The Role of Economy in the Early Wars of Novgorod

Abstract

Novgorod became the mercantile centre of the Northern Rus’ in the 10th century. After the city (or city-state) gained independence from Kiev in 1136, its main aim was to keep this position as its economy was based on trade. Evidently, the military and economic interests of the Novgorodian elite met and determined the city’s war policy. The early period, especially the 12th century was the creation of the “Novgorod Land”, expanding the city’s possessions in all corners of the region. During this expansion, Novgorod conquered local tribes and settlements in north-eastern Europe but instead of incorporating them directly into its realm, the city-state rather maintained taxing centres to get primary products as tribute for the Baltic trade. This expansive period ended around the 1220s when strong new enemies appeared at Novgorod’s borders: “Latin” crusaders in the West and Mongols in the East. Facing these new challenges Novgorod strengthened its dependencies and began to follow new, defensive policy. In this paper, my aim is to introduce the early, expansive period of Novgorod’s history and to highlight the links between the military activities and the economic interests of the city.