich, nicknamed “formidable eyes”, for the murder of Yuri III, was executed by the khan for arbitrariness.
Alexander Tverskoy. The brother of Dmitry II, executed in the horde, Alexander Mikhailovich, was confirmed as khan on the grand-ducal throne. He was distinguished by his kindness and was loved by the people, but he ruined himself by allowing the Tver people to kill the hated Khan's ambassador Shchelkan. Khan sent 50,000 Tatar army against Alexander. Alexander fled from the khan's wrath to Pskov, and from there to Lithuania. Ten years later, Alexander of Tver returned and was forgiven by the khan. Not getting along, however, with the Prince of Moscow Ivan Kalita, Alexander
he was slandered by him in front of the khan, the khan summoned him to the horde and executed him.
John I Kalita. John I Danilovich, a cautious and cunning prince, nicknamed Kalita (money purse) for his frugality, devastated the Tver principality with the help of the Tatars, taking advantage of the opportunity of violence of the indignant Tver residents against the Tatars. He took upon himself the collection of tribute from all over Rus' for the Tatars and, greatly enriched by this, bought cities from appanage princes. In 1326, the metropolitanate from Vladimir, thanks to the efforts of Kalita, was transferred to Moscow, and here, according to Metropolitan Peter, the Assumption Cathedral was founded. Since then, Moscow as the seat of the Metropolitan of All Rus' has acquired significance Russian center.
John -II Ioannovich, a meek and peace-loving prince, followed in everything the advice of Metropolitan Alexei, who enjoyed great importance in the Horde. During this time, Moscow's relations with the Tatars improved significantly.
Vasily - I. Sharing the reign with his father, Vasily I ascended the throne as an experienced prince and, following the example of his predecessors, actively expanded the boundaries of the Moscow principality: He acquired Nizhny Novgorod and other cities. In 1395, Rus' was in danger of an invasion by Timur, the formidable Tatar khan. Between
Thus, Vasily did not pay tribute to the Tatars, but collected it into the grand ducal treasury. In 1408, the Tatar Murza Edigei attacked Moscow, but after receiving a ransom of 3,000 rubles, he lifted the siege from it. In the same year, after long disputes between Vasily I and the Lithuanian prince Vytautas, both cautious and cunning, the Ugra River was designated as the extreme border of Lithuanian possessions on the Russian side.
Vasily - II Dark. Yuri Dmitrievich Galitsky took advantage of Vasily II's youth, declaring his claims to seniority. But at the trial in the horde, the khan leaned in favor of Vasily, thanks to the efforts of the smart Moscow boyar Ivan Vsevolozhsky. The boyar hoped to marry his daughter to Vasily, but was disappointed in his hopes: Offended, he left Moscow to Yuri Dmitrievich and assisted him in taking possession of the grand-ducal throne, on which Yuri died in 1434, when Yuri’s son Vasily the Oblique decided to inherit his father’s power, then all the princes rebelled against him.
Vasily -II took him prisoner and blinded him: Then Dmitry Shemyaka, brother of Vasily Kosoy, captured Vasily II by cunning, blinded him and took the Moscow throne. Soon, however, Shemyaka had to give the throne to Vasily II. During the reign of Vasily II, the Greek metropolitan Isidore accepted the Florentine Union (1439), for this Vasily II put Isidore in custody, and the Ryazan Bishop John was installed as metropolitan. Thus, from now on, Russian metropolitans are appointed by a council of Russian bishops. Behind last years great princes, internal organization The grand duchy was the subject of the main concerns of Vasily II.
John - III. Accepted by his father as a co-ruler, John III Vasilyevich ascended the grand-ducal throne as the full owner of Rus'. He first severely punished the Novgorodians who had decided to become Lithuanian subjects, and in 1478, “for a new offense,” he finally subjugated them. Novgorodians lost their veche and
self-government, and the Novgorod mayor Maria and the veche bell were sent to John’s camp.
In 1485, after the final conquest of other appanages more or less dependent on the Moscow principality, John finally annexed the Tver principality to Moscow. By this time, the Tatars were divided into three independent hordes: Golden, Kazan and Crimean. They were at enmity with each other and were no longer afraid of the Russians. In official history it is believed that it was John III in 1480, having entered into an alliance with the Crimean Khan Mengli-Girey, tore apart the Khan's basma, ordered the Khan's ambassadors to be taken to execution, and then overthrew the Tatar yoke without bloodshed.
Vasily - III. The son of John III from his marriage to Sophia, Palaeologus Vasily III, was distinguished by his pride and inaccessibility, punishing the descendants of appanage princes and boyars under his control who dared to contradict him. He is “the last collector of the Russian land.”
Having annexed the last appanages (Pskov, the northern principality), he completely destroyed specific system. He fought twice with Lithuania, following the teachings of the Lithuanian nobleman Mikhail Glinsky, who entered his service, and finally, in 1514, he took Smolensk from the Lithuanians. The war with Kazan and Crimea was difficult for Vasily, but ended in the punishment of Kazan: Trade was diverted from there to the Makaryev fair, which was later moved to Nizhny. Vasily divorced his wife Solomonia and married Princess Elena Glinskaya, which further aroused the boyars who were dissatisfied with him against him. From this marriage Vasily had a son, John.
Elena Glinskaya. Nominated Vasily -III The ruler of the state, the mother of three-year-old John Elena Glinskaya, immediately took drastic measures against the boyars who were dissatisfied with her. She made peace with Lithuania and decided to fight the Crimean Tatars, who boldly attacked Russian possessions, but in the midst of preparations for a desperate struggle she died suddenly.
John - IV the Terrible. Left at the age of 8 in the hands of the boyars, the intelligent and talented Ivan Vasilyevich grew up amid the struggle of parties over the rule of the state, among violence, secret murders and incessant exile. Having himself often suffered oppression from the boyars, he learned to hate them, and the cruelty, riotousness and violence that surrounded him
rudeness contributed to the hardening of his heart.
In 1552, Ivan conquered Kazan, which dominated the entire Volga region, and in 1556 the kingdom of Astrakhan was annexed to the Moscow state. The desire to establish himself on the shores of the Baltic Sea forced John to begin Livonian War, which brought him into conflict with Poland and Sweden. The war started quite successfully, but ended with the most unfavorable truce for John with Poland and Sweden: John not only did not establish himself on the shores of the Baltic, but also lost the coast of the Gulf of Finland. The sad era of “searches,” disgrace and executions began. John left Moscow, went with his entourage to the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda and here surrounded himself with guardsmen, whom John contrasted with the rest of the land, the zemshchina.
Story Ancient Rus' very interesting for posterity. It has reached the modern generation in the form of myths, legends and chronicles. The genealogy of the Rurikovichs with the dates of their reign, its diagram exists in many historical books. The earlier the description, the more reliable the story. The dynasties that ruled, starting with Prince Rurik, contributed to the formation of statehood, the unification of all principalities into a single strong state.
The genealogy of the Rurikovichs presented to readers is a clear confirmation of this. How many legendary personalities who created the future Russia are represented in this tree! How did the dynasty begin? Who was Rurik by origin?
Inviting grandchildren
There are many legends about the appearance of the Varangian Rurik in Rus'. Some historians consider him a Scandinavian, others - a Slav. But the best story about this event is the Tale of Bygone Years, left by the chronicler Nestor. From his narration it follows that Rurik, Sineus and Truvor are the grandchildren of the Novgorod prince Gostomysl.
The prince lost all his four sons in battle, leaving only three daughters. One of them was married to a Varangian-Russian and gave birth to three sons. It was them, his grandchildren, that Gostomysl invited to reign in Novgorod. Rurik became the Prince of Novgorod, Sineus went to Beloozero, and Truvor went to Izborsk. Three brothers became the first tribe and the Rurik family tree began with them. It was 862 AD. The dynasty was in power until 1598 and ruled the country for 736 years.
Second knee
Novgorod prince Rurik ruled until 879. He died, leaving in the arms of Oleg, a relative on his wife’s side, his son Igor, a representative of the second generation. While Igor was growing up, Oleg reigned in Novgorod, who during his reign conquered and called Kyiv “the mother of Russian cities” and established diplomatic relations with Byzantium.
After Oleg's death, in 912, Igor, the legal heir of the Rurik family, began to reign. He died in 945, leaving sons: Svyatoslav and Gleb. There are many historical documents and books that describe the genealogy of the Rurikovichs with the dates of their reign. The diagram of their family tree looks like the one shown in the photo on the left.
From this diagram it is clear that the genus is gradually branching out and growing. Especially from his son, Yaroslav the Wise, offspring appeared that were of great importance in the formation of Rus'.
and heirs
In the year of his death, Svyatoslav was only three years old. Therefore, his mother, Princess Olga, began to rule the principality. When he grew up, he was more attracted to military campaigns rather than reigning. During a campaign in the Balkans in 972, he was killed. His heirs were three sons: Yaropolk, Oleg and Vladimir. Immediately after the death of his father, Yaropolk became the prince of Kyiv. His desire was autocracy, and he began to openly fight against his brother Oleg. The genealogy of the Rurikovichs with the dates of their reign suggests that Vladimir Svyatoslavovich nevertheless became the head of the Kyiv principality.
When Oleg died, Vladimir first fled to Europe, but after 2 years he returned with his squad and killed Yaropolk, thus becoming the Grand Duke of Kyiv. During his campaigns in Byzantium, Prince Vladimir became a Christian. In 988, he baptized the inhabitants of Kyiv in the Dnieper, built churches and cathedrals, and contributed to the spread of Christianity in Rus'.
The people gave him a name and his reign lasted until 1015. The Church considers him a saint for the baptism of Rus'. The Grand Duke of Kiev Vladimir Svyatoslavovich had sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Sudislav, Vysheslav, Pozvizd, Vsevolod, Stanislav, Yaroslav, Mstislav, Svyatoslav and Gleb.
Descendants of Rurik
There is a detailed genealogy of the Rurikovichs with the dates of their lives and periods of reign. Following Vladimir, Svyatopolk, who would be popularly called the Damned, took over the principality for the murder of his brothers. His reign did not last long - in 1015, with a break, and from 1017 to 1019.
The Wise One ruled from 1015 to 1017 and from 1019 to 1024. Then there were 12 years of rule together with Mstislav Vladimirovich: from 1024 to 1036, and then from 1036 to 1054.
From 1054 to 1068 - this is the period of the principality of Izyaslav Yaroslavovich. Further, the genealogy of the Rurikovichs, the scheme of rule of their descendants, expands. Some of the representatives of the dynasty were in power for very short periods and did not manage to accomplish outstanding deeds. But many (such as Yaroslav the Wise or Vladimir Monomakh) left their mark on the life of Rus'.
Genealogy of the Rurikovichs: continuation
The Grand Duke of Kiev Vsevolod Yaroslavovich took over the principality in 1078 and continued it until 1093. In the pedigree of the dynasty there are many princes who are remembered for their exploits in battle: such was Alexander Nevsky. But his reign was later, during the period of the Mongol-Tatar invasion of Rus'. And before him, the Principality of Kyiv was ruled by: Vladimir Monomakh - from 1113 to 1125, Mstislav - from 1125 to 1132, Yaropolk - from 1132 to 1139. Yuri Dolgoruky, who became the founder of Moscow, reigned from 1125 to 1157.
The genealogy of the Rurikovichs is voluminous and deserves very careful study. It is impossible to ignore such famous names as John “Kalita”, Dmitry “Donskoy”, who reigned from 1362 to 1389. Contemporaries always associate the name of this prince with his victory on the Kulikovo Field. After all, this was the turning point that marked the beginning of the “end” Tatar-Mongol yoke. But Dmitry Donskoy was remembered not only for this: his domestic politics was aimed at unifying the principalities. It was during his reign that Moscow became the central place of Rus'.
Fyodor Ioannovich - the last of the dynasty
The genealogy of the Rurikovichs, a diagram with dates, suggests that the dynasty ended with the reign of the Tsar of Moscow and All Rus' - Feodor Ioannovich. He reigned from 1584 to 1589. But his power was nominal: by nature he was not a sovereign, and the country was ruled by the State Duma. But still, during this period, the peasants were attached to the land, which is considered a merit of the reign of Fyodor Ioannovich.
The Rurikovich family tree was cut short, the diagram of which is shown above in the article. The formation of Rus' took more than 700 years, the terrible yoke was overcome, the unification of the principalities and the entire East Slavic people took place. Further on the threshold of history stands a new royal dynasty - the Romanovs.
Rurik - according to the chronicle legend, the head of the Varangian military detachment, called by the Ilmen Slavs to reign together with the brothers Sineus and Truvor in Novgorod. Founder of the Rurik dynasty.
Oleg (?-912) - relative of Rurik, prince of Novgorod (from 879) and Kiev (from 882). In 907 he made a trip to Byzantium, in 907 and 911 he concluded treaties with it.
Igor (?-945) - son of Rurik, Grand Duke of Kiev from 912. In 941 and 944 he made campaigns to Byzantium, with which he concluded an agreement. Killed by the Drevlyans, who rebelled during the collection of tribute.
Children: Svyatoslav - see below
Olga (?-969) - wife of Prince Igor, Grand Duchess of Kiev. Ruled during the childhood of his son Svyatoslav and during his campaigns. Suppressed the uprising of the Drevlyans. Around 957 she converted to Christianity.
Svyatoslav (?-972) - son of Prince Igor, Grand Duke of Kiev. Made trips with 964 from Kyiv to the Oka, to the Volga region, to North Caucasus and the Balkans; liberated the Vyatichi from the power of the Khazars, fought with Volga Bulgaria, defeated (965) the Khazar Khaganate, and in 967 fought with Bulgaria in the Danube region. In alliance with the Hungarians, Bulgarians and others, he fought the Russian-Byzantine War of 970-971. Strengthened the foreign policy position Kyiv State. Killed by the Pechenegs at the Dnieper rapids.
Children: Vladimir (see below)
Oleg (?-977), Prince Drevlyansky
Yaropolk (?-980), Prince of Kiev (from 972). He tried to subjugate territories in the north and northeast of Rus', but was defeated by his younger brother Vladimir.
Vladimir (?-1015) - son of Prince Svyatoslav, Prince of Novgorod (from 969), Grand Duke of Kiev (from 980). Conquered the Vyatichi, Radimichi and Yatvingians; fought with the Pechenegs, Volga Bulgaria, Byzantium and Poland. Under him, defensive lines were built along the Desna, Osetra, Trubezh, Sula and other rivers, re-fortified and built up stone buildings Kyiv. In 988-989 he introduced Christianity as the state religion. Under Vladimir ancient Russian state entered its heyday, the international authority of Rus' increased. In Russian epics it is called the Red Sun. Canonized by Russian Orthodox Church.
Children: Boris (?-1015), Prince of Rostov. Killed by supporters of Svyatopolk. Canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Vsevolod, Prince of Vladimir-Volynsky
Vysheslav, Prince of Novgorod
Gleb (7- I 0 I 5), Prince of Murom. Killed by order of Svyatopolk. Canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church
Izyaslav (see below)
Mstislav (?-1O36), prince of Tmutarakan (from 988) and Chernigov (from 1026). He conquered a number of Caucasian tribes. The struggle with Prince Yaroslav the Wise ended with the division of the state along the Dnieper River, which remained until the death of Mstislav.
Pozvizd
Svyatoslav (?-1015), Prince of Drevlyansky. Killed by order of Svyatopolk
Svyatopolk the Accursed (c. 980-1019), Prince of Turov (from 988) and Kiev (1015-1019). He killed three of his brothers and took possession of their inheritance. Expelled by Yaroslav the Wise. In 1018, with the help of Polish and Pecheneg troops, he captured Kyiv, but was defeated.
Stanislav
Sudislav (?-1063)
Yaroslav the Wise (see below)
Izyaslav (?-1001) -son of Prince Vladimir, Prince of Polotsk
Children: Bryachislav (?-1044), Prince of Polotsk
Grandchildren: Vseslav (?-1101), Prince of Polotsk
Great-grandchildren: Gleb (?-1119), Prince of Minsk
Great-great-grandchildren: Vladimir, Prince Minsky
Great-great-great-grandchildren: Vasily, Prince Logovsky
Great-great-grandchildren: Vsevolod, Prince of Izyaslavl
Rostislav, Prince of Polotsk
Great-grandchildren: David, Prince of Polotsk
Rogvolod (Boris), Prince of Polotsk
Great-great-grandchildren: Vasily (Rogvolod), Prince of Polotsk
Great-great-great-grandchildren: Gleb, Prince Drutsky
Great-grandchildren: Roman (?-1116), Prince of Polotsk
Rostislav (George)
Svyatoslav, Prince of Polotsk
Great-great-grandchildren: Vasilko, Prince of Polotsk
Great-great-great-grandchildren: Bryachislav, Prince of Vitebsk
Vseslav, Prince of Polotsk
Yaroslav the Wise (c. 978-1054) - son of Prince Vladimir, Grand Duke of Kiev (1019). He expelled Svyatopolk the Accursed, fought with his brother Mstislav, divided the state with him (1026), and united it again in 1036. With a series of victories he secured the southern and western borders of Rus'. Established dynastic ties with many European countries. “Russkaya Pravda” was compiled under him.
Children: Anastasia, Queen of Hungary
Anna (c. 1024 - no earlier than 1075), wife (1049-1060) of the French king Henry I. Ruler of France during the early childhood of her son Philip I
Vladimir (?-1052), Prince of Novgorod
Grandchildren: Rostislav, Prince of Tmutarakan
Great-grandchildren: Vasilko (?-1124), Prince Terebovlsky
Volodar (?-1124), Prince of Przemysl. He sought independence of the Galician land from Kyiv. Using an alliance with the Cumans and Byzantium, together with his brother Vasilko, he successfully fought the Hungarian and Polish feudal lords. He fought with the princes Svyatopolk Izyaslavich and David Igorevich. Established himself together with Vasilko in Terebovlya.
Great-great-grandchildren: Vladimir (?-1152)
Great-great-great-grandchildren: Yaroslav Osmomysl (?-I87), Prince of Galicia. Participant in numerous feudal wars, campaigns against the Polovtsians and Hungarians. He strengthened the Principality of Galicia with many international connections. Fought against the separatism of the boyars.
Great-great-grandchildren: Rostislav
Great-great-great-grandchildren: Ivan Berladnik (?-1162)
Great-grandchildren: Rurik (?-1092), Prince of Przemysl
Children: Vsevolod (1030-1093), Prince of Pereyaslavl (from 1054), Chernigov (from 1077), Grand Duke of Kiev (from 1078). Together with his brothers Izyaslav and Svyatoslav, he fought against the Polovtsians.
Grandchildren: Vladimir Monomakh (see below)
Eupraxia (?-1109)
Rostislav (?-1093), Prince of Pereyaslavl
Children: Vyacheslav (?-1057), Prince of Smolensk
Grandchildren: Boris (?-1078), Prince of Tmutarakan
Children: Elizabeth, Queen of Norway
Igor (?-1060), Prince of Vladimir
Grandchildren: David (?-1112), Prince of Vladimir-Volynsky
Children: Izyaslav (1024-1078), Grand Duke of Kiev (1054-1068,1069-1073,1077-1078). Expelled from Kyiv (by a popular uprising in 1068 and by his brothers in 1073), he regained power with the help of foreign troops.
Grandchildren: Eupraxia, Queen of Poland
Mstislav (?-1068)
Svyatopolk (1050-1113), Prince of Polotsk in 1069-1071, Novgorod in 1078-1088, Turov in 1088-1093, Grand Duke of Kiev from 1093. Hypocritical and cruel, incited princely civil strife; The oppression of the people prepared the uprising that broke out in Kyiv after his death.
Great-grandchildren: Bryachislav (?-1127)
Izyaslav (?-1127)
Mstislav (?-1099)
Yaroslav (? - 1123), Prince of Vladimir
Great-great-grandchildren: Yuri (?-1162)
Grandchildren: Yaropolk (?-1086), Prince of Turov
Great-grandchildren: Vyacheslav (?-1105)
Yaroslav (?-1102), Prince of Brest
Children: Ilya (?-1020)
Svyatoslav (1027-1076), Prince of Chernigov from 1054, Grand Duke of Kiev from 1073. Together with his brother Vsevolod, he defended the southern borders of Rus' from the Polovtsians and Turks
Grandchildren: Gleb (?-1078), Prince of Novgorod and Tmutarakan
David (see below)
Oleg Gorislavich (see below)
Roman (?-1079), Prince of Tmutarakan
Yaroslav (?-1129), Prince of Murom and Chernigov
Davil Svyatoslavich (?-1123), grandson of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Prince of Chernigov
Children: Vladimir (?-1151), Prince of Chernigov
Grandchildren: Svyatoslav (?-1166), Prince Vshchizhsky
Children: Vsevolod (?-1124), Prince of Murom
Izyaslav (?-1161), Grand Duke of Kiev
Rostislav (?-1120)
Svyatoslav (Svyatosha) (?-1142), Prince of Chernigov
Oleg Svyatoslavich (Gorislavich) (?-1115) - grandson of Yaroslav the Wise. He reigned in the Rostov-Suzdal land, in Volyn; Having lost his possessions, he fled to Tmutarakan, twice, with the support of the Polovtsians, captured Chernigov, was captured by the Khazars, then in Byzantium in exile to Fr. Rhodes. In “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign” he is nicknamed Gorislavich.
Children: Vsevolod (?-1146), Prince of Chernigov (1127-1139), Grand Duke of Kiev (from 1139). Participant in civil strife; brutally oppressed the people, which caused an uprising in Kyiv after his death.
Grandchildren: Svyatoslav (?-1194), Grand Duke of Kiev
Great-grandchildren: Vladimir (?-1201), Prince of Novgorod
Vsevolod Chermny (?-1212)
Great-great-grandchildren: Mikhail (1179-1246), Prince of Chernigov. In the 20s several times he was a prince in Novgorod. From 1238 Grand Duke of Kyiv. When the Mongol-Tatar troops advanced, he fled to Hungary. Returned to Rus'; killed in the Golden Horde.
Great-great-great-grandchildren: Rostislav (?-1249)
Great-grandchildren: Gleb(?-1214)
Great-great-grandchildren: Mstislav, Prince of Turov
Great-grandchildren: Mstislav (?-1223), Prince of Chernigov
Oleg (?-1204), Prince of Chernigov
Great-great-grandchildren: David
Grandchildren: Yaroslav (?-1198), Prince of Chernigov
Great-grandchildren: Rostislav (?-1214), Prince Snovsky
Yaropolk
Children: Vsevolod the Big Nest (1154-1212), Grand Duke of Vladimir. Successfully fought against the feudal nobility; subjugated Kyiv, Chernigov, Ryazan, Novgorod. During his reign, Vladimir-Suzdal Rus' reached its greatest prosperity. He had 12 children (hence the nickname).
Grandchildren: Ivan (?-1239), Prince Starodubsky
Constantine (1186-1219), Grand Duke of Vladimir (from 1216). In 1206-1207 he reigned in Novgorod. With the support of Prince Mstislav Mstislavich the Udal and the Novgorod-Pskov-Smolensk-Rostov general army, he defeated his brothers Yaroslav and Yuri in the Battle of Lipitsa (1216). He took the Grand Duke's table from Yuri.
Great-grandchildren: Vasily (?-1238), Prince of Rostov
Vladimir (? - 1249), Prince of Uglitsky
Vsevolod (7-1238), Prince of Yaroslavl
Grandchildren: Svyatoslav (?-1252)
Yuri (George) (1188-1238), Grand Duke of Vladimir (1212-1216 and from 1218). He was defeated in the Battle of Lipitsa (1216) and lost the great reign to his brother Constantine. In 1221 Nizhny Novgorod was founded; defeated and killed in battle with the Mongol-Tatars on the Sit River.
Great-grandchildren: Vladimir (?-1238)
Vsevolod (?-1238), Prince of Novgorod
Mstislav (?-1238)
Grandchildren: Yaroslav (1191-1246). He reigned in Pereyaslavl, Galich, Ryazan, was invited and expelled by the Novgorodians several times; participant in feudal wars, was defeated in the Battle of Lipitsa (1216). In 1236-1238 he reigned in Kyiv, from 1238 Grand Duke of Vladimir. Went to twice Golden Horde, as well as to Mongolia.
Great-grandchildren: Alexander Nevsky (see below)
Andrey (?-1264)
Children: Gleb (?-1171), Prince of Pereyaslavsky
Ivan (?-1147), Prince of Kursk
Mikhail (?-1176), Prince of Vladimir
Mstislav, Prince of Novgorod
Grandchildren: Yaroslav (7-1199), Prince of Volokolamsk
Children: Rostislav (7-1151), Prince of Pereyaslavsky
Grandchildren: Mstislav (? - 1178), Prince of Novgorod
Great-grandchildren: Svyatoslav, Prince of Novgorod
Grandchildren: Yaropolk (?-1196)
Children: Svyatoslav (?-1174) Yaroslav (?-1166)
For more than seven centuries, Rus' was ruled by the Rurik dynasty. Under her, the Russian state was formed, fragmentation was overcome, and the first monarchs ascended the throne. The ancient Varangian family has sunk into oblivion, leaving historians with many unsolvable mysteries.
Dynastic intricacies
The greatest difficulty for historians is compiling the family tree of the Rurikovichs. The point is not only the remoteness of the eras, but also the breadth of the geography of the clan, its social interweaving, and the lack of reliable sources.
Certain difficulties in studying the Rurik dynasty are created by the so-called “ladder” (sequential) law, which existed in Rus' until the 13th century, in which the successor of the Grand Duke was not his son, but the next oldest brother. Moreover, princes often changed their inheritance, moving from city to city, which further confuses the overall picture of the genealogy.
True, until the reign of Yaroslav the Wise (978-1054), succession in the dynasty proceeded in a straight line, and only after his sons Svyatoslav and Vsevolod, during the period of feudal fragmentation, the branches of the Rurikovichs began to continually multiply, spreading across the ancient Russian lands.
One of the Vsevolodovich branches leads to Yuri Dolgoruky (1096?-1157). It is from him that the line begins to count, which subsequently led to the emergence of the Grand Dukes and Tsars of Moscow.
First of a kind
The identity of the founder of the dynasty, Rurik (d. 879), still causes a lot of controversy to this day, even to the point of denying his existence. For many, the famous Varangian is nothing more than a semi-mythical figure. This is understandable. In the historiography of the 19th – 20th centuries, the Norman theory was criticized, since domestic science could not bear the idea of the inability of the Slavs to create their own state.
Modern historians are more loyal to the Norman theory. Thus, academician Boris Rybakov puts forward a hypothesis that in one of the raids on the Slavic lands, Rurik’s squad captured Novgorod, although another historian, Igor Froyanov, supports the peaceful version of “calling the Varangians” to reign.
The problem is that the image of Rurik lacks specificity. According to some sources, he could be the Danish Viking Rorik of Jutland, according to others, the Swede Eirik Emundarson, who raided the lands of the Balts.
There is also a Slavic version of the origin of Rurik. His name is associated with the word “Rerek” (or “Rarog”), which in the Slavic tribe of Obodrits meant falcon. And, indeed, during excavations of early settlements of the Rurik dynasty, many images of this bird were found.
Wise and Damned
After the division of ancient Russian lands between the descendants of Rurik, with appanages in Rostov, Novgorod, Suzdal, Vladimir, Pskov and other cities, a real fratricidal war broke out for the possession of the estates, which did not subside until the centralization of the Russian state. One of the most power-hungry was the Prince of Turov, Svyatopolk, nicknamed the Damned. According to one version, he was the son of Vladimir Svyatoslavovich (the Baptist), according to another, Yaropolk Svyatoslavovich.
Having rebelled against Vladimir, Svyatopolk was put in prison on charges of trying to turn Rus' away from baptism. However, after the death of the Grand Duke, he turned out to be more efficient than others and took the empty throne. According to one version, wanting to get rid of competitors in the person of the half-brothers Boris, Gleb and Svyatoslav, he sent his warriors to them, who dealt with them one by one.
According to another version, favored by historian Nikolai Ilyin, Svyatopolk could not kill Boris and Gleb, since they recognized his right to the throne. In his opinion, the young princes fell victim at the hands of the soldiers of Yaroslav the Wise, who laid claim to the Kiev throne.
One way or another, a long fratricidal war broke out between Svyatopolk and Yaroslav for the title of Grand Duke of Kyiv. It lasted from with varying success until, in the decisive battle on the Alta River (not far from the place of Gleb’s death), Yaroslav’s squads finally defeated Svyatopolk’s detachment, who was branded a treacherous prince and a traitor. Well, “history is written by the victors.”
Khan for the kingdom
One of the most odious rulers from the Rurik family was Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible (1530-1584). On his father's side he descended from the Moscow branch of the dynasty, and on his mother's side from Khan Mamai. Perhaps it was his Mongolian blood that gave his character such unpredictability, explosiveness and cruelty.
Mongolian genes partly explain Grozny’s military campaigns in the Nogai Horde, Crimean, Astrakhan and Kazan Khanate. By the end of the reign of Ivan Vasilyevich, Muscovite Rus' possessed a territory larger than the rest of Europe: the expanding state was more likely to correspond to the possessions of the Golden Horde.
In 1575, Ivan IV unexpectedly abdicated the throne and proclaimed Kasimov Khan, Semeon Bekbulatovich, a descendant of Genghis Khan and great-grandson of the Khan of the Great Horde, Akhmat, as the new king. Historians call this action a “political masquerade,” although they cannot fully explain it. Some argue that in this way the tsar was saved from the predictions of the magi who prophesied his death, others, in particular the historian Ruslan Skrynnikov, see this as a cunning political move. It is interesting that after the death of Ivan the Terrible, many boyars consolidated around Semeon’s candidacy, but they ultimately lost the fight with Boris Godunov.
Death of the Tsarevich
After the weak-minded Fyodor Ioannovich (1557-1598), the third son of Ivan the Terrible, was installed in the kingdom, the question of a successor became relevant. They were considered younger brother Fedora and Grozny's son from his sixth marriage, Dmitry. Even despite the fact that the Church did not officially recognize Dmitry’s right to the throne, since only children from his first three marriages could be contenders, Fyodor’s brother-in-law, who was really running the state and counting on the throne, Boris Godunov seriously feared a competitor.
Therefore, when on May 15, 1591, in Uglich, Tsarevich Dmitry was found dead with his throat cut, suspicion immediately fell on Godunov. But, as a result, the prince’s death was blamed on an accident: allegedly, the prince, suffering from epilepsy, mortally wounded himself during an attack.
Historian Mikhail Pogodin, who worked with the original of this criminal case in 1829, also exonerates Godunov and confirms the version of the accident, although some modern researchers tend to see insidious intent in this.
Tsarevich Dmitry was destined to become the last of the Moscow branch of the Rurikovichs, but the dynasty was finally interrupted only in 1610, when Vasily Shuisky (1552-1612), representing the Suzdal line of the Rurikovich family, was overthrown from the throne.
Ingigerda's betrayal
Representatives of the Rurikovichs can still be found today. Russian scientists recently conducted research on DNA samples of those who consider themselves to be the legal heirs ancient family. The researchers came to the conclusion that the descendants belong to two haplogroups: N1c1 - branches leading from Vladimir Monomakh and R1a1 - descending from Yuri Tarussky.
However, it is the second haplogroup that is recognized as the original one, since the first could have appeared as a result of the infidelity of the wife of Yaroslav the Wise, Irina. Scandinavian sagas tell that Irina (Ingigerda) fell in love with the Norwegian king Olaf II. According to historians, the fruit of this love was Vsevolod, the father of Vladimir Monomakh. But even this option once again confirms the Varangian roots of the Rurikovich family.
The legends associated with his name and the names of his followers date back to the ninth century and last for seven long centuries. In our article today we will consider the Rurikovich dynasty - its family tree with photos and years of reign.
Where did the old family come from?
The existence of the commander himself and his wife Efanda is still questioned by most scientists. But some researchers of the origins of Rus' claim that the future governor was born between 806 and 808 in the city of Raroga. His name, according to several versions, has Slavic roots and means “falcon”.
When Rurik was still a baby, the possessions of his father Godolub were attacked by the Danes, led by Gottfried. The future founder of the royal family turned out to be half orphan and spent his entire childhood in a foreign land with his mother. At the age of 20, he arrived at the court of the Frankish king and received his father's lands from him as a vassal.
Then he was deprived of all land plots and sent to fight in a squad that helped the Frankish king seize new lands.
According to legend, the dynastic diagram of the complete family tree of the Rurik family with dates and years of reign was seen in a dream by his grandfather, the Novgorod prince Gostomysl. The theory about the foreign origin of everything royal family was refuted by Mikhail Lomonosov. By blood, the future Novgorod ruler belonged to the Slavs and was invited to his native lands in quite advanced age- he was 52 years old.
Second generation of rulers
After Rurik's death in 879, his son Igor came to power. The situation was complicated by the fact that he was still too young to become the ruler of Rus'. Oleg, Igor’s uncle, was appointed his guardian. He was able to establish relationships with Byzantine Empire and called Kyiv “the mother of Russian cities.” After Oleg's death, Igor came to power in Kyiv. He also managed to do a lot for the benefit of the Russian lands.
But during his reign there were also unsuccessful military campaigns. The most famous of them is the attack on Constantinople from the sea. Having encountered the famous “Greek fire” as the first of the rulers of Rus', Igor realized that he had underestimated the enemy and was forced to turn the ships back.
The prince died unexpectedly - having fought against enemy troops all his life, he died at the hands of his own people - the Drevlyans. Igor's wife, Princess Olga, brutally avenged her husband and burned the city, turning it into ashes.
Having besieged the Drevlyans, the princess ordered them to send her three doves and three sparrows from each house. When her wish was fulfilled, she ordered her warriors to tie tinder to their paws and set it on fire as soon as dusk came. The warriors carried out the princess's order and sent the birds back. So the city of Iskorosten was completely burned.
Igor left two sons - Gleb and Svyatoslav. Since the heirs to the princely throne were still small, Olga began to lead the Russian lands. When Svyatoslav, Igor’s eldest child, grew up and took the throne, Princess Olga still continued to rule in Rus', since the descendant spent most of his life on military campaigns. In one of them he was killed. Svyatoslav wrote his name in history as a great conqueror.
Scheme of the pedigree chronological tree of the Rurikovich family: Oleg, Vladimir and Yaropolk
In Kyiv, after the death of Svyatoslav, Yaropolk ascended the throne. He began to openly quarrel with his brother Oleg. Finally, Yaropolk managed to kill his own brother in battle and lead Kyiv. During the battle with his brother, Oleg fell into a ditch and was trampled by horses. But the fratricide did not remain in power for long and was overthrown from the Kyiv throne by Vladimir.
The history of the genealogy of this prince is extremely interesting: being illegitimate, according to pagan laws, he could still lead Rus'.
Having learned that one brother had killed the other, the future Kiev ruler gathered his army with the help of his uncle and teacher Dobrynya. Having conquered Polotsk, he decided to marry Rogneda, the bride of Yaropolk. The girl did not want to tie the knot with a “rootless” person, which greatly offended the baptist of Rus'. He took her as his wife by force, and then killed her entire family in front of the future bride.
Next, he sent an army to Kyiv, but decided not to fight directly, but to resort to cunning. Having lured his brother into supposedly peaceful negotiations, Vladimir set a trap for him and, with the help of his warriors, stabbed him to death with swords. So all power over Russia was concentrated in the hands of the bloody prince. Despite such a cruel past, the Kiev ruler was able to baptize Rus' and spread Christianity throughout all the pagan lands under his control.
Rurikovich: tree of the royal dynasty with dates and surnames - Yaroslav the Wise
After the death of the Baptist of Rus' in big family Disputes and civil strife began again. This time, 4 brothers wanted to lead the Kiev throne at once. Having killed his relatives, Svyatopolk the Accursed, the son of Vladimir and his Greek concubine, began to lead the capital. But the Accursed One did not manage to stand at the helm of power for long - he was removed by Yaroslav the Wise. Having won the battle on the Alta River, Yaroslav ascended the princely throne, and declared Svyatopolk a traitor to the family line.
Yaroslav the Wise decided to radically change the style of government. He became related to the European royal family by marrying the Swedish princess Ingigerda. His children were related by marriage to the Greek and Polish heirs to the throne, his daughters became queens of France and Sweden. Before his death in 1054, Yaroslav the Wise honestly divided the lands between his heirs and bequeathed to them not to wage internecine wars.
The most important figures in the political arena of that time were his three sons:
- Izyaslav (ruler of Kiev and Novgorod).
- Vsevolod (Prince of Rostov and Pereyaslavl).
- Svyatoslav (ruled in Chernigov and Murom).
As a result of their unification, a triumvirate was formed, and the three brothers began to reign in their lands. To increase their authority, they entered into many royal marriages and encouraged families created with noble foreigners and foreigners.
Rurik dynasty - complete family tree with years of reign and with photos: the largest branches
It is impossible to talk about any former unity of the family: the branches of the princely family multiplied and intertwined, including with foreign noble families. The largest of them were:
- Izyaslavichy
- Rostislavichy
- Svyatoslavichy
- Monomakhovichi
Let's look at each of the branches in more detail.
Izyaslavichy
The founder of the family was Izyaslav, a descendant of Vladimir and Rogneda. According to legend, Rogneda always dreamed of taking revenge on the prince because he forced her to marry him and went on to kill members of her family. One night, she snuck into the bedroom to stab her husband in the heart. But the husband slept lightly and managed to fend off the blow. In anger, the ruler wanted to deal with his unfaithful wife, but Izyaslav ran to the screams and stood up for his mother. The father did not dare to kill Rogneda in front of his son, and this saved her life.
Instead, the baptist of the Slavs sent his wife and child to Polotsk. This is how the line of the Rurikovich family began in Polotsk.
Rostislavichy
After the death of his father, Rostislav could not lay claim to the throne and was an exile. But a warlike spirit and a small army helped him lead Tmutarakan. Rostislav had three sons: Volodar, Vasilko and Rurik. Each of them achieved considerable success in the military field.
Izyaslav Yaroslavich headed Turov. For this land long years A fierce struggle was waged, as a result of which the prince and his descendants were expelled from their native lands by Vladimir Monomakh. Only Yuri, a distant descendant of the ruler, was able to restore justice.
Svyatoslavichy
The sons of Svyatoslav fought for a long time for the throne with Izyaslav and Vsevolod. Young and inexperienced warriors were defeated by their uncles and lost power.
Monomakhovichi
The clan was formed from the heir of Monomakh - Vsevolod. All princely power was concentrated in his hands. It was possible to unite all the lands, including Polotsk and Turov, for several years. The “fragile” world collapsed after the death of the ruler.
It is worth noting that Yuri Dolgoruky also came from the Monomakhovich line and subsequently became the “gatherer of Russian lands.”
Numerous descendants of representatives of the royal family
Did you know that some members of the famous family had descendants with 14 children? For example, according to historians, Vladimir Monomakh had 12 children from two wives - and that’s just the famous ones! But his son, Yuri Dolgoruky, surpassed everyone. The famous founder of Belokamennaya gave birth to 14 successors of the family. Of course, this gave rise to many problems: every child wanted to reign, considered himself truly right and the most important heir to his famous father.
Family genealogical tree of the Rurikovichs with years and dates of reign: who else belongs to the great dynasty
Among the many outstanding figures, it is important to note Ivan Kalita, Ivan the Terrible, Alexander Nevsky and Dmitry Donskoy. Bloody history families gave future generations great rulers, generals and politicians.
The most famous cruel king of his time was Ivan IV the Terrible. There were many stories about his bloody glory and the incredible atrocities of the guardsmen loyal to him. But Ivan IV was able to do a lot of good for his country. He significantly expanded the territory of Rus', annexing Siberia, Astrakhan and Kazan.
Theodore the Blessed was to become his successor, but he was weak psychologically and physically, and the tsar simply could not entrust him with power over the state.
During the reign of his son Ivan Vasilyevich, Boris Godunov was the “gray eminence”. He took the throne after the death of the heir.
The Rurikovichs also gave the world great warriors - Alexander Nevsky and Dmitry Donskoy. The first received his nickname thanks to his victory on the Neva in the famous Battle on the Ice.
And Dmitry Donskoy was able to free Rus' from the Mongol invasion.
Who became the last in the family tree of the Rurikovich rule
According to historical data, the last in the famous dynasty was Fyodor Ioannovich. The “blessed” ruled the country purely nominally and passed away in 1589. Thus ended the history of the famous family. The era of the Romanovichs began.
Fyodor Ioannovich was unable to leave offspring (his only daughter died at 9 months). But some facts indicate a relationship between the two families.
The first Russian Tsar from the Romanovich family descended from Filaret - at that time the Patriarch of All Rus'. The head of the church was the cousin of Fyodor the Blessed. Thus, it can be argued that the Rurikovich branch did not break off, but was continued by new rulers.
Study the history of princely and royal dynasties - difficult task, to which many are dedicated scientific research. Civil wars and numerous descendants of representatives of an ancient family still remain a relevant topic for the work of specialists.
During the formation of Rus' as the basis of statehood future Russia A lot of large-scale events took place: the victory over the Tatar and Swedish conquerors, baptism, the unification of the princely lands and the establishment of contacts with foreigners. An attempt to unite the history of the glorious family and tell about its milestones was made in this article.