Principality of Smolensk

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Principality of Smolensk (yellow) in 1237

The principality of Smolensk was an old Russian principality on the upper reaches of the Dnieper with the center in Smolensk . Other important cities included Toropez , Orsha , Mstislavl and Moshaisk .

The principality was in the area of East Slavic tribe of krivichs during the time of Kievan Rus . Its political autonomy began to develop from 1030. An important source of income was the route through Smolensk from the Varangians to the Greeks . Under the grandson of Vladimir Monomakh Rostislav Mstislavich , Smolensk became independent and reached its greatest prosperity and power. In 1136 a separate bishopric was founded in Smolensk, which was later given lands and privileges. Under the successors of Roman Rostislavich, the division of the principality and the decline of its influence on all-Russian politics began in 1180 according to the seniority principle . At the same time it was attacked by the Lithuanian princes and the German knights of the order .

The principality was only partially affected by the Mongol invasion , the city itself was not conquered and looted. Nevertheless, the Smolensk people also paid tribute to the Golden Horde . In the second half of the 13th century, Moshaisk and Vyazma fell from Smolensk, which meant a further weakening in the fight against the Lithuanians. In 1380 troops from the Principality of Smolensk took part in the Battle of Kulikowo on the side of Dmitri Donskoy .

In 1404 the Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautas was able to conquer Smolensk. The Principality of Smolensk lost its political independence and became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania . Smolensk was conquered by the Grand Duchy of Moscow in 1514 in the war between Russia and Lithuania (1512–1522). In 1611, after a siege of several years, Smolensk was occupied again by Poland-Lithuania . During the Russo-Polish War 1654-1667 Smolensk fell back to Russia, which was officially sealed in the Treaty of Andrussowo .

See also

literature

  • Л. В. Алексеев Смоленская земля в IX-XIII вв .. - Москва: Наука, 1980. - P. 64-93.