The Grand Duke of the Russian land Vsevolod the Big Nest (born in 1154) was the son of Yuri Dolgoruky, began to rule the Principality of Vladimir-Suzdal in 1176 after a long feud. The time of the reign of Vsevolod is considered the era of prosperity of Vladimir land. The nickname was not accidental: the prince left behind numerous offspring.
Instruction manual
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Vsevolod III should be considered a real ruler with a flexible practical mind. In childhood and youth, by the will of fate, he happened to be in Byzantium, the South Russian lands. Impressions, life circumstances contributed much to the formation and development of the abilities of the future Grand Duke, who expanded during the reign of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality.
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From the very beginning of the reign, Vsevolod the Big Nest fell in love with the victories over its neighbors to the inhabitants of the territories subject to it. The Grand Duke often showed good nature and gentleness. More than once it happened that the boyars and warriors were unhappy with his condescending attitude towards the enemy.
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Vsevolod the Big Nest was a smart, firm ruler, acted cautiously and understood that it was better not to engage in open struggle with the North Russian boyars. He tried to abide by the old Russian customs, and used the advice of his boyars in resolving zemstvo issues.
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Vsevolod sought to weaken the South Russian princes, so he forced them to quarrel with each other, choosing not always worthy methods of action. He even sometimes showed insidiousness, trying to keep power in his hands. The commander's prudence and caution manifested themselves in battles.
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Vsevolod even managed to subjugate Novgorod to some extent for a short while. Prior to this, no ruler was able to deprive the city-state of independence and independence. The veche administration was maintained throughout all the years of the existence of Novgorod, the veche had the right to invite and exile the princes. Novgorodians began to ask for princes from Vsevolod. The wise ruler of the Vladimir principality, building relations with the nobility of Novgorod, reckoned with his desires. The main thing for the prince is to maintain calm in the Russian land, and not the desire to subjugate the Novgorodians.
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Vsevolod the Big Nest had to reasonably build relations with Byzantium, the Volga Bulgaria, and the Polovtsy. Equal, calm ties were maintained in relations with Byzantium. The eastern policy of the prince, the conquest of the territories of the Volga Bulgaria were determined only by the tasks of trade. Vsevolod for the sake of common interests was able to unite the Russian princes against common enemies. Subjugating the Ryazan, Smolensk principalities, he assumed the responsibility of defender of the conquered lands.
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Polovtsy were considered dangerous neighbors of Russia, for several centuries worrying the southern borders. Vsevolod sometimes turned to them, taking military campaigns against the Volga Bulgaria. But the constant ruin by the nomads of the southern borders was the reason for campaigns against the Polovtsy. The protection of the native land and the peace of the inhabitants were very important for the Russian ruler.
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The Prince of Vladimir sought to unite all the territories of Russia under his authority. But he preferred to do this not so much by military operations as by peaceful means.
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Vsevolod the Big Nest is a ruler who was diligently engaged in economic affairs and impartially adjudicated. In his free time from military campaigns, he traveled around the subservient lands, collecting tribute, in justice sorting out litigations. The prince closely watched the strengthening of the border territories: under him, new children were built, the old fortress walls were corrected. Cities that fell victim to fires and other destruction were reborn. Under him, not only the old temples were updated, but new ones were built. For example, in Vladimir the churches of the Nativity of the Virgin, the Assumption and the famous Dmitrievsky Church were erected in honor of St. Dmitry Solunsky (Dmitry is the name of the Grand Duke at baptism).
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Vsevolod the Big Nest is an exemplary North Russian family prince. God was gifted with numerous descendants: he had eight sons and four daughters. Wife Maria, Alanian princess, was devout, engaged in charity work. Vsevolod and the princess were distinguished by hospitality, orphaned and persecuted relatives of Mary could always find shelter and affection in them. After the death of his wife, the prince, who had many grandchildren, entered into a second marriage. According to custom, the Grand Duke divided the hereditary lands between his sons. In this he showed state shortsightedness.
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Vsevolod the Big Nest died in 1212 and was buried in the Assumption Cathedral of the city of Vladimir.
- Vsevolod the Big Nest
- Prince Vsevolod the Big Nest
