Galicia-Volyn principality: geographical location. Education of the Galicia-Volyn principality

In order to really understand the history, one must mentally represent the epoch of interest, the spirit of its time and the main characters. Today we will make a small trip to medieval Russia through the picturesque lands of Galicia and Volhynia.

What is it, Rus 12-13th centuries?

First of all - divided into small states, each of which lives by its own laws and has its ruler (prince). This phenomenon was called the feudal disunity of Russia. In every principality, people speak a certain dialect of the Russian language, which depends on the geographic location of the territory.

Interesting and the device of the feudal society of Russia. Historians distinguish two classes - the ruling elite, consisting of the nobility (influential boyars), and the estate of dependent peasants. The latter for some reason always turned out to be much more.

In large cities lived representatives of another class - artisans. These people had a wonderful ability to create authentic things. Thanks to them Gzhel painting and woodcarving appeared, known not only in Russia, but also abroad. In a few words, we told about medieval Russia, then exclusively the history of the Galicia-Volyn principality.

The lands that make up the principality

The young state, the development of which began under the Grand Duke Roman Mstislavovich, consisted of different lands. What were these territories? The state included the Galician, Volyn, Lutsk, Polesye, Kholm, Zvenigorod and Terebovlyansk land. And also part of the territories of modern Moldova, Transcarpathia, Podillia and Podlasie.

Like various puzzles, these plots of land laconically formed the Galicia-Volyn principality (the geographical position and the neighboring countries of the young state will be described in the next chapter).

Principality location

In the south-west of Russia, the Galicia-Volyn principality stretches. The geographical location of the new association was clearly advantageous. It combines three aspects:

• Being in the center of Europe;
• Comfortable climate;
• Fertile land, invariably bringing good harvests.

A successful location also implied various neighbors, but far from all of them were friendly to the young state.

In the east, the young tandem had a long border with Kiev and the Turovo-Pinsk principality. The relations between the fraternal peoples were friendly. But the countries in the west and the north did not particularly like the young state. Poland and Lithuania have always wanted to control Galicia and Volhynia, which was eventually achieved in the 14th century.

In the south, the state was adjacent to the Golden Horde. Relations with the southern neighbor were always complex. This is due to serious cultural differences and the presence of disputed territories.

A Brief Historical Reference

The Principality arose in 1199, at the confluence of two circumstances. The first was quite logical - the location of a number of two culturally close territories (Galicia and Volhynia) and unfriendly neighboring countries (the Polish Kingdom and the Golden Horde). Second - the emergence of a strong political figure - Prince Roman Mstislavovich. The wise ruler was well aware that the more the state, the easier it is to resist the common enemy, and the culturally close peoples will get along in one state. His plan justified itself, and at the end of the 12th century a new education appeared.

Who has weakened the young state? Natives of the Golden Horde could shake the Galicia-Volyn principality. The development of the state ended in the late 14th century.

Wise rulers

For 200 years of existence of the state different people have visited power. Wise princes - this is a real find for Galicia and Volhynia. So, who managed to bring peace and peace to this long-suffering territory? Who were these people?

• Yaroslav Vladimirovich Osmomysl - the predecessor of Roman Mstislavovich, first came to the territories under consideration. Could successfully establish itself in the mouth of the Danube.
• Roman Mstislavovich is the unifier of Galicia and Volhynia.
• Danila Romanovich Galitsky is the son of Roman Mstislavovich. He again collected the lands of the Galicia-Volyn principality.

The subsequent rulers of the principality turned out to be less strong-willed. In 1392 the Galicia-Volyn principality ceased to exist. Princes could not resist external enemies. As a result, Volyn became Lithuanian, Galicia went to Poland, and Chervona Rus - Hungarians.

Specific people created the Galicia-Volyn principality. The princes, whose achievements are described in this chapter, contributed to the prosperity and victories of the young state in the south-west of Russia.

Relations with neighbors and foreign policy

Influential countries surrounded the Galicia-Volyn principality. The geographical position of the young state implied conflicts with neighbors. The nature of foreign policy strongly depended on the historical period and the specific ruler: there were vivid campaigns of conquest, there was also a period of forced cooperation with Rome. The latter was carried out for the purpose of protection from the Poles.

The conquests of Roman Mstislavovich and Danila Galitsky made the young state one of the strongest in Eastern Europe. The Prince-unifier pursued a wise foreign policy towards Lithuania, the Polish Kingdom and Hungary. He managed to spread influence on Kievan Rus in 1202-1203. As a result, the people of Kiev had no choice but to accept a new ruler.

No less interesting is the political triumph of Danilo Galitsky. When he was a child, in the territory of Volhynia and Galicia chaos reigned. But, having matured, the young heir went in the footsteps of his father. Under Danil Romanovich, the Galicia-Volyn principality reappeared. The prince greatly expanded the territory of his state: he annexed the eastern neighbor and part of Poland (including the city of Lublin).

Inimitable culture

History shows impartially that every influential state creates its own authentic culture. It is for her that people recognize him.

Cultural features of the Galicia-Volyn principality are very diverse. We will consider the architecture of medieval cities.

Stone cathedrals and castles characterize the Galicia-Volyn principality (the Novgorod Land was rich in similar buildings). In the 12th and 13th centuries a unique architectural school was formed on the lands of Galicia and Volhynia. It absorbed both the traditions of Western European masters and the techniques of the Kiev school. Local masters created such architectural masterpieces as the Uspensky Cathedral in Vladimir-Volynsky and the temple of St. Panteleimon in Galich.

The interesting state in the south of Russia - the Galicia-Volyn principality - entered the history forever (we already know its geographical location). A peculiar history and picturesque nature invariably attract lovers to the world.