Starting from the X century, the Russian land fell into many lands, called principalities, at the head of which were rulers - princes. Someone ruled skillfully and for the benefit of the peoples living. Someone was remembered only for atrocities, bribery and theft. But there are several Russian princes who have made the greatest contribution to the history of Russia.
Grand Duke Vladimir Saint (Vasily)
He was the son of Prince Svyatoslav of Kiev, an experienced and courageous warrior who fought with the Khazars and scythes. Sooner left an orphan and began to reign in Novgorod. He was supported by his uncle from the side of his mother, Dobrynya. Due to his low origin (Vladimir’s mother was a slave), he had to endure disrespect from more eminent relatives. Vladimir was forced to rule tightly under these conditions, subjugating more and more lands to himself. The chroniclers even mentioned the prince's excessive cruelty and licentiousness, emphasizing his rule before the adoption of Christianity. The main act of Vladimir should be considered the rooting of the Christian faith in Russia and an increase in the number of literate people in this period. New cities appeared under the auspices of the prince, and in them magnificent temples, including stone ones. Builders and artists from Greece were called to Russia. Unfortunately, Vladimir made a mistake in domestic politics when, as usual in those years, he endowed the inheritance of numerous of his sons, which led to fragmentation and weakening of Russian lands.
Grand Duke Yaroslav the Wise
One of the sons of Prince Vladimir, according to some historical sources, was born from the Polovtsian princess Rogneda. Since childhood, he was weak in health, paralyzed. But managed to overcome the ailment. After the death of other pretenders to the principality, he began to single-handedly rule the Russian land. The period of his reign was considered a relatively peaceful time. Many European rulers were afraid of war with Yaroslav and preferred to resolve issues peacefully, concluding mutually beneficial marriages. So the Russian prince became related with the sovereigns of France, Norway, Hungary, Poland and Germany. Peaceful life allowed to receive income from land management. And these incomes were spent on the dissemination of enlightenment and the Christian religion. Yaroslav erected temples of amazing beauty and grandeur, built monasteries, called Greek artists and singers to Russia. But most of all, Yaroslav is remembered as the author of written state laws, called "Russian Truth." The death penalty and blood feud were abolished, being replaced by money supra. And then there was a prototype of the jury, when in particularly difficult cases the fate of the defendant was decided by twelve respected citizens.
