Bolesław I's intervention in the Kievan succession crisis: Difference between revisions

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== Background ==
== Background ==
⚫
[[Image:Boleslaus I.jpg|upright|thumb|left|Boleslaw the Brave]]

Prior to his death, [[Vladimir I of Kiev|Vladimir I]] (''the Great''), [[Grand Duke of Kiev|Grand Duke]] of [[Kiev]] dictated that his eldest son, Sviatopolk I, would only receive the remote town of [[Turov]] (''Turaŭ'') after his death. Unhappy by his rule being restricted to only a small [[appanage]] which he saw as unfit for the prestigious status of the Grand Duke's eldest son, Sviatopolk plotted to overthrow his father. Previously, between 1005 and 1013, Vladimir had arranged his son's marriage to a daughter of [[Boleslaw I of Poland]] whose name has not survived in sources.<ref name="Wyprawa6">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego...'' p.6</ref><ref name="brosvia">Brockhaus, Sviatopolk.</ref><ref name=pvl4>The [[Primary Chronicle]], [http://www.infoliolib.info/rlit/pvl/pvl4.html Section]</ref> Sviatopolk counted on the help of his father-in-law Boleslaw,<ref name="brosvia"/> who, encouraged Sviatopolk's plans through his daughter. The planned overthrow was also supported by [[Bishop]] [[Reinbern of Calabria]], [[confessor]] of Boleslaw's daughter, who had traveled with her to Turov.<ref name=pat30>Zhylenko, W. 30</ref><ref name=brosvia/>
Prior to his death, [[Vladimir I of Kiev|Vladimir I]] (''the Great''), [[Grand Duke of Kiev|Grand Duke]] of [[Kiev]] dictated that his eldest son, Sviatopolk I, would only receive the remote town of [[Turov]] (''Turaŭ'') after his death. Unhappy by his rule being restricted to only a small [[appanage]] which he saw as unfit for the prestigious status of the Grand Duke's eldest son, Sviatopolk plotted to overthrow his father. Previously, between 1005 and 1013, Vladimir had arranged his son's marriage to a daughter of [[Boleslaw I of Poland]] whose name has not survived in sources.<ref name="Wyprawa6">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego...'' p.6</ref><ref name="brosvia">Brockhaus, Sviatopolk.</ref><ref name=pvl4>The [[Primary Chronicle]], [http://www.infoliolib.info/rlit/pvl/pvl4.html Section]</ref> Sviatopolk counted on the help of his father-in-law Boleslaw,<ref name="brosvia"/> who, encouraged Sviatopolk's plans through his daughter. The planned overthrow was also supported by [[Bishop]] [[Reinbern of Calabria]], [[confessor]] of Boleslaw's daughter, who had traveled with her to Turov.<ref name=pat30>Zhylenko, W. 30</ref><ref name=brosvia/>
⚫
[[Image:Bilibin yaroslav.jpg|upright|thumb|right|Yaroslav the Wise]]
The motives of Boleslaw and Reinberg were complicated. Boleslaw's Poland and Vladimir's Rus' had previously fought over the towns of [[Red Ruthenia]], a conflict that ended favorably for Vladimir. Boleslaw was understandably displeased with the situation.<ref name=pat30/> In addition, Boleslaw, who already had two wives, wanted to marry one of the [[Family life and children of Vladimir I|Vladimir's daughters]], Predslava, in order to cement ties between the two families. Despite Boleslaw's best efforts, the offer was refused and he instead had to accept a less prestigious connection to the house of Vladimir through the marriage of Boleslaw's daughter to Sviatopolk.<ref name="Wyprawa7">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego...'' p.7</ref><ref name=pat30/> Reinbern, meanwhile, acted in the interest of [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] [[Holy See|Rome]]. While the [[East-West Schism|Great Schism]] that divided the [[Orthodox Christianity|Eastern Orthodox]] and Catholic churches was formalized only half a century later, ideological and political differences between the Rome and [[Constantinople]] were already firmly in place, causing Rome to make efforts to sway the Rus' towards its influence and away from that of [[Byzantium]].<ref name=brosvia/><ref name=pat30/>
The motives of Boleslaw and Reinberg were complicated. Boleslaw's Poland and Vladimir's Rus' had previously fought over the towns of [[Red Ruthenia]], a conflict that ended favorably for Vladimir. Boleslaw was understandably displeased with the situation.<ref name=pat30/> In addition, Boleslaw, who already had two wives, wanted to marry one of the [[Family life and children of Vladimir I|Vladimir's daughters]], Predslava, in order to cement ties between the two families. Despite Boleslaw's best efforts, the offer was refused and he instead had to accept a less prestigious connection to the house of Vladimir through the marriage of Boleslaw's daughter to Sviatopolk.<ref name="Wyprawa7">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego...'' p.7</ref><ref name=pat30/> Reinbern, meanwhile, acted in the interest of [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] [[Holy See|Rome]]. While the [[East-West Schism|Great Schism]] that divided the [[Orthodox Christianity|Eastern Orthodox]] and Catholic churches was formalized only half a century later, ideological and political differences between the Rome and [[Constantinople]] were already firmly in place, causing Rome to make efforts to sway the Rus' towards its influence and away from that of [[Byzantium]].<ref name=brosvia/><ref name=pat30/>


=== Death of Vladmir ===
=== Death of Vladmir ===
⚫
[[Image:Boleslaus I.jpg|upright|thumb|left|Boleslaw the Brave]]

Meanwhile, Sviatopolk's father, [[Grand Duke of Kiev|Grand Duke]] [[Vladimir I of Kiev]], chose his younger sons, [[Boris and Gleb]], as successors despite Sviatopolk's [[Primogeniture|status as the eldest son]].<ref name="Wyprawa6"/> This choice angered Sviatopolk, who plotted in Turov how to regain the throne. These plans were thwarted by Vladimir, who called all three conspirators to Kiev and jailed them there in 1013.<ref name="Wyprawa6"/> Reinbern died shortly afterwards.<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pat30/> Boleslaw, wanting to ensure that his ally, Sviatopolk, took over the Kievan throne, invaded Kiev's lands in 1013 with the goal of freeing Sviatopolk from prison. Little is known about the event other than the fact that Vladimir released Sviatopolk from imprisonment shortly before his death,<ref name="Wyprawa6"/> and that he may have granted the town of [[Vyshgorod]], (''Vyshhorod'') near Kiev, to Sviatopolk.<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=hrush>Hrushevsky</ref>
Meanwhile, Sviatopolk's father, [[Grand Duke of Kiev|Grand Duke]] [[Vladimir I of Kiev]], chose his younger sons, [[Boris and Gleb]], as successors despite Sviatopolk's [[Primogeniture|status as the eldest son]].<ref name="Wyprawa6"/> This choice angered Sviatopolk, who plotted in Turov how to regain the throne. These plans were thwarted by Vladimir, who called all three conspirators to Kiev and jailed them there in 1013.<ref name="Wyprawa6"/> Reinbern died shortly afterwards.<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pat30/> Boleslaw, wanting to ensure that his ally, Sviatopolk, took over the Kievan throne, invaded Kiev's lands in 1013 with the goal of freeing Sviatopolk from prison. Little is known about the event other than the fact that Vladimir released Sviatopolk from imprisonment shortly before his death,<ref name="Wyprawa6"/> and that he may have granted the town of [[Vyshgorod]], (''Vyshhorod'') near Kiev, to Sviatopolk.<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=hrush>Hrushevsky</ref>


Upon Vladimir's death, Sviatopolk, the eldest son, could lay a strong legal claim for inheriting Kiev despite being highly unpopular with Kievans.<ref name=kost/> <ref name=brosvia/> Therefore, Vladimir's court attempted to conceal his death from Sviatopolk while his brothers, Boris and Gleb, consolidated power. Sviatopolk nevertheless uncovered the plot and seized his father's throne. Vladimir's personal guard ([[druzhyna]]) and the Kievan militia chose to align themselves with [[Boris and Gleb|Boris]], Vladimir's favored son, who was preferred by Kievans.<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5>The [[Primary Chronicle]], [http://www.infoliolib.info/rlit/pvl/pvl5.html Section]</ref>
Upon Vladimir's death, Sviatopolk, the eldest son, could lay a strong legal claim for inheriting Kiev despite being highly unpopular with Kievans.<ref name=kost/> <ref name=brosvia/> Therefore, Vladimir's court attempted to conceal his death from Sviatopolk while his brothers, Boris and Gleb, consolidated power. Sviatopolk nevertheless uncovered the plot and seized his father's throne. Vladimir's personal guard ([[druzhyna]]) and the Kievan militia chose to align themselves with [[Boris and Gleb|Boris]], Vladimir's favored son, who was preferred by Kievans.<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5>The [[Primary Chronicle]], [http://www.infoliolib.info/rlit/pvl/pvl5.html Section]</ref>


⚫
[[Image:Bilibin yaroslav.jpg|upright|thumb|right|Yaroslav the Wise]]
According to a popular but possibly ahistorical legend recorded by the [[Russian Primary Chronicle]], Sviatopolok sent his men to assassinate [[Boris and Gleb|Boris]] and his other brothers [[Boris and Gleb|Gleb]] and [[Sviatoslav of Smolensk|Sviatoslav]].<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5/> These events, while not uncommon for their time, earned Svyatopolk the nickname of "The Accursed." When news of the [[fratricide]]s reached Vladimir's fourth son, [[Yaroslav the Wise]] in [[Novgorod]], he came to Kiev with Novgorodians and [[Varangians]] and defeated Sviatopolk near [[Lubech]].<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5/> After his defeat, Sviatopok fled to Boleslaw in Poland while Yaroslav took over as the Kievan Grand Duke.<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5/>
According to a popular but possibly ahistorical legend recorded by the [[Russian Primary Chronicle]], Sviatopolok sent his men to assassinate [[Boris and Gleb|Boris]] and his other brothers [[Boris and Gleb|Gleb]] and [[Sviatoslav of Smolensk|Sviatoslav]].<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5/> These events, while not uncommon for their time, earned Svyatopolk the nickname of "The Accursed." When news of the [[fratricide]]s reached Vladimir's fourth son, [[Yaroslav the Wise]] in [[Novgorod]], he came to Kiev with Novgorodians and [[Varangians]] and defeated Sviatopolk near [[Lubech]].<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5/> After his defeat, Sviatopok fled to Boleslaw in Poland while Yaroslav took over as the Kievan Grand Duke.<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5/>


Revision as of 22:08, 18 October 2007

Kiev Expedition

Poland (992-1025). Light pink territory on the right shows the region of the Red Ruthenia, captured by Bolesław, as well as the town of Volyn, near which the battle at Bug river took place.
Date1018
Location
Kievan Rus'
Result Temporary victory for Sviatopolk and Boleslaw
Belligerents
Kingdom of Poland
Pechenegs and German mercenaries		 Kievan Rus' loyal to Yaroslav the Wise
Commanders and leaders
Boleslaw I the Brave
Sviatopolk I the Accursed		 Yaroslav I the Wise
Strength
2,000-5,000 unknown but estimated as similar to opposing size
Casualties and losses
unknown unknown

The Kiev Expedition of the Polish Duke Boleslaw I the Brave was an episode in the struggle for Kievan Rus' between Sviatopolk I the Accursed and his brother Yaroslav I the Wise, competing for the title of the Grand Prince of Kiev. It occurred when Sviatopolk's father-in-law, Duke Boleslaw of Poland, intervened on behalf of Sviatopolk, defeated Yaroslav's armies, and temporarily secured the throne for Sviatopolk.

The expedition was initially successful for Boleslaw and Sviatopolk, who overran Kiev and sent Yaroslav into exile, but ended with Boleslaw's withdrawal from Kiev and a military defeat of Sviatopolk by Yaroslav, who returned to the Kievan throne from Novgorod. The return of Yaroslav resulted in the highest point of Kiev and the Kievan Rus' history, known as the Golden age of Kiev.

While the event is documented, chronicles of the expedition include both historic and legendary accounts. Though some of the event's details have been inferred from indirect accounts, most are subject to different interpretations due to their partially-legendary nature.

Background

Prior to his death, Vladimir I (the Great), Grand Duke of Kiev dictated that his eldest son, Sviatopolk I, would only receive the remote town of Turov (Turaŭ) after his death. Unhappy by his rule being restricted to only a small appanage which he saw as unfit for the prestigious status of the Grand Duke's eldest son, Sviatopolk plotted to overthrow his father. Previously, between 1005 and 1013, Vladimir had arranged his son's marriage to a daughter of Boleslaw I of Poland whose name has not survived in sources.[1][2][3] Sviatopolk counted on the help of his father-in-law Boleslaw,[2] who, encouraged Sviatopolk's plans through his daughter. The planned overthrow was also supported by Bishop Reinbern of Calabria, confessor of Boleslaw's daughter, who had traveled with her to Turov.[4][2] The motives of Boleslaw and Reinberg were complicated. Boleslaw's Poland and Vladimir's Rus' had previously fought over the towns of Red Ruthenia, a conflict that ended favorably for Vladimir. Boleslaw was understandably displeased with the situation.[4] In addition, Boleslaw, who already had two wives, wanted to marry one of the Vladimir's daughters, Predslava, in order to cement ties between the two families. Despite Boleslaw's best efforts, the offer was refused and he instead had to accept a less prestigious connection to the house of Vladimir through the marriage of Boleslaw's daughter to Sviatopolk.[5][4] Reinbern, meanwhile, acted in the interest of Catholic Rome. While the Great Schism that divided the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches was formalized only half a century later, ideological and political differences between the Rome and Constantinople were already firmly in place, causing Rome to make efforts to sway the Rus' towards its influence and away from that of Byzantium.[2][4]

Death of Vladmir

Boleslaw the Brave

Meanwhile, Sviatopolk's father, Grand Duke Vladimir I of Kiev, chose his younger sons, Boris and Gleb, as successors despite Sviatopolk's status as the eldest son.[1] This choice angered Sviatopolk, who plotted in Turov how to regain the throne. These plans were thwarted by Vladimir, who called all three conspirators to Kiev and jailed them there in 1013.[1] Reinbern died shortly afterwards.[2][4] Boleslaw, wanting to ensure that his ally, Sviatopolk, took over the Kievan throne, invaded Kiev's lands in 1013 with the goal of freeing Sviatopolk from prison. Little is known about the event other than the fact that Vladimir released Sviatopolk from imprisonment shortly before his death,[1] and that he may have granted the town of Vyshgorod, (Vyshhorod) near Kiev, to Sviatopolk.[2][6]

Upon Vladimir's death, Sviatopolk, the eldest son, could lay a strong legal claim for inheriting Kiev despite being highly unpopular with Kievans.[7] [2] Therefore, Vladimir's court attempted to conceal his death from Sviatopolk while his brothers, Boris and Gleb, consolidated power. Sviatopolk nevertheless uncovered the plot and seized his father's throne. Vladimir's personal guard (druzhyna) and the Kievan militia chose to align themselves with Boris, Vladimir's favored son, who was preferred by Kievans.[2][8]

Yaroslav the Wise

According to a popular but possibly ahistorical legend recorded by the Russian Primary Chronicle, Sviatopolok sent his men to assassinate Boris and his other brothers Gleb and Sviatoslav.[2][8] These events, while not uncommon for their time, earned Svyatopolk the nickname of "The Accursed." When news of the fratricides reached Vladimir's fourth son, Yaroslav the Wise in Novgorod, he came to Kiev with Novgorodians and Varangians and defeated Sviatopolk near Lubech.[2][8] After his defeat, Sviatopok fled to Boleslaw in Poland while Yaroslav took over as the Kievan Grand Duke.[2][8]

Sviatopolk asked Boleslaw to help him in recapturing the Kievan throne.[1][2] Boleslaw, who had recently secured Poland's western border with the Holy Roman Empire through the Treaty of Bautzen, agreed to support Sviatopolk with his army.[5] Aside from helping his son-in-law and avenging Predslava's refusal and loss of Red Ruthenia, Boleslaw was interested in the eastward expansion of his power[7] and possibly in the chance to occupy and plunder Kiev.[4]

The expedition

Much of the information about Bolesław's expedition is known from a chronicle by Bishop Thietmar of Merseburg, who supposedly obtained detailed information from Sviatopolk himself. Nestor the Chronicler's Primary Chronicle also gives a detailed account of events. The biases of the chroniclers are important to keep in mind as Nestor's writing reflects the typical Rus' admiration of Saint Vladimir, while Bishop Thietmar's account, despite a generally positive attitude towards the Rus', paints both Boleslaw and Vladimir exclusively in negative light, likely due to Boleslaw's conflicts with Germany and Vladimir's fondness for Byzantine Christianity.[4] Gallus' Chronicle of Polish Dukes, on the other hand, portrays Boleslaw in a very positive light.

According to Thietmar, the druzhina (army) of Boleslaw, aided by German and Hungarian mercenaries, crossed the border in 1018 and reached Kiev later that same year. His army size is estimated at between 2,000-5,000 warriors, including 100 Pechenegs, 300 German knights, and 500 Hungarian mercenaries.[9] Less is known about Yaroslav's army, but it is assumed that he also managed to collect a force of similar size. It is also assumed that he was aware of Boleslaw's intentions and had time to make defensive preparations.[9] After concentrating his forces during June, in July Boleslaw led his troops to the border - the banks of the Western Bug River, near one of the settlements of the Volhynia region.[9] In the meantime, Boleslaw's Pecheneg allies approached Kiev, forcing Yaroslav to detach a part of his forces to ensure the safety of his capital.[9] Yaroslav, in turn, wanted to prevent Boleslaw from uniting with the Pechenegs, defeat Boleslaw's main force before it entered and ravaged Kiev, then take care of the less organized Pechenegs.[9]

The two armies met on opposite banks of the River Bug.[9] Yaroslav's forces took position with archers covering the crossing points. Bolesław took his time, allowing his army to rest, and started work on makeshift bridges.[9] The Battle at Bug river finally occurred around July 23.[10] According to Gallus' Chronicle of Polish Dukes, the battle occurred by accident: When Boleslaw decided to throw a feast to boost his army's morale, Yaroslav's archers and scouts decided to create trouble for the Polish servants who were gutting the animals and preparing them near the river. However, they only annoyed them enough that the servants themselves crossed the relatively shallow river and chased away Yaroslav's surprised troops, who had been guarding the river.[10] Bolesław learned of the skirmish sooner then Yaroslav, and managed to move most of his army across the river, defeating the surprised Yaroslav, who did not manage to consolidate his scattered army in time.[10]

The Russian Primary Chronicle gives a different version of events, in which both armies were combat ready and separated by the river before Boleslaw, enraged by insults from across the river, charged with his army, surprising Yaroslav and scattering his forces.[8][10] Both accounts agree that the Polish prince was victorious in the battle.[10] Yaroslav retreated north to Novgorod, rather than to Kiev - likely suspecting that he lacked enough strength to defend Kiev, which was besieged by the Pechenegs and had a significant pro-Sviatopolk faction within its walls.[10] Nestor notes that after reaching Novgorod, Yaroslav attempted to flee "overseas" in hopes of coming back with a Varangian force, but according to the Primary Chronicle, Novgorodians pressured him to lead the fight back to Boleslaw and Sviatopolk.[8][7][11]

Fall of Kiev

Bolesław Chrobry and Svetopelk at Kiev, in a legendary (if ahistorical) moment of hitting the Golden Gate with the Szczerbiec sword. Painting by Jan Matejko.

In the meantime, Boleslaw's victory paved the way to Kiev. The city, which suffered from fires caused by the Pechenegs' ongoing siege, immediately surrendered upon seeing the main Polish army on August 14.[12] The entering forces, led by Boleslaw, were ceremonially welcomed by the local archbishop and Vladimir's family.[12] A popular legend related to the history of the Polish coronation weapon, the Szczerbiec sword, is the tale of the Golden Gate of Kiev, upon which the Szczerbiec was supposedly notched when Boleslaw's entered the city.[12] That legend, however, has no historical basis. The gate was built approximately 20 years later and the sword was forged 200 years later. It is possible that Boleslaw notched another gate with another sword, giving rise to the legend.[13]

Historians are divided on whether Boleslaw then decided to rule Kievan lands himself or not.[12] According to some, (such as Zhylenko and Kostomarov), Boleslaw decided to rule Kiev for himself, thus pushing aside his son-in-law.[4][7] The Russian Primary Chronicle asserts that Boleslaw did not leave Kiev and expressed no plans to do so;[citation needed] he sent a significant force to quarter in Kiev and nearby towns, forcing Kievans to sustain them, and collected significant tributes, dividing them among his allies.[12] Kievans soon rose against Boleslaw. Some sources state that the uprising was provoked by Boleslaw's plundering troops,[11][14] while others claim that Kievans were incited by Sviatopolk himself, who was unhappy about being sidelined by Boleslaw.[7] [4] [15] The resulting unrest succeeded in forcing Boleslaw to leave Kiev, whereupon Svyatopolk assumed power.[11][7][4][15]

Before retreating, Boleslaw demanded Yaroslav return his daughter, whom Yaroslav had taken prisoner to Novgorod.[12] As Yaroslav refused, Boleslaw took members of Yaroslav's family to Poland as prisoners when he returned to his country in September. His captives included Vladimir's widow and Yaroslav's sister, Predslava, whose hand Boleslaw had sought earlier. Having been rebuffed, Boleslaw now took her as a concubine.[12] The Polish duke also took some commoners and the treasury of Kiev.[15] Among the notable commoners was the venerated Saint Moses the Hungarian, who was emasculated in Poland. After Boleslaw's death, he was returned to the Kiev Caves Monastery.[4]

Aftermath

Sviatopolk lost the throne soon afterwards, and his life the following year.[13] As Boleslaw was involved in a conflict with Holy Roman Emperor Henry II, he did not intervene on behalf of his son-in-law when he was deposed, and instead signed a pact with Yaroslav, who had successfully regained the throne.

Although he lost control of Kiev, Boleslaw succeeded in keeping the Cherven Towns, which had been captured by Vladimir the Great in 981. [13] In 1025, Boleslaw was crowned King of Poland.[13] Yaroslav outlived Boleslaw and contributed greatly to the strengthening of Kievan Rus'.[16] One of his achievements was the reconquest of Red Ruthenia.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego... p.6
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Brockhaus, Sviatopolk.
  3. ^ The Primary Chronicle, Section
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Zhylenko, W. 30
  5. ^ a b Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego... p.7
  6. ^ Hrushevsky
  7. ^ a b c d e f Kostomarov, Yaroslav
  8. ^ a b c d e f The Primary Chronicle, Section
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego... p.8
  10. ^ a b c d e f Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego... p.9
  11. ^ a b c Grekov, section 12
  12. ^ a b c d e f g Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego... p.10
  13. ^ a b c d Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego... p.11
  14. ^ Brockhaus, Boleslaw
  15. ^ a b c Рыжов Константин (1999). Все монархи мира: Россия: 600 кратких жизнеописаний (in Russian). Москва: Вече, 636 pages. ISBN 5-7838-0268-9.
  16. ^ Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego... p.12

References

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