There is no exact information about how old Novgorod is. As well as about Moscow, this city is mentioned in chronicles as already existing. Novgorod stood during the reign of Rurik and did not just stand, but was a solid principality. Novgorod Kremlin - Detinets - the oldest on Russian soil.

Presumably, the city began to be built in the 9th century from a wooden Kremlin. But already in the 11th century, wooden buildings began to be replaced with stone ones. The land of Novgorod included the lands of the Slavs and Krivichi. After him, he was received by Prince Oleg, the same one whose "shield on the gates of Tsaregrad" immortalized in Byzantium the courage and combat readiness of the Slavs. Prince Oleg united the Eastern Slavs into a single state, imposed tribute on the Novgorodians, and went to fight south.

Novgorod was a city with a fairly high level of culture for its time. Its development was facilitated by trade relations with the Dutch and Germans, trade routes that passed through the Novgorod land.

Architecture

The Novgorod principality has long been famous for its carpenters. They knew how to build quickly, firmly and beautifully. One of the first in Novgorod began to build stone buildings. During the period from 1054 to 1229, 69 churches were built (or cut down).

Already in those years, the tops of the churches (heads) were gilded. The outer walls were covered with tin. Inside the walls were decorated with icons, wall paintings, silver chandeliers, the icons were trimmed with gold, expensive stones, pearls, enamel.

Of the Russian icon painters of that time, St. Alimpiy Pechersky. He learned iconography, as well as the skill of mosaics from the Greek masters who painted the Caves Monastery.

Residential buildings were exclusively wooden. The chronicles also mention the construction of bridges across the Volkhov.

Literature

Solovyov's book "The History of Russia from Ancient Times" mentions ancient Russian poems, the main character of which is Vasily Buslaevich. This hero led the local youth, led a wild life. The townspeople suffered from his liberties. One of the songs tells how Vasily Buslaevich beat the Novgorodians with his brave fellows. In another song - about how he went to Jerusalem to pray.

Vasily Buslaevich served mass for the health of his mother and himself, Served a memorial service for his father, who lived to be 90 years old, and his loved ones. But he was unable to return home. He ignored the advice not to jump past the magic stone, and found his death under it.

Another hero is noted in Novgorod songs and legends - Stavr, a Novgorod Sotsky who lived with his wife. From the chronicle dated 1118, it becomes known that he summoned Stavr to Kyiv along with several other Novgorod boyars who were accused of robbing two citizens. In the song, Stavr was accused of boasting about his wealth. It seemed insulting to Prince Vladimir that some centurion could be richer than him, the Grand Duke of Kiev.

“What kind of fortress is this in Kyiv, near Grand Duke Vladimir? I have de, Stavra boyar, a wide yard no worse than the city of Kyiv: - and my yard is seven miles away, and the grills, white-dubov’s svetlitsy, are covered with gray-haired beavers, the ceiling is covered with black sables, the floor, the middle of one silver, hooks and breakdowns along damask are green.

In another Novgorod chronicle for 1167, Sadko Sytinich is mentioned, who built the church of St. Boris and Gleb made of stone. A song is also sung about Sadka. It tells that Sadko brought a bow from the Volga to his brother Ilmen, and he rewarded Sadko with untold wealth. Sadko's passion to build God's temples did not go unrewarded. From another song, we learn that when Sadko was in the power of the sea king, he was helped by St. Nikolay.

Almost all significant evidence of Russian written culture is related to Veliky Novgorod. In addition to chronological chronicles and poems that were sung, the following were created in Novgorod:

• Ostromir Gospel - by order of the mayor Ostromir in 1057;
• Diploma of Prince Mstislav Vladimirovich. It was issued in 1130 to the Yuriev Monastery;
• Spiritual Clement XIII, and many others.

“The book culture of Novgorod,” emphasized D. S. Likhachev, “is distinguished by a single, common feature: the proximity of the written language to the spoken language. This testifies to the long path of cultural development traversed by the Russian language in Novgorod in previous eras. Thanks to this, despite the abundance of works of Church Slavonic literature that flooded into Novgorod after its baptism, the Russian literary language of Novgorod remained pure from Church Slavonicisms and retained all its Russian features.

Despite the fact that after 882 the center of the Russian land moved to Kyiv, the Novgorod land managed to maintain its independence.

In 980, the Novgorod prince deprives the Kiev prince of power with the help of the Varangian squad;

In the second half of the 12th century, Vladimir Monomakh took various measures to strengthen the position of the central government in the Novgorod land. In 1117, despite the discontent of the Novgorod boyars, Vsevolod Mstislavovich ascended the throne in Novgorod.

Novgorod and, located in the north-west, in the 12th century were part of the Kiev land. In 1348, Pskov, which was part of the Novgorod land, became a large trade and craft center and separated from Novgorod, becoming an independent republic.

State and political system of the Novgorod feudal republic

The main political feature of the Novgorod land in the 12th century was the republican form of government, unlike other Russian princely lands.

The highest state body of the Novgorod Republic was considered (parliament-rally).

The veche elected (expelled) princes, resolved issues related to war and peace, drafted legislative acts and judged the leaders of the highest executive bodies of state power.

The prince (as a rule, from) was called to manage the veche. The prince was the symbol of the state. Together with the mayor, the prince performed judicial functions, appointed judges and bailiffs.

The archbishop - the head of the church, had some privileges, including in court, he was also the chairman of the Boyar Council, called "Ospoda" in Novgorod, and "Lord" in Pskov.

Posadnik - was elected by veche for a certain period, had certain judicial powers, resolved issues regarding the life of the Novgorod Republic.

Economy of the Novgorod land

Most of the population in Novgorod was engaged in agriculture. Until the 13th century, agriculture in Novgorod land developed extremely slowly. This was facilitated by external factors: low productivity, epidemics, death of livestock, raids by robbers. In the 13th century, the undercut (farming system based on cutting and burning the forest) was replaced by a new three-field system, which was more efficient. The most harvested of the grains here was rye. Other cereals were also grown. Some types of vegetables were also grown. In the waters of Novgorod there were fish that were successfully sold. Beekeeping (honey harvesting) was developed. Due to the abundance of different types of animals in the Novgorod forests, Novgorod was considered a huge exporter of furs to Europe.

Culture of Novgorod land

Novgorodians used birch bark to convey written information. Novgorod styles of architecture and painting are also widely known. Orthodoxy was the main religion here. The Novgorod language differed from the language of other Russian principalities, called the "Novgorod dialect".

Fall of the Novgorod Republic

From the 14th century, the Moscow and Tver principalities tried to subjugate Novgorod to themselves. The Novgorod supreme power was against the collection of tribute by Moscow and asked for support from Lithuania.

The Moscow prince, alarmed by the impending Novgorod-Lithuanian union, accused Novgorod of betrayal, and after the Battle of Shelon (1471), as well as his subsequent campaign against Novgorod in 1478, contributed to the annexation of the Novgorod Republic to. Thanks to this, Moscow inherited the former relations of the Novgorod Republic with its neighbors. The territory of the Novgorod land in the era of the Moscow kingdom (16 - 17 centuries) was divided into 5 pyatins: Vodskaya, Shelonskaya, Obonezhskaya, Derevskaya and Bezhetskaya. With the help of churchyards (a unit of administrative division), the geographical location of the villages was determined, and the population was counted with their property for tax.

On March 21, 1499, the son of Ivan 3 - became the Grand Duke of Novgorod and Pskov. In April 1502, Vasily became the co-ruler of Ivan 3, and after his death in 1505 - the sole monarch.

Veliky Novgorod is considered the source of the Russian people, from where the whole life of Russian life came from. The geographical position of Novgorod saved him from the direct pressure of the Russian princes, who claimed supremacy over Russia and from participating in princely strife. Dense forests and swamps that surrounded Novgorod saved it from the Tatar invasion, proximity to water basins contributed to lively trade with specific princes and the European west. The possessions of Novgorod stretched from the Arctic Ocean to the Urals.

Despite the fact that the veche was considered the supreme body in Novgorod, nevertheless, the boyars and church authorities had great power. The establishment of the republican system in Novgorod also affected the art of architecture. Churches became the center of public life, a place of storage of property, in religious construction there was a formation of local architectural and art schools. A new type of temple arose - a four-pillar cubic temple with three apses and one dome. Laconism and severe simplicity are characteristic of the buildings of Novgorod in the 12th century, these are the Nikolo - Dvorishchensky Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin of the Antoniev Monastery, the St. George's Cathedral of the St. George's Monastery, which amaze with the heroic power of their appearance. Since the second half of the 12th century, Novgorod architecture has been undergoing significant changes: temples have become more contact, distinguished by the simplicity of their external appearance, their sparse decor and clear design. These are the Church of the Annunciation, Peter and Paul on Sinichya Gora, the Church of George in Staraya Ladoga.

The monumental painting of Novgorod in the 12th-13th centuries is extremely interesting. It testifies to persistent creative searches and wide cultural ties with other countries. If the frescoes of St. Sophia of Novgorod are closely connected with the painting of the Byzantine Kiev circle, then the frescoes of the Nativity of the Virgin of the Anthony Monastery indicate a connection with Romanesque painting. Novgorod painting acquires its original face in the 12th century: this is the concrete interpretation of sacred events, the expressiveness of the images of saints, clergymen, prophets, for example, the “Miracle of George about the serpent”.

A special section of ancient Russian painting of the pre-Mongol period is icon painting. Under the brush of the Novgorod icon painters, images appear full of true grandeur, for example, the Ustyug Annunciation, the Savior Not Made by Hands, the Assumption, and the Angel of Golden Hair.

The Mongol invasion of the 13th century inflicted a huge lesson on Russian culture, but Novgorod and Pskov did not suffer. In the XIII - XV centuries, the role of Novgorod as a trading center became even more significant - they traded with Byzantium, Astrakhan, became partners of the Hanseatic League.

The literary works that arose in Novgorod in the 13th-15th centuries are extremely interesting. This is a squad story about Alexander Nevsky with a detailed description of the Battle of Neva and the "Battle on the Ice" (reworked into "The Life of Alexander. Nevsky"), as well as about the Pskov prince Dovmont, who talk about the democratization of culture. This is confirmed by a huge number of birch bark letters for various purposes: business records, promissory notes, letters, study notebooks found during excavations in Novgorod. This confirms the presence of a large number of literate people in Novgorod and gives an idea of ​​the methods of teaching in schools of that time not only in Novgorod, but also beyond its borders.

Novgorod architects and artists base their searches on broad folk traditions, reworking them and adapting them to express their own artistic ideas. The location of Novgorod and its wealth contributed to the fact that masters rushed here from afar, so the Byzantine artist Theophanes the Greek made a great contribution to the development of Novgorod painting. He arrived in Novgorod as an established master, but here the originality and power of his work were fully revealed in free use of iconographic traditions, virtuosity of performance and interest in the emotional world of a person, his inner content. His best works are in the Church of the Savior on Ilyin Street, later he also worked in Moscow on the design of the Kremlin cathedrals.

Since the 13th century, construction activity has been revived with the development of a new style in architecture, with classical clarity of proportions, with elegant external decoration. These are the Church of Theodore Stratilates on the Brook, the Transfiguration Cathedral, the Church of Peter and Paul in Kozhevniki. In addition, in the XIV century in Novgorod and Pskov, the construction of powerful fortress walls - the Kremlin - began. So in Pskov, the length of the Kremlin walls was 9 kilometers.

In the 15th century, in Novgorod and Pskov, an upsurge in the development of ancient Russian painting began, testifying to a deep understanding of the world, an expansion of the range of ideas, going beyond religious themes, new feelings and experiences. The elements of fabulousness and bright joyful colors, taken from folk art, burst into Novgorod icon painting. This is St. George slaying the dragon - a joyful story about a beautiful young knight fighting against the forces of deceit and evil, the idea of ​​self-sacrifice in the icon "The Miracle of Flora and Laurus". The aggravation of relations between Novgorod and Moscow caused the appearance of the historical icon “The Battle of Suzdal with Novgorod”, in addition, Novgorod masters fill traditional compositions with everyday details: they depict landscapes, animals, architecture, real people, as, for example, in the icon

Praying Novgorodians. The art of miniatures with teratological ornaments, similar to flat wooden carvings, became widespread. The art of sewing, wood and bone carving, and applied arts for making jewelry flourish.

The culture of Pskov did not have much originality, unlike the culture of Novgorod, modesty, restraint, severity were visible in temple and civil buildings, iconography was democratic and expressive in interpreting the plot of the icon, for example, Paraskeva Pyatnitsa or Dmitry Solunsky. But the Pskov builders had great authority in the construction of churches, and they were invited to build cathedrals in the Moscow Kremlin.

In addition to the birch bark letters found in Novgorod, there is ample information about the existence of schools for children and teachers, "scribes", which are found in books about the lives of Russian saints. Such schools, as a rule, existed at churches, where they began training from the age of 7 and taught reading, writing, counting and church singing. The largest centers of book learning were monasteries, where book-writing workshops and libraries existed, especially in the northern part of the Novgorod Republic: Kirillovo-Belozersky and Solovetsky monasteries.

In the XIV century, Novgorod epics about Vasily Buslaev and Sadko developed, reflecting the wealth and power of Veliky Novgorod during its independence. In the same period, a new genre of oral folk art was taking shape - a historical song, where, unlike the epic epic, historical events are transmitted closer to reality, although the plot and characters may be fictional.

Terminology:

Laconism- brevity, clarity in the expression of thoughts, images, etc.

Expression- expressiveness, the power of manifestation (feelings, experiences).

Teratological ornament- image of fantastic creatures.

General information

The origins from which the development of the Novgorod principality began are still not entirely clear. The oldest mention of the main city of the region dates back to 859. However, it is assumed that at that time the chroniclers did not use weather records (they appeared by the 10-11th century), but collected those legends that were most popular among the people. After Russia adopted the Byzantine tradition of compiling legends, the authors had to compose stories, independently estimating dates, before the start of weather records. Of course, such dating is far from accurate, so it should not be completely trusted.

Principality "Novgorod land"

What was this region like in ancient times? Novgorod means "new city". A city in ancient Russia was a fortified settlement surrounded by walls. Archaeologists have found three settlements located on the territory occupied by the Novgorod principality. The geographical position of these regions is indicated in one of the annals. According to information, the region was located on the left bank of the Volkhov (where the Kremlin is now located).

Over time, the settlements merged into one. The inhabitants built a common fortress. She received the name of Novgorod. Researcher Nosov developed the already existing point of view that Gorodische was the historical predecessor of the new city. It was located somewhat higher, not far from the sources of the Volkhov. Judging by the chronicles, Gorodishe was a fortified settlement. The princes of the Novgorod principality and their governors stayed in it. Local historians even expressed a rather bold assumption that Rurik himself lived in the residence. Considering all this, it can be fully argued that the Novgorod principality originated from this settlement. The geographical location of the Settlement can be considered an additional argument. It stood on the Baltic-Volga route and was considered at that time a fairly large trade, craft and military administrative center.

Characteristics of the Novgorod principality

In the first centuries of its existence, the settlement was small (by modern standards). Novgorod was completely wooden. It was located on two sides of the river, which was a rather unique phenomenon, since usually the settlements were located on a hill and on one bank. The first inhabitants built their houses near the water, but not close to it, because of the fairly frequent floods. The streets of the city were built perpendicular to the Volkhov. A little later, they were connected by "breakthrough" lanes that ran parallel to the river. The walls of the Kremlin rose from the left bank. At that time it was much smaller than the one that stands in Novgorod now. On the other side in the Slovenian village there were estates and a princely court.

Russian chronicles

The principality of Novgorod is mentioned in the records quite a bit. However, this little information is of particular value. The chronicle, dated 882, tells about the campaign of Prince Oleg against Kyiv from Novgorod. As a result, two large East Slavic tribes united: the Polyans and the Ilmen Slavs. It was from that time that the history of the Old Russian state began. Records from 912 indicate that the principality of Novgorod paid the Scandinavians 300 hryvnias a year for maintaining peace.

Recordings of other peoples

The principality of Novgorod is also mentioned in Byzantine chronicles. So, for example, Emperor Constantine VII wrote about the Russians in the 10th century. The Novgorod principality also appears in the Scandinavian sagas. The earliest legends appeared from the time of the reign of the sons of Svyatoslav. After his death, a struggle for power broke out between his two sons Oleg and Yaropolk. In 977, a battle took place. As a result, Yaropolk defeated Oleg's troops and became the Grand Duke, having planted his posadniks in Novgorod. There was also a third brother. But fearing to be killed, Vladimir fled to Scandinavia. However, his absence was relatively short. In 980, he returned to the Novgorod principality with hired Vikings. Then he defeated the posadniks and moved to Kyiv. There, Vladimir overthrew Yaropolk from the throne and became the prince of Kiev.

Religion

The characterization of the Novgorod Principality will be incomplete if we do not talk about the significance of faith in the life of the people. In 989 a baptism took place. First it was in Kyiv, and then in Novgorod. Power was strengthened by the Christian religion and its monotheism. The church organization was built on a hierarchical basis. It has become a powerful tool for the formation of Russian statehood. In the year of baptism, Joachim the Korsunian (a Byzantine priest) was sent to Novgorod. But, I must say that Christianity did not immediately take root. Many residents were in no hurry to part with the faith of their ancestors. According to archaeological excavations, many pagan rites survived until the 11th-13th centuries. And, for example, Maslenitsa is celebrated today. Although this holiday is given a somewhat Christian coloring.

Yaroslav's activities

After Vladimir became the prince of Kiev, he sent his son Vysheslav to Novgorod, and after his death, Yaroslav. The name of the latter is associated with an attempt to get rid of the influence of Kyiv. So, in 1014, Yaroslav refused to pay tribute. Vladimir, having learned about this, began to gather a squad, but in the course of preparation he suddenly died. Svyatopolk the Accursed ascended the throne. He killed his brothers: Svyatoslav Drevlyansky and later canonized as saints Gleb and Boris. Yaroslav was in a rather difficult position. On the one hand, he was absolutely not opposed to seizing power in Kyiv. But on the other hand, his squad was not strong enough. Then he decided to address the people of Novgorod with a speech. Yaroslav called on the people to seize Kyiv, thus returning back to himself everything that was taken in the form of tribute. The inhabitants agreed, and after some time in the battle near Lyubech, Svyatopolk was defeated on his head and fled to Poland.

Further developments

In 1018, together with the retinue of Boleslav (his father-in-law and the King of Poland), Svyatopolk returned to Russia. In the battle, they thoroughly defeated Yaroslav (he fled with four combatants from the field). He wanted to go to Novgorod and then planned to move to Scandinavia. But the residents did not let him do it. They cut down all the boats, collected money and a new army, enabling the prince to continue to fight. At this time, confident that he was sitting firmly enough on the throne, Svyatopolk quarreled with the Polish king. Deprived of support, he lost the battle on Alta. Yaroslav, after the battle, let the Novgorodians go home, giving them special letters - "Pravda" and "Charter". According to them they had to live. During the following decades, the principality of Novgorod also depended on Kyiv. First, Yaroslav sent his son Ilya as governor. Then he sent Vladimir, who in 1044 founded the fortress. The following year, at his behest, construction began on a new stone cathedral instead of the wooden St. Sophia Cathedral (which burned down). Since that time, this temple has symbolized Novgorodian spirituality.

Political system

It developed gradually. There are two periods in history. In the first there was a feudal republic, where the prince ruled. And in the second - the management belonged to the oligarchy. During the first period, all the main organs of state power existed in the Novgorod principality. The Boyar Council and the Veche were considered the highest institutions. The executive power was vested in the thousand and princely courts, the posadnik, elders, volostels and volost administrators. Veche was of particular importance. It was considered the supreme power and had more power here than in other principalities. The veche resolved issues of a domestic and foreign policy nature, expelled or elected a ruler, townsman and other officials. It was also the highest court. Another body was the Council of Boyars. The entire city government system was concentrated in this body. The Council was attended by eminent boyars, elders, thousands, posadniks, the archbishop and the prince. The power of the ruler himself was significantly limited in functions and volume, but at the same time, of course, it occupied a leading place in the governing bodies. At first, the candidacy of the future prince was discussed at the Council of Boyars. After that, he was invited to sign a treaty letter. It regulated the legal and state status and duties of the authorities in relation to the ruler. The prince lived with his court on the outskirts of Novgorod. The ruler had no right to legislate, to declare war or peace. Together with the mayor, the prince commanded the army. The existing restrictions did not allow the rulers to gain a foothold in the city and put them in a controlled position.

Novgorod land (Republic)

The power of one person over another destroys, first of all, the one who rules.

Lev Tolstoy

The largest principality of the era of specific fragmentation of Russia was the Novgorod land, which was ruled in the form of a boyar republic. The principality prospered due to the development of trade and crafts, because Novgorod, the center of the earth, was located on the most important trade routes. Novgorod for a long time maintained its independence from Kyiv and managed to maintain its independence and originality.

Geographical position

The Novgorod principality or Novgorod land (republic) was located in the northern part of Russia from the Arctic Ocean to the upper reaches of the Volga, and from the Baltic Sea to the Ural Mountains. The capital is Novgorod. Large cities: Novgorod, Pskov, Staraya Russa, Ladoga, Torzhok, Korela, Pskov and others.

Map of the Novgorod land in the 12th-13th centuries.

The specifics of the geographical location consisted in the almost complete absence of agriculture, since the soil was unsuitable for agriculture, as well as the remoteness from the steppes, due to which Novgorod practically did not see the Mongol invasion. At the same time, the principality was constantly subjected to military invasions by the Swedes, Lithuanians and German knights. Thus, it was the Novgorod lands that were the shield of Russia, which guarded it from the North and West.

Geographical neighbors of the Novgorod Republic:

• Vladimir-Suzdal Principality
• Smolensk principality
• Polotsk principality
• Livonia
• Sweden

Economic Features

The lack of good arable land has led to The Novgorod Republic actively developed crafts and trade. Among the crafts stood out: the production of iron, fishing, hunting, salt making and other crafts characteristic of the northern regions. Trade was mainly carried out with neighboring regions: the Baltic states, German cities, Volga Bulgaria, Scandinavia.

Novgorod was the richest trading city in Russia. This was achieved by the advantageous geographical position, as well as the presence of trade relations with various regions, including with Byzantium and the Caucasus. Mostly Novgorodians traded in furs, honey, wax, iron products, pottery, weapons, and so on.

Political structure

The Novgorod feudal republic was formally ruled by a prince, but in reality the control system can be represented as an inverted triangle.

Veche and the boyars had real power. Suffice it to say that it was the veche who appointed the prince, and it could also expel him. In addition, at the citywide veche, which functioned within the framework of the boyar council (300 gold belts), the following were appointed:

• Prince - was invited along with the squad. His residence was outside the city. The main task is to protect Novgorod land from external threats.
• Posadnik is the head of the city administration. His tasks are to monitor the prince, to judge in cities, to manage cities. In submission had the headman of the streets of the city.
• Tysyatsky - the head of the city administration and the city militia (assistant posadnik). He was engaged in population management.
• The archbishop is the head of the Novgorod church. Tasks - storage of archives and treasury, responsibility for external relations, monitoring of trade, compilation and preservation of annals. The archbishop was approved by the Moscow Metropolitan.

The prince could be called by the Novgorodians, but he could also be expelled, which happened often. A gift (contract) was concluded with the prince, in which the rights and obligations of the prince were indicated. The prince was considered only as a protector from foreign invaders, but had no influence on domestic politics, as well as on the appointment / removal of officials. Suffice it to say that during the 12th-13th centuries the princes in Novgorod changed 58 times! Therefore, we can safely say that the real power in this principality belonged to the boyars and merchants.

The political independence of the Novgorod Republic was formalized in 1132-1136 after the expulsion of Prince Vsevolod Mstislavich. After that, the Novgorod land eliminated the power of Kyiv and became a de facto independent state with a republican form of government. Therefore, it is customary to say that the Novgorod state was a boyar republic with elements of a system of urban self-government.

Novgorod the Great

Novgorod - the capital of the Novgorod land, was founded in the 9th century as a result of the unification of the settlements of three tribes: Chud, Slavic and Meryan. The city was located along the Volkhov River and was divided by it, as it were, into 2 parts: eastern and western. The eastern part was called Trade, and the western - Sofia (in honor of the cathedral).

Novgorod was one of the largest and most beautiful cities not only in Russia, but also in Europe. The population of the city was quite educated compared to other cities. This was largely due to the fact that crafts and trade developed in the city, which required specific knowledge.

culture

Novgorod is one of the largest cities of its time. It is no coincidence that he is often called Lord Veliky Novgorod. Sophia Cathedral was located in the center of the city. The pavements in the city were paved logs and were constantly updated. The city itself was surrounded by a moat and wooden walls. Wood and stone construction was practiced in the city. As a rule, churches and temples were built of stone, one of the functions of which was to store money.

Chronicles, fairy tales and epics were created in the Novgorod land. Much attention was paid to icon painting. The brightest canvas of that era is the “Angel with Golden Hair”, which today can be seen in the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg.

Developed in the principality and architecture with fresco painting. The main direction of development is realism.

Main events

The main events in the principality in the 12th-13th centuries:

• 1136 - the expulsion of Prince Vsevolod Mstislavich, after which the Novgorodians independently elected their own prince.
• 1156 - independent election of the Novgorod Archbishop
• 1207-1209 - social movements in Novgorod against the boyars
• 1220-1230 reign of Yaroslav, son of Vsevolod the Big Nest
• 1236-1251 - reign of Alexander Nevsky