Rurik (r. 862–879) - illustriousSlavic prince with Varangian roots. The founder of the dynasty of Rurik, who for many centuries ruled Russia. One of the most mysterious historical figures: many facts from his biography still remain a mystery.
Childhood and youth
The exact date of birth of the prince is unknown.Many historians suggest that it happened between 806 and 808 years in the Baltic city of Rarog. The Danish king Gottfried, who had attacked these lands, hung Father Rurik, Prince Godolub. His mother Umila, the daughter of Gostomysl, left the home with young children and fled to a foreign land. When the future prince grew up, he and his brother were baptized at the court of the Frankish king, and received titles and lands from him as a reward. In fact, he became the ruler of the territories along the Elbe, belonging to his father, but only as a vassal.
The Empire of Franks at the time was torn apart by strife.As a result of the next military conflicts, Rurik lost his lands. Offended by the king, he moved into the Varangian squad. Since then, he hated everything that was connected with this man and the state he ruled. Out of favor with the prince, there was even a religion professed by the Franks. Being baptized, Rurik in every way trampled upon the shrines of the faith, therefore, among the people he was nicknamed the “ulcer of Christianity.”
Origin
Rurik (government years 862–879) left a noticeableMark on history. But even those who consider him a real person are not really aware of the origin of this person. Historians who support the Norman theory say: Rurik and his wife are purebred Vikings who came from Scandinavia. As proof of their correctness, they pay attention to the etymology of the name of the prince, linking it with the Latin "rex" - the king, the ruler. And, perhaps, this is true, because nowadays the name Rurik is widespread in the Scandinavian countries: Sweden and Finland.
Adherents of the West Slavic theory are sure thatthe roots of Rurik originate from a tribe of encouragement, who called themselves reregami - falcons. And they refer to the Tale of Bygone Years, in which it is written: in 862, the Krivichi and Ilmen Slavs failed to agree among themselves and choose a single ruler. To avoid unnecessary bloodshed, they turned to their Slavic brother Rurik. He and his brothers arrived in Novgorod and ascended to the throne: Rurik’s foreign and domestic policies were military in nature. Some historians claim that the prince began to rule from Staraya Ladoga, and Novgorod was built by him only a few years later. This theory confirms the archaeological discovery "Rurik's settlement".
Rurik's domestic policy (briefly)
В таком непростом деле, как управление великой Power, the main emphasis the prince did on strengthening their land, gaining authority and respect. He was really feared and revered, because in the view of ordinary people he was a formidable and strict prince, and Rurik’s internal policy was the same. The table below shows the main directions of the government of Rurik.
| Field of activity | date | Essence |
| Land expansion | 862–864 | Accession to the principality of Murom, Smolensk and Rostov |
| Fighting internal enemies | 864 | Suppression of the insurgency organized by Vadim the Brave |
Uninvited guest in the face of Rurik displeasedlocal boyars and nobles, who themselves wanted to take the throne. Therefore, outbreaks of rebellion now and then arose at different ends of the principality, but the governor instantly with his mighty hand repressed the insurrection insurrections. He also continued to seize new Russian cities and neighboring tribes: in this way, Rurik reached as far as Kiev itself, where Dir and Askold ruled.
Foreign policy
Once in the capital city of Kiev, the prince was fascinatedits beauty and power. He laid eyes on the capital of Russia, so the entire foreign policy of Rurik was subsequently directed at capturing this tidbit. The table shows us how the so-called personal relationship developed between the prince and Kiev.
| Field of activity | date | Essence |
| Peace treaty between Rurik, Deer and Askold | 864 | The prince tried to secure the southern borders of the state, since it was required at that time by his foreign policy |
| War with Askold | 866–870 | The world has not existed for a long time. Askold began a campaign to the north and attacked the lands that belonged to Novgorod. In the protracted war, Rurik defeated Askold’s army, but Kiev did not capture |
| Conclusion of an alliance with Western tribes | 873–879 | The main goal of the truce is to unite efforts to seize Kiev |
Foreign and domestic policy of Rurik was justified. He was one of the first to announce Russia on the world stage.
Followers
External and internal policy of Rurik wasaimed at strengthening the power of all Russian lands belonging to the principality. Already by 870 two unions were created: the Southern - led by Kiev, and the Northern - with the center in Novgorod. In the first city ruled Askold and Dir, in the second - Rurik. Dying, he gave the reins to the hands of a distant relative Oleg. He also entrusted him with the custody of his little son Igor, who later became the Grand Duke.
Олег сумел завоевать племена уличей и древлян.He annexed Kiev to Russia, establishing a pagan cult there. Then I went to Byzantium and signed a lucrative contract that expanded the sphere of influence and opened up new opportunities for Russian merchants. Russia became a full partner of the Empire. After Oleg, Rurik’s son Igor joined the throne. This period of time was restless: there were riots and rebellions. But the prince acted much tougher than his predecessor: he constantly crushed people's speeches, thereby strengthening the centralized power.
Rurik: role in history
За время его правления русские земли значительно expanded by conquered Finnish territories. The composition of Russia also included the tribes of the Eastern Slavs. Now all these peoples had a common religion, language and culture, traditions and customs. This was the first impetus to unite these communities into a single state with a full-fledged ruler and a clear hierarchy. Rurik did not become such a ruler. But he created all the conditions for the realization of this dream into reality. It was with him that the creation of Kievan Rus began, the construction within it of large cities, the improvement of the lives of ordinary people. Foreign and domestic policy Rurik flourished. The history of the glorious family of Rurikovich - the first in the history of Russia dynasty of autocrats - started from it.
Жизнь Рюрика – это история успеха простого a person, a stranger who not only seized power, but also managed to hold it in his hands, to increase the influence of the state on the political map of the world. It was this prince who laid the foundation of a mighty and strong power, which to this day is Russia.
