Lyubech Congress - a meeting of Russian princes, the main purpose of which was to stop the internecine war and create single state to resist foreign invaders.

The first congress of princes in Lyubech

The congress of Russian princes took place in the city of Lyubech (on the Dnieper River) in 1097. The reasons for convening the congress of princes in Lyubech were:

• cruel between the princes who fought each other for territories and influence in Russia;
• the need to create a unified army to resist, whose raids caused serious harm to the country.

The congress of Russian princes in Lyubech was proclaimed by Vladimir Monomakh, who was the first to understand all the sad consequences of civil strife.

Significance of the Lyubech Congress

Kievan Rus at the end of the 11th century. was in an extremely difficult position. Since 1094 there was a constant struggle for territories, which greatly weakened the country and did not allow to assemble a single army. The princes did not want to recognize the authority of each other and tried to seize more and more new territories from the enemy in order to make a profit and spread their influence. The situation was complicated by the Polovtsians.

Vladimir Monomakh was defeated in the battle of Stugna in 1093, losing part of the territory to the invaders. Later, in 1094, Prince Oleg Svyatoslavich enlisted the support of the Polovtsy and drove Vladimir out of Chernigov. Enlisting the support of another prince, Svyatopolk Izyaslavich, Vladimir wanted to win back his possessions, but at the same time, the Polovtsy made a brutal raid on the southern territories. For two years, Russia was constantly at war.

To remedy the situation, it was necessary to reconcile the princes - for this purpose, Vladimir Monomakh convened the Lyubech Congress for the first time.

The main decisions of the Lyubech Congress of Princes

During the meeting, the princes were mainly engaged in the redistribution of territories. After many hours of discussion, the congress of princes in Lyubech proclaimed the following: make peace between the princes and oblige them to come to the aid of each other in the fight against the Polovtsians. The main goal of the Lyubech Congress was the creation of a unified state.

The territories were divided as follows:

• Vasilko Rostislavich (with his brother) - Terebovl, Cherven, Przemysl;
• Vladimir Monomakh - Pereyaslav principality, Suzdal-Rostov land, Smolensk and Beloozero;
• Davyd Igorevich - Vladimir-Volynsky with Lutsk;
• Oleg and Davyd Svyatoslavich - Chernigov and Seversk land, Ryazan, Murom and Tmutarakan;
• Svyatopolk Izyaslavich - Kyiv with Turov and Pinsk and the title of Grand Duke.

The congress of Russian princes in Lyubech proclaimed a new principle for the division of lands. The princes inherited the territories that belonged to their fathers - tribal distribution. Thus, it was possible to avoid disputes over possessions, and Russia gradually had to turn into a feudal state.

Consequences of the Lyubech Congress of Princes

Unfortunately, Prince Davyd Igorevich was dissatisfied with the new treaty and immediately after the meeting he informed Svyatopolk that Vladimir Monomakh and Vasilko Rostislavich had a secret agreement and wanted to seize sole power in Russia. Svyatopolk believed and, at the insistence of Davyd, invited Vasilko to his place in Kyiv, where the latter was immediately accused of treason and imprisoned.

Vladimir Monomakh, seeing what has begun new conflict, convened the second congress of princes (1110), at which it was possible to conclude a final peace treaty. Prince Davyd was forgiven for his betrayal.

Results of the Lyubech Congress of Princes

Thanks to the fact that the princes managed to agree, the civil strife in Russia ended and the state gradually united to repulse the Polovtsy. The Grand Dukes were able to unite their troops and resist the invaders, and Russia moved into a new era with a new political system.

Annex 16

"Descendants of Yaroslav the Wise on the throne of Kiev"

Annex 17

Reference material.

Lubech Congress (1097)- the congress of Russian princes, held in the city of Lyubech (on the Dnieper) in order to agree on an end to internecine princely strife over appanages and to rally against the Polovtsians who ruined Russia. A completely new principle of ownership of princely destinies was established on it. "Let each one keep his fatherland" - read the final definition of the congress. Thus, the Russian land ceased to be considered a single possession of the entire princely house of Rurik, and turned into a collection of separate "fatherlands", hereditary possessions of the branches of the princely house.

In the “History of the Russian State” (V.1.Gl.VI), giving a description of the Lyubech Congress, N.M. Karamzin wrote: “In a few months, Russia for the first time saw a solemn meeting of its Princes on the banks of the Dnieper, in the city of Lyubech. Sitting on the same carpet, they prudently reasoned that the fatherland was perishing from their disagreement; that they should finally stop internecine strife, remember the ancient glory of their ancestors, unite in soul and heart, appease the external robbers, the Polovtsy, - calm the State, deserve the love of the people. There is no doubt that Monomakh, a friend of the fatherland and the most prudent of the Princes of Russia, was the originator and soul of this memorable meeting. As an example of moderation and disinterestedness, he ceded to the Svyatoslavichs everything that once belonged to their parent, and the Princes, by common consent, approved the Kiev region for Svyatopolk, for Monomakh the private inheritance of his father: Pereslavl, Smolensk, Rostov, Suzdal, Beloozero; for Oleg, David and Yaroslav Svyatoslavich - Chernigov, Ryazan, Mur; after David Igorevich - Vladimir Volynsky; for Volodar and Vasilko Rostislavichs - Przemysl and Terebovl, given to them by Vsevolod. Everyone was pleased; each kissed the holy cross, saying: let the Russian land be a common fatherland for us; but whoever rises up against his brother, we will all rise up against him. The good people blessed the consent of their princes: the princes embraced each other like true brothers.

According to The Tale of Bygone Years, 6 princes attended the Lyubech Congress.

Svyatopolk Izyaslavich, as the eldest, was left Kyiv with Turov and Pinsk and the title of Grand Duke. Vladimir Monomakh - Pereyaslav principality, Suzdal-Rostov land, Smolensk and Beloozero. Oleg and David Svyatoslavich - Chernigov and Seversk land, Ryazan, Murom and Tmutarakan.

David Igorevich - Vladimir-Volynsky with Lutsk. Vasilko Rostislavich (with his brother) - Terebovl, Cherven, Przemysl.

The Lubech Congress, having proclaimed the principle of inheritance by the princes of the lands of their fathers, stated the existence of a new political system in Russia - Udelnaya Russia, the basis of which was the existing large feudal landownership. However, the Lubech Congress could not give real guarantees of the implementation of its resolutions. Immediately after the Lubech Congress, David Igorevich, with the consent of Svyatopolk, blinded Vasilko Rostislavich, which led to new wars between the princes.

Appendix 18

Biography.

Vladimir II Vsevolodovich Monomakh ( church name Basil) (1052–1125)

- Prince of Smolensk (since 1067), Chernigov (since 1078) Grand Duke Kyiv (1113–1125);

Son Kiev prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich and Anna, daughter of the Byzantine emperor Constantine IX Monomakh, after whom Vladimir received his nickname "Monomakh".

He was born in 1052. Even at the beginning of his reign in Kyiv, he gained fame as a Polovtsy winner and peacemaker. He enjoyed popular love and influence among other princes.

His father, the Grand Duke of Kyiv Vsevolod I, bequeathed to Vladimir the great reign in Kyiv, but Monomakh did not want the resumption of internecine wars, refused this honor and, following the principle of seniority in the family, proclaimed his grand prince of Kiev cousin Svyatopolk II Izyaslavich. The testament of Vsevolod I was realized only after the death of Svyatopolk II.

In relations with the specific princes, he sought to maintain peace. Being the prince of Smolensk, in 1078 Vladimir received Chernigov from his father for the reign. Owning it, he built a castle in Lyubech in his residence, capable of withstanding a long siege. But when in 1094 Prince Oleg Svyatoslavovich appeared under the walls of Chernigov at the head of the Polovtsian army in order to return the city in which his father once ruled, Vladimir refused to fight and left the city with a small squad for Pereslavl. Later he gave Pereslavl to his brother Rostislav and reigned in Smolensk. Actively helped the specific princes in the fight against external enemies: prince of Chernigov Svyatoslav - with the German Emperor Henry IV, when he "went with a squad" through Bohemia to Silesia. He was one of the initiators and active participants in the congresses of specific princes - in Lyubech (in 1097) and in Uvetichi (Vitichev) (in 1100).

Vladimir Monomakh repeatedly participated in campaigns against the Polovtsians (in 1093, 1094, 1095, 1101, 1103, 1107, 1110, 1111, etc.). In his own words, nineteen times he made peace with the Polovtsy, using every opportunity for this. But he often initiated retaliatory attacks on the Polovtsy (1095), constantly pushing other princes to pursue an offensive policy against the Polovtsy.

In 1113, after the death of the great Kiev prince Svyatopolk II Izyaslavich, a popular uprising broke out in Kyiv against usurers. In the hope of stopping the turmoil, the elite of the noble people of Kiev called on Vladimir Monomakh to reign with a request to "save him from the violent mob." Suppressing confusion and becoming Kiev princes, Vladimir II Monomakh saw the need to understand the causes of unrest. As a result, the rules of debt law were settled. This was reflected in the "Charter of Vladimir Monomakh", which was later included in the lengthy edition of "Russian Pravda". According to the "Charter", the position of debtors and purchases (mercenaries) was improved, servitude for debts was abolished, and the exact amount of cuts (interest) charged for usurers was established (no more than 100%). Continuing the legislative work of Yaroslav the Wise, Vladimir Monomakh made many changes to Russkaya Pravda. Their goal was the need to approve the "law" - a fair ("righteous") court according to Christian commandments.

During the Kiev reign of Vladimir II, the struggle against the Polovtsy resumed - the campaigns of 1116 and 1120. In 1116, Vladimir Monomakh sent his son Mstislav on a campaign against the Polovtsy. Monomakh himself fought against Byzantium that year.

He actively supported the struggle of Novgorodians and Pskovites against the Chud tribe in the northwest (not far from Lake Peipsi); in the northeast, Monomakh's son Yuri Dolgoruky won a victory against the Bulgarians and Mordovians. In 1120, the Pechenegs were expelled from Russia.

The reign of Vladimir Monomakh, although short in time, was a period of political and economic strengthening of Russia, the flourishing of culture and literature. Under him, churches were built, created chronicles, the compilation of the Caves Patericon began, which included the lives of Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves, Princess Olga, Prince Vladimir I Svyatoslavich, Princes Boris and Gleb.

Vladimir Monomakh was a well-educated person for his time, possessed a literary talent. In "Teaching Children" (circa 1117), Monomakh spoke as a wise statesman, "about the land of the great sorrower", "caring householder", an enlightened thinker, a brave warrior and a well-read scribe, a brilliant master of words. Addressing his heirs, the author exclaimed: “Children! Do not be afraid of either the rati or the beast, do a man's work, nothing can harm you! And he added: “Do not forget the poor, orphans and widows!” The poetic “surprise” of the prince with the beauties of nature made his work a worthy predecessor of The Tale of Igor's Campaign. The main thing in the “Instruction” is a call for the unity of Russia, brotherly love, condemnation of civil strife.

Vladimir Monomakh bequeathed the Grand Duke's throne in Kyiv to his eldest son Mstislav Udaly, thereby establishing a new order of succession to the throne, aimed at centralizing princely power. Vladimir Monomakh was one of the last great princes of Kiev, under whom it was possible to maintain the unity of Russia. After the death of his son Mstislav, who ruled for only 7 years, the chronicler wrote: "the whole Russian land was irritated."

Vladimir Monomakh died on May 19, 1125, while on a campaign. According to the chronicle, “his fame passed through all countries, but he was especially terrible for the filthy; he was a brotherly lover and a beggar, and a kind sufferer for the Russian land.

S.M. Solovieva believed that Kievan Rus, in an atmosphere of internecine struggle, for a brief moment returned its former glory under Monomakh: “Monomakh did not rise above the concepts of his age, did not go against them, did not want to change the existing order of things, but with personal by the performance of his duties, he covered up the shortcomings of the existing order, made it not only tolerable for the people, but even capable of satisfying their social needs.

Annex 19

The works of Vladimir Monomakh were written in the 11th-beginning of the 12th century and are known under the title "Instruction". They are part of Laurentian Chronicle. "Instruction" is a kind of collected works of the prince, including the "Instruction" itself, an autobiography and a letter from Monomakh to Prince Oleg Svyatoslavich. The author of the "Instruction" appears as a highly educated bookish person, erudite, well versed in the literature of his time, as can be seen from the numerous quotations that he cites in his work.

"Instruction" was the political and moral testament of the prince.

At the beginning of the Teaching, Monomakh gives a number of moral instructions: do not forget God, do not have pride in your heart and mind, respect old people, “going out to war, do not be lazy, beware of lies, give drink and feed the one who asks ... Do not forget the poor, give Judge for yourselves the orphan and the widow, and do not let the strong destroy a man. Honor the old like a father, and the young like brothers. Most of all, honor the guest. Don't let a person pass without greeting him, and good word speak to him."

Gradually, the "Instruction" develops into an autobiography, in which the prince tells that he was a participant in 82 large military campaigns. He tried to build his life according to the same rules that he writes about to his sons. Monomakh appears in his work as an unusually active, zealous champion of enlightenment. He believes that in everyday life the prince should be a model for others, family relations should be built on respect. In the "Instruction" Monomakh covers a wide range life phenomena, provides answers to many social and moral questions of its time.

The third work of Vladimir Monomakh is a letter to his cousin Oleg Svyatoslavich, written about the death of his own son Izyaslav, who was killed by Oleg in battle. According to Monomakh, the trouble is not that another prince died on the battlefield. The trouble is that princely feuds and strife are ruining the Russian land. Monomakh believes that it is time to stop these fratricidal wars. The prince offers peace to Oleg: “I am not your enemy, not an avenger ... And I offer you peace because I do not want dashing, but I want good for all our brethren and the Russian land.”

Academician D.S. Likhachev, the author of one of the best modern translations of the Teachings, noted that “Monomakh's letter is amazing. I don't know anything in the history of the world similar to this letter of Monomakh. Monomakh forgives the murderer of his son. Moreover, he consoles him. He invites him to return to the Russian land and receive the principalities that are due by inheritance, asks him to forget the grievances.

From the Teachings of Vladimir Monomakh:

“... Oh, I, long-suffering and sad! You fight a lot, soul, with your heart and overcome my heart; we are all perishable, and therefore I am thinking how not to appear before a terrible judge, without repenting and not reconciling with each other.

For whoever says: “I love God, but I don’t love my brother,” is a lie. And again: "If you do not forgive your brother's sins, then your heavenly father will not forgive you either." The prophet says: "Do not compete with the wicked, do not envy those who do iniquity." “What is better and more beautiful than brothers living together.” But all the instigation of the devil! After all, there were wars under our smart grandfathers, under our kind and blessed fathers. After all, the devil quarrels us, because he does not want good for the human race. I wrote this to you because my son, who was baptized by you, who sits close to you, compelled me. He sent me his husband and a letter, with the words: “Let's agree and make peace, and God's judgment has come to my brother. And we will not be avengers for him, but we will put it on God when they stand before God; but we will not destroy the Russian land.” And when I saw the humility of my son, I took pity, and being afraid of God, I said: “Because of his youth and foolishness, he humbles himself so much, he lays it on God; I am a man, more sinful than all people.

I listened to my son, wrote you a letter: whether you accept it kindly or with reproach, I will see both from your letter. After all, with these words I warned you what I expected from you, wishing with humility and repentance from God remission of my past sins. Our Lord is not a man, but the god of the whole universe - whatever he wants, he will do everything in the twinkling of an eye - and yet he himself suffered blasphemy, and spitting, and blows, and gave himself up to death, owning life and death. And what are we, sinful and thin people? Today they are alive, and tomorrow they are dead, today in glory and honor, and tomorrow in a coffin and forgotten. Others will share what we have collected.

Look, brother, at our fathers: what have they accumulated and what are their clothes for? They only have what they have done to their souls. With these words, brother, you were the first to send to me and warn me. When they killed a child, mine and yours, before you, you should have seen his blood and his body, withered like a flower, blossoming for the first time, like a slaughtered lamb, say, standing over him, pondering the thoughts of your soul: “Alas for me, What I've done! And, taking advantage of his unreason, for the sake of the unrighteousness of this vain world, I have amassed sin for myself, and tears for my father and mother!

I should have told you in the words of David: “I know that my sin is always before me.” Not because of the shedding of blood, but having committed adultery, God's anointed David sprinkled his head and wept bitterly - at that hour God forgave him his sins. God would you repent, and write me a letter of consolation and send my daughter-in-law to me - for there is neither evil nor good in her - so that, embracing her, I mourn her husband and that wedding of them, instead of songs: for I did not see I am their first joy, nor their wedding, for my sins. For God's sake, let her come to me as soon as possible with the first ambassador, so that, after weeping with her, she will settle at home, and she would sit down like a dove on a dry tree, grieving, and I myself would be comforted in God.

After all, our grandfathers and fathers went that way: judgment from God came to him, and not from you. If then you had done your will and obtained Moore, but Rostov would not have been borrowed and sent to me, then we would have settled from here. But judge for yourself, was it worthy for me to send to you or you to me? If you had told my son: "Agree with the father," ten times I would have sent.

Is it any wonder that the husband fell in the war? The best of our ancestors died like this. But he shouldn't have looked for someone else's and brought me to shame and sadness. After all, his servants taught him something in order to get something for themselves, but they got evil for him. And if you begin to repent to God and be kind to me in heart, sending your ambassador or bishop, then write a letter with the truth, then you will receive goodness, and you will turn our hearts to yourself, and we will be better than before: I am neither an enemy to you, nor avenger. I didn’t want to see your blood at Starodub; but God forbid to see blood either from your hand, or from your command, or from any of the brothers. If I lie, then God is my judge and the cross is honest! If my sin is that I went to Chernigov against you because of the pagans, I repent of that, I have spoken to my brethren more than once and told them more, for I am a man.

... For I do not want evil, but I want good for the brethren and the Russian land. And what you want to get by violence, then we, taking care of you, gave you and in Starodub your fatherland. God is my witness that your brother and I dressed up if he could not dress up without you. And we didn’t do anything wrong, we didn’t say: send with your brother until we settle it. If any of you does not want good and peace for Christians, let him, from the God of peace, not see his soul in the next world!

I say this not from need, nor from some misfortune sent by God, you yourself will understand, but my soul is dearer to me than all this world ... "

See: Russian Civilization - Information-analytical and encyclopedic portal

Annex 20

« Political fragmentation Russia second half XII. - the beginning of the XIII century.

The world is big to satisfy human needs, but too small to satisfy human greed.

Mahatma Gandhi

Russia, torn apart by internecine wars, endless cruel raids of the Polovtsy, needed a truce, at least within the country, in order to get rid of all the contradictions between the princes. It was for this purpose that the congress of princes in Lyubech, on the banks of the Dnieper River, in 1097. It was attended by 6 princes.

Lubec Congress of Princes - the goal

The ideological inspirer of this congress was Vladimir Monomakh. He made a speech to the brothers, urging them to forget the enmity, to reconcile and together save Russia from a common enemy - the Polovtsy. The Lubeck Congress of Princes was successful and managed to agree on the most important thing: everyone should rule only in their own lands. Bily defined spheres of influence, who will manage which cities. Vladimir Monomakh himself set an example for everyone, who voluntarily gave Oleg Svyatoslavich the city of Chernigov, a city that he himself ruled, but which in ancient times belonged to Oleg's parent. The rest was decided as follows:

• The congress of princes in Lyubech handed Kyiv over to Svyatopolk, and with it the tutul of the Grand Duke.
• Vladimir Monomakh became the ruler of Smolensk. Beloozersk, Pereyaslyavl and Suzdal-Rostov lands.
• Oleg and Davit Svyatoslavichi common decision received Chernigov, Murom, Razan and Tmutarakan as inheritance.
• David Igorevich secured his right to rule Vladimir-Volynsky.
• Vasilko Rostislavich received Terebovl, Przemysl, and also Cherven to rule.

Thus, the congress of Russian princes in Lyubech had as its main task the solution of the issue of spheres of influence in Kievan Rus. This is a thorny issue that has spawned many wars. As a result, all participants in the congress recognized the rights of others to the cities that were assigned to them as a result of an oral agreement.

Congress of princes in Lyubech - results

The results achieved by the congress should have become the basis, a solid foundation for building a new, powerful state. And this could have been achieved if not for the deceit of David Igorevich, the ruler of the city of Vladimir-Volynsky. He secretly informed Svyatopolk that Monomakh and Vasilko Rostislavich planned to seize the throne of Kyiv and secretly conspired behind the backs of others. Svyatopolk believed and invited Vasilko to Kyiv. Vasilko went to Kyiv. Entering Kyiv, he was informed about the deceit of David, but Vasilko did not believe, saying: “ We kissed the cross, Svyatopolk could not suspect me of betrayal". In Kyiv, Vasilko was met by David, who by force put him in prison, and his servants gouged out Vasilko's eyes. Thus began a new internecine war in Russia.

The second congress - the end of civil strife

Seeing the need to stop David Igorevich in order to stop the internecine war in Russia, Vladimir Monomakh decided to convene a new congress of princes. It was attended by Monomakh himself, Svyatopolk, Oleg and David Svyatoslavich, as well as David Igorevich himself. This congress took place on June 30, 1110 near Kyiv. Monomakh, after conferring with other participants, announced that they were begging David Igorevich and did not want to take revenge on him. They assured him that he could live in peace in the Russian land. As a token of his friendship, Svyatopolk gave the cities of Chertorizhsk and Dubna to David Igorevich. Vladimir Monomakh, Oleg Svyatoslav and David Svyatoslavich provided 200 hryvnias of gold each. This ended the internecine war.

In the history of Russia, as, indeed, of any other country, there are many gloomy pages when bloody ones caused great disasters for the people and created favorable conditions for invaders of various stripes. It was in this situation that Russia found itself at the end of the 11th century due to the strife between Oleg Svyatoslavich, Vladimir Monomakh and Svyatopolk Izyaslavich, the end of which was called upon to put an end to the congress of princes in Lyubech.

background

To understand what happened in Russia in the period from 1093 to 1097, it is necessary to start the story with a description of the war of the three sons of Svyatoslav Yaroslavich for the inheritance. In particular, Oleg Svyatoslavich, having called for the help of the Polovtsy, was able to take away from his cousin, Vladimir Monomakh, Chernigov, which had previously been the capital city of his father. Further, the prince took Ryazan and, having killed the Murom ruler Izyaslav in battle, captured his capital, as well as Suzdal and Rostov. Such an act, even in those days, was considered as the greatest crime, and all representatives of the Monomakh family, who managed to win back their estates, took up arms against Oleg. But the external threat looming over the country made the irreconcilable enemies think about forgetting about the contradictions at least for a while and not weakening Russia with internecine wars.

Participants of the princely congress in Lyubech

The initiator of the collection of the most famous specific rulers of that time was Vladimir Monomakh, the grandson of the Byzantine emperor Constantine IX. Even in his early youth, this prince showed remarkable intelligence and the ability to compromise. In particular, in 1093, having the opportunity to ascend the throne of Kyiv, he ceded it to Svyatopolk in order to avoid war, and in 1094 he voluntarily left Chernigov, as he understood that he could not stand alone against Oleg Svyatoslavich and the Polovtsy. In addition, he was an extremely ambitious man with far-reaching political plans.

Among the princes invited to the congress in Lyubech were the grandchildren of Yaroslav the Wise, Davyd Igorevich, as well as Davyd and Oleg Svyatoslavich. In addition, his great-grandson, Vasilko Rostislavich, was summoned from Terebovl.

Year 1097: congress of princes in Lyubech

The need for a meeting of the most influential rulers of the country is long overdue. However, Vladimir Monomakh could not manage to persuade Oleg Svyatoslavich to come to Kyiv, as he was afraid of an attack. Finally, it was decided to hold a congress of princes in Lyubech. This castle also belonged to Monomakh, but no one lived there for a long time. As the chronicles of those years testify, Prince Vladimir spoke to the brothers and urged them to forget the enmity and stand up for the defense of the Motherland from the common enemy - the Polovtsians.

The results of the congress in Lyubech

After heated discussions, the princes redistributed the principalities as follows:

• Syatopolk Izyaslavich got Kyiv with Pinsk and Turov;
• Vladimir Monomakh received Smolensk, Suzdal-Rostov land, Beloozero;
• Davyd Igorevich was supposed to manage Vladimir-Volynsky with Lutsk;
• Vasilko Rostislavich, together with his brother Volodar, was given Terebovl, Przemysl and Cherven;
• Davyd and Oleg Svyatoslavich began to rule in Chernigov, as well as in Seversk land, Ryazan, Murom and Tmutarakan.

Thus, the congress of princes in Lyubech proclaimed the principle of inheritance by Russian princes of the lands belonging to their fathers, and its most important result was the formation in Russia of a new political system based on the existing large feudal land ownership, concentrated in the hands of different branches.

Subsequent events

Unfortunately, the congress of Russian princes in Lyubech could not lead to the establishment of a lasting peace in Russia, since David Igorevich secretly sent a messenger to Svyatopolk with a message about the allegedly impending seizure of the Kiev throne by Vladimir Monomakh and Vasilko Rostislavich. This insidious act brought many troubles to our country. The fact is that Svyatopolk, who believed the slander, invited Vasilko to Kyiv, imprisoned him and blinded him. Moreover, there is evidence that Rostislavich was warned about the impending trap. However, he replied that the princes in Lyubech "kissed the cross", so he did not believe that he could be in danger. The actions of Svyatopolk and David Igorevich resulted in a new internecine war that lasted until 1110.

Congress in Uvetichi

In the summer of 1110, princes Vladimir Monomakh, Svyatopolk, Davyd and Oleg Svyatoslavich gathered and “created peace among themselves.” Then they called David Igorevich to court, deprived Vladimir-Volyn principality, but assured that they were not going to take revenge on him. In addition, Svyatopolk gave him Dubna and Chertorizhsk, and the Svyatoslavichs gave him a large sum of money. Since the interests of all sides were taken into account, the internecine war ceased.

Thus, the goal of the congress of princes in Lyubech, which was to achieve a lasting peace in Russia, was not achieved due to the ambitions of some of its participants.

  Lyubech Congress (1097)- a congress of Russian princes, held in the city of Lyubech (on the Dnieper River) in order to agree on an end to inter-princely strife over appanages and to rally against the Polovtsians who were devastating Russia. The immediate reason for the congress was the need to conclude peace with Oleg Svyatoslavich, against whom Svyatopolk Izyaslavich and Vladimir Monomakh had been fighting since 1094.

Vladimir Monomakh, who during the life of his father was his right hand in Chernigov, participated in the devastating battle for the Russians on Stugna (1093), and in 1094 Oleg Svyatoslavich, with the support of the Polovtsy, expelled Vladimir from Chernigov. Svyatopolk Izyaslavich of Kyiv came to the aid of Vladimir, but the Polovtsy attacked the southern borders of Russia. In 1096-1097, Mstislav Vladimirovich with the Novgorodians and Vyacheslav Vladimirovich with the Polovtsians fought Oleg for Mur, Ryazan, Suzdal and Rostov, defeating him at Koloksha. Mstislav, as Oleg's godson, interceded not to deprive him of the Russian land before his father and called him to make peace.

At the Lyubech Congress (according to The Tale of Bygone Years) 6 princes were present and a decision was made: “ Keep your eyes peeled«.
- Svyatopolk Izyaslavich, as the eldest, was left Kyiv with Turov and Pinsk and the title of Grand Duke;
- Vladimir Monomakh - Pereyaslav principality, Suzdal-Rostov land, Smolensk and Beloozero;
- Oleg and Davyd Svyatoslavichs - Chernigov and Seversk land, Ryazan, Murom and Tmutarakan;
- Davyd Igorevich - Vladimir-Volynsky with Lutsk;
- Vasilko Rostislavich (with his brother) - Terebovl, Cherven, Przemysl.

In fact, the decision only sharply redistributed possessions between Vladimir Vsevolodovich and the Svyatoslavichs in favor of the latter.

The congress proclaimed the principle of inheritance by the princes of the lands of their fathers, that is, the rights to inherit each of the several principalities that had developed at that time were limited to the framework of a certain branch of the Rurik dynasty. This stated the existence of a new political system in Russia, the basis of which was the existing large feudal landownership. According to the BDT, the Svyatoslavichs, who received the vast Chernigov Principality by decisions of the congress, were excluded from the heirs of Kyiv.

Immediately after the Lyubech congress, which stopped civil strife on the left bank of the Dnieper, a war began for the southwestern volosts (1097-1100) - with an unprecedented blinding of Rurikovich (Vasilko Rostislavich by Davyd Igorevich) at that time. During the war, Davyd tried to capture the principality of Vasilka, and Svyatopolk - Volhynia, Przemysl and Terebovl. As a result, the Rostislavichs managed to defend their possessions, and Volyn passed from Davyd to Svyatopolk by decision of the new