The voevoda is ... Russian commanders

The voevoda is a complex concept, composed of two parts: "howl" - "army", as well as "water" - "leader, driver." Literally we get the "driver of the troops".

The word "voevoda" is Slavic, in Latin it corresponds to dux, and in German - to Herzog. In those days, the ancient Slavs used to have a mostly military life, and it was customary to choose leaders for the tribal veche in the event of a military threat. When it was over, the voevoda's power ceased.

Empowerment

In the 17th century, there appeared a threat to the identity of the Slavs of the Baltic and Western, as the danger was trapped from different sides, so the people's government changed slightly.

Voevody Russian had now power not only military, but also civil and spiritual. There were chiefs of the tribe, "vladavtsy," the so-called "supreme commanders", they also served as chief judges and high priests. Over time, many Slavs, the name "voivode" was transformed into the concept of "prince". In the specific period each of them had his own army and voivod. He was a man who carried out military functions in wartime, but in a civilian who was in charge of various civil affairs.

When the monarchy was established, only the Moscow princes appointed regimental commanders. The army was divided into five regiments, led by one or several commanders. Chief was considered to be the leader of a large regiment. The deacons assisted the voivodes, who carried out the census and conducted money settlements. After the outbreak of hostilities, it was necessary to check all military men on the lists, and also to create new ones for the correct issue of monetary pay. The title of military governor was abolished under Peter the Great, only civilians were left.

Transformation of the concept

In the 16th century, there was a small reform. Local voevody began to be called annual, as they were appointed for a year, later - by town officers. In the 17th century there was a general introduction of this post. In the Time of Troubles, there was a need for military power for every city, as well as for the bureaucratic governing body for Moscow and the provinces, which would have power over all social classes. It was usually sent not one governor, but several (second and third governors), clerks and scribes. At the disposal of the governor was a large part of the branches of local government. Their duties included the recruitment of troops, the issuance of wages by money or bread, the capture of thieves and robbers, fugitives. They had to take protective measures against fires, epidemics, track forbidden games and spectacles, root out the schism, watch the clergy and attend church attendance by parishioners. The voevoda is, among other things, a judge. He solved civil cases to 100, and subsequently to 500 rubles. Those of them, over which voevody had no power, were sent to Moscow. The death penalty was often not part of their authority, but some were granted this right. Provincial service was very profitable, "mercenary". This explains her short-term: the service lasted a year, two, sometimes three.

The abolition of the governor

In 1775 the post of governor was liquidated. The voivodship chancellery, which was attached to them since the reign of Peter, was closed. However, in Poland this position existed until the end of the 18th century.

Voevoda Mikhail Ivanovich Vorotynskyy

Since 1543 Vorotynsky was appointed a voivode to the city of Belev. He distinguished himself during the attack of Sagib-Giray, the Crimean Khan. This happened in 1541. The battle took place at the border line. All attempts to transfer to the opposite shore were in vain, since it was well guarded by Russian troops. Sahib-Giray decided to try to break through with the help of the Turkish artillery. Tatars opened a cannon fire and began to cross the river, but they were stopped by Russian regiments, which arrived a little later, and the Crimean Khan was forced to stop the offensive. Sagib-Girey changed the direction of the attack and moved troops to Pronsk. The assault began on August 3. The city was artillery bombarded, but it was defended. The next day the khan went to the steppe. He was pursued by Mikhail Vorotynsky with the brothers Vladimir and Alexander. The result of their campaign was 45 captured languages - scouts sent to Moscow. In 1551, Mikhail Ivanovich received the rank of "royal servant", and the next year will play a huge role in the conquest of the Kazan Khanate. In May 1566, Ivan the Terrible complained to Vorotynsky of the rank of boyar.

Pretich

Another well-known ancient Russian representative of this post is Voevoda Pretic. He stood at the head of the squad, who helped Princess Olga during the siege of Kiev in 968. It was Pretić who made peace with the Pecheneg khan.

In conclusion, it is worth summarizing all that has been said. So, the voevoda is the chief, the ruler of the Slavic peoples. History knew many wise and selfless representatives of this post. The very word "voevoda", whose synonym is "ruler", is associated with something powerful and courageous. Later this post was abolished, and today we can talk about this concept only in historical aspect.